Pod coffee machines make it easy to get your caffeine fix in the morning. They are faster than traditional machines because they utilize pre-packaged pods to serve espresso or ground coffee.
Select a pod coffee maker that allows you to adjust the temperature and size of your drink. Find out if the machine is compatible with reusable pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is the market leader in pod brewing, and a favourite among coffee fans. Nespresso's capsules and machines are highly rated for quality and sustainability. The capsules are made of 80 percent recyclable materials and are completely compostable. They contain less plastic and have a smaller carbon footprint than traditional coffee bags. In addition, Nespresso partners with green-certified organisations to promote responsible farming practices and fair labor practices.
The Nespresso Vertuo range includes several machines that make a rich and delicious cup of coffee or espresso with a perfect crema. VertuoPlus Deluxe and VertuoPlus models feature advanced features, such as automatic milk heating and adjustable drinks settings. They are easy to operate and have modern and sleek designs that will look stunning in your kitchen.
Both the X model and the Deluxe model have a large reservoir as well as a slim body. Centrifusion is a revolutionary extraction technique, makes up to 7,500 revolutions per minute to make coffee or espresso. This technique 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 grocery stores and online retailers, but they have many different flavors and intensities to choose from. The company also releases limited-edition products. The machines of the company are very easy to use and the Vertuoline requires less steps than the original Nespresso line which only produces espresso.
The Vertuoline also offers two different sizes of capsules -- the smaller espresso and gran lungo size for those who prefer smaller drinks. The larger mug and alto capsules are ideal for rich cups that require a more intensely roasted coffee. The Nespresso Vertuoline makes a great cup of drip coffee, unlike some of the other pod machines that we tested.
2. sneak a peek at these guys X7.1
This pod coffee maker is a top-quality machine constructed of durable and attractive materials. It's slightly more expensive than other models that we've tested, but it provides excellent, reliable performance and features a beautiful design.
The X7.1 utilizes a brand new patent-pending system that reads the unique barcode on each capsule to determine. It then pre-wets, infuses and dispenses the right amount of water automatically. This is a huge feature for those who prefer a simple, hands-off automation. It may frustrate users who prefer to adjust settings and select their own brew size or strength. The machine can dispense espresso drinks double espresso drinks, mugs, gran longo and alto drinks, all covered with a layer of silky 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 one of the coffee machines we tested to have a height-adjustable tray for adjusting the size and shape of the coffee cup. It also comes with a stainless-steel milk jug to make cappuccinos and lattes. The X7.1 comes with a low-energy sleeping mode and a removable holder for pods, making cleaning easy.
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 have more caffeine than regular espresso. The Bruvi also has apps compatibility and can be set to brew on a remote basis and according to a time. It has steam wand that can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes frothy.
3. Grind One
The Grind One, designed in Stockholm, may be the right choice for those who don't like the plasticy Nespresso capsules or want something that's not as heavy. Two members of Real Homes' team have tested it in their kitchens and both are awestruck by it. It's a sleek stainless steel geometric machine, which looks stunning and is simple to use. You just pop a pod into the inlet, select either an lungo or express and then press the button. The light flashes to indicate whether the coffee is brewing or ready. There is no milk carafe or steam wand. However, you can add hot or cold milk to your coffee however you please.
This machine is designed to work with Grinds own compostable, recyclable and reusable pods. You'll not only reduce the amount of coffee you waste, which can take hundreds of years to degrade, but the pods are also organic and contain no plastic. They cost about 50p each and you can dump them in your food waste bin or garden compost after they're empty.
The Grind One costs PS275 and you can purchase it with an option that includes a milk frother for an extra PS325. It's more expensive than a lot of Nespresso-branded pod machines however it's a sleek and well-designed versatile machine. It's also the smallest of the bunch so it won't take up enough countertop space, and it comes with a raised drip tray that is secured to the sides of the waste bin to allow height adjustment.
4. Grind 2
For those who love simple and quick cups of coffee, this pod maker takes the hassle out of making espresso. It can brew a short or long shot, and has three different settings for temperature and extraction. Its ability to create a wonderful espresso impressed our coffee enthusiast. 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 sturdy appealing materials also helped it stand out from other brands.
Our coffee aficionado also tested the Grind One for its ease of use. The heavy-duty switch is comfortable to use and allows you to program your preferred length or short shot, as well as a clear display. You can also choose to automatically dispense hot water with your coffee to help the ground settle and improves the taste of your drink. The pod coffee maker comes with a useful milk frother, making it a great all-rounder.
Another benefit of these machines is that they remove the messiness out of espresso making, namely grinding dosing, tamping and grinding the beans. This decreases the amount of items to be cleaned and disposed of and makes them a more suitable option for those with limited kitchen space. If you do want to broaden your options, a separate milk frother will allow you to make lattes and cappuccinos too. Alternately, you can choose a manual coffee maker such as the Aeropress that combines a low carbon footprint with a richer taste than you get from a machine. However, it does require more effort from you and therefore we don't recommend it to everyone.
5. Lavazza Idola
This model is not as expensive as the Lavazza Voicy pod machine, however, it's a great choice for those who love espresso coffee, ristretto, or caffe longo. It's also one of the most silent machines, which means you can enjoy your morning cup while your children are asleep.
You can programme the size of your cup to match your preferences and there's also the option of the temperature to increase to push your beverage to the touch of one button. It's simple to stay on top of maintenance with alerts that inform you when the capsule bin needs emptying or the water tank is running low.
The machine doesn't do any frost, but you can make cappuccinos as well as flat whites using separate milk containers. There are plenty of positive reviews from customers on Amazon and at John Lewis. They are pleased with the quiet operation and the flexibility of the machine, such as different lengths of brews as well as the capacity to hold capsules that have been used.
There aren't many customer reviews but the consensus is that it's a great pod-based coffee maker if you want a simple set-up. It's a bit more expensive than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop, but it comes with excellent tasting Lavazza pods and is among the quietest machines around. If you want to make several different coffees, we suggest you look into one of our top alternatives. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.
