Which is the Best Pod Coffee Machine?

When it comes to fast and convenient drinks that are easy to clean up, a pod machine is hard to beat. These sleek machines are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from minis to large models with frothier for cappuccinos.

This lower-cost option from Nespresso's Vertuo line uses different shaped capsules that are different from the standard Espresso pod and lets you choose between five brewing sizes: Espresso, Double Espresso, Gran Lungo, Mug and Extra Large Alto.

1. Nespresso VertuoPlus

VertuoPlus capsule coffee machines are one of Nespresso's top-of-the-line options. This model makes use of Centrifusion to make a perfect cup of espresso or long cup of coffee with the click of one button. Its clever barcode reader recognizes the type of Nespresso pod you've inserted and automatically adjusts extraction settings for the best small coffee machine results in-cup. It eliminates the need to adjust anything manually and only uses the precise amount of coffee, water and energy required for each capsule's specific drink size.

The machine utilizes centrifugal force to spin capsules at 7,000 turns per minute. The machine blends ground coffee with water, resulting in a rich and Best Coffee Machine For Latte velvety crema. This helps evenly fill each capsule with water before extraction, which is important for a flavorful cup of coffee. The machine also has a huge, 40-ounce water tank, which means you can make a lot of cups of espresso or coffee before having to empty it. After the brewing process is complete, the machine eliminates the capsule used and puts it in an internal container for easy removal and recycling.

This machine does not come with a built-in milk frother into it, but it can be utilized with Nespresso Aeroccino3 for lattes or cappuccinos. It's available in 13 colors and has a slim, tall body less than 9 inches wide which allows it to be easily placed on the countertop of your kitchen. The top of the holder is opened automatically to make it easier for those who aren't able to insert capsules.

The Nespresso coffee maker is currently available on Amazon for $119 which is a fantastic price for a machine that's capable of producing the best home coffee machine cup of espresso or long coffee. It comes with an initial kit that includes 10 Melozio capsules (intensity 6) and 10 Stormio capsules (intensity 8) so you can test the blends.

2. Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie

A sleek capsule coffee maker that is simple to use and won't break the bank. It comes in either black or cream, and can make five milk-based drinks with a flick of a button. This includes cappuccino macchiato and large. It's not suited to lattes or frothy drinks like a standalone milk frother. It also has a small water tank and a limited selection of compatible capsules, so it may be better for black or espresso drinkers who don't mind refilling and emptying the machine.

The tiniest and most quiet of Lavazza's A Modo Mio machines, Jolie is perfect for those who want to enjoy a great tasting, high-quality Italian coffee at home without the hassle or cost of a traditional coffee maker. It's easy to use, with just one stop&go button with a backlight to select the desired amount of coffee or hot chocolate, and it can be operated in a quiet manner. Its small size and stylish design make it the perfect addition to any interior.

We tried the coffee-only model of the machine. There is also a Jolie and Milk model for PS169 that has milk-frothers if you're fan of lattes and milk-based drinks. It's easy to clean by having an uncluttered plastic water tank, with MIN/MAX indicators and an adjustable capsule drawer that can be rinsed under running water. It will shut down automatically after nine minutes of inactivity. Additionally, the power cable can be separated from the machine, making it easier to move.

As with many capsule machines it's essential to clean your Jolie on a regular basis by emptying and cleaning the coffee reservoir and filter as well as the water tank. Regular descaling can help it perform at its best coffee machine for latte for a long time.

3. Breville BES870XL

The Breville Barista Express is a top choice for those who want an at-home real espresso machine. It's also among the few machines we've test that produces rich, creamy lattes as well as the thin layer of foam to add some extra flavor to your drinks. Pound for pound it's also a great value for coffee makers for the home, especially when you consider that it's cheaper than professional machines.

Unlike some of the other semi-automatic models we looked at This is a real espresso maker that comes with an integrated grinder as well as a PID temperature control and a steam wand for milk-based drinks. It has a bit of an uphill learning curve than the Rancilio Silvia or Gaggia Classic. However, it's still within reach for those who want to master an excellent espresso and latte art.

The hopper is a large airtight design that will preserve freshness and taste. It is also simple to take out and refill, which we consider an advantage. The tamper can be removed too and can be helpful in the event that you want to manually stamp your shots or are using a double-wall filter.

Other notable features include a quick-heating thermoblock and adjustable grind settings, dose control and drip tray that keeps the beans out of your water. It's also simple to use and clean, though it's not the most durable unit out there. Its greatest disadvantage is that it can be a bit loud when it's being made however the sound should diminish as you get familiar with it.

4. Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Mini

The Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Mini is a small quiet pod coffee machine which is perfect for small spaces. It's the smallest machine within the Lavazza range, and also the most affordable capsule coffee maker. (You can still purchase the Lavazza Tiny on Amazon.)

The Jolie Mini is a simple pod machine that isn't equipped with all the bells and whistles. It heats up quickly and is simple to use. It's an excellent choice for those who want to try different flavours without the need to purchase a larger model.

The Jolie Mini is very easy to clean even considering its size. The drip tray, container for capsules, and the water tank come with a handy MIN/MAX indication. It is also dishwasher-safe and dishwasher safe, allowing you to keep it as clean as possible. It needs to be descaling every three to four months, and the instructions to do this are provided in the manual.

Users are raving about this tiny machine and have given it a score of 4.4 out of five stars on Amazon. The quiet operation and the flexibility of the options it provides are particularly appreciated, and the fact that the pods can be recycled or composted is highly appreciated. Some users did have issues with the capacity of the used capsule however this was easily resolved.

You'll also find an electrical cord and plug, an instructional manual, a quick-guide an information sheet on warranty and a tester with nine Lavazza pods. Six of the nine pods are roasted and two are lungo and two are decaffeinated. Two of them are organic, so you'll have plenty of choices for your next cup!

5. Lavazza A Modo Mio Mini

Lavazza A Modo Mio Mini is created to be suitable for modern kitchens, thanks to its small size and clean lines. It's a coffee maker with the potential to revolutionise the way you prepare coffee in your home.

Our team was awestruck by the speed with the time it prepared the coffee and the quality of the final product. The streamlined machine is easy to wipe down, while the capsule bin and waste tray are spacious enough to prevent the accumulation of used capsules. The A Modo Mio Mini comes with 16 Dolce Vita capsules, which can be used for an instant treat.

This machine is ideal for those who love milk-based coffees and wants to deliver an authentic espresso in every sip. The machine's automatic brewing mechanism is so precise that it scans each capsule barcode and adjusts the settings to the appropriate level for the drink you prefer. However, you will require an additional milk machine in case you intend to make cappuccinos and lattes. The A Modo Mio Mini is quiet to use, which is a benefit for those who are early risers and those with busy families.

It's not as equipped with the same amount of customisable presets that are available as the VertuoPlus however this might not be an issue for those who like to tweak until they discover their perfect recipe. The 1.8-litre tank can be set either in the rear or on one side of the machine, depending on the available space. The capsule drawer holds 13 large pods. Other features include the possibility to queue your next cup as the machine heats up as well as alerts when you haven't refilled the tank with water, or if the machine requires decaling.