Ten Best Coffee Machine Pods That Really Help You Live Better
Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines alleviate the stress of getting your morning coffee fix. Unlike a traditional machine, they dispense pre-packed pods of espresso or ground coffee to make the process faster.
Choose a pod coffee machine that lets you adjust the temperature and drink size. Also, make sure that the machine is able to accommodate reused pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is the leader in pod brewing, and a favourite among coffee fans. The company's machines and capsules are highly rated for quality and sustainability. The capsules are made from 80 percent recyclable materials and are fully compostable. They also contain less plastic than traditional coffee bags and have an economized carbon footprint. In addition, Nespresso partners with green-certified organizations to promote responsible farming practices and fair labour practices.
The Nespresso Vertuo line includes several machines that make a rich and delicious cup of coffee or espresso with a perfect crema. The VertuoPlus X and VertuoPlus Deluxe models feature advanced features such as best automatic bean to cup coffee machine heating of milk as well as customizable drink settings. They are simple to use and have a sleek design that looks stunning on your kitchen counter.
Both the X model as well as the Deluxe model feature a large reservoir, as well as a slim body. Centrifusion is a revolutionary extraction technology, uses up to 7,500 revolutions per minute to make espresso or coffee. This technique helps create an even and smooth crema with a high level of saturation, even in smaller cups.
Nespresso capsules are more expensive than compatible pods from third parties sold in supermarkets and online retailers. However, they offer an array of flavors and intensities. They also offer limited-edition products. The machines are simple to use and the Vertuoline is less complicated than Nespresso's original Nespresso, which only produces espresso.
Vertuoline offers two sizes of capsules including the smaller espresso size and the gran lungo size for those who prefer drinks with a shorter length. The larger mug capsules and alto capsules can be used to make mug-sized drinks that require a more intensely roasted cup of coffee. Unlike some of the other pod machines that we have tested, the Nespresso Vertuoline also makes a good cup of drip coffee.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee maker is sleek, high-spec machine made with tough and attractive materials. It's a bit more expensive than the other machines that we tested, but it delivers excellent, reliable performance and has an attractive design.
The X7.1 uses a patented system that scans the barcode on every capsule to determine their identity. It then pre-wets, infuses and dispenses the right amount of water in a controlled manner. This is a huge plus for those who like a simple automation. It could be a problem for those who like to alter settings and choose their own brew size or strength. The machine is able to serve espresso drinks double espresso drinks mugs, granlongo, and alto drinks, all topped with the smooth crema.
In addition to its technology for brewing, the X7.1 comes with a variety of other characteristics that make it stand out. It is among one of the coffee machines we tested that have an adjustable height tray that can be used to adjust the size and shape of the coffee mug. It also comes with a stainless-steel milk jug that can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes. The X7.1 also comes with an energy-saving sleep function and pod holders that are detachable to help with cleaning.
Compatible with Compatible with all Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules and Bruvi B-Pods. These pods differ from K-Cups or other popular pods due to the fact that they contain ground coffee, instead of a teabag and are more caffeine-rich than regular espresso. The Bruvi is also app compatible and can be programmed to brew according to a set schedule. It also has an ice wand, which can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes frosty.
3. Grind One
If you're not a huge fan of the plastic Nespresso pods or you're looking for something that isn't quite as bulky, then the Stockholm-designed Grind One may be the most suitable option for you. Two members of 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 simple to use. Simply place a pod into the inlet, select either an lungo or express, and then press the button. The flashing light indicates whether the coffee is brewing or ready. There's no milk cup or steam wand, however you can add hot or cold milk to your coffee however you'd like.
The great thing about this machine is that it's designed to work with Grind's own recyclable, plastic-free and compostable coffee pods. This means you're not only decreasing the amount of coffee you waste (which could take hundreds of years to break down) but the pods themselves have zero plastic and are completely organic. They cost around 50p each, and you can chuck them in your food waste bin or garden compost once they're empty.
The Grind One is PS275, and you can also add an additional milk frother to it for an additional PS325. It's more expensive than the majority of Nespresso-branded pod machines however it's a sleek, well designed, and versatile machine. It's also the smallest the bunch, which means it doesn't require too much countertop space, and it also has an elevated drip tray that connects to a series of notches alongside the waste bin to allow height adjustment.
4. Grind 2
This pod maker is ideal for those who enjoy a quick cup of coffee. It can brew a quick or long shot, with three different settings for temperature and extraction. Its ability to make a great espresso impressed our coffee enthusiast. Its crema (which should be a warm chestnut colour and last until the last sip) and temperature were spot on. Its sleek style and durable attractive materials also made it stand out from other brands.
Our coffee enthusiast also tried the Grind One for its ease of use. The robust switch is a pleasant touch with the option to programme your preferred short or long shot, and a clear display. You can also choose to automatically pour hot water when you drink your best espresso machine uk, which helps the grounds settle and enhances the taste of your drink. The pod coffee maker includes a handy milk frother which makes it an excellent all-rounder.
These machines also remove the messy parts of espresso-making like grinding, dosing, and tamping of the best ground coffee for espresso machine beans. This decreases the amount of items that have to be cleaned and recycled and makes them a more suitable choice for those without much kitchen space. If you're looking to expand your options you can use a separate milk frother to make lattes and cappuccinos. You can also go with a manual press such as the Aeropress which has a lower carbon footprint and a richer flavor than machines. However, it requires more effort on your part and we wouldn't recommend it for all.
5. Lavazza Idola
In contrast to the more expensive Lavazza Voicy pod coffee maker, this model does not include a milk frother however it is perfect for those who enjoy espresso, ristretto or caffe lungo. It's also among the most quiet machines, meaning you can enjoy your morning best coffee machines with pods while your kids are still sleeping.
You can set a cup size that fits your needs and choose to boost the temperature to make your brew go through faster by pressing one button. It's easy to keep up with maintenance, too with alerts to inform you when the capsule bin needs emptying or if the water tank is running low.
The machine isn't capable of frothing, however you can make cappuccinos and flat whites with separate milk containers. There are a lot of positive reviews from customers on Amazon and at John Lewis. They praise the quiet operation and the various options offered by the machine, including different lengths of brews and a good capacity for capsules that have been used.
While there's not a huge number of reviews from customers there is a general consensus that this is a fantastic value pod coffee maker for those who like a simple setup. It's a little more pricey than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop, but it comes with delicious tasting Lavazza pods and is among the quietest machines around. If you're looking to make various coffees, we suggest you look into one of our top alternatives. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.