Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines take the pain out of getting your morning caffeine fix. Contrary to conventional machines they offer pre-packed pods of ground coffee or espresso to speed up the process.
For the best pod coffee machine, select one that has the best options for adjusting the size of your drink and temperatures. Find out if the machine is compatible with refillable pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is a leader in pod-brewing and a favorite of espresso lovers. The machines and capsules of Nespresso are highly evaluated in terms of quality and sustainability. Its capsules are made from 80 percent recyclable materials and are completely compostable. They are less plastic-based and have a smaller carbon footprint than traditional coffee bags. Nespresso also collaborates with organizations that are green-certified to promote fair work practices and sustainable farming practices.
The Nespresso Vertuo range includes several machines that produce a thick tasty cup of coffee or espresso with a perfect crema. The VertuoPlus X and VertuoPlus Deluxe models feature advanced features like automatic heating of milk and adjustable beverage settings. These machines are simple to use and feature modern and sleek designs that will look stunning in your kitchen.
Both the X model as well as the Deluxe model feature a large reservoir, as well as a slim body. Centrifusion, a new innovative extraction technology, uses up to 7,500 revolutions per minute to make espresso or coffee. This produces a consistent, smooth crema that is saturated to a high degree even in smaller cups.
Nespresso's capsules are a bit more expensive than the third-party compatible pods that are sold in grocery stores and online retailers, but they come with a many different flavors and intensity levels to select from. The company frequently releases limited-edition products as well. The machines are simple to operate and the Vertuoline is simpler than the original Nespresso that only makes espresso.
The Vertuoline also has two sizes of capsules - the smaller espresso size and the gran lungo size -- for those who prefer shorter drinks. The larger mug capsules as well as alto capsules can be used for drinks that require a more robustly roasted cup of coffee. Unlike some of the other pod machines that we have tested this one, the Nespresso Vertuoline also makes a good cup of drip coffee.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee maker is a top-quality machine constructed from durable and attractive materials. It's a little bit more expensive than other models that we tested, but it offers reliable, high-quality performance and is a stylish design.
The X7.1 features a revolutionary patent-pending system which reads the bespoke barcode on each capsule to identify it. It then pre-wets and infuses with the correct amount of distillate water. This is a huge plus point for those who prefer a simple hands-free automation. However, it can be frustrating for those who like to tweak settings and choose their personal brew strength or size. The machine can serve espresso drinks double espresso drinks mugs, granlongo, and alto drinks, all with the smooth crema.
The X7.1 is not only a standout in terms of its brewing capabilities, but also for its other features. It is one of only a few coffee machines that we tested that have an adjustable height tray that can be used to adjust the size and shape of the coffee cup. It comes with a stainless steel milk jug that can be used to make lattes or cappuccinos. The X7.1 also comes with an energy-saving sleep function and pod holders that are detachable to simplify cleaning.
Compatible with all Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules, and Bruvi B-Pods. These pods differ from K-Cups and other popular pods because they contain ground coffee instead of a tea bag, and they have more caffeine than regular coffee. The Bruvi also has apps compatibility and can be set up to brew on a remote basis and according to a schedule. It also comes with a handy steam wand that can be used to create foamy cappuccinos and lattes.
3. Grind One
If you're not a big fan of the plastic Nespresso pods or are seeking something that's not too bulky, then the Stockholm-designed Grind One may be the ideal choice for you. Two members of the Real Homes' team have tested it in their kitchens, and they both adore it. It's a sleek stainless-steel geometric machine, that looks super stylish and is simple to use. You just pop a pod into the inlet, select either a short lungo or express, and then 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 top your coffee off with hot or cold milk as you like.
The best part about this machine is that it's designed to work with Grind's recyclable, plastic-free and compostable coffee pods. mouse click the next web page will you cut down on the amount of coffee you waste, which can take hundreds of year to degrade however, 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 frother for an extra PS325. It's more expensive than many of Nespresso-branded pods, but it's a very sleek well-designed, well-constructed, and versatile machine. It's also the most compact of the bunch, so it doesn't require too much countertop space, and it comes with a raised drip tray that connects to the sides of the waste bin for height adjustment.
4. Grind 2
For those who enjoy a quick and simple cup of coffee, this pod maker takes the hassle out making espresso. It can brew a quick or long shot, and has three different settings for temperature and extraction. Our coffee enthusiast was enthralled by its ability to make an excellent espresso. Its temperature and crema (which should be a dark chestnut color that lasts until the final sip and is a cozy shade of brown) were perfect. Its sleek design and sturdy, attractive materials also made it stand out from other brands.
Our coffee enthusiast also tested the Grind One to see if it was user-friendly. The robust switch is pleasant to use and comes with the option of programming your preferred long or short shot. It also comes with a clear display. You can even select whether to automatically dispense hot water along with your espresso, which will help the grounds settle and improves the flavor of your beverage. A milk frother that is useful is also included, making this pod coffee maker an ideal all-rounder.
They also eliminate the messy elements of espresso-making like grinding or dosing and tamping of the ground beans. This means that there are fewer items that need to be cleaned up and recycled and makes them a more suitable choice for those without much kitchen space. If you're looking to expand your options, you can use a separate milk frother to make lattes and cappuccinos. You can also opt for a manual coffee press, like the Aeropress, which combines the benefits of a low carbon footprint and an opulent taste that machines can provide. However, it requires more effort from you and we wouldn't recommend it for everyone.
5. Lavazza Idola
Contrary to the more expensive Lavazza Voicy pod coffee maker, this model does not include a milk maker however it is perfect for anyone who likes an espresso, ristretto, or caffe lungo. It's also among the quietest machines on the market, meaning you can grab your morning coffee while your kids are asleep.
You can programme a cup size to suit your preference and there's an option to add an increase in temperature to push your brew through at the press of an button. It's easy to stay on top of maintenance too with alerts that inform you when the capsule bin requires emptying or the water tank is low.
The machine isn't capable of frothing, but you can make cappuccinos as well as flat whites with a separate milk container. There are a lot of positive reviews from customers on Amazon and at John Lewis. They praise the machine's versatility, quiet operation, and various lengths of the brews.
There aren't a lot of customer reviews but the general consensus is that it is a great pod coffee maker if you want simple setup. It's a little more pricey than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop, but it comes with delicious tasting Lavazza pods and is one of the quietest machines on the market. It's not ideal if want to make more than two kinds of coffee however we'd suggest one of our top choices if that's what you're looking for. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.