Pod coffee machines alleviate the stress of getting your morning caffeine fix. In contrast to traditional machines they can dispense pre-packed pods of ground coffee or espresso to speed up the process.
Select a pod coffee maker that allows you to adjust the temperature and drink size. Also, check if the machine can accommodate the use of reusable pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is the market leader in pod brewing and a favorite among espresso lovers. The company's machines and capsules are highly rated in both quality and sustainability. The capsules are constructed of 80 percent recyclable material and compostable. They also have less plastic than traditional coffee bags and have less carbon footprint. Nespresso also partners with organizations that are green-certified to encourage fair labor practices and responsible farming practices.
The Nespresso Vertuo line includes several machines that produce delicious and rich cups of coffee or espresso that has a perfect crema. VertuoPlus Deluxe and VertuoPlus models feature advanced features, including automatic milk heating and adjustable drinks settings. best automatic coffee machine are easy-to-use and have a sleek design that will look great on your kitchen counter.
Both the X model and the Deluxe model come with a huge reservoir as well as a slim body. Centrifusion is a revolutionary extraction technique, makes up to 7,500 rotations per minute for brewing the coffee or espresso. This method helps create a consistent and smooth crema with a high level of saturation, even in smaller cups.
Nespresso's capsules may be a little more expensive than the third-party pods that are available in supermarkets and a variety of online retailers, but they have many different flavors and intensities to choose from. The company also releases limited-edition products. The machines are simple to use and the Vertuoline is less complicated than the original Nespresso that only makes espresso.
Vertuoline offers two sizes of capsules - the smaller espresso and the larger lungo size - to suit those who prefer shorter drinks. The larger alto and mug capsules are great for hearty, mug-sized drinks that require a more intensely roasted cup of coffee. The Nespresso Vertuoline makes a great cup of drip coffee, unlike some of the other pod machines that we tried.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee maker is a top-quality machine constructed of durable and attractive materials. It's a bit more expensive than the other models we tested but it offers high-quality, reliable performance and an attractive design that will fit in with any kitchen.
The X7.1 utilizes a brand new patent-pending system that reads the unique barcode on each capsule to determine. It then pre-wets and infuses the right amount of water automatically. This is a major benefit for those who want to enjoy hassle-free automation. It may frustrate users who like to alter settings and choose their own brew's size or strength. The machine is able to serve espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, mug and alto drinks with a silky layer of crema.
In addition to its brewing technology as well as its brewing technology, the X7.1 features a range of other characteristics that make it stand out. For instance, it's one of the only coffee machines we've evaluated that comes with the ability to adjust the height of the drip tray to optimise the size and shape of the coffee mug. 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 mode as well as pod holders that are detachable to make cleaning easier.
It is compatible with most Keurig K-Cups and Nespresso capsules as well as Bruvi's own B-Pods. These pods differ from K-Cups and other popular pods as they contain ground coffee instead of a tea bag, and they have more caffeine than regular coffee. The Bruvi also comes with app compatibility and can be set up to brew on a remote basis and according to a schedule. It also has a useful steam wand that can be used to make frothy lattes and cappuccinos.
3. Grind One
If you're not a huge fan of the plastic-y Nespresso pods or you're seeking something that's not too bulky, then the Stockholm-designed Grind One may be the most suitable option for you. Two members of the Real Homes' team have tried it in their kitchens, and they both love it. It's a sleek stainless-steel geometric machine that looks super stylish and is easy to use. Simply place a pod into the inlet, choose either the short lungo or express and then press a button. The flashing light will tell you whether it's brewing or done, and then the coffee starts to come out. There's no steam wand or milk carafe, however you can add toppings to your coffee with hot or cold milk if you wish.
This machine is designed to work with Grind's own compostable, recyclable, and recyclable pods. Not only will you reduce the amount of coffee you waste which can take hundreds of years to degrade however, the pods are also organic and contain no plastic. They cost around 50p each and you could dump them in your food waste bin or garden compost after they're empty.
The Grind One costs PS275 and you can purchase it as a the addition of a milk frother for an extra PS325. It's more expensive than many Nespresso pod machines, but it's a sleek, well-designed, and versatile machine. It's also the most compact of the bunch, so it won't take up too much countertop space, and it comes with a raised drip tray that latches onto a series of notches next to the waste bin for height adjustment.
4. Grind 2
If you're looking for a quick and simple cup of coffee, this pod maker takes the hassle out of making espresso. It can make one shot that is short or a long shot with three different temperature and extraction settings. Its ability to make a great espresso impressed our coffee enthusiast. Its crema (which should be a cosy chestnut color and last until the final sip) and temperature were perfect. Its sleek design and tough, 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 heavy-duty switch is satisfying to use, and offers the option of programming your preferred short or long shot. It also features an easy-to-read LCD. You can also choose to automatically dispensing hot water with your coffee that helps the ground settle and enhances the flavor of your beverage. This pod coffee maker includes a handy milk frother making it a fantastic all-rounder.
Another advantage of these machines is that they take the messiness out of espresso making, namely grinding, dosing and tamping the ground beans. This reduces the number of items that have to be cleaned up and disposed of and makes them a more suitable choice for those without much kitchen space. If you want to expand your options, you can use a separate milk frother to make cappuccinos and lattes. You can also opt for an manual coffee maker, such as the Aeropress which offers an environment-friendly design with a richer taste than you get from a machine. However, it does require more effort on your part, so we wouldn't recommend it for everyone.
5. Lavazza Idola
This model is not as expensive as the Lavazza Voicy pod machine, but it's perfect for those who like espresso coffee, ristretto, or caffe longo. It's also among the quietest machines on the market which means you can enjoy your morning coffee while your kids are asleep.
You can program the size of your cup according to your mood and there's the option of an increase in temperature to push your beverage to the touch of one button. You can also keep up with maintenance by receiving alerts when the capsule bin is empty or the water tank requires to be topped up.
The machine does not froth milk however it can be used to make cappuccinos and flat whites by using a separate container. There are plenty of positive reviews from customers on Amazon and at John Lewis. They laud the quiet operation and the flexible choices offered by the machine, including different lengths of brews as well as a good capacity for capsules that are used.
Although there isn't a large number of reviews from customers however, the general consensus is that this is an excellent value pod coffee maker for those who want an easy set-up. It's more expensive compared to the Nespresso Vertuo Pop but comes with the top Lavazza pods. It is also among the quietest machines available. It's not ideal if are looking to make more than two kinds of coffee though, so we'd recommend one of our top-rated alternatives in case that's what you're searching for. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.
