Best Coffee Machine Pods

Pod coffee machines make it easier for getting your morning coffee fix. In contrast to traditional machines, they dispense pre-packed pods of espresso or ground coffee to accelerate the process.

Select a pod coffee maker that allows you to adjust the temperature and cup size. Also, ensure that the machine can accommodate reused pods.

1. Nespresso Vertuo

Nespresso is the market leader in pod brewing, and a favourite among coffee fans. The capsules and machines of Nespresso are highly evaluated in terms of quality and sustainability. The capsules are made of 80 percent recycled material and are compostable. They also have less plastic than traditional best coffee machine under £100 bags and have an economized carbon footprint. Additionally, Nespresso partners with green-certified organisations to promote responsible farming and fair labour practices.

The Nespresso Vertuo line includes several machines that create delicious and rich cups of espresso or coffee with a good crema. The VertuoPlus X and Best Coffee Machine Pods VertuoPlus Deluxe models come with advanced features like automatic heating of milk as well as customizable drink settings. These machines are simple to operate and have modern, sleek design that will look stunning in your kitchen.

Both the X and Deluxe models come with a huge water reservoir and a slender machine body. They feature an innovative new extraction technology known as Centrifusion that uses up to 7,000 rotations per minute to brew the espresso or coffee. This produces an even, consistent crema that is saturated to a high degree even in smaller cups.

Nespresso capsules are more expensive than compatible pods from third parties sold in grocery stores and online retailers. However, they provide an array of flavors and intensities. The company also offers limited-edition products. The machines are very easy to use and the Vertuoline requires less steps than the original Nespresso line which only produces espresso.

Vertuoline offers two sizes of capsules that are smaller espresso sizes and the larger lungo size for those who prefer shorter drinks. The larger mug capsules as well as alto capsules are suitable for mug-sized drinks requiring a more intensely roasted cup of 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 best barista coffee machine maker is sleek, high-spec machine made using durable and appealing materials. It's a bit more expensive than the other machines we tried, but it provides excellent, reliable performance with an attractive design that will 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 appropriate amount of distilled water. This is a great feature for those who desire a hassle-free automated, hands-free. However, it can be frustrating for those who like to tweak settings and choose their personal brew strength or size. The machine is able to serve espresso double espresso, gran lungo alto and mug drinks, with a smooth layer of crema.

The X7.1 isn't just an outstanding model in terms of its brewing capabilities, but also for its other features. For instance, it is one of the few coffee machines we've tested that has 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 lattes and cappuccinos. The X7.1 is also equipped with an energy-saving sleep mode and a detachable pod holder to help with cleaning.

Compatible with Compatible with all Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules, and Bruvi B-Pods. These pods differ from K-Cups and other popular pods as they contain ground coffee instead of a tea bag and they have more caffeine than regular coffee. The Bruvi also comes with app compatibility and can be set to brew at a remote location and on a schedule. It comes with an ice wand, which can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes fluffy.

3. Grind One

If you're not a big fan of the plastic Nespresso pods or are looking for something less so bulky, the Stockholm-designed Grind One may be the ideal choice for you. Two members of the Real Homes' team have tried it in their kitchens, and they both adore it. It's a sleek stainless-steel geometric machine that looks stylish and is extremely user-friendly. You just pop a pod into the inlet, choose either the short lungo or express and then press a button. The flashing light will inform you when it's completed, and the coffee begins to pour out. There's no steam wand nor milk carafe. However, you can top your coffee with hot or cold milk as you wish.

This machine is designed to work with Grind’s own compostable, recyclable and reusable pods. Not only will you cut down on the amount of coffee you waste, which can take hundreds of year to degrade however, the pods are also organic and have no plastic. They cost about 50p each and you can dump them into your food waste bin or garden compost after they're empty.

The Grind One costs PS275 and you can purchase it with the addition of milk frothers for an additional PS325. It's more expensive than many of Nespresso-branded pod machines but it's a very sleek and well-designed versatile machine. It's also the smallest the bunch, which means it won't take up any counter space, and it also has an elevated drip tray that is secured to the sides of the waste bin for height adjustment.

4. Grind 2

For those who love a simple and quick cup of coffee, this machine takes the hassle out of making espresso. It can brew either one shot that is short or a longer shot, with three different temperature and extraction settings. Its ability to create a wonderful espresso impressed our coffee enthusiast. Its crema (which should be a warm chestnut colour and last until the last sip) and temperature were right on. Its sleek design and tough appealing materials also helped it stand out from other brands.

Our coffee aficionado also tested the Grind One for its ease of use. The switch is heavy-duty and has a satisfying feel and allows you to programme your preferred length or short shot, as well as a clear display. You can also choose to automatically pour hot water with your coffee that helps the ground settle and improves the taste of your drink. This pod coffee maker also includes a handy milk frother making it a fantastic all-rounder.

Another benefit of these machines is that they eliminate the messy bits out of espresso making grinding, dosing and tamping the beans that have been ground. This decreases the amount of items to be cleaned up and disposed of which makes them a better choice for those without much kitchen space. If you're looking to expand your options you can use a separate milk frother in order to make cappuccinos and lattes. Alternately, you can go with an manual coffee maker, such as the Aeropress that combines a low carbon footprint with an opulent taste that the machine. It does require more effort, so it's not for everyone.

5. Lavazza Idola

The model isn't as expensive as the Lavazza Voicy pod machine but it's perfect for those who like espresso or ristretto or caffe longo. It's also among the most silent machines, which means you can enjoy your morning cup while the kids are still sleeping.

You can programme the size of your cup according to your mood and there's an option for an increase in temperature to push your brew through at the press of an button. You can also keep track with the maintenance schedule by receiving notifications when the capsule bin is empty or the water tank is due to be topped off.

The machine is not able to make frothy milk however it can be used to make cappuccinos and flat whites using the use of a separate container. There are many positive reviews from customers on Amazon and at John Lewis. They are pleased with the quiet operation and the various options offered by the machine, which includes different lengths of brews as well as an adequate capacity for capsules that are used.

While there's not a huge number of reviews from customers there is a general consensus that this is an excellent value pod coffee machine for those who prefer an easy setup. It's a little more pricey than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop, but it comes with great tasting Lavazza pods and is one of the quietest machines around. It's not ideal if you want to create more than two types of coffee though we'd suggest one of our top-rated options if that's what you're looking for. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.