Pod coffee machines take the pain out of getting your morning coffee fix. Unlike a traditional machine, they dispense pre-packed pods of ground coffee or espresso to make the process faster.
Choose a pod coffee machine that allows you to adjust the temperature and size of your drink. Make sure the machine is compatible with reused pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is a leader in pod-brewing, and a favourite of espresso lovers. The capsules and machines of the company are highly assessed in terms of their quality and sustainability. The capsules are constructed of 80 percent recyclable materials and can be composted. They contain less plastic and have a smaller carbon footprint than traditional coffee bags. Additionally, Nespresso partners with green-certified organizations to promote sustainable farming and fair working conditions.
The Nespresso Vertuo range includes several machines which produce a rich and delicious cup of espresso or coffee with a great crema. VertuoPlus Deluxe and VertuoPlus models have advanced features, such as automatic milk heating as well as customizable drinks settings. They are simple to use and have a sleek design that looks great on your kitchen counter.
Both the X and Deluxe models come with a huge water reservoir and a slender machine body. They are equipped with a revolutionary new extraction technique called Centrifusion that uses up to 7,000 rotations per minute to brew the coffee or espresso. This process creates a smooth, consistent crema that is saturated to a high degree even in smaller cups.
Nespresso capsules are more expensive than third-party compatible pods sold in supermarkets and online retailers. However, they are able to offer a wide range of flavors and intensities. The company frequently offers limited-edition items as well. The machines of the company are extremely user-friendly, and the Vertuoline requires fewer steps than the original Nespresso line that produces only espresso.
best home coffee machine comes with two sizes of capsules - the smaller espresso size and the gran lungo size -- for those who prefer smaller drinks. The larger mug capsules as well as alto capsules are suitable for mug-sized drinks requiring an even more intensely roasted cup of coffee. Contrary to other pod machines we tested and tested, the Nespresso Vertuoline also makes a excellent drip coffee.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee maker is a high-spec machine that's constructed from durable and attractive materials. It's a little bit more expensive than other machines that we tested, but it delivers excellent, reliable performance and is a stylish design.
The X7.1 uses a new patented system that reads the custom barcode on each capsule to identify it. It then pre-wettes, infuses and dispenses the correct amount of water in a controlled manner. This is a huge plus point for those who want hassle-free automated, hands-free. However, it may frustrate those who like to tweak settings and select their own brew strength and size. The machine can serve espresso drinks, double espresso drinks, gran longo, mug, and alto drinks, all covered with the smooth crema.
In addition to its coffee brewing technology in addition to its brewing technology, the X7.1 features a range of other features that make it stand out. It is one of only a handful of coffee makers we tested that have the ability to adjust the height of the tray in order to alter 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 features a sleep mode and a detachable holder for pods to make cleaning easier.
It's compatible with the majority of Keurig K-Cups and Nespresso capsules as well as Bruvi's own B-Pods. These pods differ from K-Cups and other popular pods because they are made of 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 remotely and on time. It comes with steam wand that can be used to make lattes and cappuccinos frothy.
3. Grind One
The Grind One, designed in Stockholm, may be the perfect choice for you if you don't enjoy Nespresso capsules that are plastic or prefer something that's not as heavy. Two members of the Real Homes team have been testing it out in their kitchens and really love it. It's a sleek stainless steel geometric machine that looks elegant and is extremely user-friendly. Simply place a pod into the inlet, choose either an lungo or express and then press a button. The flashing light will inform you when it's done, and then the coffee begins to pour out. There's no steam wand, nor milk carafe, however you can top your coffee with hot or cold milk if you wish.
This machine is designed to work with Grinds own compostable, recyclable, and recyclable pods. Not only will you cut down on the amount of coffee you waste, which can take hundreds of year to degrade, but the pods are also organic and contain no plastic. They cost about 50p each, and you can dump them into your food waste bin or garden compost once they're empty.
The Grind One is PS275, and you can buy the milk frother to it for an additional PS325. It's more expensive than most Nespresso pod machines, but it is an elegant, well-designed, and versatile machine. It's also the smallest, so it won't take any counter space. It comes with a raised tray that locks onto a series of notches, which can be used with the waste bin, which can be adjusted to the height.
4. Grind 2
This pod machine is ideal for those who love having a quick cup of coffee. It can brew a short or long shot, and has three different settings for temperature and extraction. Our coffee aficionado was impressed by its ability to make an excellent espresso. Its temperature and crema (which should have a chestnut colour 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 the competition.
Our coffee expert also tried the Grind One to see if it was user-friendly. The heavy-duty switch has a satisfying feel, with the option to programme your preferred length or short shot, as well as a clear display. You can also choose to automatically pour a shot of hot water along with the espresso, which helps the grounds settle and improves the taste of your drink. A milk frother that is useful is included, making this pod coffee maker a great all-rounder.
These machines also remove the messy elements of espresso-making including grinding dosing, tamping, and dosing of the beans. They also reduce the number of items that have to be cleaned and reused. This makes them an ideal option for those with little kitchen space. If you want to increase your options, a separate milk frother can be used to make lattes and cappuccinos too. Alternately, you can go with a manual coffee maker like the Aeropress, which combines the benefits of a low carbon footprint and more flavor than machines can provide. It's 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 does not include a milk maker but is ideal for those who love espresso, ristretto, or caffe lungo. It's also among the quietest machines so you can sip your morning cuppa while the kids are still asleep.
You can programme the size of your cup according to your preferences and there's also an option for the temperature to increase to push your beverage to the press of a button. It's simple to stay up with maintenance, too with alerts to let you know when the capsule container needs emptying or if the water tank is running low.
The machine does not frost milk however it can be used to make cappuccinos and flat whites with the use of a separate container. Many buyers have left positive reviews on Amazon and John Lewis. They praise the quiet operation and the flexibility of the machine, such as different lengths of brews and an adequate capacity for capsules that are used.
There aren't many reviews from customers, however the consensus is that it is a great pod-based coffee maker if you prefer an easy set-up. It's a little more pricey than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop, but it comes with great tasting Lavazza pods and is among the quietest machines available. It's not ideal if want to make more than two kinds of coffee however we'd suggest one of our top-rated alternatives for what you're looking for. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.
