Pod coffee machines make it easy to get your caffeine fix in the morning. Unlike a traditional machine they offer pre-packed pods of ground coffee or espresso to accelerate the process.
To find the top pod coffee machine, choose one that offers the most options for adjusting drink sizes and temperatures. Also, ensure that the machine can handle reusable 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 rated for quality and sustainability. The capsules are constructed of 80 percent recyclable material and compostable. They are less plastic-based and have a smaller carbon footprint than traditional coffee bags. Nespresso also collaborates with organizations that are certified green to promote fair work practices and sustainable farming practices.
The Nespresso Vertuo range includes several machines that produce a thick tasty cup of coffee or espresso with a good crema. VertuoPlus Deluxe and VertuoPlus models have advanced features, such as automatic milk heating and customizable drink settings. These machines are easy to operate and have modern and sleek designs that will look stunning in your kitchen.
Both the X model and the Deluxe model feature a large reservoir and a slim machine body. They feature an innovative new extraction technology known as Centrifusion that uses up to 7,000 rotations per minute to make espresso or coffee. This process creates a consistent, smooth crema that is saturated to a great extent even in smaller cups.
Nespresso capsules are more expensive than compatible pods from third parties sold in supermarkets and online retailers. However, they offer a wide range of flavors and intensities. They also offer limited-edition products. The machines are easy to use and the Vertuoline is simpler than Nespresso's original Nespresso that only makes 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 and alto capsules are great for hearty and mug-sized drinks that require a more intensely roasted coffee. The Nespresso Vertuoline makes a great cup of drip coffee, unlike some other pod machines that we tried.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee maker is a top-quality machine constructed of durable and attractive materials. It's a bit more expensive than other models that we've tested, but it provides excellent, reliable performance and features a beautiful design.
The X7.1 utilizes a brand new patent-pending system that reads the custom barcode on each capsule to identify it. It then pre-wets and infuses the proper amount of distilled water. This is a huge plus point for those who prefer a simple automated, hands-free. It can be frustrating for those who prefer to adjust settings and choose their own brew's size or strength. The machine can dispense espresso drinks double espresso drinks mugs, gran longo and alto drinks, all topped with layers of creamy crema.
In addition to its coffee 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 only coffee machines that we have evaluated that comes with the ability to adjust the height of the drip tray to optimize the size and shape of the coffee mug. It also comes with a stainless steel milk jug to make cappuccinos and lattes. The X7.1 is also equipped with an energy-saving sleep mode as well as pod holders that are detachable to help with cleaning.
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 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 make foamy cappuccinos and lattes.
3. Grind One
The Grind One, designed in Stockholm, may be the best delonghi coffee machine option for you if you don't enjoy the plasticy Nespresso capsules or want something that's not as bulky. Two members of the Real Homes team have been trying it out in their kitchens and are incredibly pleased with it. It's a sleek stainless steel geometric machine that looks stylish and is easy to use. You just pop a pod into the inlet, select either the short express or lungo and press the button. The flashing light will inform you whether it's brewing or completed, and the coffee starts to come out. There's no milk cup or steam wand, however you can add hot or cold milk to your coffee however you like.
This machine is designed to work with Grind's own reusable, recyclable and compostable pods. This means that you're not only decreasing the amount of coffee you waste (which could 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 costs PS275 and you can purchase it with a bundle that includes milk frothers for an extra PS325. It's more expensive than other Nespresso pod machines, but it is a sleek, well-designed, and versatile machine. It is also the smallest that means it doesn't need the most counter space. It has an elevated tray that snaps onto a series of notches, which can be used with the waste bin to adjust the height.
4. Grind 2
This pod machine is perfect for those who enjoy a quick cup of coffee. It can brew a short or long shot, and has three different settings for temperature and extraction. Our coffee enthusiast was enthralled by its capability to make an excellent espresso. Its crema (which should be a warm chestnut color and last until the last sip) and temperature were perfect. Its sleek design, as its strong and attractive materials, helped it stand out among the competition.
Our coffee enthusiast also tried the Grind One for its ease of use. The heavy-duty switch is satisfying to use, and offers the option of programming your preferred long or short shot. It also comes with a clear display. You can choose to automatically dispense hot water with your coffee that helps the ground to settle and enhances the flavor of your beverage. A useful milk frother is also included, which makes this pod coffee maker an excellent all-rounder.
These machines also take out the messy parts of espresso-making, such as grinding or dosing and tamping of the ground beans. They also reduce the number of equipment that needs to be cleaned and reused. This makes them a great option for those with little kitchen space. If you're looking to increase your options having a separate milk froth will allow you to make cappuccinos and lattes too. Alternately, you can opt for a manual coffee maker like the Aeropress that combines the benefits of a low carbon footprint and a richer taste than the machine. It's more work, so it's not for everyone.
5. Lavazza Idola
This model isn't as expensive as the Lavazza Voicy pod machine, but it's ideal for those who like espresso or ristretto or caffe longo. It's also among the quietest machines, so you can enjoy your morning cup while your kids are still sleeping.
You can set a cup size that suits your mood, and you can also decide to increase the best bean to cup coffee machines temperature to make your beverage go through more quickly with the push of one button. It's easy to keep on top of maintenance with alerts to notify you when the capsule container needs emptying or if the water tank is low.
The machine doesn't froth milk however it can be used to make cappuccinos or flat whites by using the use of a separate container. Many buyers have left positive reviews on Amazon and John Lewis. They are pleased with the quiet operation and flexibility of the machine, including different lengths of brews and a good capacity for capsules that have been 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 a simple set-up. It's more expensive than Nespresso Vertuo Pop but comes with the best Lavazza pods. It's also one of the quietest machines available. It's not the best delonghi coffee machine choice if you are looking to make more than two types of coffee though we'd suggest one of our top-rated alternatives in case that's what coffee machine is best you're searching for. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/778/1869/sage-the-barista-touch-machine-bean-to-cup-coffee-machine-with-milk-frother-ses880bss-brushed-stainless-steel-1869.jpg)
