Which is the Best Pod Coffee Machine?
When it comes to fast and convenient drinks that are simple and easy to clean up, a pod machine is difficult to beat. These sleek machines are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, from small models to larger models that come with frothier cappuccinos.
The cheapest option in Nespresso's Vertuo range features different-shaped capsules that are different to the standard Espresso pod. You can pick between five options 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 particular model utilizes Centrifusion technology to make the most perfect cup of long or espresso at the touch of a button. The barcode reader automatically adjusts the extraction settings to ensure the best results in the cup. It removes the need to adjust anything manually and only uses the exact amount of water, coffee and energy required to make each drink's exact size.
The machine utilizes centrifugal force to spin the capsules at 7,000 revolutions per minute, mixing ground coffee with water and producing a thick creamy, velvety crema. This helps evenly fill each capsule with water prior extraction, which is essential for a flavorful coffee. The machine comes with a 40-ounce tank of water, which means you can make a lot of coffee or espresso before having to empty it. The machine will automatically empty the used capsule after brewing, and then place it in a container to be easily removed and recycled.
The machine doesn't have an inbuilt milk frother however it can be used in conjunction with Nespresso's Aeroccino3 milk frother to make cappuccinos and lattes. It's available in 13 different 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 cabinet opens automatically, making it easier to insert capsules if you're not able to do it manually.
This Nespresso coffee machine is currently on Amazon for $119. It's a great price for a machine that can produce the best cup of espresso or long coffee. It comes with the starter kit, which includes 10 Melozio capsules (intensity 6) and 10 Stormio capsules (intensity 8) to allow you to test the blends.
2. Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie
A sleek capsule coffee machine that's simple to use and won't cost a fortune. It's available in black or cream, and can make five milk-based drinks with a touch of a switch. These include cappuccino macchiato and large. It's not ideal for lattes or frothy drinks like a standalone milk frother. It also has a relatively small water tank, and a limited choice of compatible capsules, so it could be more for black or espresso drinkers who don't mind regularly refilling and emptying the machine.
Jolie, the smallest and quietest of Lavazza's A Modo Mio machines is perfect for those who enjoy top-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 a coffee or hot chocolate, and can be used in complete silence. Its compact size and elegant design make it the perfect addition to any space.
We tried the coffee only version. There's also a Jolie and Milk machine for PS169 that comes with milk frothers if you like milky drinks and lattes. It's easy to clean, with an uncluttered plastic water tank with indicators for MIN/MAX and an open capsule drawer that can be rinsed under running water. It shuts off automatically after 9 minutes and the power cable can be removed from the machine.
Like many capsule machines, it is important to clean your Jolie regularly by emptying and cleaning the coffee reservoir and filter, as well as the water tank. A regular descaling process will allow it to perform at its best for a long time.
3. Breville BES870XL
The Breville Barista Express is a top pick for espresso lovers seeking a home-based real espresso machine. It's one of the few we tested that can make rich lattes that are creamy and smooth, and also create the thin layer of foam that adds an additional flavor to your drinks. Pound for pound, it's an excellent value as far as coffee makers for the home especially when you consider it's less expensive than professional machines.
Unlike some of the other semi-automatic models that we reviewed it's a real espresso maker that comes with a built-in grinder and a temperature control with PID and a steam wand that can be used for milk-based drinks. It's got a little bit more of an education curve than the Rancilio Silvia, Gaggia Classic, or Nespresso VertuoPlus, but it's still attainable for those looking to master the art of pulling a perfect shot and create espresso art at home.
The most prominent feature of this model is the bean hopper that is large that has been constructed with an airtight seal to protect the freshness and flavor. It's also easy to take it off to clean and refill which is a major benefit in our book. The tamper can also be removed, which is helpful when you need to manually tamp shots or use a double-wall filter.
Other notable features include a rapid heating thermoblock as well as adjustable grind settings and dose control, as well as a drip tray that keeps beans out of your water. It's also easy to use and clean, though it's not the strongest device available. The biggest disadvantage is that it can be noisy when it's 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 machine that's ideal for small spaces. It is the smallest machine in the Lavazza range and is also the cheapest capsule coffee maker. (You can still purchase the Lavazza Tiny on Amazon.)
The Jolie Mini doesn't have the extra bells and whistles of the other machines in this list, but it does everything that a simple pod machine is supposed to do. It is quick to heat up and simple to use. It's also a good choice for those who want to test different flavors of capsules without the need to shell out for a more expensive model.
The Jolie Mini is very easy to clean, even considering its size. The drip tray, used capsule container, and water tank have a handy MIN/MAX indication. It's also dishwasher-safe, so you can keep it as hygienic as possible. It should be cleaned every three to four months, and the guidelines for doing so are in the manual.
This little machine is loved by users, who have given it 4.4 stars out of 5. The quiet operation and flexibility of the options it provides are particularly appreciated, and the fact that the capsules can be composted or recycled is appreciated. Some users had issues with the capacity of the used capsule container however this was easily fixed.
There's also the power cord and plug, a user manual, a quick-guide, a warranty sheet and a tester containing nine Lavazza pods. Six of the nine pods are roast and two are lungo and two are decaffeinated. Two of these are organic, meaning you'll have a variety of choices 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 sleek design and compact size. It has the potential to revolutionise the way you make coffee at home, and is available at a very affordable price.
Our test team was impressed by the speed at which it made a cup of coffee and the quality of the finished product. coffeee.uk is easy-to-clean, and the waste bin and capsule bin are large enough to prevent the buildup 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 love milk-based beverages and want to deliver an authentic espresso with every sip. Its clever automatic brewing system scans the barcode on each capsule and adjusts the settings to ensure that it is at the right quality for the drink you choose. You will need an additional machine to make lattes or cappuccinos. The A Modo Mio Mini is quiet to use which is a great plus point for early risers and those with busy families.
It does not offer the same amount of customisable presets that are available as the VertuoPlus, but this may not be an issue for those who like to tweak until they find their perfect recipe. The 1.8-litre water tank can be positioned either towards the back or to one side of the machine based on your worktop space and the used capsule drawer has room for 13 large pods. Other features include the ability to queue your next cup as the machine heats up and also alerts if you haven't refilled the tank with water, or if the machine needs decaling.