10 Best Coffee Pod Machines We Tested for Lickety-Split Caffeine Delivery (2025)

I was really annoyed when I realized that Nespresso sent me this brewer in black. Champagne problems, I know – but this wine maker comes in many delightful colors, from deep red and orange to pastel lavender and pink. It looks cute on your countertop with its small circular shape and relatively small stature. The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ can handle all Vertuo coffee pods. The pods are aluminum and can be recycled by ordering a free recycling bag or taking them to a drop-off location. To brew, simply open the machine by turning the lock on the lid, select a capsule and press the button. You can physically move the adjustable drip tray between two ladder-like rungs on the front of the machine. There’s also a companion app that gives you maintenance alerts, video walk-throughs, and easy pod reordering.

Turning off and locking the machine, or pressing the coffee button while the machine is locked will start the heating cycle which takes approximately 30 seconds. The machine automatically recognizes the capsule you insert, and it even figures out the brew size based on the capsule. For example, the brew of an espresso capsule will be 1.35 ounces, the brew of a double espresso capsule will be 2.7 ounces, and the brew of a coffee capsule will be 8 ounces. This is different from other machines where you select the capacity you want. You can make small changes in the app, like making espresso shots shorter or longer. You can press the coffee maker button for a quick shut off (this is a very handy trick if you accidentally use a 6-ounce mug for 8-ounce coffee, which I may or may not have done.) The machine has a waste basket that will automatically collect spent capsules. I’m not a big fan of Nespresso’s flavored coffee and espresso capsules, simply because I’d prefer to make traditional coffee and then add any whimsical flavors later to suit my taste. But if you like your coffee with caramel or gingerbread or almonds or any other delicious mix, there are many flavored options for you.

With plain old coffee and espresso capsules, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the drink’s structure and mouthfeel. Technically, these espresso pods are not making espresso. But it’s exactly the same drink as espresso, and you can get it without needing a whole separate machine with a tamping weight and a portafilter and a pressure gauge. And the coffee is on par or slightly better than other machines I’ve tried, with a nice acidic flavor that doesn’t sound too watery. If you want convenience, this do-it-all machine is worth a look.

I was sent the bundle that comes with the optional milk frother. I like the option, but keep in mind it will take another wall outlet. But the Aeroccino was easy to use – add the milk of your choice and press the button. This will automatically heat and froth your milk – it takes about a minute and it gets down to a whisper. Every Nespresso capsule I’ve tried has a thick layer of crema, and topping it with whipped, condensed milk makes my average cup of coffee an even better experience.