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best coffee machines with pods Coffee Machine Pods

Pod coffee machines take the pain out of getting your morning caffeine fix. Contrary to conventional machines they offer pre-packed pods of ground coffee or espresso to accelerate the process.

Choose a pod-based coffee machine that allows you to adjust the temperature and cup size. Also, make sure that the machine can accommodate reusable pods.

1. Nespresso Vertuo

Nespresso is a pioneer in pod-brewing and is a favorite of espresso lovers. Nespresso's capsules and machines are highly rated in both quality and sustainability. The capsules are constructed of 80 percent recyclable materials and are compostable. They also have less plastic than traditional coffee bags, and have a less carbon footprint. Nespresso also partners with organizations that are certified green to encourage fair work practices and sustainable farming practices.

The Nespresso Vertuo line includes several machines that produce a rich and delicious cup of coffee or espresso that has a perfect crema. The VertuoPlus X and VertuoPlus Deluxe models offer advanced features like automatic heating of milk and customizable drinks settings. They are simple to use and feature a sleek design that looks stunning on your kitchen counter.

Both the X and the Deluxe models have a large reservoir of water and a slim machine body. Centrifusion, a new innovative extraction technology, uses up to 7,500 rotations per minute for brewing the coffee or espresso. This produces a smooth, consistent crema that is highly saturated even in smaller cups.

Nespresso capsules are more expensive than third-party compatible pods available in supermarkets and online retailers. However, they are able to offer an array of flavors and intensities. The company also offers limited-edition products. The machines are very easy to use, and the Vertuoline requires less steps than the first Nespresso line, which produces espresso only.

The Vertuoline also has two sizes of capsules -- the smaller espresso size and the gran lungo size for those who prefer smaller drinks. The larger mug capsules as well as alto capsules can be used for mug-sized drinks requiring the most intensely roasted cup of coffee. In contrast to some of the other pod machines we tried and tested, the Nespresso Vertuoline also makes a excellent drip coffee.

2. Illy X7.1

This pod coffee maker is a top-quality machine made from 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 is a patented system that reads the barcodes on every capsule to determine their identity. It then pre-wettes and infuses the right amount of water in a controlled manner. This is a great feature for those who desire a hassle-free, hands-off automation. However, it could be a problem for those who like to tweak settings and select their personal brew strength or size. The machine can serve espresso double espresso, gran lungo mug and alto drinks with a fine layer of crema.

The X7.1 is not only a standout in terms of its brewing technology but it also has other features. It is among one of the coffee machines we tested that have an adjustable height tray that can be used to adjust the size and shape of the best coffee machine mug. It also includes a stainless steel milk jug for making cappuccinos and lattes. The X7.1 also includes an energy-saving sleep function and a detachable pod holder to make cleaning easier.

It's compatible with the majority of Keurig K-Cups and Nespresso capsules as well as Bruvi's own 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 is also app compatible and can be programmed to brew on a schedule. It also has steam wand that can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes fluffy.

3. Grind One

If you're not a huge fan of Nespresso pods made of plastic or are looking for something that isn't quite as bulky, then the Stockholm-designed Grind One may be the ideal choice for you. Two members of the Real Homes team have been trying it out in their kitchens, and both are incredibly pleased with it. It's a sleek stainless-steel machine that looks chic and is very user-friendly. Simply place the pod, choose whether you'd prefer a lungo, or a short express, and press the button. The light flashes to indicate whether the coffee is in the process of brewing or is ready. There is no milk carafe or steam wand, however you can add hot or cold milk to your coffee however you'd like.

The beauty of this machine is that it was designed to work with Grind's reusable, plastic-free and best home espresso machine compostable coffee pods. Not only will you reduce the amount of coffee you waste, which can take hundreds of years to degrade however, the pods are also organic and have no plastic. They cost about 50p each and you can dump them in your garden compost or in your food waste bin when they are empty.

The Grind One is PS275, and you can buy an additional milk frother for an additional PS325. It's more expensive than many of Nespresso-branded pod machines however it's a sleek, well designed, and versatile machine. It's also the most compact and therefore won't require much counter space. It comes with a raised tray that latches 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 quick and simple cup of coffee, this pod machine eliminates the hassle making espresso. It can brew a quick or long shot, with three different settings for temperature and extraction. Our coffee aficionado was impressed by its capability to make an excellent espresso. Its temperature and crema (which should be a dark chestnut color that lasts for the last sip and is a cosy shade of brown) were perfect. Its sleek style and durable appealing materials also helped it stand out from the rest.

Our coffee enthusiast also tried the Grind One for its ease of use. The heavy-duty switch is comfortable to use, with the option to programme your preferred short or long shot, and a crisp display. You can even select whether to automatically pour hot water with the espresso, which helps the grounds settle and enhances the flavour of your drink. A useful milk frother is included, making this pod coffee maker an excellent all-rounder.

Another benefit of these machines is that they take the messy parts out of espresso making, namely grinding dosing, tamping and grinding the ground beans. This means that there are fewer items to be cleaned and recycled which makes them a better choice for those without much kitchen space. If you want to increase your options having a separate milk froth can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes too. Alternately, you can go with a manual best affordable coffee machine maker like the Aeropress that combines an environment-friendly design with more flavor than you get from a machine. However, it will require more effort on your part, so we wouldn't recommend it to everyone.

5. Lavazza Idola

Unlike the more expensive Lavazza Voicy pod coffee maker, this model doesn't include a milk maker but is ideal for those who enjoy espresso, ristretto or caffe lungo. It's also among the quietest machines, so you can drink your morning coffee while your kids are still sleeping.

You can set a cup size that suits your mood and choose to boost the temperature to help the brew to go through faster by pressing a button. It's easy to stay on top of maintenance too with alerts to inform you when the capsule bin needs emptying or the water tank is empty.

The machine is not able to frost milk however it can be used to make cappuccinos and flat whites by using a separate container. There are a lot of positive reviews from customers on Amazon and at John Lewis. They praise the machine's flexibility, quiet operation, and various lengths of brews.

While there's not a huge amount of customer reviews, the general consensus is that this is an excellent value pod coffee machine for those who prefer a simple setup. It's a bit more expensive than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop, but it comes with excellent tasting Lavazza pods and is among the quietest machines on the market. It's not the best automatic coffee machine choice if you are looking 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.