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Best Coffee Pod Machines 2024

 

With so many coffee pod machine options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs. But with over 15 years of experience in the uk coffee industry, I can guide you through what makes a best coffee pod machine.

Overview

Overview
 
 
 

Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or just looking for a quick and easy way to brew your morning cup, there's a coffee pod machine out there that's perfect for you!

Don't make the wrong decision when it comes to your morning coffee - read our recommendations to guide you to the best coffee pod machine for you.

 
Best Coffee Pod Machine UK
 
 

Why Trust Me?

 
Tom Saxon Coffee Expert - pod machines
I’m Tom and I have been working in the coffee industry for over 10 years, starting my journey as a barista in Australia, working on coffee farms in South America and roasting coffee in The UK.
Today I review and write about speciality coffee. I am the founder of Batch Coffee Club, which showcases the very best coffee from around the world.
Checkout our award-winning coffee subscription.
 

 
 

What makes a good coffee pod machine?

The best coffee pod machine should offer convenience, a range of brewing options, and be easy of use.

It’s no secret that convenience makes a good coffee pod machine but there’s many more features to look out for.

Materials

A good coffee pod machine should be made of high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting.

Materials like stainless steel are less likely to break or wear out over time.

Size

If you have limited counter space then a compact coffee capsule machine will be easy to store.

 
 
 

Brewing options

Some coffee pod machines offer a range of brewing options, such as different cup sizes, temperature settings, and strength options.

The best coffee pod maker will offer a wide range of functionality allowing you to brew the perfect coffee. 

Ease of use

A good coffee pod machine should be easy to use and require minimal effort to brew a great cup of coffee.

Whilst simplicity is key, the best pod coffee machine should pour rich flavoured coffees.

 
 

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Top 6 Coffee Pod Machines For 2024

 

View our list of recommendations below for the best pod coffee machines on the market. Plus, one to avoid.

 
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1.Opal One

The Best Overall Coffee Pod Machine

 
 
OPAL coffee maker logo
 
  • Dimensions: 15 x 42 x 30 cm

  • Tank Capacity: 0.8 Litres

  • Features: High pressure brewing, designed to brew speciality coffee pods.

  • Pros: ✅ Ease of Use Compact

  • Cons: ❌ No Grinder


Control ★★★★★★★★★☆ 9/10
Ease Of Use ★★★★★★★★★☆ 9/10
Value For Money ★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10

 

 

The Opal One Capsule Pod Coffee Machine is a must-buy for coffee lovers.

This machine is specifically designed to brew specialty coffee pods, and it certainly lives up to its promise.

One of the standout features of the Opal One is its unique silicon brew chamber.

Unlike other coffee capsule machines that can dilute the coffee flavour, this machine ensures that you get a full-bodied and rich coffee every time.

The high pressure and high-temperature brewing mechanisms make this one of the best coffee capsule machines on the market.

 
 
 

The lightweight 5kg Opal One machine allows you to experience speciality coffee pods in all their glory. The sleek and stylish machine is a great addition and easy to fit to any kitchen space.

So, if you want to experience the full potential of speciality coffee pods, this is a great recommendation. It's a high-quality machine that delivers exceptional taste and is a joy to use. 

 

2.Nespresso - Vertuo Pop

The Best Budget Coffee Pod Machine

 
 
 
NEspresso pod makers logo
 
  • Dimensions: 42.6D x 13.6W x 25H cm

  • Tank Capacity: 0.56 litres

  • Features: One touch brewing system, smart connectivity, low energy consumption.

  • Pros: ✅ Compact Convenient

  • Cons: ❌ Water tank is space consuming.


Control ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ 7/10
Ease Of Use ★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10
Value For Money ★★★★★★★★★☆ 9/10

 

 

If you’re looking to make good quality coffee at home with ease, then the Nespresso Vertuo Pop is just for you.

This game-changing Nespresso machine works exclusively with Nespresso Vertuo capsules, providing coffee lovers with a range of over 30 capsules to choose from.

What sets this coffee maker apart is its compact size and capacity.

It comes with a 600ml water tank and the ability to brew different coffee sizes.

Plus, it comes with a complimentary set of 12 capsules!

