Ten Best Coffee Machine Pods That Really Change Your Life
Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines can alleviate the stress of getting your morning caffeine fix. They are faster than traditional machines since they use pre-packaged pods to serve espresso or ground coffee.
Choose a pod coffee machine that allows you to adjust the temperature and drink size. Make sure the machine is compatible with reusable pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is a pioneer in pod-brewing, and a favourite of espresso lovers. The capsules and machines made by the company are highly rated in terms of quality and sustainability. The capsules are made from 80 percent recyclable materials and compostable. They are less plastic-based and have a lower carbon footprint than traditional coffee bags. Nespresso also collaborates with organizations that are certified green to encourage fair working conditions and sustainable farming.
The Nespresso Vertuo range includes several machines which produce a rich and delicious cup of espresso or coffee with a perfect crema. VertuoPlus Deluxe and VertuoPlus models come with advanced features, such as automatic milk heating and customizable drinks settings. They are simple to use and feature a sleek style that looks great on your kitchen counter.
Both the X model and the Deluxe model feature a large reservoir, as well as a slim body. Centrifusion, a new innovative extraction technique, utilizes up to 7,500 revolutions per minute for brewing the espresso or coffee. This process helps to 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 are able to offer an array of flavors and intensities. They also offer limited-edition products. The machines are easy to operate and the Vertuoline is simpler than the original Nespresso, which only produces espresso.
The Vertuoline also offers two different sizes of capsules - the smaller espresso and gran lungo size -- for those who prefer smaller drinks. The larger mug capsules and alto capsules can be used for drinks that require an even more intensively roasted coffee. The Nespresso Vertuoline makes a great cup of drip coffee, in contrast to some of the other pod machines we tested.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee maker is elegant, high-quality machine built with durable and appealing materials. It is a little more expensive than the other machines we tested but it offers excellent, reliable performance with an attractive design that can be a perfect fit for any kitchen.
The X7.1 features a revolutionary patent-pending system that reads the unique 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 for those who prefer hassle-free automation. However, it could be a problem for those who love to alter settings and choose their own brew strength or size. The machine can serve espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, alto and mug drinks, with a fine layer of crema.
In addition to its technology for brewing, the X7.1 has a number of other characteristics that make it stand out. For example, it is one of the only coffee machines that we have tested that offers a height-adjustable drip tray to optimise the dimensions and shape of the coffee mug. It also comes with a stainless-steel milk jug that can be used to make cappuccinos or lattes. The X7.1 includes an energy-saving sleeping mode and a removable holder for pods 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 and other popular pods because they are made of ground best home coffee machine instead of a tea bag and they have more caffeine than regular coffee. The Bruvi is app compatible and can be programmed to brew at a remote location or on a schedule. It comes with an ice wand, which can be used to make cappuccinos or lattes fluffy.
3. Grind One
If you're not a big fan of the plastic-y Nespresso pods or are looking for something that isn't so bulky, the Stockholm-designed Grind One may be the best home espresso machine option for you. Two members of the Real Homes team have been testing it in their kitchens and are incredibly pleased with it. It's a sleek stainless steel geometric machine that looks stylish and is extremely simple to use. Simply place the pod, select whether you want a lungo or a short express, and press the button. The flashing light will tell you whether it's brewing or done, and then the coffee starts to come out. There's no steam wand nor milk carafe. However, you can top your coffee off with hot or cold milk if you'd like.
This machine is designed to work with Grind's own reusable, recyclable and compostable pods. This means 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 could dump them in your food waste bin or garden compost once they're empty.
The Grind One is PS275, and you can buy a bundle with a milk frother for an additional PS325. It's more expensive than many of Nespresso-branded pods but it's a stylish, well designed, and versatile machine. It's also the smallest the bunch, so it doesn't require too much countertop space, and it has a raised drip tray that connects to a series of notches alongside the waste bin to allow height adjustment.
4. Grind 2
If you're looking for simple and quick cups of coffee, this pod machine takes the hassle out of making espresso. It can brew a short or long shot, with three different settings for temperature and extraction. Its ability to create a wonderful espresso impressed our coffee enthusiast. Its crema (which should be a cozy chestnut color and last until the last sip) and temperature were right on. Its elegant design, as well its durable and attractive materials, helped it stand out from the other brands.
Our coffee expert also tried 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 features an easy-to-read display. You can even choose whether to automatically dispense a shot of hot water with your espresso, which will help the grounds settle and improves the taste of your drink. This pod coffee maker includes a handy milk frother, making it a great all-rounder.
Another advantage of these machines is that they take the messy bits out of espresso making grinding dosing, tamping and grinding the beans that have been ground. This decreases the amount of items that need best bean to cup coffee machine be cleaned and reused, making them a better option for those who don't have much kitchen space. If you're looking to broaden your options having a separate milk froth will allow you to make cappuccinos and lattes too. You can also go with a manual press, such as the Aeropress that has a smaller carbon footprint and more affluent flavor than machines. However, it requires more effort on your part and we wouldn't recommend it to all.
5. Lavazza Idola
The model isn't as expensive as the Lavazza Voicy pod machine, however, it's a great choice for those who enjoy espresso or ristretto or caffe longo. It is also one of quietest machines, so you can sip your morning cup while your children are asleep.
You can program the size of your cup to match your preferences and there's also the option of the temperature to increase to push your brew through at the press of a button. It's simple to stay on top of maintenance too with alerts to inform you when the capsule bin needs emptying or when the water tank is empty.
The machine does not do any frothing, but you can make cappuccinos and flat whites by using separate milk containers. There are many positive reviews from buyers on Amazon and at John Lewis. They are pleased with the quiet operation and flexibility of the machine, such as different lengths of brews as well as the capacity to hold capsules that are used.
There aren't a lot of customer reviews but the general consensus is that it's an excellent pod coffee maker if you want simple setup. It's a bit more expensive than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop, but it comes with great tasting Lavazza pods and is one of the quietest machines available. It's not ideal if are looking to create more than two types of coffee however, so we'd recommend one of our top-rated options in case that's what you're searching for. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.
