Best Coffee Machine Pods

Pod coffee machines can alleviate the stress of getting your morning coffee fix. Unlike a traditional machine they can dispense pre-packed pods of ground coffee or espresso to make the process faster.

Select a pod coffee maker that lets you adjust the temperature and cup size. Make sure the machine is compatible with reused pods.

1. Nespresso Vertuo

Nespresso is the market leader in pod brewing and a favourite among coffee fans. The capsules and machines of the company are highly rated in both quality and sustainability. The capsules are made of 80 percent recycled material and compostable. They contain less plastic and have a smaller carbon footprint than traditional coffee bags. Nespresso also collaborates with organizations that are certified green to promote fair working conditions and sustainable farming practices.

The Nespresso Vertuo line includes several machines that create a rich and delicious cup of coffee or espresso with a great crema. VertuoPlus Deluxe and VertuoPlus models have advanced features, such as automatic milk heating and adjustable drink settings. These machines are easy to use and feature a sleek, modern design that will look stunning in your kitchen.

Both the X and Deluxe models come with a huge water reservoir and a slender machine body. They feature an innovative new extraction technology called Centrifusion that utilizes up to 7,000 rotations per minute to make coffee or espresso. This method helps create a smooth and consistent crema with a high level of saturation even in smaller cups.

Nespresso’s capsules are a bit more expensive than third-party compatible pods available in supermarkets and a variety of online retailers, but they come with a a nice range of flavors and intensity levels to choose from. The company regularly releases limited-edition products as well. The machines are simple to use and the Vertuoline is simpler than the original Nespresso that only makes espresso.

The Vertuoline also offers two different sizes of capsules – the smaller espresso and gran lungo size — for those who prefer shorter drinks. The larger mug capsules and alto capsules can be used to make mug-sized drinks that require a more intensively roasted coffee. Contrary to other pod machines we tried and tested, the Nespresso Vertuoline also makes a excellent drip coffee.

2. Illy X7.1

This pod coffee maker is elegant, high-quality machine built with durable and attractive materials. It’s a bit more expensive than other machines we’ve tested, however it offers reliable, high-quality performance and is a stylish design.

The X7.1 utilizes a brand new patent-pending system that reads the unique barcode on each capsule to identify it. It then pre-wets it, infuses it and then dispensing the correct amount of water in a controlled manner. This is an enormous benefit for those who want to enjoy hassle-free automation. However, it could be a problem for those who prefer to alter settings and choose their own brew strength and size. The machine is able to serve espresso drinks double espresso drinks gran longo, mug, and alto drinks, all covered with the smooth crema.

The X7.1 is not only a standout in terms of its brewing capabilities, but also for other features. For instance, it’s one of the only coffee machines we have tested that offers a height-adjustable drip tray to optimise the size and shape of the coffee mug. It also comes with a stainless-steel milk jug to make lattes or cappuccinos. The X7.1 includes an energy-saving sleeping mode as well as a detachable holder for pods, making cleaning easier.

Compatible with All Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules Compatible with all Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules, and Bruvi B-Pods. These pods differ from K-Cups or other popular pods in that they contain ground coffee instead of a teabag and are more caffeine-rich than regular espresso. The Bruvi is also compatible and can be programmed to brew remotely or according to a set schedule. It also has a useful steam wand that can be used to make frosty cappuccinos and lattes.

3. Grind One

If you’re not a fan of Nespresso pods made of plastic or you’re looking for something that isn’t too bulky, then the Stockholm-designed Grind One may be the best rated coffee machines option for you. Two members of the Real Homes team have been trying it out in their kitchens and absolutely love it. It’s a sleek stainless steel geometric machine that looks chic and is extremely user-friendly. Simply place the pod, choose whether you want a lungo or a short express and press the button. The light that flashes indicates whether the coffee is brewing or ready. There’s no steam wand or milk carafe, but you can add toppings to your coffee with hot or cold milk as you’d like.

The best coffee espresso machine part about this machine is that it was designed to work with Grind’s own recyclable, plastic-free and compostable coffee pods. Not only will you cut down on the amount of coffee you waste which coffee machine is the best can take hundreds of years to degrade and degrade, but the pods are also organic and have no plastic. They cost about 50p each and you could dump them into your food waste bin or garden compost once they’re empty.

The Grind One costs PS275 and you can purchase it with the addition of milk frothers for an additional PS325. It’s more expensive than many of Nespresso-branded pods but it’s a very sleek, well designed, and versatile machine. It is also the smallest and therefore won’t require the most counter space. It comes with a raised tray that locks on to a series notches and the waste bin to adjust the height.

4. Grind 2

This pod machine is perfect for those who love having a quick cup of coffee. It can be used to brew an espresso shot in a short time or a longer shot, with three different temperature and extraction settings. Our coffee lover was impressed by its ability to make an excellent espresso. Its temperature and crema (which should have a chestnut colour that lasts for the last sip and is a cozy shade of brown) were excellent. Its sleek design and tough attractive materials also made it stand out from the rest.

Our coffee lover also tried the Grind One to see if it was user-friendly. The heavy-duty switch is enjoyable to use, and has the possibility of programming your preferred short or long shot. It also features an easy-to-read LCD. You can also choose to automatically dispense a shot of hot water along with your espresso, which will help the grounds settle and enhances the taste of your drink. A milk frother that is useful is included, making this pod coffee maker a great all-rounder.

Another benefit of these machines is that they eliminate the messiness out of espresso making grinding and dosing the beans. They also reduce the number of things that need to be cleaned and recycled. This makes them a good choice for those with small kitchen spaces. If you’re looking to expand your options you can use an additional milk frother to make cappuccinos and lattes. You can also go with an manual press like the Aeropress which has a lower carbon footprint and a more rich flavor than a machine. However, it does require more effort on your part, so we wouldn’t recommend it for all.

5. Lavazza Idola

This model is not as expensive as the Lavazza Voicy pod, but it’s perfect for those who love espresso, ristretto, or caffe longo. It’s also one of the quietest machines available so you can sip your morning coffee while the kids are still asleep.

You can program the size of your cup to match your mood and there’s an option for an increase in temperature to push your brew through at the press of one button. It’s easy to stay on top of maintenance too with alerts to let you know when the capsule bin needs emptying or if the water tank is low.

The machine doesn’t do any frothing, however you can make cappuccinos and flat whites with a separate milk container. There are many positive reviews from buyers on Amazon and at John Lewis. They praise the machine’s versatility, quiet operation, and different lengths of brews.

There aren’t a lot of customer reviews but the consensus is that it’s a great pod coffee maker if you prefer a simple set-up. It’s more expensive than Nespresso Vertuo Pop but comes with the best bean to cup coffee machine uk Lavazza pods. It’s also one of the quietest machines available. If you want to make several different coffees, we suggest that you look at one of our top choices. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.