The Next Big Thing In The Best Coffee Machine Pod Industry Best Coffee Machine Pods

Pod coffee machines can make it easier for getting your morning coffee fix. In contrast to traditional machines they can dispense pre-packed pods of ground coffee or espresso to accelerate the process.

For the best pod coffee machine, select one that offers the most options for adjusting drink sizes and temperatures. Also, make sure that the machine can handle reusable pods.

1. Nespresso Vertuo

Nespresso is the market leader in pod brewing, and a favorite among espresso fans. Nespresso's capsules and machines are highly rated for quality and sustainability. The capsules are made of 80 percent recyclable materials and are compostable. They contain less plastic and have a lower carbon footprint than traditional coffee bags. Nespresso also has a partnership with organizations that are green-certified to promote fair working conditions and sustainable farming practices.

The Nespresso Vertuo range includes several machines that make a rich and delicious cup of coffee or espresso with 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 easy to use and have a sleek, modern design that will look great in your kitchen.

Both the X and the Deluxe models have a large water reservoir as well as a slim machine body. Centrifusion is a revolutionary extraction technique, makes up to 7,500 rotations per minute for brewing the espresso or coffee. This process helps to create an even 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 supermarkets and online retailers. However, they offer an array of flavors and intensities. They also offer limited-edition products. The company's machines are also very easy to use and the Vertuoline has fewer steps than the first Nespresso line that produces only espresso.

The Vertuoline also has two sizes of capsules -- the smaller espresso size and the gran lungo size -- for those who prefer shorter drinks. The larger mug capsules and alto capsules can be used to make mug-sized drinks that require the most intensely roasted cup of coffee. The Nespresso Vertuoline makes a great cup of drip coffee, unlike some of the other pod machines we tried.

2. Illy X7.1

This pod coffee maker is elegant, high-quality machine built with durable and appealing materials. It's a bit more expensive than the other models we tried, but it provides an excellent, reliable performance. It also has an attractive design that can be a perfect fit for any kitchen.

The X7.1 is a patented system that scans the barcode on each capsule to identify them. It is then pre-wets it and infuses the proper amount of distillate water. This is a huge plus point for those who want hassle-free hands-free automation. However, it may frustrate those who love to alter settings and select their own brew strength or size. The machine can serve espresso drinks double espresso drinks, mugs, granlongo, and alto drinks, all topped with the smooth crema.

The X7.1 isn't just an absolute standout in its brewing capabilities, but it also has other features. It is among one of the coffee machines we tested to have an adjustable height tray that can be used to adjust the size and shape of the coffee cup. It also comes with a stainless-steel milk jug for making lattes or cappuccinos. The X7.1 features a sleep mode as well as a detachable holder for pods that makes cleaning simpler.

It's compatible with the majority of Keurig K-Cups and Nespresso capsules and Bruvi's own B-Pods. These pods differ from K-Cups or other popular pods due to the fact that they contain ground coffee instead of a teabag and are more caffeine-rich than regular espresso. The Bruvi also has app compatibility and can be set to brew at a remote location and on a time. It also has a helpful steam wand that can be used to create frothy lattes and cappuccinos.

3. Grind One

If you're not a huge fan of the plastic-y Nespresso pods or are looking for something that isn't so bulky, the Stockholm-designed Grind One may be the best option for you. Two members of the Real Homes team have been trying it out in their kitchens, and both really love it. It's a sleek stainless-steel machine that looks stylish and is user-friendly. It's as simple as putting a coffee pod into the inlet, choose either a short lungo or express and then press a button. The flashing light will tell you whether it's brewing or completed, and the coffee starts to come out. There's no milk cup or steam wand, however you can add hot or cold milk to your coffee however you like.

The beauty of this machine is that it's made to work with Grind's own recyclable, plastic-free, and home compostable coffee pods. This means you're not only reducing your coffee waste (which could take hundreds of years to degrade) but the pods themselves have zero plastic and are organic. They cost around 50p each and you can throw them in your food waste bin or garden compost once they're empty.

The Grind One costs PS275 and you can purchase it as a the addition of milk frothers for an additional PS325. It's more expensive than a lot of Nespresso-branded pods, but it's a stylish well-designed, well-constructed, and versatile machine. It's also the most compact of the bunch, which means it doesn't require any counter space, and it also has a raised drip tray that connects to the sides of the waste bin for height adjustment.

4. Grind 2

If you're looking for a simple and quick cup of coffee, this pod maker takes the hassle out making espresso. It can brew a short or long shot, and has three different settings for temperature and extraction. Our coffee aficionado was impressed by its ability to make an excellent espresso. Its temperature and crema (which should be a dark chestnut color that lasts until the final sip and is a warm shade of brown) were flawless. Its sleek design and sturdy, attractive materials also made it stand out from the rest.

Our coffee lover also tested the Grind One for its ease of use. best budget espresso machine is a pleasant touch, with the option to programme your preferred length or short shot, and a clear display. You can even choose whether to automatically pour hot water along with your espresso, which helps the grounds settle and enhances the flavour of your drink. A useful milk frother is also included, making this pod coffee maker an ideal all-rounder.

Another benefit of these machines is that they remove the messy parts out of making espresso, namely grinding, dosing and tamping the beans. This also reduces the number of things that need to be cleaned and recycled. This makes them an ideal choice for those with small kitchen spaces. If you want to expand your options, you can utilize an additional milk frother to make lattes and cappuccinos. You can also go with a manual press such as the Aeropress that has a smaller carbon footprint and a richer flavor than a machine. However, it does require more effort from you and we wouldn't recommend it to everyone.

5. Lavazza Idola

Contrary to the more expensive Lavazza Voicy pod coffee maker, this model does not have a milk frother however it is perfect 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 kids are asleep.


You can programme a cup size to suit your preference and there's an option to add an increase in temperature to push your brew to a higher temperature at the press of one button. It's easy to stay on top of maintenance too with alerts that let you know when the capsule container needs emptying or if the water tank is empty.

The machine does not do any frothing, however you can make cappuccinos and flat whites by using separate milk containers. There are plenty of positive reviews from buyers on Amazon and at John Lewis. They praise the quiet operation and the flexibility of the machine, including different lengths of brews and a good capacity for capsules that are used.

There aren't many reviews from customers, however the consensus is that it is a great pod coffee machine if you like simple setup. It's a little more pricey than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop, but it comes with excellent tasting Lavazza pods and is one of the quietest machines available. It's not the best choice if you want to make more than two types of coffee though we'd suggest one of our top-rated options in case that's what you're searching for. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.