Ten Best Coffee Machine Pods That Really Change Your Life

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Pod coffee machines take the pain out of getting your morning caffeine fix. Unlike a traditional machine, they dispense pre-packed pods of ground coffee or espresso to accelerate the process.

To find the top pod coffee machine, choose one that provides the most options for adjusting the size of your drink and temperatures. Make sure the machine is compatible with reusable pods.

1. Nespresso Vertuo

Nespresso is a market leader in pod-brewing, and a favourite of best espresso machine drinkers. The machines and capsules of Nespresso are highly evaluated in terms of quality and sustainability. The capsules are made of 80 percent recyclable materials and are completely compostable. They contain less plastic and have a lower carbon footprint than traditional coffee bags. Nespresso also has a partnership with green-certified organizations to encourage fair work practices and sustainable farming.

The Nespresso Vertuo range includes several machines which produce a rich tasty cup of coffee or espresso with a good crema. VertuoPlus Deluxe and VertuoPlus models come with advanced features, such as automatic milk heating as well as customizable drink settings. They are simple to use and have a sleek design that looks stunning on your kitchen counter.

Both the X and the Deluxe models come with a huge water reservoir as well as a slim machine body. They come with an innovative extraction technique called Centrifusion which uses up to 7,000 revolutions per minute to make coffee or espresso. This process helps to create a consistent and smooth crema with a high level of saturation, even in smaller cups.

Nespresso's capsules are a bit more expensive than third-party compatible pods that are sold in grocery stores and online retailers, but they have a nice range of flavors and intensities to pick from. The company also offers limited-edition products. The machines of the company are very user-friendly and the Vertuoline has fewer steps than the initial Nespresso line, which produces espresso only.

The Vertuoline also has two sizes of capsules -- the smaller espresso size and the larger lungo size for those who prefer shorter drinks. The larger mug capsules and alto capsules are suitable for mug-sized drinks requiring a more intensely roasted cup of coffee. Unlike some of the other pod machines we tried this one, the Nespresso Vertuoline also makes a good cup of drip coffee.

2. Illy X7.1

This pod coffee maker is a top-quality machine constructed of durable and attractive materials. It's slightly more expensive than other machines that we tested, but it provides excellent, reliable performance and is a stylish design.

The X7.1 uses a patented system that scans the barcodes on every capsule to identify them. It then pre-wettes, infuses and dispenses the correct amount of water automatically. This is an excellent plus point for those who want hassle-free automated, hands-free. However, it may frustrate those who prefer to alter settings and pick their own brew strength or size. The machine can serve espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, alto and mug drinks, with a smooth layer of crema.

The X7.1 is not only an absolute standout in its brewing capabilities, but also for other features. For instance, it's one of the few coffee machines that we have tested that offers a height-adjustable drip tray to optimize the size and shape of the coffee mug. It also comes with a stainless-steel milk jug that can be used to make lattes or cappuccinos. The X7.1 comes with a low-energy sleeping mode as well as a detachable holder for pods that makes cleaning easier.

Compatible with all Keurig K-Cups, Nespresso capsules and Bruvi B-Pods. These pods differ from K-Cups and other popular pods because they contain ground coffee instead of a tea bag and they contain more caffeine than regular best coffee pod machine with milk frother. The Bruvi is also app compatible and can be programmed to brew remotely or according to a set schedule. It also has a helpful steam wand that can be used to make frosty cappuccinos and lattes.

3. Grind One

If you're not a big 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 the Real Homes' team have tried it in their kitchens and they both love it. It's a sleek stainless-steel machine that looks chic and is easy to use. You just pop a pod into the inlet, select either a short lungo or express, and then press the button. The flashing light indicates whether the coffee is in the process of brewing or ready. There's no steam wand nor milk carafe. However, you can top your coffee with hot or cold milk as you'd like.

This machine is designed to work with Grind’s own reusable, recyclable and compostable pods. So not only are you cutting down on your coffee waste (which could take hundreds of years to degrade) but the pods themselves have zero plastic and are organic. They cost about 50p each, and you can throw them in your garden compost or in your food waste bin when they are empty.

The Grind One costs PS275 and you can purchase it with an option that includes milk frothers for an extra PS325. It's more expensive than other Nespresso pod machines, but it is an elegant, well-designed, and versatile machine. It is also the smallest, so it won't take much counter space. It comes with an elevated tray that snaps on to a series notches along with the waste bin, which can be adjusted to the height.

4. Grind 2

If you're looking for a simple and quick cup of coffee, this machine eliminates the hassle of making espresso. It can brew a quick or long shot, and has three different settings for temperature and extraction. Its ability to make a great espresso impressed our coffee enthusiast. Its temperature and crema (which should have a chestnut colour that lasts for the last sip and is a warm shade of brown) were flawless. Its sleek style and durable attractive materials also made it stand out from the competition.

Our coffee enthusiast also tested the Grind One to see if it was simple to use. The robust switch is pleasant to use, and offers the option of programming your favorite long or short shot. It also comes with an easy-to-read display. You can also choose to automatically dispensing hot water alongside your coffee to help the ground settle and improves the flavor of your beverage. A milk frother is also included, making this pod coffee maker a great all-rounder.

They also eliminate the messy parts of espresso-making, such as grinding or dosing and tamping of the beans. This reduces the number of items that need to be cleaned and reused and makes them a more suitable option for those who don't have much kitchen space. If you want to expand your options, you can use a separate milk frother in order to make cappuccinos and lattes. You can also choose a manual press such as the Aeropress which has a lower carbon footprint and a more rich flavor than a machine. However, it does require more effort on your part and therefore we don't recommend it to all.

5. Lavazza Idola

Unlike the more expensive Lavazza Voicy pod best coffee machine under 100 maker, this model doesn't include a milk frother, but is great for those who love espresso, ristretto, or caffe lungo. It's also one of the quietest machines on the market which means you can enjoy your morning cup of coffee while your children are asleep.

You can program a cup size to suit your mood and there's an option to add the temperature to increase to push your brew through at the press of one button. It's simple to stay on top of maintenance with alerts that inform you when the capsule container needs emptying or if the water tank is running low.

The machine doesn't do any frost, but you can make cappuccinos and flat whites using separate milk containers. There are a lot of positive reviews from buyers on Amazon and at John Lewis. They laud the quiet operation and flexibility of the machine, which includes different lengths of brews as well as the capacity to hold capsules that have been used.

There aren't many customer reviews but the general consensus is that it is a great pod coffee maker if you want a simple set-up. It's more expensive than Nespresso Vertuo Pop but comes with the highest quality Lavazza pods. It's also one of the most quiet machines on the market. If you want to make various coffees, we recommend you check out one of our top choices. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.