Best Coffee Machines With Pods
The best coffee machines that use pods let you make everything from strong espressos to beautiful flat whites with minimal effort. Most machines are fully automated by scanning the barcode of a pod to pre-wet, infuse, and dispense the correct volume.
The standout feature is Bruvi, which makes use of B-Corp Certified treated polypropylene pods which will degrade in landfills when you're done. It's also one of the most simple machines to use.
1. Tassimo My Way 2
Tassimo My Way 2 makes a wide range of drinks. It allows you to make a variety of Costa favourites and hot chocolate from Cadbury's and tea. The machine is quick to warm up and can make the perfect cup of coffee in just three seconds. It also comes with a jug to use for frothing milk and has different sizes of cups. It is simple to use and offers the option of 40 different drinks.
The INTELLIBREW system automatically adjusts the temperature, timing and volume of water to the specific characteristics of each T DISC. You can even personalise your beverage with the'my favorite' memory function by saving up to four different profiles of your preferred coffee strength, temperature and volume. It employs BRITA MAXTRA+ technology to reduce the amount of limescale and chloride that is present in your coffee cup, extending the life of the appliance.
You can decide on the intensity level you'd like your drink to have with the simple, touch-sensor controls on the front panel. The machine will automatically adjust the brew time, volume and intensity depending on what kind of pod you choose to insert. It also lets you know if it is time to descale the machine with a simple indicator light.
This coffee maker with pods is simple to use, and the price is fair for what you get. It comes with a lot of features and is an extremely compact design that will fit on the majority of worktops. It is quiet and comes with an extra caddy for storage of pods. There are numerous positive reviews from people who have owned this machine on Amazon and Currys.
The cost of recyclable T Discs is the main drawback of this machine. Some people are not happy with the price, but others are willing spend a bit more for a device that produces a premium cup of coffee or other beverages. You can purchase the reusable T Discs online, at stores or in some coffee shops. You can also recycle them via the TASSIMO the PodBack scheme.
2. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Vivy 2 is a excellent pod coffee machine for those who want to maximize the benefits of your beverage. It has a large selection of T-Discs (the small capsules that hold the hot drinks) to select from, including sweeter options such as hot lattes, tea, and chocolate. It even comes with an ice cube to make frothy cappuccinos. The machine comes with a fast pre-heating so you can have your coffee on the table quickly.
The Vivy 2 is one of the easiest machines to use, with its simple-to-follow instructions and intuitive interface. The machine scans the T-Disc to determine the amount of water you'll have to add. You don't even have to adjust it manually. It's also smaller than many of the other units we've seen, which makes it easier to store on your counter. However, the smaller size means smaller water tanks, so it'll need to be refilled every five minutes or at least every five minutes or. Like other Tassimo models the Vivy 2 doesn't have an internal bin for the used T-Discs, so you'll need to empty and recycle them separately after each brew.
This machine also includes a clever in-tank water filter that reduces calcium levels, helping to safeguard the system from limescale and ensure that your coffee tastes excellent. The Vivy 2 has dual coffee settings, allowing you to make a lungo or a short shot of espresso. It also comes with an easy "ready" indicator on the lid that will let you know when it's ready to serve your drink.
This is a top-quality well-designed pod maker that comes with a variety of useful features and a beautiful design. The absence of a reuseable coffee filter as well as the fact that its coffee isn't as smooth as the others on our list means it doesn't quite make the top ten pod coffee makers. If you want a convenient and easy-to-use pod-based beverage machine is worth a look.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
In a market that's dominated by Nespresso's irresistible George Clooney ads, illy is quietly making waves with its own machines. The X7.1 Iperespresso espresso machine is elegant and perfect for any home. It's sleek design and advanced technology will stand out.
The X7.1 Iperespresso uses illy's innovative capsule system, which makes espresso-making and eliminates the need to grind beans or measure portions. The two-stage extraction method creates full-bodied espresso that has rich crema. The machine also features an internal thermoblock made of stainless steel and an Pannarello steam wand for making lattes and cappuccinos.
Contrary to other coffee makers like the X7.1 Iperespresso will require you to prepare the pods using the portafilter rather than putting them into the machine slot. This gives the X7.1 Iperespresso an authentic barista experience and lets you create drinks that taste better. It's also much simpler to clean than other coffee pod machines since there is no drawer where capsules could get clogged up and collect.
The X7.1 Iperespresso is not without its faults, however. It's only compatible with Illy pods, which are costly. It's also difficult for some people due to its portafilter design making.
The X7.1 Iperespresso may be quite a test for novices, but it's well worth the investment for anyone looking to make delicious espresso and other drinks at home. The X7.1 Iperespresso is a great value for money thanks to its sophisticated features and sleek look.
The Y1 is less functional than other pod-based machines. The Y1 only has two buttons, one for each pod size and another button that automatically fills the cup with hot water. It also has a smaller capacity of water, so it will have to be filled more often than other pod machines. If you're able to overlook the flaw the Y1 is a good option for those looking for a user-friendly pod-based coffee machine.
4. Nespresso Vertuo
The Nespresso Vertuo line of coffee makers is a premium option that targets espresso and cappuccino drinkers. They use Nespresso's proprietary pods that contain a blend of espresso and coffee, with an additional layer of rich crema atop.
The Vertuo machines come with a single-button operation, and can make short espresso shots and full cups of coffee at the touch of one button. The machine reads the barcodes on each capsule to determine the type of drink it is most suitable to, and then determines the water temperature and extraction time as well as the speed of spin accordingly. The machine can be used in conjunction with the Nespresso aeroccino+ milk frother for lattes and cappuccinos.
During my tests I found the machine very easy to use and capable of producing consistently delicious and full-bodied coffee. Each coffee machine for pods of the six brew sizes--Espresso or Double Espresso, rich Gran Lungo, mug of coffee, or the larger Alto--was always perfect. We utilized the machine using the Nespresso mobile app to monitor water and pod levels which made it simple for us to keep track of refills and emptying.
Although this machine is easy for the user but it's not as versatile as the Keurig K-Cup lines of machines and can be frustrating when you're not able to find the exact type of tea or coffee you're looking for in your local area. It's also more expensive than Keurig. Although it comes with a basic set of capsules, you're locked into the brand’s expensive Vertuo caps after that.
The machine is loud and takes an extended time to heat up. Also, you must be careful not to leave anything near the container of the capsule as it could puncture pods if they're placed too close. We tracked energy usage and found that the machine would consume 0.007 kWh to brew an espresso, and then it shuts off automatically after 9 minutes.
The model doesn't have a drip tray, so be prepared to set your cup on a plate or mug. The capsules are placed in a holder that is removable, which you can remove and recycle with one of Nespresso’s recycling bags.