Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines make it easy to get your caffeine fix in the morning. They are faster than traditional machines because they use pre-packaged pods that serve espresso or ground coffee.
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 a pioneer in pod-brewing and a favorite of coffee lovers. The capsules and machines of the company are highly rated for both quality and sustainability. The capsules are made from 80 percent recyclable material and can be composted. They also have less plastic than traditional coffee bags and have less carbon footprint. Nespresso also collaborates with green-certified organizations to ensure fair labor practices and responsible farming practices.
The Nespresso Vertuo range includes several machines that make a rich, delicious cup of espresso or coffee with a great crema. The VertuoPlus X and VertuoPlus Deluxe models offer advanced features, such as automatic heating of milk and adjustable drink settings. They are simple to use and have a sleek design that will look great on your kitchen counter.
Both the X model and the Deluxe model feature a large reservoir, as well as a slim body. They come with an innovative extraction technology known as Centrifusion that utilizes up to 7,000 rotations per minute to make coffee or espresso. This method helps create an even and smooth crema that has a high level of saturation even in smaller cups.
Nespresso capsules are more expensive than compatible pods from third parties available in supermarkets and online retailers. However, they provide many flavors and intensities. They also offer limited-edition products. The machines are simple to use, and the Vertuoline is less complicated than the original Nespresso, which only produces espresso.
The Vertuoline also has two sizes of capsules -- the smaller espresso size and the larger lungo size for those who prefer shorter drinks. The larger mug and alto capsules are ideal for rich and mug-sized drinks that require a more intensely roasted coffee. The Nespresso Vertuoline makes a great cup of drip coffee, which is different from some other pod machines that we tested.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee maker is a elegant, high-quality machine built using durable and appealing materials. It's a little bit more expensive than other models that we've tested, but it delivers excellent, reliable performance and is a stylish design.
The X7.1 utilizes a patent-pending system that reads the barcodes on every capsule to determine their identity. It then pre-wettes it, infuses it and then dispensing the correct amount of water automatically. This is a huge plus for those who like a simple automation. best coffee machine uk can be frustrating for those who prefer to tweak settings and choose their own brew size and strength. The machine can serve espresso, double espresso, gran lungo mug and alto drinks with a smooth 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 is one of the few coffee machines that we have tested that has an adjustable drip tray that can be adjusted to height to optimise the size and shape of the coffee mug. It comes with a stainless-steel milk jug to make lattes or cappuccinos. The X7.1 features a sleep mode and a removable holder for pods, making cleaning easier.
Compatible with All Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules and Bruvi B-Pods. These pods differ from K-Cups or other popular pods because they contain ground coffee, instead of a teabag, and have more caffeine than regular espresso. The Bruvi is app compatible and can be programmed to brew at a remote location or according to a set schedule. It comes with an ice wand, which can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes frosty.
3. Grind One
If you're not a big fan of the plastic Nespresso pods or you're seeking something that's not so bulky, the Stockholm-designed Grind One may be the best option for you. Two members of the Real Homes team have been trying it out in their kitchens and really love it. It's a sleek stainless-steel geometric machine, that looks stylish and is simple to use. Simply place the pod, select whether you'd prefer a lungo, or a short express, and press the button. The flashing light will inform you whether it's brewing or completed, and the coffee begins to pour out. There's helpful resources or steam wand. However, you can add cold or hot milk to your coffee however you please.
This machine is designed to work with Grind's own reusable, recyclable and compostable pods. This means that you're not only reducing your coffee waste (which could take hundreds of years to degrade) but the pods themselves are made of no plastic and are also organic. They cost about 50p each and you can dump them into your garden compost or food waste bin after they're empty.
The Grind One is PS275, and you can also add the milk frother for an additional PS325. It is more expensive than many Nespresso pod machines, but it is an elegant, well-designed, and versatile machine. It's also the smallest of the bunch, which means it won't take up too much countertop space, and it also has a raised drip tray that latches onto a series of notches alongside the waste bin for height adjustment.
4. Grind 2
This pod machine is ideal for those who enjoy having a quick cup of coffee. It can brew a quick or long shot, and has three different settings for temperature and extraction. Its ability to make a great espresso was awe-inspiring to our coffee lover. Its temperature and crema (which should be a dark chestnut color that lasts for the last sip and is a cosy shade of brown) were excellent. Its sleek style and durable attractive materials also made it stand out from the rest.
Our coffee lover also tried the Grind One to see if it was simple to use. The heavy-duty switch is enjoyable to use and comes with the possibility of programming your preferred long or short shot. It also has an easy-to-read LCD. You can choose to automatically dispensing hot water alongside your coffee that helps the ground to settle and enhances the taste of your drink. This pod coffee maker also includes a handy milk frother making it a fantastic all-rounder.
Another advantage of these machines is that they remove the messiness out of making espresso grinding, dosing and tamping the beans. They also reduce the number of items that have to be cleaned and recycled. This makes them an ideal option for those with small kitchen spaces. If you want to expand your options, a separate milk frother can be used to make lattes and cappuccinos too. You can also opt for a manual press such as the Aeropress that has a smaller carbon footprint and more affluent flavor than a machine. It's more work, so it's not suitable for everyone.
5. Lavazza Idola
This model isn't as expensive as the Lavazza Voicy pod machine however, it's a great choice for those who like espresso or ristretto or caffe longo. It's also among the quietest machines, so you can drink your morning cup while the kids are still sleeping.
You can program a cup size to suit your preferences and there's also an option for the temperature to increase to push your brew to a higher temperature at the touch of an button. You can also keep track on maintenance by getting alerts when the capsule bin is empty or the water tank requires to be topped off.
The machine does not do any frothing, but you can make cappuccinos as well as flat whites by using an additional milk container. There are plenty of positive reviews from buyers on Amazon and at John Lewis. They praise the quiet operation and the flexible choices offered by the machine, which includes different lengths of brews as well as an adequate capacity for used capsules.
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 more expensive than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop, but it comes with delicious tasting Lavazza pods and is among the quietest machines around. If you want to make a variety of coffees, we suggest you look into one of our top alternatives. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.