Best Coffee Machine Pods
Pod coffee machines make it easy to get your caffeine fix in the morning. They are quicker than traditional machines since they use pre-packaged pods that give espresso or ground coffee.
If you are looking for the best pod coffee machine, select one that provides the most options for adjusting drink sizes and temperatures. Check if the machine is compatible with refillable pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is a pioneer in pod-brewing and is a favorite of espresso drinkers. The capsules and machines of the company are highly rated for quality and sustainability. The capsules are made of 80 percent recyclable materials and are fully compostable. They are made of less plastic and have a lower carbon footprint than traditional coffee bags. Nespresso also collaborates with organizations that are green-certified to promote fair working conditions and sustainable farming.
The Nespresso Vertuo line includes several machines that create a rich and delicious cup of coffee or espresso with a perfect crema. VertuoPlus Deluxe and VertuoPlus models come with advanced features, such as automatic milk heating and adjustable drinks settings. These machines are easy-to-use and have a sleek design that looks stunning on your kitchen counter.
Both the X model and the Deluxe model feature a large reservoir, as well as a slim body. They are equipped with a revolutionary new extraction technology known as Centrifusion that uses up to 7,000 revolutions per minute to brew the coffee or espresso. This produces a consistent, smooth crema that is saturated to a high degree even in smaller cups.
Nespresso's capsules may be a little more expensive than the third-party compatible pods that are sold in supermarkets and many online retailers, but they have an excellent selection of flavors and intensity levels to select from. The company frequently releases limited-edition options as well. The machines are very easy to use, and the Vertuoline has fewer steps than the first Nespresso line that produces only espresso.
The Vertuoline also offers two different sizes of capsules - the smaller espresso size and the gran lungo size -- for those who prefer shorter drinks. The larger alto and mug capsules are ideal for rich, mug-sized drinks that require a more intensely roasted cup of coffee. In contrast to some of the other pod machines that we have tested this one, the Nespresso Vertuoline also makes a excellent drip coffee.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee maker is elegant, high-quality machine built using durable and appealing materials. It's a bit more expensive than the other machines we've tested, however it offers reliable, high-quality performance and is a stylish design.
The X7.1 uses a new patented system that reads the unique barcode on each capsule to identify it. It then pre-wettes it, infuses it and then dispensing the correct amount of water automatically. This is an enormous benefit for those who like a simple automation. It may frustrate users who prefer to tweak settings and choose 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 layers of creamy crema.
The X7.1 isn't just a standout in terms of its brewing capabilities, but it also has other features. It is among a few coffee machines that we tested to offer the ability to adjust the height of the tray in order to alter the size and shape the coffee mug. best ground coffee for espresso machine comes with a stainless steel milk jug to make lattes and cappuccinos. The X7.1 includes an energy-saving sleeping mode as well as a detachable holder for pods that makes cleaning easier.
Compatible with All Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules Compatible with all Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules, and Bruvi B-Pods. These pods are different 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 up to brew at a remote location and on a time. It also has an ice wand, which can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes frosty.

3. Grind One
The Grind One, designed in Stockholm It could be the perfect choice for you if you don't like Nespresso capsules that are plastic or prefer something that's not as bulky. Two members of Real Homes' team have tested it in their kitchens, and they both love it. It's a sleek stainless-steel machine that looks elegant and is easy to use. It's as simple as putting a coffee pod into the inlet, select either an lungo or express, and then press the button. The light that flashes will inform you when it's completed, and the coffee starts coming out. There is no milk carafe 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's designed to work with Grind's own recyclable, plastic-free, and home compostable coffee pods. This means you're not only decreasing the amount of coffee you waste (which can take hundreds of years to degrade) but the pods themselves don't contain 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 costs PS275 and you can get it with a bundle that includes milk frother for an additional PS325. It's more expensive than the majority of Nespresso-branded pods however it's a sleek and well-designed versatile machine. It's also the smallest of the bunch, so it won't take up enough countertop space, and it also has a raised drip tray that connects to the sides of the waste bin to allow height adjustment.
4. Grind 2
For those who love simple and quick cups of coffee, this machine removes the hassle making espresso. It can make a short shot or a long shot using three different temperature and extraction settings. Our coffee enthusiast was enthralled by its capability to make an excellent espresso. Its temperature and crema (which should have a chestnut colour that lasts until the final sip and is a cosy shade of brown) were perfect. Its sleek design, as its strong and attractive materials, made it stand out from the competition.
Our coffee expert also tried the Grind One to see if it was easy to use. The switch is heavy-duty and has a satisfying feel, with the option to program your preferred length or short shot, and a clear display. You can also choose to automatically dispensing hot water alongside your coffee, which helps the ground to settle and enhances the taste of your drink. A useful milk frother is also included, making this pod coffee maker an ideal all-rounder.
Another benefit of these machines is that they take the messiness out of espresso making grinding, dosing and tamping the beans that have been ground. It also reduces the amount of things that need to be cleaned and reused. This makes them a good option for those with small kitchen spaces. If you do want to broaden your options having a separate milk froth can be used to make lattes and cappuccinos too. You can also choose a manual press such as the Aeropress which has a lower carbon footprint and a more rich flavor than machines. It's a bit more work, so it's not suitable for all.
5. Lavazza Idola
The model isn't as expensive as the Lavazza Voicy pod machine, but it's perfect for those who like espresso coffee, ristretto, or caffe longo. It's also among the quietest machines available which means you can enjoy your morning cup of coffee while your kids are asleep.
You can programme a cup size to suit your mood and there's an option to add an increase in temperature to push your brew through at the touch of one button. It's easy to keep on top of maintenance too with alerts that inform you when the capsule bin requires emptying or when the water tank is low.
The machine doesn't do any frost, but you can make cappuccinos and flat whites by using separate milk containers. There are plenty of positive reviews from customers on Amazon and at John Lewis. They praise the machine's versatility as well as its quiet operation. various lengths of drinks.
There aren't many customer reviews but the general consensus is that it's an excellent pod coffee machine if you like an easy set-up. 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 on the market. If you want to make a variety of coffees, we suggest you check out one of our top alternatives. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.