Best Coffee Machine Pods

Pod coffee machines make it simple to get your caffeine fix in the morning. They are quicker than traditional machines since they utilize pre-packaged pods to give espresso or ground coffee.

For the best compact coffee machine pod coffee machine, pick one that offers the most options for adjusting the size of your drink and temperatures. Check if the machine is compatible with reused pods.

1. Nespresso Vertuo

Nespresso is the market leader in pod brewing and is a favorite among espresso enthusiasts. The capsules and machines of the company are highly rated in both quality and sustainability. The capsules are made of 80 percent recyclable materials and are compostable. They also contain less plastic than traditional coffee bags and have a an economized carbon footprint. Nespresso also collaborates with green-certified organizations to ensure fair work practices and sustainable farming practices.

The Nespresso Vertuo range includes several machines that make a rich, delicious cup of coffee or espresso with a great crema. VertuoPlus Deluxe and VertuoPlus models come with advanced features, including automatic milk heating and adjustable drinks settings. They are simple to use and have a sleek design that will look great on your kitchen counter.

Both the X model and the Deluxe model feature a large reservoir as well as a slim body. Centrifusion is a revolutionary extraction technology, uses up to 7,500 rotations per minute to brew the coffee or espresso. This process creates a consistent, smooth crema that is saturated to a high degree even in smaller cups.

Nespresso capsules are more expensive than third-party compatible pods available in supermarkets and online retailers. However, they offer a wide range of flavors and intensities. The company also releases limited-edition products. The machines are easy to use, and the Vertuoline is simpler than Nespresso's original Nespresso which produces only espresso.

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

2. Illy X7.1

This pod coffee maker is elegant, high-quality machine built with durable and appealing materials. It is a little more expensive than the other machines we tested but it offers an excellent, reliable performance. It also has an attractive design that can be a perfect fit for any kitchen.

The X7.1 uses a patented system that reads the barcode on every capsule to identify them. It then pre-wets it, infuses it and then dispensing the correct amount of water automatically. This is an enormous benefit for those who want to enjoy hassle-free automation. It could be a problem for those who like to alter settings and choose their own brew size or strength. The machine can dispense espresso drinks, double espresso drinks, mugs, gran longo and alto drinks, all with the smooth crema.

The X7.1 isn't just an absolute standout in its brewing capabilities, but also for its other features. It is one of only a few coffee machines that we tested to have the ability to adjust the height of the tray in order to alter the size and shape the coffee mug. It comes with a stainless-steel milk jug to make cappuccinos or lattes. The X7.1 includes an energy-saving sleeping mode and a removable holder for Best Coffee Machine 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 or other popular pods because they contain ground coffee, instead of a teabag, and have more caffeine than regular espresso. The Bruvi also has app compatibility and can be set up to brew at a remote location and on a time. It also comes with a handy steam wand that can be used to create frothy lattes and cappuccinos.

3. Grind One

If you're not a fan of the plastic-y Nespresso pods or you're looking for something less so bulky, the Stockholm-designed Grind One may be the best option for you. Two members of the Real Homes' team have tested it in their kitchens and both are awestruck by it. It's a sleek stainless-steel machine that looks chic and is extremely user-friendly. You simply insert the pod, choose whether you want a lungo or a short express, and press the button. The light flashes to indicate whether the coffee is brewing or ready. There's no steam wand nor milk carafe, but you can add toppings to your coffee with hot or cold milk as you like.

This machine is designed to work with Grind’s own compostable, recyclable and reusable pods. This means that you're not only decreasing the amount of coffee you waste (which coffee machine is best can take hundreds of years to break down) but the pods themselves have zero plastic and are organic. They cost about 50p each and Best Coffee Machine you can dispose of them in your garden compost or food waste bin when they are empty.

The Grind One is PS275, and you can also add the milk frother to it for an additional PS325. It is more expensive than many Nespresso pod machines, but it is a sleek, well-designed, and versatile machine. It is also the smallest, so it won't take any counter space. It has an elevated tray that snaps onto a series of notches along with the waste bin to adjust the height.

4. Grind 2

For those who enjoy simple and quick cups of coffee, this pod maker eliminates the hassle of making espresso. It can brew a quick or long shot, with three different settings for temperature and extraction. Its ability to create a wonderful espresso impressed our coffee lovers. Its temperature and crema (which should be a dark chestnut color that lasts for the last sip and is a cosy shade of brown) were flawless. Its sleek design and tough, attractive materials also made it stand out from other brands.

Our coffee lover also tried the Grind One to see if it was easy to use. The robust switch has a satisfying feel and allows you to programme your preferred length or short shot, and a clear display. You can choose to automatically pour hot water alongside your coffee, which helps the ground to settle and enhances the flavor of your beverage. The pod coffee maker comes with a helpful milk frother which makes it an excellent all-rounder.

Another benefit of these machines is that they eliminate the messy bits out of espresso making grinding and dosing the beans. This means that there are fewer items that need to be cleaned up and recycled, making them a better option for those who don't have much kitchen space. If you do want to increase your options, a separate milk frother allows you to make lattes and cappuccinos as well. You can also opt for an manual press like the Aeropress which has a lower carbon footprint and a richer flavor than a machine. It does require more effort, so it's not suitable for everyone.

5. Lavazza Idola

Contrary to the more expensive Lavazza Voicy pod coffee maker, this model does not have a milk frother but is ideal for anyone who likes an espresso, ristretto, or caffe lungo. It's also one of the quietest machines available which means you can enjoy your morning cuppa while your children are asleep.

You can program a cup size that is suitable for your taste and choose to boost the temperature to help the brew to go through faster by pressing the button. You can also keep up on maintenance by getting alerts when the capsule bin is empty or the water tank needs to be topped off.

The machine doesn't do any frost, but you can make cappuccinos and flat whites with an additional milk container. There are a lot of positive reviews from customers on Amazon and at John Lewis. They praise the machine's versatility, quiet operation, and various lengths of drinks.

Although there isn't a large number of reviews from customers however, the general consensus is that this is a fantastic value pod coffee machine for those who want a simple setup. It's more expensive than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop, but it comes with delicious tasting Lavazza pods and is one of the quietest machines around. It's not the best choice if you need to create more than two types of coffee though we'd suggest one of our top-rated alternatives in case that's what you're searching for. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.