best espresso machine under 200 Coffee Machine Pods

Pod coffee machines make it simple to get your caffeine fix in the morning. Unlike a traditional machine, they dispense pre-packed pods of espresso or ground coffee to speed up the process.

Choose a pod-based coffee machine that allows you to adjust the temperature and size of your drink. Also, check if the machine can accommodate reused pods.

1. Nespresso Vertuo

Nespresso is the market leader in pod brewing and a favorite among espresso enthusiasts. The capsules and machines made by the company are highly rated in terms of quality and sustainability. Its capsules are made from 80 percent recyclable materials and are completely compostable. They also have less plastic than traditional coffee bags, and have a an economized carbon footprint. Nespresso also has a partnership with organizations that are green-certified to promote fair work practices and sustainable farming practices.

The Nespresso Vertuo range includes several machines that produce a thick and delicious cup of espresso or coffee with a great crema. VertuoPlus Deluxe and VertuoPlus models come with advanced features, such as automatic milk heating and adjustable drink settings. These machines are easy-to-use and feature a sleek style that looks great on your kitchen counter.

Both the X and Deluxe models come with a huge reservoir of water and a slim machine body. Centrifusion is a revolutionary extraction technology, uses up to 7,500 rotations per minute for brewing the espresso or coffee. This technique helps create a smooth and consistent crema that has a high level of saturation, even in smaller cups.

Nespresso capsules are more expensive than third-party compatible pods available in supermarkets and online retailers. However, they are able to offer an array of flavors and intensities. The company also releases limited-edition products. The machines are very user-friendly, and the Vertuoline has fewer steps than the initial Nespresso line which only produces espresso.

The Vertuoline also offers two different sizes of capsules -- the smaller espresso size and the larger lungo size for those who prefer shorter drinks. The larger alto and mug capsules are suitable for hearty and mug-sized drinks that require a more intensely roasted coffee. The Nespresso Vertuoline makes a great cup of drip coffee, unlike some other pod machines that we tested.

2. Illy X7.1

This pod coffee machine is a high-spec machine that's made from tough and attractive materials. It is a little more expensive than the other machines we tested but it offers high-quality, reliable performance and an attractive design that will be a perfect fit for any kitchen.

The X7.1 is a patented system that reads the barcodes on every capsule to identify them. It is then pre-wets it and infuses the correct amount of distilled water. This is a huge feature for those who desire a hassle-free hands-free automation. It may frustrate users who pre a pod into the inlet, select either an lungo or express and then press the button. The flashing light indicates whether the best coffee machine is brewing or ready. There's no steam wand or milk carafe. However, you can add toppings to your coffee with hot or cold milk as you wish.

This machine is designed to work with Grind's own compostable, recyclable and reusable pods. This means that you're not only reducing your coffee waste (which can take hundreds of years to break down) but the pods themselves don't contain plastic and are completely organic. They cost around 50p each and you can dump them into your garden compost or food waste bin when they are empty.

The Grind One costs PS275 and you can purchase it as a an option that includes milk frother for an extra PS325. It is more expensive than many Nespresso pod machines, but it is stylish, well-designed and versatile machine. It is also the smallest and therefore won't require the most counter space. It has a raised tray that latches onto a series of notches, which can be used with the waste bin to adjust the height.

4. Grind 2

For those who enjoy a quick and simple cup of coffee, this pod machine eliminates the hassle of making espresso. It can brew either a short shot or a longer shot, with three different temperature and extraction settings. Its ability to make a fantastic espresso impressed our coffee lovers. Its temperature and crema (which should be a dark chestnut color that lasts for the last sip and is a cosy shade of brown) were excellent. Its sleek design, as well its strong and attractive materials, made it stand out among the competition.

Our coffee aficionado also tested the Grind One for its ease of use. The heavy-duty switch is satisfying to use, and has the possibility of programming your preferred short or long shot. It also features an easy-to-read display. You can set it to automatically pour hot water with your coffee, which helps the ground to settle and enhances the taste of your drink. The pod coffee maker comes with a useful milk frother, making it a great all-rounder.

Another advantage of these machines is that they take the messy parts out of making espresso, namely grinding dosing, tamping and grinding the beans. This decreases the amount of items to be cleaned up and disposed of, making them a better option for those who don't have much kitchen space. If you're looking to expand your options, you can utilize a separate milk frother to make cappuccinos and lattes. You can also opt for a manual press such as the Aeropress which has a lower carbon footprint and a richer flavor than a machine. However, it requires more effort from you and we wouldn't recommend it for all.

5. Lavazza Idola

In contrast to the more expensive Lavazza Voicy pod coffee maker, this model does not include a milk maker however it is perfect for anyone who likes an espresso, ristretto or lungo. It's also among the quietest machines available, meaning you can grab your morning cup of coffee while your children are asleep.

You can set a cup size that fits your needs, and you can also decide to increase the temperature to make the brew to go through faster at the touch of the button. It's easy to keep on top of maintenance with alerts that notify you when the capsule bin needs emptying or the water tank is empty.

The machine doesn't frost milk, but it can be used to make cappuccinos and flat whites using an additional container. There are many positive reviews from customers on Amazon and at John Lewis. They laud the quiet operation and various options offered by the machine, such as different lengths of brews, as well as the capacity to hold capsules that have been used.

Although there isn't a large number of customer reviews, the general consensus is that this is a fantastic value pod coffee machine for those who like an easy setup. It's a bit more expensive than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop, but it comes with great tasting Lavazza pods and is among the quietest machines on the market. If you want to make several different coffees, we recommend you look at one of our top alternatives. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.