Ten Best Coffee Machine Pods That Really Make Your Life Better

Best Coffee Machine Pods

Pod coffee machines can make it easier for getting your morning caffeine fix. Contrary to conventional machines they can dispense pre-packed pods of espresso or ground coffee to make the process faster.

Choose a pod coffee machine that lets you adjust the temperature and drink size. Find out if the machine is compatible with reused pods.

1. Nespresso Vertuo

Nespresso is the leader in pod brewing and a favourite among coffee enthusiasts. Nespresso's capsules and machines are highly rated in both quality and sustainability. The capsules are made from 80 percent recyclable material and 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 practices and fair labour practices.

The Nespresso Vertuo range includes several machines that produce a thick and delicious cup of coffee or espresso with a good crema. VertuoPlus Deluxe and VertuoPlus models come with advanced features, including automatic milk heating and adjustable drink settings. These machines are easy to operate and have a sleek, modern design that looks great in your kitchen.

Both the X model and the Deluxe model have a large reservoir and a slim machine body. They feature an innovative new extraction technology known as Centrifusion that utilizes up to 7,000 rotations per minute to make coffee or espresso. This method helps create a consistent and smooth crema with a high level of saturation, even in smaller cups.

Nespresso's capsules may be a little more expensive than the third-party compatible pods available in grocery stores and online retailers, but they have many different flavors and intensity levels to pick from. The company regularly releases limited-edition options as well. The company's machines are also very user-friendly, and the Vertuoline requires less steps than the first Nespresso line, which produces espresso only.

The Vertuoline also offers two different sizes of capsules - the smaller espresso size and the larger lungo size for those who prefer smaller drinks. The larger mug capsules as well as alto capsules are suitable for drinks that require a more intensely roasted cup of coffee. The Nespresso Vertuoline makes a great cup of drip coffee, unlike some other pod machines we tried.

2. Illy X7.1

This pod coffee maker is a elegant, high-quality machine built using durable and appealing materials. It's slightly more expensive than the other machines we've tested, however it delivers excellent, reliable performance and has an attractive design.

The X7.1 uses a new patented system which reads the bespoke barcode on each capsule to determine. It then pre-wets and infuses the correct amount of water automatically. This is a huge plus for those who prefer hassle-free automation. It may frustrate users who prefer to adjust settings and choose their own brew's size or strength. The machine can dispense espresso double espresso, gran lungo alto and mug drinks, with a fine layer of crema.

In addition to its brewing technology, the X7.1 comes with a variety of other characteristics that make it stand out. For example, it is one of the few 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 also includes a stainless steel milk jug for making cappuccinos and lattes. The X7.1 includes an energy-saving sleeping mode and a detachable holder for pods to make cleaning simpler.

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 contain more caffeine than regular coffee. The Bruvi is app compatible and can be programmed to brew at a remote location or on a schedule. It comes with steam wand that can be used to make lattes and cappuccinos fluffy.

3. Grind One

The Grind One, designed in Stockholm could be the perfect choice for you if you don't enjoy Nespresso capsules that are plastic or prefer something less quite as heavy. Two members of the Real Homes team have been trying it out in their kitchens, and both absolutely love it. It's a sleek stainless-steel machine that looks chic and is extremely simple to use. You simply insert the pod, choose whether you'd like a lungo or a short express and press the button. The flashing light indicates whether the coffee is brewing or ready. There's no milk cup or steam wand, but you can add cold or hot milk to your coffee however you like.

The beauty of this machine is that it's designed to work with Grind's recyclable, plastic-free, and home compostable coffee pods. So not only are you cutting down on your best coffee machine with milk frother waste (which could take hundreds of years to break down) but the pods themselves don't contain plastic and are also organic. They cost around 50p each, and you can chuck them into your food waste bin or garden compost once they're empty.

The Grind One costs PS275 and you can get it with a bundle that includes a milk frother for an extra PS325. It's more expensive than a lot of Nespresso-branded pod machines however it's a sleek, well designed, and versatile machine. It's also the smallest of the bunch, which means it doesn't require too much countertop space, and it comes with an elevated drip tray that is secured to a series of notches next to the waste bin to allow height adjustment.

4. Grind 2

For those who enjoy a simple and quick cup of coffee, this machine removes the hassle making espresso. It can brew a short or long shot, with three different settings for temperature and extraction. Our coffee aficionado was impressed by its ability to make an excellent espresso. Its temperature and crema (which should have a chestnut colour that lasts for the last sip and is a cozy shade of brown) were perfect. Its sleek style and durable appealing materials also helped it stand out from the competition.

Our best cheap coffee machine enthusiast also tried the Grind One for its ease of use. The heavy-duty switch is comfortable to use and allows you to program your preferred length or short shot, and a crisp display. You can set it to automatically pour hot water with your best budget coffee machine to help the ground settle and improves the taste of your drink. A milk frother is included, making this pod coffee maker a great all-rounder.

Another advantage of these machines is that they eliminate the messy parts out of espresso making, namely grinding and dosing the beans. This means that there are fewer items that need to be cleaned and disposed of which makes them a better choice for those without much kitchen space. If you do want to expand your options with a separate milk maker, a separate one will allow you to make lattes and cappuccinos too. You can also go with a manual press, such as the Aeropress which has a lower carbon footprint and more affluent flavor than a machine. However, it does require more effort from you, so we wouldn't recommend it to everyone.

5. Lavazza Idola

This model isn't as expensive as the Lavazza Voicy pod machine but it's ideal for those who enjoy espresso or ristretto or caffe longo. It's also one of the quietest machines on the market so you can sip your morning coffee while your kids are asleep.

You can program the size of your cup according to your mood and there's the option of the temperature to increase to push your brew to a higher temperature at the press of a button. It's simple to stay on top of maintenance with alerts that notify you when the capsule bin requires emptying or if the water tank is low.

The machine is not able to make frothy milk however it can be used to make cappuccinos and flat whites with a separate container. There are plenty of positive reviews from customers on Amazon and at John Lewis. They laud the quiet operation as well as the flexibility of the machine, such as different lengths of brews and an adequate capacity for used capsules.

While there aren't a huge amount of customer reviews there is a general consensus that this is an excellent value pod coffee maker for those who like an easy setup. It's more expensive than Nespresso Vertuo Pop but comes with the highest quality Lavazza pods. It's also among the quietest machines on the market. If you want to make various coffees, we recommend you look at one of our top alternatives. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.