Ten Best Coffee Machine Pods That Really Improve Your Life

Best Coffee Machine Pods

Pod coffee machines alleviate the stress of getting your morning coffee fix. Unlike a traditional machine they offer pre-packed pods of espresso or ground coffee to make the process faster.

If you are looking for the best pod coffee machine, pick one that provides the most options to adjust the size of the drink and temperatures. Find out if the machine is compatible with reusable pods.

1. Nespresso Vertuo

Nespresso is a pioneer in pod-brewing and a favorite of coffee lovers. The capsules and machines made by Nespresso are highly assessed in terms of their quality and sustainability. Its capsules are made from 80 percent recyclable materials and are fully compostable. They also contain less plastic than traditional coffee bags and have a a lower carbon footprint. Additionally, Nespresso partners with green-certified organizations to promote sustainable farming practices and fair labour practices.

The Nespresso Vertuo range includes several machines that make a rich tasty cup of espresso or coffee with a perfect crema. The VertuoPlus X and VertuoPlus Deluxe models come with advanced features, such as automatic heating of milk as well as customizable drink settings. These machines are simple to use and feature modern and sleek designs that looks great in your kitchen.

Both the X and the Deluxe models come with a huge water reservoir as well as a slim machine body. They are equipped with a revolutionary new extraction technique called Centrifusion that uses up to 7,000 revolutions per minute to make coffee or espresso. This method helps create a consistent and smooth crema with a high level of saturation, even in smaller cups.

Nespresso capsules are more expensive than third-party compatible pods sold in supermarkets and online retailers. However, they are able to offer an array of flavors and intensities. The company regularly releases limited-edition options as well. The machines are simple to use and the Vertuoline is simpler than the original Nespresso which produces only espresso.

Vertuoline offers two sizes of capsules including the smaller espresso size and the larger lungo size for those who prefer shorter drinks. The larger mug and alto capsules are great for hearty and mug-sized drinks that require more intensely roasted coffee. In contrast to some of the other pod machines we tried this one, the Nespresso Vertuoline also makes a good cup of drip coffee.

2. Illy X7.1

This pod coffee maker is a sleek, high-spec machine made with durable and attractive materials. It's a bit more expensive than the other machines we tested but it offers excellent, reliable performance with an attractive design that can blend into any kitchen.

The X7.1 utilizes a brand new patent-pending system which reads the bespoke barcode on each capsule to identify it. It is then pre-wets it and infuses the proper amount of distilled water. This is an enormous benefit for those who like a simple automation. It can be frustrating for those who prefer to tweak settings and select their own brew size or strength. The machine is able to serve espresso drinks double espresso drinks mugs, gran longo and alto drinks, all covered with the smooth crema.

The X7.1 isn't just an outstanding model in terms of its brewing technology but also for its other features. For instance, it is one of the few coffee machines we have tested that offers 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 that can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes. The X7.1 also comes with an energy-saving sleep mode as well as pod holders that are detachable to make cleaning easier.

It's compatible with the majority of Keurig K-Cups and Nespresso capsules as well as Bruvi's own B-Pods. These pods differ from K-Cups and other popular pods as they contain ground coffee instead of a tea bag, and they contain more caffeine than regular coffee. The Bruvi also comes with app compatibility and can be set to brew on a remote basis and according to a time. It also has a helpful steam wand that can be used to create frosty cappuccinos and lattes.

3. Grind One

The Grind One, designed in Stockholm could be the best coffee machine bean-to-cup option for you if you don't like the plasticy Nespresso capsules or want something that's not quite as bulky. Two members of the Real Homes team have been trying it out in their kitchens, and both really love it. It's a sleek stainless steel geometric machine, that looks stylish and is easy to use. Simply place the pod, choose whether you'd like a lungo or a short express, and press the button. The light that flashes will inform you when it's completed, and the coffee starts to come out. There's no milk cup or steam wand. However, you can add cold or hot milk to your coffee as you like.

The beauty of this machine is that it was designed to work with Grind's own recyclable, plastic-free and compostable coffee pods. So not only are you cutting down on your coffee waste (which can take hundreds of years to degrade) but the pods themselves have zero plastic and are also organic. They cost about 50p each and you could dump them into your food waste bin or garden compost once they're empty.

The Grind One costs PS275 and you can get it with the addition of milk frothers for an extra PS325. It's more expensive than most Nespresso pod machines, but it's an elegant, well-designed, and versatile machine. It's also the most compact that means it doesn't need much counter space. It has a raised tray that latches on to a series notches along with the waste bin, which can be adjusted to the height.

4. Grind 2

This pod maker is ideal for those who enjoy having a quick cup of coffee. It can brew either an espresso shot in a short time or a longer shot, with three different extraction settings and temperature. Our coffee aficionado was impressed by its ability to create an excellent espresso. Its crema (which should be a warm chestnut color that lasts until the last sip) and temperature were perfect. Its sleek design and tough, attractive materials also made it stand out from other brands.

Our coffee aficionado also tested the Grind One for its ease of use. The heavy-duty switch is a pleasant touch with the option to program your preferred length or short shot, and a crisp display. You can set it to automatically dispense hot water in your coffee, which helps the ground settle and improves the flavor of your beverage. A milk frother is included, making this pod coffee maker a great all-rounder.

These machines also remove the messy elements of espresso-making, such as grinding, dosing, and tamping of the beans. This means that there are fewer items that have to be cleaned and disposed of, making them a better option for those with limited kitchen space. If you want to expand your options you can use a separate milk frother in order to make lattes and cappuccinos. Alternately, you can opt for a manual coffee maker such as the Aeropress, which coffee machine is best combines the benefits of a low carbon footprint and more flavor than machines can provide. However, it will require more effort on your part and we wouldn't recommend it to all.

5. Lavazza Idola

This model is not as expensive as the Lavazza Voicy pod machine however, it's a great choice for those who like espresso, ristretto, or caffe longo. It's also among the quietest machines on the market, meaning you can grab your morning cuppa while your children are asleep.

You can programme the size of your cup according to your preferences and there's also the option of the temperature to increase to push your brew to a higher temperature at the press of one button. It's easy to keep on top of maintenance too with alerts that notify you when the capsule bin requires emptying or when the water tank is empty.

The machine doesn't froth milk however it can be used to make cappuccinos and flat whites with a separate container. Many buyers have left positive reviews on Amazon and John Lewis. They praise the best bean to cup coffee machines quiet operation as well as the various options offered by the machine, such as different lengths of brews, as well as a good capacity for capsules that are used.

While there aren't a huge number of customer reviews however, the general consensus is that this is an excellent value pod coffee maker for those who want an easy setup. It's more expensive than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop but comes with the highest quality Lavazza pods. It's also one of the most quiet machines available. If you want to make various coffees, we suggest you look into one of our top alternatives. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.