Best Coffee Machine Pods

Pod coffee machines make it simple to get your caffeine fix in the morning. Unlike a traditional machine, they dispense pre-packed pods of ground coffee or espresso to speed up the process.

Select a pod coffee maker that allows you to alter the temperature and size of your drink. Check if the machine is compatible with refillable pods.

1. Nespresso Vertuo

Nespresso is the market leader in pod brewing and a popular choice for espresso fans. The capsules and machines made by best nespresso coffee machine are highly rated in terms of quality and sustainability. The capsules are made from 80 percent recyclable material and are compostable. They also contain less plastic than traditional coffee bags and have an economized carbon footprint. Additionally, Nespresso partners with green-certified organisations to promote responsible farming and fair labor practices.

The Nespresso Vertuo range includes several machines that produce a thick and delicious cup of best delonghi coffee machine or espresso with a great crema. VertuoPlus Deluxe and VertuoPlus models have advanced features, like automatic milk heating as well as customizable drinks settings. These machines are easy-to-use and have a sleek design that looks stunning on your kitchen counter.

Both the X model as well as the Deluxe model have a large reservoir, as well as a slim body. They are equipped with a revolutionary new extraction technology known as Centrifusion that uses up to 7,000 rotations per minute to make espresso or coffee. This creates an even, consistent crema that is highly saturated even in smaller cups.

Nespresso capsules are more expensive than third-party compatible pods sold in grocery stores and online retailers. However, they provide an array of flavors and intensities. The company regularly offers limited-edition items as well. The company's machines are also extremely user-friendly and the Vertuoline requires fewer steps than the first Nespresso line that produces only espresso.

The Vertuoline also comes with two sizes of capsules - the smaller espresso size and the gran lungo size for those who prefer smaller drinks. The larger mug and alto capsules are suitable for hearty and mug-sized drinks that require a more intensely roasted coffee. The Nespresso Vertuoline makes a great cup of drip coffee, in contrast to some of the other pod machines that we tested.

2. Illy X7.1

This pod coffee machine is a top-quality machine constructed from durable and attractive materials. It's a bit more expensive than the other models we tried, but it provides excellent, reliable performance with an attractive design that can fit in with any kitchen.

The X7.1 features a revolutionary patent-pending system that reads the custom barcode on each capsule to identify it. It then pre-wets, infuses and dispenses the right amount of water automatically. This is an enormous benefit for those who prefer hassle-free automation. It can be frustrating for those who prefer to adjust settings and select their own brew size and strength. The machine can serve espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, alto and mug drinks with a smooth layer of crema.

In addition to its brewing technology, the X7.1 has a number of other characteristics that make it stand out. For instance, it is one of the only coffee machines we've tested that offers the ability to adjust the height of the drip tray to optimise the size and shape of the coffee mug. It comes with a stainless steel milk jug for making lattes or cappuccinos. The X7.1 also includes an energy-saving sleep mode as well as pod holders that are detachable to simplify cleaning.

It's compatible with the majority of Keurig K-Cups and Nespresso capsules as well as Bruvi's own B-Pods. These pods differ from K-Cups or other popular pods due to the fact that 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 according to a timetable. It has an ice wand, which can be used to make cappuccinos or lattes frothy.

3. Grind One

If you're not a big fan of Nespresso pods made of plastic or you're looking for something less quite as bulky, then the Stockholm-designed Grind One may be the best affordable coffee machine option for you. Two members of the Real Homes team have been trying it out in their kitchens and absolutely love it. It's a sleek stainless-steel geometric machine that looks super stylish and is easy to use. You simply insert the pod, select whether you'd prefer a lungo, or a short express and press the button. The light that flashes indicates whether the coffee is brewing or is ready. There's no milk cup or steam wand, but you can add cold or hot milk to your coffee as you please.

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

The Grind One is PS275, and you can also add a bundle with a milk frother for an additional PS325. It's more expensive than many Nespresso pod machines, but it's a sleek, well-designed, and versatile machine. It's also the smallest of the bunch so it won't take up any counter space, and it comes with a raised drip tray that is secured to a series of notches alongside the waste bin to allow height adjustment.

4. Grind 2

For those who love a quick and simple cup of coffee, this pod maker removes the hassle of making espresso. It can brew a quick or long shot, and has three different settings for temperature and extraction. Our coffee aficionado was impressed by its ability to make an excellent espresso. Its crema (which should be a warm chestnut color and last until the last sip) and temperature were spot on. Its elegant 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 robust switch is pleasant to use, and offers the option of programming your preferred short or long shot. It also has a clear display. You can even choose whether to automatically dispense hot water when you drink your espresso, which helps the grounds settle and enhances the flavor of your beverage. A useful milk frother is included, making this pod coffee maker an excellent all-rounder.

These machines also take out the messy elements of espresso-making, such as grinding dosing, tamping, and dosing of the beans. This reduces the number of items to be cleaned and reused, making them a better option for those with limited kitchen space. If you want to expand your options you can use a separate milk frother in order to make lattes and cappuccinos. You can also go with a manual press, such as the Aeropress that has a smaller carbon footprint and a more rich flavor than a machine. It's a bit more work, so it's not for everyone.

5. Lavazza Idola

Contrary to the more expensive Lavazza Voicy pod coffee maker, this model doesn't have a milk frother however it is perfect for those who love espresso, ristretto or caffe lungo. It's also one of the quietest machines on the market, meaning you can grab your morning cuppa while your kids are asleep.

You can set a size for your cup that suits your mood and decide to increase the temperature to make the brew to go through faster by pressing one button. You can also keep up with maintenance by receiving alerts when the capsule bin is empty or when the water tank requires to be topped up.

The machine isn't capable of frothing, but you can make cappuccinos as well as flat whites using a separate milk container. There are a lot of positive reviews from customers on Amazon and at John Lewis. They are pleased with the quiet operation and various options offered by the machine, including different lengths of brews, as well as an adequate capacity for capsules that have been used.

There aren't many customer reviews but the consensus is that it's an excellent pod coffee machine if you like simple setup. It's more expensive than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop but comes with the top Lavazza pods. It's also one of the most quiet machines available. It's not the best small coffee machine choice if you want to make more than two kinds of coffee, however we'd suggest one of our top choices for what you're looking for. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.