best capsule coffee machine can make it easier for getting your morning caffeine fix. In contrast to traditional machines they offer pre-packed pods of espresso or ground coffee to make the process faster.
For the best pod coffee machine, select one that offers the most options to adjust the size of the drink and temperatures. Also, make sure that the machine can accommodate the use of reusable pods.
1. Nespresso Vertuo
Nespresso is a leader in pod-brewing, and a favourite of espresso drinkers. The machines and capsules of the company are highly rated in terms of quality and sustainability. The capsules are made from 80 percent recycled material and can be composted. They also have less plastic than traditional coffee bags, and have a an economized carbon footprint. In addition, Nespresso partners with green-certified organizations to promote responsible farming and fair labour practices.
The Nespresso Vertuo line includes several machines that produce delicious and rich cups of coffee or espresso with a great crema. VertuoPlus Deluxe and VertuoPlus models come with advanced features, like automatic milk heating and adjustable drinks settings. These machines are simple to use and have modern, sleek design that will look great in your kitchen.
Both the X model and the Deluxe model have a large reservoir as well as a slim body. They come with an innovative extraction technology called Centrifusion that utilizes up to 7,000 revolutions per minute to make coffee or espresso. This process helps to create an even and smooth crema that has a high level of saturation, even in smaller cups.
Nespresso capsules are more expensive than compatible pods from third parties sold in supermarkets and online retailers. However, they offer an array of flavors and intensities. The company also offers limited-edition products. The machines are simple to operate and the Vertuoline is less complicated than the original Nespresso which produces only espresso.
The Vertuoline also offers two different sizes of capsules - the smaller espresso size and the gran lungo size for those who prefer shorter drinks. The larger alto and mug capsules are suitable for hearty cups that require more intensely roasted coffee. The Nespresso Vertuoline makes a great cup of drip coffee, unlike some of the other pod machines that we tested.
2. Illy X7.1
This pod coffee maker is a sleek, high-spec machine made with tough and attractive materials. It's slightly more expensive than the other machines that we tested, but it provides excellent, reliable performance and is a stylish design.
The X7.1 utilizes a brand new patent-pending system that reads the custom barcode on each capsule to determine. It then pre-wettes, infuses and dispenses the correct amount of water automatically. This is a huge benefit for those who desire a hassle-free automated, hands-free. However, it may frustrate those who prefer to alter settings and choose their own brew strength and size. The machine is able to serve espresso double espresso, gran lungo mug and alto drinks with a smooth layer of crema.
In addition to its technology for brewing in addition to its brewing technology, the X7.1 has a number of other features that make it stand out. It is one of only a few coffee machines that we tested to offer an adjustable height tray that can be used to adjust the size and shape the coffee mug. It comes with a stainless steel milk jug for making lattes or cappuccinos. The X7.1 is also equipped with an energy-saving sleep mode and a detachable pod holder to make cleaning easier.
Compatible with Compatible with all Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules, and Bruvi B-Pods. These pods are different from K-Cups and other popular pods since they contain 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 up to brew remotely and on schedule. It also has steam wand that can be used to make cappuccinos or lattes frosty.
3. Grind One
The Grind One, designed in Stockholm could be the right choice for you if you don't enjoy Nespresso's plastic capsules or want something that's not as bulky. Two members of the Real Homes team have been testing it 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 a pod, choose whether you want a lungo or a short express, and press the button. The flashing light will tell you when it's completed, and the coffee starts coming out. There's no milk cup or steam wand. However, you can add cold or hot milk to your coffee as you like.
The beauty of this machine is that it's designed to work with Grind's reusable, plastic-free and home compostable coffee pods. So not only are you decreasing the amount of coffee you waste (which could take hundreds of years to break down) but the pods themselves have zero plastic and are also organic. They cost about 50p each, and you can dump them in your food waste bin or garden compost after they're empty.
The Grind One costs PS275 and you can purchase it with the addition of a milk frother for an additional PS325. It's more expensive than many of Nespresso-branded pods, however it's a sleek and well-designed versatile machine. It is also the smallest that means it doesn't need any counter space. It comes with an elevated tray that snaps on to a series notches, which can be used with the waste bin to adjust the height.
4. Grind 2
This pod machine is perfect for those who love having a quick cup of coffee. It can make a short or long shot, and has three different settings for temperature and extraction. Its ability to make a fantastic espresso was awe-inspiring to our coffee lover. Its temperature and crema (which should have a chestnut hue that lasts until the final sip and is a warm shade of brown) were excellent. Its sleek design, as well as its tough and attractive materials, helped it stand out from the other brands.
Our coffee lover also tried the Grind One to see if it was simple to use. The switch is heavy-duty and is a pleasant touch with the option to programme your preferred short or long shot, and a crisp display. You can also choose to automatically dispensing hot water with your coffee that helps the ground to settle and enhances the taste of your drink. The pod coffee maker comes with a helpful milk frother making it a fantastic all-rounder.
These machines also remove the messy parts of espresso-making including grinding dosing, tamping, and dosing of the beans. It also reduces the amount of equipment that needs to be cleaned and recycled. This makes them a great option for those with limited kitchen space. If you're looking to broaden your options, a separate milk frother can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes too. You can also choose an manual press like the Aeropress that has a smaller carbon footprint and a richer flavor than machines. However, it does require more effort from you and therefore we don't recommend it to everyone.
5. Lavazza Idola
In contrast to the more expensive Lavazza Voicy pod coffee maker, this model doesn't have a milk frother but is ideal for those who love espresso, ristretto or caffe lungo. It's also one of the quietest machines, meaning you can grab your morning cuppa while your kids are asleep.
You can set a size for your cup that is suitable for your taste and select to increase the temperature to make the brew to go through faster with the push of the button. You can also keep track with maintenance by receiving alerts when the capsule bin is empty or the water tank needs to be filled up.
The machine isn't capable of frothing, however you can make cappuccinos as well as flat whites using a separate milk container. A lot of buyers have left favorable reviews on Amazon and John Lewis. They praise the machine's versatility as well as its quiet operation. different lengths of drinks.
While there's not a huge number of reviews from customers, the general consensus is that this is a fantastic value pod coffee machine for those who like an easy setup. It's more expensive compared to the Nespresso Vertuo Pop but comes with the best Lavazza pods. It is also one of the quietest machines on the market. It's not ideal if you need to make more than two kinds of coffee, however, so we'd recommend one of our top-rated options if that's what you're looking for. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.