Which is the Best Pod Coffee Machine?
When it comes to quick, convenient brews that are simple and easy to clean up, a pod maker is difficult to beat. These sleek machines are available in all sizes and shapes from tiny models that be tucked away on your kitchen counter to larger models that include a frothier for cappuccinos.
This lower-cost alternative from Nespresso's Vertuo line features different shaped capsules as opposed to the standard Espresso pod, and allows you to choose between five brewing sizes: Espresso, Double Espresso, Gran Lungo, Mug and Extra Large Alto.
1. Nespresso VertuoPlus
VertuoPlus capsule coffee machines are among Nespresso's more expensive options. This model utilizes Centrifusion to make the perfect cup of espresso or long coffee at the touch of one button. Its barcode scanner is clever and can identify the type of Nespresso pod you've inserted and automatically adjusts extraction settings for optimal in-cup results. It eliminates the necessity to manually adjust everything 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 revs per minute, mixing ground coffee with water, creating a thick creamy, velvety crema. This process helps to evenly saturate each capsule with water before extraction, which is essential for a flavorful coffee. The machine also has a huge 40-ounce water tank which means you can make a lot of cups of espresso or coffee before having to empty it. The machine will automatically empty the capsule that is used up after brewing and place it in a container that can be easily removed and recycled.
This machine does not have a built-in milk frother, however, it can be used conjunction with Nespresso's Aeroccino3 milk frother to make lattes and cappuccinos. It comes in 13 different colours and is small and tall, weighing less than 9 inches. This makes it simple to place on your kitchen counter. The top of the cabinet opens automatically, making it easy to insert capsules even if you're not able to do it manually.
The Nespresso coffee maker is available on Amazon for $119. It's a bargain for a machine that can produce the best cup of espresso or long coffee. It comes with 10 Melozio (intensity 6) and 10 Stormio (intensity 8). This allows you to experiment with various blends.
2. Lavazza A Modo Mio Jolie
This stylish capsule coffee maker is easy to use and won't cost you a fortune. It comes in black or cream and makes five milk-based recipes by pressing the button, including cappuccino large and latte macchiato. It's not ideal for lattes or drinks that are frothy like a standalone milk frother. It also has a small water tank and a limited number of compatible capsules. So it may be better suited to espresso or black-coffee drinkers who don't mind refilling and emptying the machine.
Jolie, the smallest and most quiet of Lavazza’s A Modo Mio machines is ideal for those who love top-quality Italian coffee without the hassle of a traditional machine. It's easy to use with only one backlit stop&go for selecting the amount of coffee you want or hot cocoa. Its small size and stylish design make it the perfect complement to any space.
We tried the coffee only version. There's also a Jolie and Milk machine for PS169, which comes with milk frothers if you like milky drinks and lattes. It's easy to clean by having an uncluttered plastic water tank, with indicators for MIN/MAX and a removable capsule drawer that is washable under running water. It is shut down by itself after nine minutes of inactivity. Additionally, the power cable can be detached from the machine, making it simple to move.
Like other 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. Regular descaling can help it keep its performance at its peak for a long time.
3. source website is a top choice for those who want an at-home, real espresso machine. It's also one of the few machines we tested that could make rich lattes that are creamy and smooth as well as the thin layer of foam to add an extra dimension to your beverages. It's also a great value for coffee makers at home, especially when you take into account that it is less expensive than professional machines.
This is a real espresso machine, in contrast to some semi-automatic models that we reviewed. It has an integrated steam wand as well as PID temperature control for milk-based drinks. This means it has some more of an education curve than the Rancilio Silvia, Gaggia Classic or Nespresso VertuoPlus, but it's still attainable for those who wish to learn to pull a great shot and make espresso 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 remove and refill, which we consider an advantage. The tamper can also be removed, which is helpful for those who want to manually tamp images or use a double-wall filter.
Other noteworthy features include a fast heating thermoblock, adjustable grind settings and dose control, as well as a drip tray that keeps beans out of your water. It's also easy to clean and use, but it's not as durable as other models. Its greatest disadvantage is that it can be a bit loud when it's being made however 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 machine is small and quiet, which makes it perfect for small spaces. It is the smallest machine within the Lavazza range, and also the most affordable capsule coffee maker. (You can still purchase the Lavazza Tiny on Amazon.)
The Jolie Mini doesn't have the additional bells and whistles of the other machines in this list It can do everything a basic pod machine should do. It heats up quickly and is simple to use. It's an excellent choice for those who want to experiment with different flavors without having to buy a larger model.
The Jolie Mini is very easy to clean regardless of its size. The drip tray and capsule container can be removed, and the water tank comes with an easy-to-read indicator of MIN/MAX. It's also dishwasher safe, so you can keep it as clean as you can. It should be cleaned every three to four months, and the instructions to do this are provided in the manual.
This little machine is loved by users, who have given it a rating 4.4 stars out of 5. The machine's quiet operation, the wide range of options it provides and the fact that pods can either be composted or recycled are all highly applauded. Some users had issues with the size of the capsule, but this was easily fixed.
Inside the box there's a power cable and plug as well as an instruction manual, a quick-guide warranty information and a tester box with nine Lavazza pods. Six of the nine pods are roasted, two are lungo, and two are decaffeinated. The remaining two are organic, meaning you'll have plenty of options to choose from when you're looking for your next cup of coffee!
5. Lavazza A Modo Mio Mini
With its clean lines and small size The Lavazza A Modo Mio Mini is designed to fit into modern kitchens. It is an espresso maker with the potential to change the way you make coffee at home.
Our team of testers was impressed by the speed and quality of the final product. The machine 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 also comes with 16 Dolce Vita hot chocolate capsules which can be used as an instant treat without the need to make it separately.
This machine is ideal for those who like milk-based coffees and wants to provide a true espresso in every sip. The machine's automatic brewing system is so clever that it scans each capsule barcode and adjusts the settings to the appropriate level for the beverage you prefer. However, you will need to add an additional milk machine if you want to make cappuccinos and lattes. The A Modo Mio Mini is quiet and easy to use which is a great plus point for early risers and those with busy families.
It does not offer as many customisable presets as the VertuoPlus however this might not be a problem for coffee purists who prefer to tinker until they come up with their ideal recipe. The 1.8-litre tank can be positioned either at the rear or on the other side of the machine according to the space available. The used capsule drawer holds 13 large pods. Other features include the capability to queue up your next cup while the machine is heating up, and alerts when you've not filled it with water or if it requires descaling.