Seven Best Coffee Pod Machines (2025), Test and Review

I was really annoyed when I realized that Nespresso had sent me this brewer in black. Champagne issues, however, this brewer is offered in so many fun colours, from deep reds and oranges to pastel lavender and pinks. On the countertop, she looks cute with her rounded appearance and relatively short stature. Vertuo Pop+ can handle everything Vertuo Coffee Pods. The pod is made of aluminum, which allows it to be recycled Order a free recycled bag Or take them to a Drop-off location. To brew, twist the lid lock to open the machine, select the capsule, and press the button. An adjustable drip tray can be physically moved between two ladder-like rungs on the front of the machine. There is also a companion app that offers maintenance alerts, video walkthroughs and easy pod sorting.

Close and lock the machine or press the coffee button while the machine is locked will start a heating cycle that takes approximately 30 seconds. The machine automatically recognizes the capsule to be inserted and also extracts the brewing size based on the capsule. For example, espresso capsules brew 1.35 ounces, double espresso capsules brew 2.7 ounces, and coffee capsules brew 8 ounces. This is different from other machines that choose the capacity you want. The app allows minor adjustments, such as shortening the espresso shots below. You can press the coffee button to finish the brewing early (a very handy trick if you accidentally use a 6-ounce mug for an 8-ounce brewing. I’m not a huge fan of Nespresso-flavored coffee and espresso capsules, simply because I make a traditional coffee and then later add whimsical flavors to my liking. But if you prefer a coffee with a caramel, gingerbread, almond side or other decadent changes, you have plenty of flavor options.

With regular old coffee and espresso capsules, I found myself delightedly surprised by the body and mouthfeel of the drink. Technically, these espresso pods don’t make espresso. But it’s a sharp espresso-like drink and is available without the need for a separate machine with a tamping weight and a porta filter and pressure gauge. And the coffee is par or slightly better than the other machines I have tried. If convenience is what you want, this to do machine is worth seeing.

I was sent a bundle with optional milk foam. I like to have options, but please note that it occupys another wall exit. However, the Aeroccino was easy to use. Pour the selected milk and press the button. It automatically heats and whispers your milk – it takes about a minute and it’s a whisper. All the Nespresso capsules I tried feature a thick layer of cremas, whipping thick milk over them to make the average cup of coffee a more advanced experience.