For the best pod coffee machine, select one that has the best options for adjusting drink sizes and temperatures. Make sure the machine is compatible with reusable pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is the top brand in pod brewing and a popular choice for espresso fans. The company's machines and capsules are highly rated in both quality and sustainability. The capsules are constructed of 80 percent recyclable materials and are compostable. They are made of less plastic and have a lower carbon footprint than traditional coffee bags. Additionally, Nespresso partners with green-certified organisations to promote responsible farming practices and fair labour practices.
The Nespresso Vertuo range includes several machines which produce a rich tasty cup of espresso or coffee with a perfect crema. VertuoPlus Deluxe and VertuoPlus models feature advanced features, including automatic milk heating and customizable drink settings. They are simple to use and feature a sleek style that will look great on your kitchen counter.
Both the X model and the Deluxe model feature a large reservoir and a slim machine body. They feature an innovative new extraction technology known as Centrifusion that utilizes up to 7,000 rotations per minute to make espresso or coffee. This produces a consistent, smooth crema that is saturated to a great extent even in smaller cups.
Nespresso's capsules are more expensive than third-party compatible pods available in supermarkets and a variety of online retailers, but they have many different flavors and intensities to choose from. They also offer limited-edition products. The company's machines are also very easy to use, and the Vertuoline has fewer steps than the first Nespresso line, which produces espresso only.
Vertuoline offers two sizes of capsules including the smaller espresso size and the gran lungo size - for those who prefer shorter drinks. The larger mug capsules and alto capsules can be used for drinks that require the most intensively roasted coffee. The Nespresso Vertuoline makes a great cup of drip coffee, in contrast to some other pod machines we tried.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee machine is a high-spec machine that's made from tough and attractive materials. It's a bit more expensive than the other models we tested but it offers excellent, reliable performance with an attractive design that can fit in with any kitchen.
The X7.1 is a patented system that reads the barcodes on every capsule to identify them. It then pre-wets and infuses the right amount of water automatically. This is an excellent plus point for those who desire a hassle-free, hands-off automation. It may frustrate users who prefer to tweak settings and choose their own brew's size or strength. The machine can serve espresso drinks double espresso drinks gran longo, mug, and alto drinks, all topped with a layer of silky crema.
In addition to its technology for brewing in addition to its brewing technology, the X7.1 comes with a variety of other characteristics that make it stand out. It is one of only a handful of coffee makers we tested that have a height-adjustable tray for adjusting the size and shape of the coffee mug. It also comes with a stainless-steel milk jug for making lattes and cappuccinos. The X7.1 includes an energy-saving sleeping mode as well as a detachable holder for pods that makes cleaning easy.
It is compatible with most Keurig K-Cups and Nespresso capsules as well as Bruvi's B-Pods. These pods differ from K-Cups or other popular pods due to the fact that they are made up of ground coffee instead of a teabag and have more caffeine than regular espresso. The Bruvi is also compatible and can be programmed to brew on a schedule. It also has a useful steam wand that can be used to make frothy lattes and cappuccinos.
3. Grind One
The Grind One, designed in Stockholm It could be the perfect choice for you if you don't like Nespresso capsules that are plastic or prefer something that's not as bulky. Two members of Real Homes' team have used it in their kitchens, and they both adore it. It's a sleek stainless-steel geometric machine that looks stylish and is simple to use. Simply place a pod, choose whether you want a lungo or a short express and press the button. The light flashes to indicate whether the coffee is brewing or ready. There's no steam wand or milk carafe. However, you can add toppings to your coffee with hot or cold milk however you wish.
The best part about this machine is that it's designed to work with Grind's own reusable, plastic-free and home compostable coffee pods. Not only will you reduce the amount of coffee you waste, which can take hundreds of years to degrade, but the pods are also organic and have no plastic. They cost around 50p each and you could throw them into 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 additional PS325. It's more expensive than many Nespresso pod machines, but it is a sleek, well-designed, and versatile machine. It's also the most compact and therefore won't require the most counter space. It has a raised tray that locks on to a series notches and the waste bin, which can be adjusted to the height.
4. Grind 2
This pod machine is ideal for those who enjoy a quick cup of coffee. It can make a short or long shot, and has three different settings for temperature and extraction. Our coffee aficionado was impressed by its ability to create an excellent espresso. Its crema (which should be a cozy chestnut colour and last until the last sip) and temperature were perfect. Its elegant design, as well its durable and attractive materials, made it stand out from the competition.
Our coffee enthusiast also tested the Grind One to see if it was user-friendly. The heavy-duty switch is comfortable to use with the option to program your preferred length or short shot, and a crisp display. You can also choose to automatically dispense hot water in your coffee that helps the ground settle and enhances your drink's flavour. The pod coffee maker includes a handy milk frother making it a fantastic all-rounder.
These machines also take out the sloppy parts of espresso making like grinding or dosing and tamping of the ground beans. This also reduces the number of equipment that needs to be cleaned and reused. This makes them an ideal option for those with little kitchen space. If you're looking to expand your options, a separate milk frother allows you to make cappuccinos and lattes as well. You can also choose an manual press like the Aeropress that has a smaller carbon footprint and a richer flavor than machines. It's a bit more work, so it's not suitable for everyone.
5. Lavazza Idola
In contrast to the more expensive Lavazza Voicy pod coffee maker, this model doesn't have a milk frother, but is great for those who enjoy espresso, ristretto or caffe lungo. It's also one of the quietest machines on the market so you can sip your morning cuppa while the kids are still asleep.
You can set a cup size that suits your mood and choose to boost the temperature to help your beverage go through more quickly at the touch of the button. It's simple to stay on top of maintenance with alerts that notify you when the capsule bin needs emptying or if the water tank is low.
The machine does not do any frothing, but you can make cappuccinos as well as flat whites by using an additional milk container. Many buyers have left positive reviews on Amazon and John Lewis. They praise the quiet operation and flexible choices offered by the machine, which includes different lengths of brews as well as a good capacity for capsules that are used.
While there's not a huge number of reviews from customers however, the general consensus is that this is a great value pod coffee machine for those who want an easy setup. It's more expensive than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop, but it comes with excellent tasting Lavazza pods and is one of the quietest machines available. If you're looking to make various coffees, we recommend you look into one of our top alternatives. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.
