Best Coffee Machine Pods

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

Select a pod coffee maker that allows you to alter the temperature and drink size. Also, ensure that the machine can accommodate the use of reusable pods.

1. Nespresso Vertuo

Nespresso is a leader in pod-brewing, and a favourite of best coffee machine bean to cup lovers. Nespresso's capsules and machines are highly rated for quality and sustainability. Its capsules are made from 80 percent recyclable materials and are completely compostable. They also contain less plastic than traditional coffee bags and have a less carbon footprint. Nespresso also partners with organizations that are green-certified to encourage fair labor practices and responsible farming.

The Nespresso Vertuo line includes several machines that make delicious and rich cups of coffee or espresso that has a great crema. The VertuoPlus X and VertuoPlus Deluxe models feature advanced features such as automatic heating of milk and adjustable drink settings. They are easy to use and have modern and sleek designs that looks great in your kitchen.

Both the X and Deluxe models have a large water reservoir as well as a slim machine body. They come with an innovative extraction technique called Centrifusion that utilizes up to 7,000 revolutions per minute to brew the espresso or coffee. This technique helps create a consistent and smooth crema that has a high level of saturation even in smaller cups.

Nespresso capsules are more expensive than third-party compatible pods sold in supermarkets and online retailers. However, they provide an array of flavors and intensities. The company also releases limited-edition products. The machines are very user-friendly, and the Vertuoline requires fewer steps than the first Nespresso line which only produces espresso.

The Vertuoline also comes with two sizes of capsules -- the smaller espresso size and the larger lungo size for those who prefer shorter drinks. The larger mug and alto capsules are suitable for hearty cups that require more intensely roasted coffee. The Nespresso Vertuoline makes a great cup of drip coffee, which is different from some of the other pod machines we tried.

2. Illy X7.1

This pod coffee maker is a elegant, high-quality machine built with tough and attractive materials. It is a little more expensive than the other models we have tested, but it delivers high-quality, reliable performance and an attractive design that will fit in with any kitchen.

The X7.1 is a patented system that reads the barcode on each capsule to identify them. It then pre-wettes, infuses and dispenses the right amount of water in a controlled manner. This is a major benefit for those who want to enjoy hassle-free automation. It could be a problem for those who prefer to tweak settings and select their own brew size or strength. The machine can dispense espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, alto and mug drinks, with a silky layer of crema.

The X7.1 isn't just a standout in terms of its brewing capabilities, but also for other features. For instance, it is one of the only coffee machines we've tested that offers an adjustable drip tray that can be adjusted to height to optimise the dimensions and shape of the coffee mug. It comes with a stainless steel milk jug to make lattes or 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 best Coffee Machine Bruvi B-Pods. These pods differ from K-Cups or other popular pods in that they contain ground coffee instead of a teabag and contain more caffeine than regular espresso. The Bruvi also has app compatibility and can be set up to brew on a remote basis and according to a schedule. It has steam wand that can be used to make cappuccinos or lattes frothy.

3. Grind One

If you're not a huge fan of the plastic-y Nespresso pods or are looking for something that isn't too bulky, then the Stockholm-designed Grind One may be the most suitable option for you. Two members of the Real Homes' team have tested it in their kitchens and they both adore it. It's a sleek stainless-steel geometric machine that looks stylish and is easy to use. You just pop a pod into the inlet, select either the short express or lungo and press the 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, but you can top your coffee with hot or cold milk however you'd like.

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

The Grind One is PS275, and you can buy a bundle with a milk frother to it for an additional PS325. It's more expensive than most Nespresso pod machines, but it is an elegant, well-designed, and versatile machine. It's also the smallest of the bunch, which means it doesn't require enough countertop space, and it has a raised drip tray that is secured to a series of notches next to the waste bin to allow height adjustment.

4. Grind 2

If you're looking for a quick and simple cup of coffee, this pod maker eliminates the hassle of making espresso. It can be used to brew one shot that is short or a long shot using three different temperature and extraction settings. Its ability to make a great espresso was awe-inspiring to our coffee lover. Its crema (which should be a cozy chestnut color and last until the last sip) and temperature were spot on. Its sleek style and durable appealing materials also helped it stand out from other brands.

Our coffee expert also tried the Grind One to see if it was user-friendly. The heavy-duty switch is enjoyable to use, and has the option of programming your preferred short or long shot. It also features an easy-to-read display. You can also choose to automatically pour a shot of hot water when you drink your espresso, which will help the grounds settle and enhances the flavour of your drink. A milk frother that is useful is included, making this pod coffee maker a great all-rounder.

Another advantage of these machines is that they remove the messiness out of making espresso, namely grinding dosing, tamping and grinding the beans that have been ground. This also reduces the number of things that need to be cleaned and reused. This makes them a good choice for those with limited kitchen space. If you want to increase your options, a separate milk frother will allow you to make cappuccinos and lattes too. You can also choose an manual coffee maker, like the Aeropress that combines an environment-friendly design with an opulent taste that the machine. It does require more work, which means it's not for everyone.

5. Lavazza Idola

This model isn't as expensive as the Lavazza Voicy pod machine but it's perfect for those who love espresso coffee, ristretto, or caffe longo. It's also one of the quietest machines available, meaning you can grab your morning cuppa while your children are asleep.

You can set a cup size that suits your mood, and you can also decide to increase the temperature to help your brew go through faster at the touch of a button. It's simple to stay on top of maintenance with alerts that let you know when the capsule bin needs emptying or when the water tank is empty.

The machine isn't capable of frost, but you can make cappuccinos and flat whites by using separate milk containers. Many buyers have left positive reviews on Amazon and John Lewis. They are pleased with the quiet operation and various options offered by the machine, such as different lengths of brews and an adequate capacity for capsules that are used.

There aren't many customer reviews but the general consensus is that it is an excellent pod coffee maker if you prefer simple setup. It's a little more pricey than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop, but it comes with delicious tasting Lavazza pods and is among the quietest machines on the market. It's not ideal if you need to create more than two types of coffee though we'd suggest one of our top choices in case that's what you're searching for. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.