Ten Best Coffee Machine Pods That Really Change Your Life
Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines take the pain out of getting your morning coffee fix. They are faster than traditional machines because they use pre-packaged pods to dispense ground coffee or espresso.
Choose a pod-based coffee machine that allows you to adjust the temperature and drink size. Also, make sure that the machine is able to accommodate reusable pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is a pioneer in pod-brewing and is a favorite of espresso drinkers. Nespresso's capsules and machines are highly rated in both quality and sustainability. The capsules are made of 80 percent recyclable materials and are completely compostable. They also contain less plastic than traditional coffee bags and have a a lower carbon footprint. Nespresso also partners with organizations that are certified green to encourage fair work practices and sustainable farming.
The Nespresso Vertuo range includes several machines which produce a rich, delicious cup of best affordable coffee machine or espresso with a perfect 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 feature a sleek style that will look great on your kitchen counter.
Both the X and Deluxe models have a large water reservoir as well as a slim machine body. They are equipped with a revolutionary new extraction technology called Centrifusion that uses up to 7,000 rotations per minute to make coffee or espresso. This process creates a consistent, smooth crema that is highly saturated even in smaller cups.
Nespresso capsules are more expensive than third-party compatible pods sold in supermarkets and online retailers. However, they provide an array of flavors and intensities. They also offer limited-edition products. The machines are extremely user-friendly and the Vertuoline requires less steps than the initial Nespresso line, which produces espresso only.
The Vertuoline also comes with two sizes of capsules -- the smaller espresso size and the larger lungo size -- for those who prefer smaller drinks. The larger alto and mug capsules are ideal for rich and mug-sized drinks that require more intensely roasted coffee. The Nespresso Vertuoline makes a great cup of drip coffee, in contrast to some of the other pod machines that we tested.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee maker is elegant, high-quality machine built with durable and attractive materials. It's a bit more expensive than other models that we've tested, but it delivers excellent, reliable performance and features a beautiful design.
The X7.1 features a revolutionary patent-pending system which reads the bespoke barcode on each capsule to identify it. It then pre-wets it, infuses it and then dispensing the correct amount of water in a controlled manner. This is a huge plus point for those who desire a hassle-free, hands-off automation. However, it can be frustrating for those who prefer to alter settings and pick their personal brew strength or size. The machine can dispense espresso drinks, double espresso drinks, mugs, gran longo and alto drinks, all with a layer of silky crema.
In addition to its brewing technology as well as its brewing technology, the X7.1 comes with a variety of other features that make it stand out. For instance, it is one of the few best small coffee machine machines we have evaluated that comes with a height-adjustable drip tray to optimize the dimensions and shape of the coffee machines best mug. It also includes a stainless steel milk jug to make lattes and cappuccinos. The X7.1 also includes an energy-saving sleep mode as well as pod holders that are detachable to make cleaning easier.
Compatible with All Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules Compatible with all Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules, and Bruvi B-Pods. These pods differ from K-Cups or other popular pods in that they contain ground coffee instead of a teabag, and are more caffeine-rich 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 also comes with a handy steam wand that can be used to create frothy lattes and cappuccinos.
3. Grind One
The Grind One, designed in Stockholm could be the perfect choice for you if you don't enjoy Nespresso's plastic capsules or prefer something that's not quite as heavy. Two members of Real Homes' team have tried it in their kitchens, and they both adore 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 light that flashes will inform you when it's done, and then the coffee starts to come out. There is no milk carafe or steam wand. However, you can add cold or hot milk to your coffee as you'd like.
The beauty of this machine is that it was designed to work with Grind's reusable, plastic-free and home compostable coffee pods. This means that you're not only cutting down on your coffee waste (which can take hundreds of years to degrade) but the pods themselves don't contain plastic and are organic. They cost around 50p each and you can throw 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 is 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 any counter space. It comes with a raised tray that locks on to a series notches, which can be used with the waste bin to adjust the height.
4. Grind 2
This pod machine is ideal for those who like having a quick cup of coffee. It can brew a short or long shot, and has three different settings for temperature and extraction. Its ability to create a wonderful espresso impressed our coffee enthusiast. Its temperature and crema (which should have a chestnut colour that lasts for the last sip and is a cosy shade of brown) were flawless. Its sleek design, as well its durable and attractive materials, helped it stand out among the competition.
Our coffee enthusiast also tested the Grind One to see if it was simple to use. The heavy-duty switch is satisfying to use, and offers the possibility of programming your preferred short or long shot. It also comes with an easy-to-read display. You can even choose whether to automatically dispense a shot of hot water along with your espresso, which helps the grounds settle and enhances the flavor of your beverage. A useful milk frother is also included, which makes this pod coffee maker a great all-rounder.
Another benefit of these machines is that they take the messy bits out of making espresso, namely grinding dosing, tamping and grinding the beans that have been ground. This means that there are fewer items that have to be cleaned and disposed of, making them a better option for those who don't have much kitchen space. If you're looking to broaden your options, you can use a separate milk frother to make lattes and cappuccinos. You can also go with a manual coffee press, such as the Aeropress that combines a low carbon footprint with an opulent taste that you get from a machine. However, it will require more effort from you and we wouldn't recommend it for all.
5. Lavazza Idola
In contrast to the more expensive Lavazza Voicy pod coffee maker, this model doesn't include a milk frother, but is great for anyone who likes an espresso, ristretto, or caffe lungo. It's also one of the quietest machines available which means you can enjoy your morning coffee while your children are asleep.
You can program the size of your cup according to your preference and there's an option to add an increase in temperature to push your beverage to the touch of a button. You can also keep up with maintenance by receiving alerts when the capsule bin is empty or the water tank needs to be filled up.
The machine does not do any frothing, but you can make cappuccinos and flat whites using separate milk containers. There are a lot of positive reviews from buyers on Amazon and at John Lewis. They praise the machine's flexibility and quiet operation. various lengths of the brews.
While there's not a huge number of reviews from customers, the general consensus is that this is an excellent value pod coffee machine for those who prefer an easy set-up. It's a little more pricey 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 suggest you check out one of our top choices. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.