Which is the Best Pod Coffee Machine?
A pod machine is a great option for quick, convenient drinks. They are also easy to clean and simple to use. These sleek machines are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from minis to large models with frothier cappuccinos.
This affordable option from Nespresso’s Vertuo range comes with different shaped capsules in addition to the standard Espresso pod. You can select among five choices for brewing: Espresso, Double Espresso Gran Lungo Mug, Extra Large Alto.
1. Nespresso VertuoPlus
The VertuoPlus line of capsule coffee machines is one of Nespresso's more high-end options. This model uses Centrifusion to make the perfect cup of espresso or long coffee at the touch of one button. The barcode reader automatically adjusts the extraction settings to get the best results in the cup. It eliminates the need to adjust anything manually and only uses the precise amount of water, coffee and energy required to make each drink's exact size.
The machine uses centrifugal force to spin the capsules at 7,000 revolutions per minute, blending ground coffee with water, producing a rich velvety crema. This helps evenly saturate each capsule with water before extraction, which is important to ensure a delicious coffee. The machine comes with a 40-ounce tank of water so you can make a lot of espresso or coffee before having to empty it. The machine will automatically eject the capsule that is used up after brewing and place it in a container, which can be easily removed and recycled.
The machine doesn't have an inbuilt milk fr other however it can be used in combination with Nespresso's Aeroccino3 milk fr other to make cappuccinos and lattes. It's available in 13 colors and features an incredibly slim, tall body less than 9 inches in width, which makes it easy to fit on the kitchen counter. The top of the capsule holder opens automatically to make it easier for those with limited dexterity to insert capsules.
The Nespresso coffee maker is currently on sale on Amazon for $119 which is a fantastic price for an advanced machine that's capable of producing the finest espresso or long coffee. It comes with 10 Melozio (intensity 6), and 10 Stormio (intensity 8). This lets you to experiment with various combinations.
2. Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie
A sleek capsule coffee maker that's simple to use and won't break the bank. It comes in cream or black and can make five milk-based recipes with the touch of a button such as cappuccino large and latte macchiato. It's not suitable for lattes or frothy drinks such as a standalone milk frother. It also has a tiny water tank and limited number of compatible capsules, so it could be more suited to espresso or black-coffee drinkers who don't mind regularly refilling and emptying the machine.
Jolie, the smallest and most quiet of Lavazza’s A Modo Mio machines is ideal for those who appreciate top-quality Italian coffee without the hassle of a traditional machine. It is easy to use, requiring only one stop&go button that is backlit to select the desired amount of coffee or hot chocolate, and can be used in complete silence. Its slim design and stylish dimensions make it an ideal accessory to any room.
We tried the coffee only version. There's also a Jolie and Milk machine for PS169, which comes with milk frothers if you enjoy milky drinks and lattes. The machine is easy to clean with an uncluttered water tank with indicator lights for MIN/MAX as well as the removable capsule tray is washable in running water. It will shut off automatically after nine minutes and the power cable can be removed from the machine.
Like many capsule machines, it's important to clean your Jolie on a regular basis by emptying and cleaning the coffee reservoir and filter as well as the water tank. Cleaning it frequently will ensure that it's performing optimally.
3. Breville BES870XL
The Breville Barista Express is a top pick for espresso lovers who want an at-home, real espresso machine. It's one of the few we've tested that can make rich, creamy lattes and even create the thin layer of foam that gives a little additional flavor to your drink. Pound for pound it's also an excellent value as far as coffee makers for the home, especially when you consider it's less expensive than professional-level machines.
This is a true espresso machine, unlike other semi-automatic models that we examined. It has an inbuilt steam wand, as well as PID temperature control for milk-based drinks. This means it has some more of a learning curve than the Rancilio Silvia, Gaggia Classic or Nespresso VertuoPlus, but it's still within reach for those who want to master the art of pulling an amazing shot and create espresso art at home.
The most prominent feature of this model is the oversized bean hopper, which has been designed with an airtight seal to preserve the freshness and flavor. It is also easy to take out and refill, which we believe is a major bonus. The tamper can also be removed which is a great option for those who want to manually tamp your shots or use a double-wall filters.
Other notable features include a fast heating thermoblock as well as adjustable grind settings and dose control, and drip tray that keeps the beans out of your water. It's also easy to clean and use, though it's not the most durable device available. Its biggest drawback is its loudness during brewing. However, this should 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 that is ideal for small spaces. It's the smallest machine within the Lavazza range, and also the most affordable capsule coffee maker. (You can still find the Lavazza Tiny on Amazon.)
The Jolie Mini is a simple pod machine that doesn't have all the bells and whistles. It is quick to heat up and easy to use. It's an excellent choice for those who want to taste different flavors without the need to purchase a larger model.
The Jolie Mini is very easy to clean despite its size. The drip tray and used capsule container can be removed, and the water tank comes with a handy MIN/MAX indicator. It is also dishwasher safe and allows you to keep it as clean as possible. It is recommended to descal every three to four months, and the steps to do this are provided in the manual.
The users love this small machine, giving it a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. The machine's quiet operation, the wide range of options it offers and the fact that pods can either be composted or recycled are all highly praised. Some users did have issues with the capacity of the capsule, but this was easily solved.
In the box, you'll find a power cable and plug along with an instruction manual, 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 them are organic, meaning you'll have a wide selection to pick from for your next cup of tea!
5. Lavazza A Modo Mio Mini
Lavazza A Modo Mio Mini was designed to fit in modern kitchens, thanks to its small size and clean lines. It is able to revolutionise the way you make coffee at home and is available at an affordable cost.
Our team was awestruck by the speed at which it made coffee as well as the quality of the final product. The sleek machine is easy to clean, while the capsule bin and waste tray are big enough to prevent a accumulation of used capsules. The A Modo Mio Mini comes with 16 Dolce Vita capsules, which can be used for an instant treat.
This machine is perfect for coffee drinkers who prefer milk and aims to give you an authentic espresso with every sip. The machine's automated brewing system is so sophisticated that it scans each capsule's barcode and adjusts the settings automatically to the appropriate level for the drink you choose. However, you'll require an additional milk machine in case you want to make lattes and cappuccinos. The A Modo Mio Mini operates at a low level, which is perfect for those who wake up early or have a busy family.
It does not offer the same amount of customisable presets that are available as the VertuoPlus however this might not be an issue for coffee lovers who like to experiment until they come up with their ideal recipe. The 1.8-litre water tank can be set in the back or on one side of the machine, based on the size of your worktop, and the drawer for capsules has room for 13 large pods. Other features include the ability to store your next drink while the machine heats up as well alerts when you haven't filled the water tank or if the machine requires decaling.