The one-touch brewing is lightning fast, heating up in just 30 seconds.

 
Best Nespresso Maker
 
 

The patented barcode technology is a handy feature as it reads each capsule, ensuring you get the perfect cup every time!

 

3.Grind - One

The Best Premium Coffee Pod Machine

 
grind logo.png
 
  • Dimensions: 166W x 259H x 336L mm

  • Tank Capacity: 1.2 litres

  • Features: Adjustable drip tray, programmable dosing, removable water tank.

  • Pros: ✅ Stainless steel design Compact

  • Cons: ❌ Weak coffee strength


Control ★★★★★★★★★☆ 9/10
Ease Of Use ★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10
Value For Money ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ 7/10

 

 

If you're looking for a sleek and durable Nespresso compatible coffee pod machine, you gotta check out Grind One.

 Made from polished stainless steel with aeroplane-style toggle switches, this 19 bar pressure machine is built to last and will give you a fuller-bodied coffee and a perfect crema.

And the best part? You get 30 free compostable pods with every purchase!

Plus, if anything goes wrong, Grind offer a two-year guarantee.

Say goodbye to those mass-market plastic machines and hello to Grind One.

 
Grind One Pod Machine
 
 

This pod machine is the perfect addition to any coffee lover's collection. Get yours today and squeeze every drop out of your coffee experience!

 

4.The Morning Machine

 
 
Morning coffee pod makers
 
  • Dimensions: 40.2L x 10.2W x 25.5H cm

  • Tank Capacity: 0.85 Litres

  • Features: Compact, quality build, ready to brew recipes.

  • Pros: ✅ Good quality Convenient

  • Cons: ❌ No Grinder


Control ★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10
Ease Of Use ★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10
Value For Money ★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10

 

 

Looking for a morning coffee experience that is convenient?

Look no further than The Morning Machine. With its compact and award-winning design, The Morning Machine boasts quality and consistency with every cup, thanks to its built-in barista-created recipes and signature Bloom & Brew feature.

Its Bloom & Brew function uses pre-infusion to maximise the extraction and flavour of your coffee.

Whilst the 10 "Ready-to-Brew" recipes offer a variety of flavours and formats that are perfectly paired with your favourite coffee. Plus, you can even personalise your recipes and save them to your coffee pod machine by downloading the Morning Mobile app.

At just 4.5kg and with a water tank capacity of 850ml, The Morning Machine is both convenient and practical for busy professionals and coffee enthusiasts. And with an 8-10 used capsule bin capacity, cleanup is a breeze.

Upgrade your home coffee game with The Morning Machine, and start every day with the perfect cup!

 
The morning machine coffee pod
 
 

5.De’Longhi - Lattissima

 
 
Delonghi coffee pod maker
 
  • Dimensions: 25.6D x 15.4W x 32.4H cm

  • Tank Capacity: 1 Litres

  • Features: Removable tank and jug.

  • Pros: ✅ Easy to clean Compact

  • Cons: ❌ Skill to perfect


Control ★★★★★★★★★☆ 9/10
Ease Of Use ★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10
Value For Money ★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10

 

 

Looking for a coffee maker that is compact and easy to use, yet still delivers that professional-quality coffee experience?

Look no further than the De'Longhi Lattissima One Evo Automatic Coffee Maker!

With its 19 BAR pressure pump system and 18-second heat-up function, you can enjoy your favourite espresso drink or lungo in no time.

But that's not all - the Lattissima One Evo also features a single-serve dishwasher-safe milk jug with a detachable lid, making it easy to refill between preparations and clean up a breeze.

And if you're a fan of milk-based drinks, you'll love the three milk recipes that are available at the touch of a button.

 
 
 

Choose from Espresso Macchiato, Cappuccino, and Latte Macchiato, and enjoy the perfect frothed milk every time with the one-touch fresh milk system.

 

6.Sage - Creatista Uno

 
 
 
Sage coffee pod maker UK
 
  • Dimensions: 40.8 x 17.1 x 30.9 cm

  • Tank Capacity: 1.5 litres

  • Features: Quick heat up time, removable tray, 3 programmable cup sizes.

