
The best coffee machines with pods let you make everything from luxurious flat whites to strong espressos without any effort. Most machines are fully automatic scanning the barcode on the pod to pre-wet it, infuse it and dispensing precisely the proper amount.

1. Tassimo My Way 2
Tassimo My Way 2 makes an array of drinks. It lets you create a variety of Costa favourites, as well as 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 minutes. It comes with a jug to frost milk and various cup sizes. It is simple to use and comes with 40 different drinks.
The INTELLIBREW system recognizes the individual characteristics of each TDISC and automatically adjusts the brewing duration and temperature as well as the volume of water according to. You can also personalize your drink using the'my favourites' memory function by saving up to four profiles of your preferred coffee strength temperature, volume and strength. It uses BRITA MAXTRA+ technology to reduce the amount limescale and chloride that is present in your coffee cup, extending the lifespan of the appliance.
The front panel has simple controls that use sensors to control the level of your drink. The machine will automatically adjust the brew duration, volume and intensity depending on what kind of pod you put in. It will also let you know when it is time to descale the machine with a simple indicator light.
Users of this coffee machine with pods have said that it is really easy to use and offers a reasonable price for the features you get. It has plenty of features and has an extremely compact design that will fit on the majority of worktops. It is quiet and has an extra caddy for storage of pods. There are lots of positive reviews on Amazon and Currys from those who own this machine.
The biggest drawback to this machine is the cost of the T-Discs that are reusable. Some people find them expensive but others are willing pay the extra money for an equipment that can make a quality cup of coffee and other drinks. You can purchase reusable T-Discs online, at supermarkets, or in some coffee shops. You can recycle the TASSIMO PodBack program.
2. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
Bosch's Vivy 2 is the best pod coffee machine for those looking to get the most of their beverage. It comes with a wide selection of T-Discs (the small capsules that hold the hot drinks) to select from, including more sweet options like hot chocolate, tea and lattes. It even comes with the milk jug to make frothy cappuccinos. The machine comes with a fast pre-heating feature so you can have your coffee ready to serve quickly.
The Vivy 2 is one of the most user-friendly machines, with its simple-to-follow instructions and intuitive interface. Simply insert a T-Disc, and the machine scans it to determine how much water to add, meaning that you don't have to do any manual adjustments on your own. It's also smaller than many other units we've seen, making it easier to store on your counter. However, the smaller size means a smaller water tank and it'll have to be filled every five minutes or so. As with other Tassimo models the Vivy 2 doesn't have an internal bin for the T-Discs that are used, so you'll have to empty and recycle them separately after each drink.
The machine also comes with a clever in-tank water filter which reduces calcium levels, helping protect the system from limescale and ensuring that your coffee is tasting great. The Vivy 2 also has dual coffee settings, which means you can pull a short espresso shot or a longer lungo. It also comes with a "ready" indicator that tells you when it's time to serve the drink.
It's a well-designed, high-performance pod coffee maker with many useful features and a stylish design. But, the absence of a reusable filter as well as the fact that the coffee it produces isn't as smooth and full-bodied like the ones produced by some of the other machines we've listed means that it doesn't make the cut among the top pod coffee makers. If you're looking for a simple and easy-to-use pod-based beverage machine, it's worth considering.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
In a market 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 is perfect for any home. Its sleek design and modern technology will stand out.
The X7.1 Iperespresso is equipped with the innovative capsules system of illy. This makes espresso making easier and eliminates the need to grind beans or measure portions. The two-stage extraction method produces full-bodied espresso with a rich crema. The machine is fitted with a stainless steel internal thermoblock, and a Pannarello Steam Wand for making lattes or cappuccinos.
Unlike other coffee pod machines unlike other coffee pod machines, the X7.1 Iperespresso requires you to prepare the pods using a portafilter rather than popping them into a slot at the top of the machine. This makes the X7.1 Iperespresso an authentic barista experience and lets you create drinks that taste better. It's also simpler to clean than other coffee machines, since there's no drawer in which capsules can get clogged up and collect.
The X7.1 Iperespresso does not come without its flaws, however. For instance, it's only compatible with illy pods, which are expensive. In addition, its portafilter-style drinking process is a bit difficult for users to get knack of.
The X7.1 Iperespresso is an arduous task for newbies, but it's worth the money for anyone looking to brew delicious espresso and other coffee drinks at home. With its modern features and sleek design, the X7.1 Iperespresso offers an excellent value for your money.
While the Y1 is more affordable than other pod-based coffee machines it's not as full of functions. The Y1 only has two buttons, one for each size of pod and one which automatically fills your coffee cup with hot water. It also has smaller water tanks, which means it'll need to be refilled more often than other coffee pod machines. If you don't mind this small flaw the Y1 is a great option for anyone looking for a simple and user-friendly pod-based machine.
4. Nespresso Vertuo
The Nespresso Vertuo line of coffee makers is a high-end option that targets espresso and cappuccino drinkers. They use Nespresso's proprietary pods that are made up of a blend of coffee and espresso, with an extra layer of thick crema on top.
Vertuo machines feature a single button operation that permits them to create both espresso shots and coffee cups with the push of just a few buttons. The machine reads the barcode on each capsule coffee machine in order to determine the type of drink it is most appropriate for, and then sets the temperature of the water as well as extraction time and spin speed in line with. The machine can also be used with Nespresso Aeroccino milk frother to make cappuccinos and lattes.
In my tests I found the machine to be extremely easy to use and capable of producing consistently full-bodied and flavorful coffee. Each of the six sizes of brews--Espresso Double Espresso, smooth Gran Lungo, indulgent Mug of Coffee, or larger Alto--everytime came out perfect. We utilized the Nespresso app on our mobile device to monitor the water and pod levels. This made it simple to track refills or emptying.
Although this machine is easy for the user however, it's not as flexible as the Keurig K-Cup lines of machines and can be a hassle in the event that you're unable to locate the exact type of coffee or tea you're looking for in your area. It's also pricier than Keurig, and while it comes with a basic pack of capsules to help you get started, you're locked into the brand's costly Vertuo capsules after that.
The machine is noisy and takes a long time to heat up. Be careful to not leave anything close to the capsule container because it could puncture the pods. We monitored energy consumption and found that the machine would consume 0.007 kWh to make an espresso, and it turns off automatically after 9 minutes.
This model doesn't come with drip tray, so be sure to place your cup on the table or in a the mug. The capsules are placed in a holder that is removable that you can take out and recycle using one of the recycling bags offered by Nespresso.