Hayley Wherry

Best Coffee Machine Pods

Pod coffee machines make it easier for getting your morning coffee fix. Contrary to conventional machines they offer pre-packed pods of ground coffee or espresso to speed up the process.

Choose a pod coffee best latte machine that allows you to alter the temperature and drink size. Also, check if the machine can accommodate the use of reusable pods.

1. Nespresso Vertuo

Nespresso is the market leader in pod brewing and a favourite among coffee enthusiasts. The capsules and machines of Nespresso are highly evaluated in terms of quality and sustainability. The capsules are made from 80 percent recycled material and are compostable. They also contain less plastic than traditional coffee bags and have a lower carbon footprint. Nespresso also partners with organizations that are certified green to ensure fair work practices and sustainable farming.

The Nespresso Vertuo line includes several machines that make delicious and rich cups of espresso or coffee with a good crema. VertuoPlus Deluxe and VertuoPlus models have advanced features, such as automatic milk heating and adjustable drink settings. These machines are easy-to-use and have a sleek design that will look great on your kitchen counter.

Both the X model as well as the Deluxe model come with a huge reservoir, as well as a slim body. They come with an innovative extraction technology called Centrifusion which uses up to 7,000 revolutions per minute to brew the coffee or espresso. This process creates a smooth, consistent crema that is saturated to a great extent even in smaller cups.

Nespresso capsules are more expensive than third-party compatible pods available in supermarkets and online retailers. However, they provide an array of flavors and intensities. The company frequently offers limited-edition items as well. The machines are easy to use, and the Vertuoline is simpler than Nespresso's original Nespresso, which only produces espresso.

The Vertuoline also has two 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 can be used for mug-sized drinks requiring the most intensively roasted coffee. The Nespresso Vertuoline makes a great cup of drip coffee, in contrast to some of the other pod machines we tried.

2. Illy X7.1

This pod coffee maker is a top-quality machine constructed from durable and attractive materials. It's a bit more expensive than the other machines we have tested, but it delivers high-quality, reliable performance and an attractive design that will be a perfect fit for any kitchen.

The X7.1 is a patented system that reads the barcode on every capsule to identify them. It then pre-wettes and infuses the right amount of water automatically. This is a major benefit for those who want to enjoy hassle-free automation. It may frustrate users who prefer to tweak settings and select their own brew's size or strength. The machine is able to serve espresso drinks double espresso drinks mugs, granlongo, and alto drinks, all topped with layers of creamy crema.

In addition to its coffee brewing technology, the X7.1 features a range of other features that make it stand out. It is one of only one of the coffee machines we tested that have an adjustable height tray that can be used to adjust the size and shape of the coffee mug. It also comes with a stainless-steel milk jug that can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes. The X7.1 also comes with an energy-saving sleep mode and a detachable pod holder to make cleaning easier.

It's compatible with all Keurig K-Cups and Nespresso capsules and Bruvi's own 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 is also app compatible and can be programmed to brew at a remote location or on a schedule. It also comes with a handy steam wand that can be used to create foamy cappuccinos and lattes.

3. Grind One

The Grind One, designed in Stockholm It could be the right choice for those who don't like the plasticy Nespresso capsules or prefer something less so heavy. Two members of the Real Homes team have been testing it out in their kitchens, and both absolutely love it. It's a sleek stainless-steel geometric machine that looks chic and is simple to use. Simply insert the pod, choose whether you'd prefer a lungo, or a short express, and press the button. The light flashes to indicate whether the coffee is in the process of brewing or is ready. There's no steam wand nor milk carafe. However, you can add toppings to your coffee with hot or cold milk as you'd like.

This machine is designed to work with Grind's own compostable, recyclable, and recyclable pods. This means you're not only cutting down on your coffee waste (which could take hundreds of years to degrade) but the pods themselves are made of no plastic and are also organic. They cost around 50p each and you can throw them in your food waste bin or garden compost once they're empty.

The Grind One is PS275, and you can also add a bundle with a milk frother to it for an additional PS325. It's more expensive than other Nespresso pod machines, but it's an elegant, well-designed, and versatile machine. It's also the smallest of the bunch, so it doesn't require any counter space, and it comes with an elevated drip tray that connects to the sides of the waste bin to allow height adjustment.

4. Grind 2

For those who love a quick and simple cup of coffee, this pod machine takes the hassle out of making espresso. It can be used to brew a short shot or a long shot with three different extraction settings and temperatures. Its ability to create a wonderful espresso was awe-inspiring to our coffee lover. Its crema (which should be a warm chestnut colour and last until the final sip) and temperature were right on. Its sleek design, as well its strong and attractive materials, helped it stand out from the crowd.

Our coffee lover also tested the Grind One for its ease of use. The heavy-duty switch is comfortable to use and allows you to programme your preferred short or long shot, and a clear display. You can choose to automatically dispensing hot water alongside your coffee to help the ground settle and improves the flavor of your beverage. A milk frother that is useful is included, making this pod best coffee machine bean-to-cup maker an ideal all-rounder.

These machines also remove the messy parts of espresso-making like grinding or dosing and tamping of the ground beans. This means that there are fewer items that need to be cleaned and reused which makes them a better option for those with limited kitchen space. If you want to expand your options you can use a separate milk frother to make cappuccinos and lattes. You can also opt for a manual best coffee machine under £100 press, like the Aeropress which offers the benefits of a low carbon footprint and more flavor than the machine. However, it requires more effort from you, so we wouldn't recommend it to all.

5. Lavazza Idola

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

You can set a size for your cup that suits your mood, and you can also decide to increase the temperature to help your beverage go through more quickly by pressing one button. It's easy to stay on top of maintenance too with alerts that notify you when the capsule container needs emptying or when the water tank is low.

The machine doesn't froth milk however it can be used to make cappuccinos and flat whites with the use of a separate container. A lot of buyers have left favorable reviews on Amazon and John Lewis. They are pleased with the quiet operation and the various options offered by the machine, including different lengths of brews and an adequate capacity for used capsules.

There aren't a lot of customer reviews but the consensus is that it's a great pod-based coffee machine if you like an easy set-up. It's more expensive 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 need to create more than two types of coffee, however we'd suggest one of our top-rated options if that's what you're looking for. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.