Best Coffee Machine Pods

Pod coffee machines make it simple to get your caffeine fix in the morning. In contrast to traditional machines they can dispense pre-packed pods of ground coffee or espresso to speed up the process.

To find the top pod coffee machine, choose one that offers the most options for adjusting drink sizes and temperatures. Make sure 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 rated in terms of quality and sustainability. The capsules are made from 80 percent recyclable material and are compostable. They also contain less plastic than traditional coffee bags and have a an economized carbon footprint. Additionally, Nespresso partners with green-certified organizations to promote sustainable farming and fair labor 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 feature advanced features, like automatic milk heating and customizable drink settings. These machines are easy to operate and have modern, sleek design that looks great in your kitchen.

Both the X model and the Deluxe model feature a large reservoir as well as a slim body. Centrifusion, a brand new extraction technology, uses up to 7,500 revolutions per minute to make espresso or coffee. This produces a consistent, smooth crema that is saturated to a great extent even in smaller cups.

Nespresso's capsules are a bit more expensive than third-party compatible pods available in supermarkets and many online retailers, but they offer many different flavors and intensity levels to pick from. The company frequently releases limited-edition options as well. The machines are easy to use and the Vertuoline is less complicated than the original Nespresso, which only produces espresso.

The Vertuoline also offers two different sizes of capsules - the smaller espresso size and the gran lungo size -- for those who prefer smaller drinks. The larger mug capsules and alto capsules are suitable for mug-sized drinks requiring an even more robustly roasted cup of coffee. Contrary to other pod machines we tested, the Nespresso Vertuoline also makes a excellent drip coffee.

2. Illy X7.1

This pod coffee maker is sleek, high-spec machine made using durable and attractive materials. It is a little more expensive than the other models we tested but it offers high-quality, reliable performance and an attractive design that will blend into any kitchen.

The X7.1 utilizes a patent-pending system that scans the barcode on each capsule to identify them. It then pre-wets and infuses with the appropriate amount of distillate water. This is a major benefit for those who want to enjoy hassle-free automation. It can be frustrating for those who prefer to adjust settings and choose their own brew size or strength. The machine can serve espresso drinks double espresso drinks, mugs, gran longo and alto drinks, all covered with layers of creamy crema.

The X7.1 is not only an outstanding model in terms of its brewing technology, but also for other features. For instance, it is one of the few coffee machines that we have tested that offers the ability to adjust the height of the drip tray to adjust the dimensions and shape of the coffee mug. It also includes a stainless steel milk jug to make lattes and cappuccinos. The X7.1 features a sleep mode and a detachable 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 since they are made up of ground coffee instead of a tea bag, and they have more caffeine than regular coffee. The Bruvi also has app compatibility and can be set to brew on a remote basis and according to a time. It also has a useful steam wand that can be used to create foamy cappuccinos and lattes.

3. Grind One

The Grind One, designed in Stockholm, may be the best coffee machine under 100 option for you if you don't enjoy the plasticy Nespresso capsules or prefer something less so bulky. Two members of the Real Homes team have been testing it in their kitchens, and both really love it. It's a sleek stainless-steel geometric machine that looks super stylish and is easy to use. It's as simple as putting a coffee pod into the inlet, select either the short lungo or express and then press a button. The flashing light indicates whether the coffee is in the process of brewing or is ready. There's no steam wand nor milk carafe, but you can top your coffee off with hot or cold milk however you wish.

The great thing about this machine is that it was designed to work with Grind's recyclable, plastic-free and compostable coffee pods. You'll not only reduce your coffee 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 dispose of them in your garden compost or in your food waste bin once they are empty.

The Grind One is PS275, and you can add the milk frother for an additional PS325. It is more expensive than other Nespresso pod machines, but it is stylish, well-designed and versatile machine. It's also the most compact, so it won't take any counter space. It has a raised tray that latches on to a series notches, which can be used with the waste bin to adjust the height.

4. Grind 2

This pod machine is perfect for those who like having a quick cup of coffee. It can make a short or long shot, and has three different settings for temperature and extraction. Our coffee lover was impressed by its ability to create an excellent espresso. Its crema (which should be a cosy chestnut color and last until the final sip) and temperature were spot on. Its sleek design and tough attractive materials also made it stand out from the rest.

Our coffee expert also tried the Grind One to see if it was simple to use. The robust switch 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 pour a shot of hot water with your espresso, which helps the grounds settle and enhances the flavor of your beverage. The pod coffee maker comes with a useful milk frother, making it a great all-rounder.

These machines also take out the messy elements of espresso-making including grinding or dosing and tamping of the beans. This reduces the number of items that have to be cleaned up and recycled and makes them a more suitable choice for those without much kitchen space. If you do want to increase your options, a separate milk frother will allow you to make cappuccinos and lattes as well. You can also opt for an manual press like the Aeropress that has a smaller carbon footprint and a richer flavor than machines. It's more work, which means it's not suitable for everyone.

5. Lavazza Idola

Contrary to the more expensive Lavazza Voicy pod coffee maker, this model doesn't include a milk frother but is ideal for those who enjoy espresso, ristretto or lungo. It's also one of the most silent machines, which means you can enjoy your morning cup while the children are asleep.

You can set a cup size that is suitable for your taste, and you can also decide to increase the temperature to help your brew go through faster at the touch of the button. It's simple to stay up with maintenance, too with alerts to let you know when the capsule container needs emptying or the water tank is low.

The machine is not able to make frothy milk however it can be used to make cappuccinos and Best Coffee Machine Pods flat whites with the use of a separate container. There are a lot of positive reviews from customers on Amazon and at John Lewis. They praise the quiet operation and flexible choices offered by the machine, such as different lengths of brews, as well as the capacity to hold capsules that have been used.

There aren't many customer reviews but the consensus is that it's an excellent pod coffee machine if you like an easy set-up. It's more expensive compared to the Nespresso Vertuo Pop but comes with the highest quality Lavazza pods. It is also among the quietest machines available. It's not ideal if need to create more than two types of coffee, however, so we'd recommend one of our top choices in case that's what you're searching for. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.