20 Things Only The Most Devoted Best Coffee Machine Pod Fans Know

Best Coffee Machine Pods

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

For the best pod coffee machine, choose one that provides the most options for adjusting drink sizes and temperatures. Also, make sure that 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 company's machines and capsules are highly rated for both quality and sustainability. The capsules are made of 80 percent recyclable material and are compostable. They also contain less plastic than traditional coffee bags, and have a less carbon footprint. Additionally, Nespresso partners with green-certified organizations to promote responsible farming practices and fair working conditions.

The Nespresso Vertuo line includes several machines that create a rich and delicious cup of coffee or espresso that has a good crema. The VertuoPlus X and VertuoPlus Deluxe models feature advanced features, such as automatic heating of milk and customizable drinks settings. They are simple to use and feature a sleek design that will look great on your kitchen counter.

Both the X model as well as the Deluxe model have a large reservoir as well as a slim body. Centrifusion, a new innovative extraction technique, makes up to 7,500 revolutions per minute to make espresso or coffee. This technique helps create a consistent and smooth crema with a high degree of saturation even in smaller cups.

Nespresso capsules are more expensive than third-party compatible pods sold in grocery stores and online retailers. However, they provide a wide range of flavors and intensities. They also offer limited-edition products. The machines are simple to use and the Vertuoline is less complicated than the original Nespresso, 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 smaller drinks. The larger alto and mug capsules are ideal for rich, mug-sized drinks that require more intensely roasted coffee. In  best coffee machines with pods  to some of the other pod machines we tried, the Nespresso Vertuoline also makes a good cup of drip coffee.

2. Illy X7.1

This pod coffee maker is elegant, high-quality machine built with tough and attractive materials. It is a little more expensive than the other machines we tried, but it provides excellent, reliable performance with an attractive design that can fit in with any kitchen.

The X7.1 utilizes a brand new patent-pending system which reads the bespoke barcode on each capsule to determine. It then pre-wettes, infuses and dispenses the right amount of water automatically. This is a major benefit for those who prefer hassle-free automation. However, it could be a problem for those who love to alter settings and choose their own brew strength and size. The machine can dispense espresso drinks, double espresso drinks, gran longo, mug, and alto drinks, all topped with the smooth crema.

In addition to its technology for brewing as well as its brewing technology, the X7.1 has a number of other features that make it stand out. For example, it is one of the only coffee machines we have tested that offers a height-adjustable drip tray to optimize the dimensions and shape of the coffee mug. It also comes with a stainless-steel milk jug for making cappuccinos and lattes. The X7.1 is also equipped with an energy-saving sleep mode as well as a detachable pod holder to make cleaning easier.

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 is app compatible and can be programmed to brew according to a set schedule. It has a steam wand which can be used to make lattes and cappuccinos frosty.

3. Grind One

If you're not a big fan of the plastic Nespresso pods or are looking for something that isn't quite as bulky, then the Stockholm-designed Grind One may be the most suitable option for you. Two members of Real Homes' team have tested it in their kitchens, and they both love it. It's a sleek stainless-steel geometric machine, that looks super stylish and is simple to use. You simply insert a pod, choose whether you'd prefer a lungo, or a short express, and press the button. The flashing light will inform you when it's done, and then the coffee starts coming out. There's no milk carafe or steam wand. However, you can add cold or hot milk to your coffee as you'd like.

This machine is designed to work with Grind’s own compostable, recyclable and reusable pods. So not only are you reducing your coffee waste (which could take hundreds of years to degrade) but the pods themselves have zero plastic and are also organic. They cost around 50p each and you can chuck them into your food waste bin or garden compost after they're empty.

The Grind One costs PS275 and you can purchase it with a bundle that includes milk frothers for an additional PS325. It's more expensive than most Nespresso pod machines, but it is stylish, well-designed and versatile machine. It's also the smallest the bunch, which means it doesn't require too much countertop space, and it also has an elevated drip tray that is secured to a series of notches alongside the waste bin for height adjustment.

4. Grind 2

This pod maker is ideal for those who like having a quick cup of coffee. It can make a short shot or a long shot with three different extraction settings and temperatures. Its ability to make a great espresso was awe-inspiring to our coffee lover. Its crema (which should be a warm chestnut colour and last until the last sip) and temperature were right on. Its sleek design, as well its durable and attractive materials, helped it stand out among the competition.

Our coffee aficionado also tested the Grind One for its ease of use. The robust switch is comfortable to use, with the option to programme your preferred short or long shot, and a crisp display. You can choose to automatically dispense hot water alongside your coffee, which helps the ground settle and improves the flavor of your beverage. This pod coffee maker includes a handy milk frother which makes it an excellent all-rounder.

They also eliminate the sloppy parts of espresso making including grinding or dosing and tamping of the beans. This means that there are fewer items that have to be cleaned and disposed of and makes them a more suitable choice for those without much kitchen space. If you want to expand your options, you can use a separate milk frother to make lattes and cappuccinos. You can also go with a manual press such as the Aeropress which has a lower carbon footprint and a more rich flavor than machines. It does require more effort, so it's not for everyone.

5. Lavazza Idola

This model is not as expensive as the Lavazza Voicy pod machine however, it's a great choice for those who love espresso or ristretto or caffe longo. It's also among the quietest machines on the market which means you can enjoy your morning coffee while your kids are asleep.

You can set a size for your cup that fits your needs and choose to boost the temperature to help your brew go through faster with the push of one button. You can also keep track with the maintenance schedule by receiving notifications when the capsule bin is empty or when the water tank needs to be topped up.

The machine doesn't frost milk however it can be used to make cappuccinos or flat whites using the use of a separate container. Many customers have left glowing reviews on Amazon and John Lewis. They praise the quiet operation and the flexibility of the machine, such as different lengths of brews and a good capacity for used capsules.

There aren't many customer reviews however the consensus is that it is an excellent pod coffee maker if you prefer a simple set-up. It's a bit more expensive than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop, but it comes with excellent tasting Lavazza pods and is one of the quietest machines on the market. It's not ideal if are looking to create more than two types of coffee, however 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.