Which is the Best Pod Coffee Machine?
If you’re looking for quick easy, convenient brews that are simple and easy to clean up, a pod machine is impossible to beat. These sleek machines come in all shapes and sizes, from minis that can fit on your worktop to larger models that feature a frothier for cappuccinos.
This more affordable alternative from Nespresso’s Vertuo line features different shaped capsules than the standard Espresso pod, and allows you to 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 more expensive options. This particular model makes use of Centrifusion technology to brew the best cappuccino machine cup of long or espresso by pressing the button. The barcode reader automatically adjusts the extraction settings to ensure the best compact coffee machine results in the cup. This means that you don’t need to set everything manually, and it eliminates waste by using only the precise amount of water, energy and coffee required for each size of capsule-specific drink.
The machine utilizes centrifugal force to spin capsules at 7,000 revolutions per minute, mixing ground coffee with water and producing a thick creamy, velvety crema. This helps to evenly saturate each capsule with water prior extraction, which is crucial for a flavorful cup of coffee. The machine also has a huge, 40-ounce water tank, meaning you can make many cups of coffee or espresso before having to empty it. The machine will automatically remove the capsule that has been used after brewing and put it in a container, which can be easily removed and reused.
This machine doesn’t come with an integrated milk frother, however, it can be used in combination with Nespresso’s Aeroccino3 milk frother to make lattes and cappuccinos. It’s available in 13 different colors and features a slim, tall frame less than 9 inches wide which makes it easy to fit on your kitchen countertop. The top of the cabinet opens automatically, making it easier to insert capsules when you’re not able to do it manually.
This Nespresso coffee machine is currently on Amazon for $119. It’s a bargain for a machine which can make the most delicious cup of espresso or long-coffee. It comes with a starter kit that includes 10 Melozio capsules (intensity 6) and 10 Stormio capsules (intensity 8) which allows you to test the blends.
2. Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie
This stylish capsule coffee maker is easy to use and won’t cost you a fortune. It’s available in cream or black, and can create five milk-based drinks with a click of a button. This includes macchiato cappuccino and a large. It’s not suitable for lattes and frosty drinks as a standalone milk frother. It also has a small water tank and a limited selection of compatible capsules, which means it may be better suited to espresso or black-coffee drinkers who don’t mind refilling and emptying the machine.
Jolie The tiniest and quietest of Lavazza’s A Modo Mio machines is perfect for those who enjoy top-quality Italian coffee without the hassle of a traditional machine. It is simple to use, with just one backlit stop&go that allows you to select the desired amount of coffee or hot cocoa. Its compact size and elegant design makes it the perfect match to any room.
We tested the coffee-only version. There is also a Jolie and Milk machine for PS169, which comes with milk frothers if you enjoy milky drinks and lattes. It’s easy to clean, with clear plastic water tank that has indicators for MIN/MAX as well as an adjustable capsule drawer that is washable under running water. It is shut down automatically after 9 minutes and the power cable is able to be removed from the machine.
As with 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. Periodic descaling will 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 who want an at-home, real espresso machine. It’s among the few we tested that can make rich creamy lattes, and produce the thin layer foam that adds a little more flavor to your drinks. It’s also a great value for home coffee makers especially when you consider that it’s less expensive than professional machines.
This is a real espresso machine, unlike other semi-automatic models we have reviewed. It has an inbuilt steam wand, as well as PID temperature control for milk-based drinks. This means it has a little bit more of an learning curve than Rancilio Silvia, Gaggia Classic or Nespresso VertuoPlus, but it’s still well within reach for those who want to master the art of pulling an amazing shot and create latte art at home.
This model’s most notable feature is the large bean hopper, which has been designed with an airtight seal to preserve freshness and flavor. It is also simple to take out and refill, which we believe is an advantage. The tamper is also removable too, which can be useful if you prefer to manually tap your shots or using double-wall filters.
Other noteworthy features include a rapid heating thermoblock with adjustable grind settings, dose control, as well as drip tray that keeps beans out of your water. It is also easy to clean and use, but it’s not as durable as some other units. Its biggest drawback is its loudness during brewing. However, this should decrease as you become more comfortable with it.
4. Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Mini
The Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie Mini coffee machine is small and quiet, which makes it perfect for small spaces. It’s the smallest model within the Lavazza range and the cheapest capsule coffee maker. (You can still purchase the Lavazza Tiny on Amazon.)
The Jolie Mini is a simple pod machine that doesn’t have all the bells and whistles. It heats up quickly, and it’s easy to use. It’s a great option for those who want to taste different flavors without having to buy a larger model.
Despite its size, despite its size, the Jolie Mini is easy to clean. The drip tray and used capsule container can be removed and the water tank is equipped with an easy-to-read MIN/MAX indicator. It’s also dishwasher-safe, so 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 a rating 4.4 stars out of five. The quiet operation and flexible choices it offers are particularly noted, while the fact that the capsules can be composted or recycled is a big plus. Some users had issues with the size of the capsule container but this was easily fixed.
In the box inside, you’ll find the power cable and best compact coffee machine plug, an instruction manual, a quick-guide warranty information, and a tester box containing nine Lavazza pods. Six of these are roasted, and two are lungo and two are decaffeinated. Two of these are organic, meaning you’ll have a variety of options for your next cup!
5. Lavazza A Modo Mio Mini
Lavazza A Modo Mio Mini was designed to be a perfect fit for modern kitchens with its compact size and clean lines. It’s an espresso maker with the potential to revolutionize the way you prepare coffee at home.
Our team was awestruck by the speed with the time it prepared coffee as well as the quality of the finished product. The sleek machine is simple to wipe down, while the capsule bin and waste tray are big enough to prevent the accumulation of capsules that have been used. The A Modo Mio Mini also comes with 16 Dolce Vita hot chocolate capsules that can be used to make an instant treat without the need to make it separately.
This machine is perfect for those who enjoy milk-based beverages and want to deliver an authentic espresso in every sip. The machine’s automatic brewing system is so sophisticated that it scans each capsule’s barcode and adjusts the settings automatically to the proper level for the drink you prefer. But, you’ll require a separate milk machine if you want to make lattes and cappuccinos. The A Modo Mio Mini is quiet and easy to use and is a good advantage for early risers and those with a busy family life.
The VertuoPlus has more presets, but it is not as customizable. This isn’t an issue for coffee purists who like to experiment until they have the perfect recipe. The 1.8-litre tank can be set in the rear or on one side of the machine depending on the available space. The used capsule drawer holds 13 large pods. Other features include the capability to hold your next cup while the machine is heating, and also alerts if you’ve not filled it with water or if it requires descaling.