Which is the Best Pod Coffee Machine?
If you're looking for quick easy, convenient brews that are easy to clean up, a pod machine is impossible to beat. These sleek machines are available in a range of sizes and shapes, ranging from minis to large models with frothier for cappuccinos.
This lower-cost option from Nespresso's Vertuo line features different shaped capsules than the standard Espresso pod and lets you select between five different sizes of brewing: Espresso, Double Espresso, Gran Lungo, Mug and Extra Large Alto.
1. Nespresso VertuoPlus
VertuoPlus capsule coffee machines are one of Nespresso’s higher-end options. This particular model uses Centrifusion technology to make the best possible cup of espresso or long coffee with the push of one button. Its sophisticated barcode reader detects the type of Nespresso pod you've inserted and automatically adjusts extraction settings to achieve optimal in-cup results. This means you don't need to set everything manually and it reduces waste by only using the precise amount of water, energy and coffee needed for each size of capsule-specific drink.
The machine makes use of centrifugal force to spin the capsules at 7,000 revolutions per minute, mixing ground coffee with water, creating a thick creamy, velvety crema. This helps evenly coat each capsule with water before extraction, which is crucial to ensure a delicious coffee. The machine also has a large, 40-ounce water tank, meaning you can make many cups of coffee or espresso without having to empty it. After the brewing process is complete, the machine ejects the used capsule and puts it in an internal container that can be easily removed and recycling.
The machine isn't equipped with a milk frother built in, but it can be used with Nespresso Aeroccino3 for cappuccinos or lattes. It's available in 13 different colors and features a slim, tall frame less than 9 inches wide which makes it easy to place on the kitchen counter. The top of the cabinet opens automatically, making it much easier to insert capsules when you are unable to reach them.
The Nespresso coffee maker is available on Amazon for $119. It's a great price for a machine that will make the most delicious cup of espresso or long-coffee. It comes with 10 Melozio (intensity 6) and 10 Stormio (intensity 8). This lets you to play around with different blends.
2. Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie
This sleek capsule coffee maker is simple to use and won't cost you the earth. It's available in cream or black and can create five milk-based drinks at the touch of a switch. This includes cappuccino macchiato and large. It's not suitable for lattes and foamy drinks as a stand-alone milk frother. It also has a tiny water tank and limited selection of compatible capsules, which means it could be more for black or espresso drinkers who don't mind refilling and emptying the machine.
The smallest and quietest of Lavazza's A Modo Mio machines, Jolie is perfect for those who wish to enjoy delicious, premium Italian coffee at home without the hassle and expense of a traditional coffee maker. It is easy to use, with just one backlit stop&go that allows you to select the amount of coffee you want or hot cocoa. Its compact size and elegant design make it the perfect complement to any room.
We tested the coffee only version. There's also a Jolie and Milk machine for PS169, which comes with an milk frother if enjoy milky drinks and lattes. It's easy to keep clean by having clear plastic water tank that has indicators for MIN/MAX as well as an adjustable capsule drawer that can be rinsed under running water. It will shut down automatically after nine minutes of inactivity and the power cable can be removed from the machine, making it simple to move.
Like other capsule machines, it's essential to clean your Jolie regularly by emptying and cleaning the coffee reservoir and filter as well as the water tank. Descaling it periodically will keep it performing at its peak.
3. Breville BES870XL
The Breville Barista Express is a top choice for espresso lovers who want an at-home real espresso machine. It's also among the few machines we test that produces rich, creamy lattes and also the thin layer of foam to add an extra dimension to your beverages. It's also a great value for coffee makers at home especially when you consider that it's less expensive than professional machines.
This is a real espresso machine, which is different from some of the semi-automatic models we have reviewed. It has an integrated steam wand as well as PID temperature control for milk-based drinks. like this means it has a bit more of an learning curve than Rancilio Silvia, Gaggia Classic or Nespresso VertuoPlus, but it's still well within reach for those looking to master how to pull an amazing shot and create espresso art at home.
The hopper is a huge, airtight design that preserves freshness and flavor. It's also simple to remove for cleaning and refilling which is a major benefit in our book. The tamper can also be removed which is helpful if you want to manually tamp your shots or use a double-wall filters.
Other notable features include a rapid heating thermoblock as well as adjustable grind settings and dose control, and a drip tray that keeps beans out of your water. It's also simple to clean and use, though it's not the longest-lasting product available. The biggest drawback is that it can be loud when brewing but the sound will decrease as you become familiar with it.
4. Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Mini
The Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Mini is a compact quiet pod coffee maker that's ideal for small spaces. It's the most compact of the machines from the brand, and is Lavazza's cheapest capsule coffee maker (although you can still find its predecessors, like the Lavazza Tiny A Modo, on Amazon).
The Jolie Mini doesn't have the bells and whistles that are found in the other machines in this list, but it does everything a basic pod machine should be able to do. It's quick to heat up and is simple to use. It's also a good choice for those looking to test different flavors of capsules without having to shell out for a bigger model.
Despite its size despite its size, even at its size, Jolie Mini is easy to clean. The drip tray, the capsule container and water tank are equipped with an easy-to-read MIN/MAX indicator. It's also dishwasher safe, so you can keep it as hygienic as possible. The manual contains instructions on how to decal it every three to four months.
Users love this little machine with a rating of 4.4 out of five stars on Amazon. The machine's quiet operation, the variety of options it provides and the fact that pods can be recycled or composted are all highly praised. There were some users who had issues with the capacity of the capsule however this was easily solved.
In the box inside, you'll find a power cable and plug along with an instruction manual, a quick-guide warranty sheet, and a tester box with nine Lavazza pods. Six of the nine pods are roasted and two are lungo and two are decaffeinated. Two of the varieties are organic, so you'll have plenty of choices for your next cup!
5. Lavazza A Modo Mio Mini
With its clean lines and small size The Lavazza A Modo Mio Mini is designed to fit in modern kitchens. It's a coffee maker with the potential to change the way you prepare coffee at home.
Our team was awestruck by the speed with the time it prepared the coffee and the quality of the finished product. The streamlined machine is easy to wipe down, while the capsule bin and waste tray are spacious enough to avoid a build-up of used capsules. The A Modo Mio Mini also comes with 16 Dolce Vita hot chocolate capsules which can be used as an instant treat without the need to brew it separately.
This machine is ideal for milk-based coffee lovers and aims to provide an authentic espresso with each sip. The machine's automatic brewing system is so sophisticated that it scans each capsule barcode and adjusts the settings automatically to the appropriate level for the drink you prefer. However, coffee machine best 'll need to add a separate milk machine if you intend to make cappuccinos and lattes. The A Modo Mio Mini is quiet and easy to use and is a good advantage for people who are early risers or have busy families.
The VertuoPlus offers more presets, however, it isn't as customizable. This might not be an issue for those that prefer to play around until they discover the perfect recipe. The 1.8-litre tank can be placed either in the rear or on one side of the machine depending on the available space. The drawer for capsules holds 13 large pods. Other features include the ability to queue your next cup while the machine heats up, as well as alerts when you've not refilled the tank with water, or if the machine requires decaling.
