Which is the Best Pod Coffee Machine?
When it comes to quick easy, convenient brews that are simple and easy to clean up, a pod maker is hard to beat. These sleek machines are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from small models to larger models that come with frothier cappuccinos.
This affordable option from Nespresso’s Vertuo range features different-shaped capsules to the standard Espresso pod. You can pick among five different choices for brewing: Espresso, Double Espresso Gran Lungo Mug, Extra Large Alto.
1. Nespresso VertuoPlus
VertuoPlus capsule coffee machines are one of Nespresso's top-of-the-line options. This model uses Centrifusion to make the perfect cup of espresso or a long coffee at the touch of one button. Its clever barcode reader recognizes the kind of Nespresso pod you've placed in it and automatically adjusts extraction settings to ensure optimal results in the cup. It eliminates the necessity to manually adjust everything and only uses the exact amount of coffee, water and energy needed to make each drink's exact size.
The machine utilizes centrifugal force to spin capsules at 7,000 turns per minute. The machine blends ground coffee with water, producing a rich and velvety crema. This helps evenly saturate each capsule with water before extraction, which is crucial to ensure a delicious coffee. The machine also has a huge 40-ounce water tank meaning you can make many cups of coffee or espresso without having to empty it. The machine will automatically empty the capsule that is used up after brewing and place it in a container, which can be easily removed and reused.
The machine isn't equipped with a milk maker built in, but can be used in conjunction with Nespresso Aeroccino3 for cappuccinos or lattes. It comes in 13 colours and is slim and tall, measuring less than 9 inches. This makes it easy to put on the counter of your kitchen. Its top opens automatically, making it much easier to insert capsules if you're not able to do it manually.
The Nespresso coffee maker is currently on Amazon for $119. It's a great deal for a machine which can produce the best cup of long coffee or espresso. It comes with 10 Melozio (intensity 6) and 10 Stormio (intensity 8). This allows 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 a fortune. It's available in black or cream, and can make five milk-based drinks at the touch of a switch. This includes cappuccino macchiato and large. However, it's not ideal for lattes and frothy drinks as a standalone milk frother. It also has a small water tank, and a limited choice of compatible capsules. So it might be more suited to espresso or black-coffee drinkers who aren't afraid of refilling and emptying the machine.
The smallest and quietest of Lavazza's A Modo Mio machines, Jolie is ideal for those who wish to enjoy a great tasting, high-quality Italian coffee at home without the hassle or cost of traditional coffee makers. It's simple to use, with just one stop&go button that is backlit for selecting the desired quantity of hot or coffee chocolate, and it can be used in complete silence. Its compact size and elegant design makes it the perfect match to any room.
We tested the coffee-only version. There's also a Jolie and Milk machine for PS169 which includes an milk frother if enjoy milky drinks and lattes. The machine is easy to clean with an easy-to-clean water tank with indicator lights for MIN/MAX as well as a removable capsule tray that is washable in running water. It shuts down automatically after nine minutes of inactivity and the power cable can be detached from the machine, making it easier to move.
Like other capsule machines It is recommended to clean your Jolie regularly. Clean and empty the coffee reservoir and filter, as well as the water container. Periodic descaling will help it keep its performance at its peak for a long period of time.
3. Breville BES870XL
The Breville Barista Express makes a ideal choice for those who want an actual espresso machine at home. It's also among the few machines we tested that can produce rich lattes that are creamy as well as the thin layer of foam to add an extra dimension to your beverages. Pound for pound it's also a great value for coffee makers for home use especially when you consider it's cheaper than professional machines.
Unlike some of the other semi-automatic models we looked at This is a real espresso maker with a built-in grinder and a temperature control with PID and a steam wand to make milk-based beverages. It has a bit more of a steep learning curve than the Rancilio Silvia or Gaggia Classic. However, it's still accessible to those who wish to learn how to make a great espresso and the art of latte.
The most prominent feature of this model is the bean hopper that is large that's been designed with an airtight seal to preserve freshness and taste. It's also easy to remove to clean and refill, a major plus in our book. The tamper is also removable also and can be helpful if you prefer to manually tamp your shots or are using a double-wall filter.
Other noteworthy features include a rapid heating thermoblock as well as adjustable grind settings and dose control, as well as drip tray that keeps the beans out of your water. It's also easy to clean and use, however it's not as durable as other models. Its biggest drawback is its loudness during brewing. However, this is likely to diminish as you get more comfortable with it.
4. Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Mini
The Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Mini is a small quiet pod coffee machine which is perfect 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 some of its predecessors, including the Lavazza Tiny A Modo, on Amazon).
The Jolie Mini doesn't have the extra bells and whistles of the other machines in this list, but it can do everything a basic pod machine should do. It heats quickly and is simple to use. best espresso machine 's a great option for those looking to experiment with different flavors of capsules without having to shell out for a larger model.
The Jolie Mini is very easy to clean, regardless of its size. The drip tray, capsule container, and water tank are equipped with an easy-to-read MIN/MAX indicator. It is dishwasher safe, so that you can keep it as clean as you can. It is recommended to descal every three to four months, and the steps for doing so are in the manual.
This little machine is loved by users who have given it 4.4 stars out of five. The quiet operation and the flexibility of the options it provides are particularly appreciated, and the fact that the capsules can be recycled or composted is highly appreciated. Some users were unhappy with the size of the capsule container but this was easily rectified.
Inside the box there's a power cable and plug, an instruction manual, a quick-guide warranty information and a tester box with nine Lavazza pods. Six of the nine pods are roasts and two are lungo and two are decaffeinated. Two of these are organic, meaning you have a wide range of choices for your next cup!
5. Lavazza A Modo Mio Mini
With its sleek lines and small size, the Lavazza A Modo Mio Mini is designed to fit perfectly into modern kitchens. It has the potential to change the way you make coffee at home, and is available at an affordable price.
Our team was awestruck by the speed at the time it prepared a cup of coffee and the quality of the finished product. The machine is easy-to-clean, and the waste bin as well as capsule bins are large enough to prevent the buildup 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 make it separately.
This machine is ideal for coffee drinkers who prefer milk and aims to provide the authentic espresso in every sip. The machine's automatic brewing mechanism is so precise that it scans every capsule barcode and adjusts the settings to the right level for the beverage you prefer. You will need a separate machine to make lattes or cappuccinos. The A Modo Mio Mini operates quietly, which is ideal for those who are up early or have a busy family.
The VertuoPlus offers more presets, but it is not as customizable. This may not be an issue for coffee lovers who prefer to experiment until they have the perfect recipe. The 1.8-litre water tank can be placed in the back or on one side of the machine depending on your worktop space and the used capsule drawer can accommodate 13 large pods. Other features include the capability to hold your next cup while the machine is heating as well as alerts if you've not filled it with water or if it requires descaling.