  • Pros: ✅ Great build Steam wand

  • Cons: ❌ Quality of steamer


Control ★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10
Ease Of Use ★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10
Value For Money ★★★★★★★★★☆ 9/10

 

 

Introducing the practical pod machine, the Sage Creatista Uno.

With its advanced ThermoCoil heating system, you can enjoy 8 barista-quality espresso and milk recipes at the touch of a button.

This coffee pod machine features a fully-automatic steam wand. With 3 levels of milk temperature and the ability to create beautiful latte art, this machine makes it easy to create café quality coffee right at home.

Plus, the stainless steel milk jug and tasting box of Nespresso capsules makes experimenting with new recipes a breeze. 

Thanks to Sage's advanced micro foam milk technology, the Creatista Uno pod machine delivers perfectly textured milk foam every time.

And with its auto-clean function, minimal clean up is require

 
 
 

So, whether you're an espresso enthusiast or a latte lover, the Nespresso Creatista Uno is the perfect addition to your coffee routine. 

 

AVOID - De’Longhi Dolce Gusto

 
 

This coffee pod machine is quick and easy to use.

However, there are some reasons why you should avoid using the De’Longhi Dolce Gusto machine.

This pod coffee machine has a reputation for producing plastic flavoured coffee drinks.

While the machine features an eco mode function and easy-to-use feature, the coffee shots can be poor.

Some buyers have also experienced the machine not dispensing the coffee properly when pressed.

This can be a major turn off for coffee enthusiasts who are looking for a high-quality coffee experience.

Avoid a frustrating and disappointing experience by reading our best coffee pod machine recommendations.

 
 
 

FAQs

 

Is Nespresso or Tassimo better?

Both machines have their unique features and advantages, and the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and specific needs.

Nespresso is known for its high-quality espresso and coffee, while Tassimo offers a wider range of hot beverages, including tea and hot chocolate. Nespresso uses pods made of aluminium, while Tassimo uses plastic pods.

These machines are generally more expensive, while Tassimo machines are more affordable.

It is recommended to research both options and consider factors such as taste preference, price, pod options, and machine features before making a decision.

Coffee pod machine vs other coffee machines?

The main difference between a coffee pod machine and other coffee machines is the way they brew coffee.

While other coffee machines, such as espresso machines, use loose coffee grounds or beans that the user measures and adds to the machine, pod coffee machine uses pre-packaged coffee pods or capsules.

Another key difference is the level of control over the brewing process. With other coffee machines have adjustable settings coffee pod machines typically have limited options.

The best pod coffee machines are also generally more compact and designed for single cup brewing.

How often should I clean my coffee pod machine?

It's recommended to clean your coffee pod machine after every use or at least once a week.

This can help maintain the machine's performance and prevent the buildup of bacteria or mold.

However, do read your product manual and follow the recommendations given.

Can I use different coffee pods in my coffee pod machine?

It depends. Many coffee pod machines are compatible with a range of coffee pod brands and types. However, it's important to check the manufacturer's instructions or packaging to ensure that the pods are compatible with your machine.

 

Are Tassimo machines worth it?

Tassimo machines are worth the investment If you’re looking for convenience. Tassimo machines are affordable and use pre-packaged pods to make a variety of hot beverages. 

Although Tassimo machines are limited in terms of the types of drinks they can make, as they are only compatible with Tassimo pods, they are great for beginners. 

If you value convenience and are primarily interested in making hot drinks like coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, a Tassimo machine may be a good option for you. 

What is a coffee pod machine?

A coffee pod machine, also known as a pod coffee maker or pod brewer, is a type of coffee machine that uses pre-packaged coffee pods or capsules to brew coffee.

These pods typically contain a specific amount of ground coffee or espresso.

The best pod machines are popular for their convenience, as they are easy to use and require minimal cleanup.

They also offer a variety of coffee flavours and strengths to choose from, depending on the brand and type of pods used.

Can I use my own coffee grounds in a coffee pod machine?

No, coffee pod machines are designed to use pre-packaged coffee pods or capsules. Using loose coffee grounds can damage the machine and affect the quality of the coffee.

Do coffee pods expire?

Yes, coffee pods can expire over time. It's important to check the expiration date on the packaging before using them, as expired coffee pods may not produce the same quality of coffee.