Best Coffee Machine Pods

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

Choose a pod coffee machine that lets you adjust the temperature and size of your drink. Also, check if the machine can accommodate reusable pods.

1. Nespresso Vertuo

Nespresso is the leader in pod brewing and is a popular choice for espresso enthusiasts. The capsules and machines of the company are highly assessed in terms of their quality and sustainability. The capsules are made of 80 percent recyclable materials and are fully compostable. They are less plastic-based and have a smaller carbon footprint than traditional coffee bags. Nespresso also partners with organizations that are green-certified to promote fair working conditions and sustainable farming.

The Nespresso Vertuo range includes several machines that make a rich, delicious cup of coffee or espresso with a perfect crema. VertuoPlus Deluxe and VertuoPlus models feature advanced features, including automatic milk heating and customizable drink settings. They are simple to use and feature a sleek design that will look great on your kitchen counter.

Both the X and the Deluxe models have a large reservoir of water and a slim machine body. They come with an innovative extraction technology known as Centrifusion which uses up to 7,000 revolutions per minute to brew the coffee or espresso. This process creates a consistent, smooth crema that is saturated to a high degree even in smaller cups.

Nespresso capsules are more expensive than third-party compatible pods sold in supermarkets and online retailers. However, they offer many flavors and intensities. The company also releases limited-edition products. The machines are simple to use, and the Vertuoline is simpler than Nespresso's original best nespresso coffee machine which produces only espresso.

The Vertuoline also offers two different sizes of capsules -- the smaller espresso size and the larger lungo size for those who prefer shorter drinks. The larger mug capsules as well as alto capsules can be used for mug-sized drinks requiring an even more intensely roasted cup of coffee. The Nespresso Vertuoline makes a great cup of drip coffee, which is different from some of the other pod machines that we tried.

2. Illy X7.1

This pod coffee maker is sleek, high-spec machine made with tough and attractive materials. It's a bit more expensive than the other models we tried, but it provides high-quality, reliable performance and an attractive design that can fit in with any kitchen.

The X7.1 uses a new patented system that reads the custom barcode on each capsule to identify it. It is then pre-wets it and infuses the appropriate amount of distillate water. This is a major benefit for those who like a simple automation. It could be a problem for those who prefer to tweak settings and select their own brew size or strength. The machine can serve espresso drinks double espresso drinks mugs, gran longo and alto drinks, all topped with a layer of silky crema.

The X7.1 isn't just an absolute standout in its brewing capabilities, but it also has other features. For instance, it is one of the few coffee machines we've evaluated that comes with the ability to adjust the height of the drip tray to optimize the size and shape of the coffee mug. It also includes a stainless steel milk jug for making lattes and cappuccinos. The X7.1 is also equipped with an energy-saving sleep function and pod holders that can be detached to make cleaning easier.

Compatible with all Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules Compatible with all Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules, and Bruvi B-Pods. These pods are different from K-Cups and other popular pods because they are made up of ground coffee instead of a tea bag, and they contain more caffeine than regular coffee. The Bruvi also comes with app compatibility and can be set to brew on a remote basis and according to a time. It also has a useful steam wand that can be used to make foamy cappuccinos and lattes.

3. Grind One

If you're not a huge fan of the plastic-y Nespresso pods or you're seeking something that's not quite as bulky, then the Stockholm-designed Grind One may be the ideal choice for you. Two members of Real Homes' team have tried it in their kitchens and they both adore it. It's a sleek stainless steel geometric machine that looks super stylish and is simple to use. Simply insert the pod, choose whether you want a lungo or a short express and press the button. The light that flashes indicates whether the coffee is brewing or ready. There's no steam wand or milk carafe. However, you can add toppings to your coffee with hot or cold milk if you wish.

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, but the pods are also organic and contain no plastic. They cost about 50p each, and you can chuck them in your food waste bin or garden compost once they're empty.

The Grind One is PS275, and you can add the milk frother for an additional PS325. It's more expensive than the majority of Nespresso-branded pods but it's a very sleek, well designed, and versatile machine. It's also the most compact of the bunch, which means it won't take up enough countertop space, and it has an elevated drip tray that latches onto 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 machine takes the hassle out of making espresso. It can make a short or long shot, and has three different settings for temperature and extraction. Its ability to create a wonderful espresso impressed our coffee enthusiast. Its crema (which should be a cosy chestnut color and last until the last sip) and temperature were perfect. Its sleek design, as as its tough and attractive materials, helped it stand out among the crowd.

Our coffee aficionado also tested the Grind One for its ease of use. The heavy-duty switch is a pleasant touch with the option to program your preferred length or short shot, and a clear display. You can choose to automatically pour hot water with your coffee to help the ground settle and enhances the taste of your drink. The pod Best filter coffee machine maker comes with a useful milk frother making it a fantastic all-rounder.

These machines also take out the messy elements of espresso-making like grinding dosing, tamping, and dosing of the best ground coffee machines beans. This means that there are fewer items that have to be cleaned up and reused and makes them a more suitable option for those who don't have much kitchen space. If you do want to increase your options having a separate milk froth can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes too. You can also choose a manual press such as the Aeropress that has a smaller carbon footprint and more affluent flavor than machines. It does require more work, so it's not for everyone.

5. Lavazza Idola

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

You can program a cup size that suits your mood, and you can also decide to increase the temperature to help the brew to go through faster with the push of the button. You can also keep up on maintenance by getting alerts when the capsule bin is empty or when the water tank requires to be topped up.

The machine isn't capable of frost, but you can make cappuccinos and flat whites with an additional milk 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 capsules that are used.

While there aren't a huge number of reviews from customers there is a general consensus that this is an excellent value pod coffee machine for those who want an easy set-up. It's more expensive compared to the Nespresso Vertuo Pop but comes with the highest quality Lavazza pods. It's also among the quietest machines available. It's not ideal if you are looking to make more than two types of coffee though, so we'd recommend one of our top-rated options in case that's what you're searching for. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.