Which is the Best Pod Coffee Machine?
If you're looking for quick and convenient drinks that are easy to clean up, a pod maker is hard to beat. These sleek machines come in all shapes and sizes from tiny models that be placed on the worktop, to larger models with an ice cream maker for cappuccinos.
This lower-cost option from Nespresso's Vertuo line comes with different-shaped capsules that are different from the standard Espresso pod and lets you choose between five brewing sizes: Espresso, Double Espresso, Gran Lungo, Mug and Extra Large Alto.
1. Nespresso VertuoPlus
The VertuoPlus line of capsule coffee makers is among Nespresso's most expensive options. This model uses Centrifusion to brew a perfect cup of espresso or long-lasting cup of coffee at the push of a button. Its sophisticated barcode reader detects the kind of Nespresso pod you've inserted and automatically adjusts extraction settings for optimal results in the cup. It removes the need to manually adjust anything and only uses the exact amount of coffee, water and energy needed for each capsule's unique drink size.
The machine uses centrifugal force to spin capsules at 7,000 revolutions per minute, mixing ground coffee with water, producing a thick creamy, velvety crema. This process helps to evenly fill each capsule with water prior extraction, which is crucial to ensure a delicious coffee. The machine is equipped with a 40-ounce water tank, so you can make a lot of coffee or espresso before having to empty it. After the brewing process is complete, the machine ejects the used capsule and then puts it inside a container for easy removal and recycling.
The machine isn't equipped with a milk frother built in, but it can be used in conjunction with Nespresso Aeroccino3 for lattes or cappuccinos. It's available in 13 different colors and has an incredibly slim, tall body less than 9 inches in width, which makes it easy to place on your kitchen countertop. best coffee machine bean to cup of the capsule holder opens automatically, making it easier for people with limited dexterity to insert capsules.
This Nespresso coffee maker is currently on sale on Amazon for $119 it's a great price for a machine that can make the best cup of espresso or long coffee. It comes with an initial kit that includes 10 Melozio capsules (intensity 6) and 10 Stormio capsules (intensity 8) so you can play around with the blends.
2. Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie
A sleek capsule coffee maker that is simple to use and won't cost you a fortune. It's available in cream or black and makes five milk-based recipes at the push of an button, including cappuccino large and macchiato latte. However, it's not as suitable for lattes and foamy drinks as a stand-alone milk frother. It also has a small water tank, and a limited selection of compatible capsules. So it may be better suitable for black or espresso drinkers who aren't afraid of refilling and emptying the machine.
Jolie Jolie, the smallest and most quiet of Lavazza’s A Modo Mio machines is perfect for those who enjoy quality Italian coffee without the hassle of traditional machines. It's easy to use, with just one backlit stop&go button for selecting the desired quantity of coffee or hot chocolate, and can be used in silence. Its compact design and elegant size make it a perfect addition to any interior.
We tried the coffee-only version of the machine. There is also a Jolie and Milk model for PS169 that comes with milk-frothers if you're fan of lattes and milk-based drinks. The machine is easy to clean using a an uncluttered water tank with indicators for MIN/MAX and the removable capsule tray can be washed in running water. It is shut down automatically after nine minutes, and the power cable is able to be removed from the machine.
As with other capsules, you should clean your Jolie regularly. Clean and empty the coffee reservoir and filter as well as the water container. Regular descaling can help it keep its performance at its peak for a long period of time.
3. Breville BES870XL
The Breville Barista Express is a top pick for espresso lovers seeking a home-based, real espresso machine. It's also among the few machines we tested that can produce rich, creamy lattes and also the thin layer of foam that can add an extra dimension to your drink. Pound for pound it's also an excellent value as far as home coffee makers go particularly when you consider that it's less expensive than professional-level machines.
It's a true espresso machine, in contrast to some of the semi-automatic models we have looked at. It has an integrated steam wand as well as PID temperature control for milk-based drinks. It's got some more of a learning curve than the Rancilio Silvia, Gaggia Classic or Nespresso VertuoPlus, but it's still well within reach for those looking to master the art of pulling a perfect shot and create espresso art at home.
The hopper is a large, airtight design that preserves freshness and flavor. It is also simple to take out and refill, which we consider an advantage. The tamper is also removable too it can be useful when you prefer to manually tamp your shots or are using a double-wall filter.
Other notable features include a quick-heating thermoblock and adjustable grind settings, dose control and drip tray that keeps the beans out of your water. It's also easy to clean and use, but it's not as durable as some other models. Its biggest disadvantage is that it may be noisy when it's brewing, but the sound should fade as you become more familiar with it.
4. Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Mini
The Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Mini coffee maker is small and quiet, which makes it perfect for small spaces. It's the smallest model within the Lavazza range and is also the cheapest capsule coffee maker. (You can still find the Lavazza Tiny on Amazon.)
The Jolie Mini is a simple pod machine that doesn't come with all the bells and whistles. It is quick to heat up and easy to use. It's also a great choice for those looking to try out different flavours of capsules without the need to shell out for a more expensive model.
The Jolie Mini is very easy to clean regardless of its size. The drip tray, container for capsules, and the water tank come with an easy-to-read MIN/MAX indicator. It's dishwasher-safe, which means you can keep it as clean as you can. It needs to be descaling every three to four months, and the steps for doing this are included in the manual.
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 choices it offers and the fact that pods can be recycled or composted are all highly appreciated. Some users did have issues with the capacity of the used capsule, but this was easily resolved.
Inside the box, you'll find a power cable and plug, an instruction manual, a quick-guide warranty information, and a tester box that contains nine Lavazza pods. Six of them are roasted, and two are lungo and two are decaffeinated. Two of them are organic, so you'll have a variety of options for your next cup!
5. Lavazza A Modo Mio Mini
Lavazza A Modo Mio Mini has been designed to fit in modern kitchens with its compact size and clean lines. It is able to change the way you prepare coffee at home, and is available at an affordable cost.
Our test team was impressed with the speed and quality of the final product. The sleek machine is simple to clean, and the capsule bin and waste tray are large enough to avoid a accumulation of capsules that have been used. The A Modo Mio Mini comes with 16 Dolce Vita capsules, which can be used to make a quick treat.
This machine is perfect for those who enjoy milk-based coffees and want to provide a true espresso in every sip. The machine's automated brewing system is so clever that it scans every capsule barcode and adjusts the settings automatically to the proper level for the beverage you choose. You'll require an additional machine to make lattes or cappuccinos. The A Modo Mio Mini is quiet in operation which is a great plus point for people who are early risers or have an active family.
The VertuoPlus has more presets, but it is not as customizable. This isn't an issue for coffee purists that prefer to play around until they discover the perfect recipe. The 1.8-litre water tank can be positioned either in the back or on one side of the machine based on the space available for your worktop and the used capsule drawer has room for 13 large pods. Other features include the possibility to queue your next drink while the machine heats up, as well as alerts when you haven't refilled the tank with water, or if the machine needs decaling.