Australia's Best Pod Machines: We Review Our Favourites
Australia's renowned coffee culture is woven into the national fabric, fueling a deep appreciation for the brew from the local coffee shop and a desire to recreate that experience at home.
But having an espresso machine at home isn't always possible. They need lots of room, and you also need a grinder and the skills to use them both.
That led to the rise of coffee capsules (or coffee pods as they're commonly called) and coffee pod machines. The smaller footprint makes them suitable for small kitchens and their ease of use allows for easy, tasty coffee.
We spent more than year developing our own pods (Shadow Boxer and Street Fighter) and tried more than a few pod machines along the way
There is now a wide range of options, from the humblest, simple Nespresso machine to coffee pod machines with integrated milk frothers and beyond.
Let's delve into three of Australia's best pod coffee machines: the Morning Machine, the Breville Nespresso Creatista, and the DeLonghi Nespresso Lattissima Touch. They all use Nespresso pods, are widely available, and make a good cup of coffee.
1. Morning Machine
Best specialty pod machine
$599
The Morning Machine isn't just one of the best coffee machines on the market; it's a technological marvel that revolutionises your home coffee experience. Its BrewPrints™ feature offers unmatched control over the brewing process. You can fine-tune everything from bloom time, and temperature stages, to pressure profiles, allowing you to get the best brew from your pods.
We used the Morning Machine to test and develop our own range of pods and offer it for sale here.
It's Nespresso Capsule compatible with a wide range of Nespresso and coffee capsules and they run their own marketplace of capsules from coffee roasters around the world.
The Morning Machine comes with an integrated scale and connects to a mobile application. This allows for precise measurements and easy tracking of your favourite recipes. This capsule coffee machine is a top pick for coffee enthusiasts who value precision and control.
2. Opal One
Best value for money
$299
If you're looking for a hassle-free way to enjoy espresso at home without sacrificing quality, the Opal One is a great option.
It has a higher pressure system than other pod machines at this price point, as well as a silicon brew chamber. What does this mean? No watery, diluted coffee, and a richer-tasting coffee. The Opal One produces a flavour filled and full-bodied coffee, considerably surpassing what we've come to expect from typical pod machines.
The Opal has the convenience of three pre programmed shot settings; a ristretto (25ml), espresso (40), or a lungo (110 ml), however there is also the freedom to customise these settings.
Something we love about the Opal One is that it's been designed specifically for specialty coffee pods. And whilst it's price is comparable to your typical run-of-the-mill pod machine, we reckon it's quite a few steps above when it comes to the coffee it produces.
3. Breville Nespresso Creatista
The Breville Nespresso Creatista line, an innovative fusion of Breville's technology with Nespresso's pod coffee prowess, has been a significant change. The Creatista Pro model takes the coffee experience to another level, cementing its place among the best machines for coffee lovers.
Boasting a rapid 3-second heat-up time and the ability to extract coffee and froth milk, the Creatista Pro brings barista-grade coffee into your kitchen. It offers eight coffee selections, from a robust black coffee, double espresso to a creamy flat white or latte macchiato and a wide range of froth qualities and temperatures, all at the press of a button.
The Creatista Pro features a full-colour interactive display, guiding you through the coffee-making process and customisation settings. This coffee capsule machine blends advanced technology, versatility, and premium design, making it a must-have for any serious coffee lover.
4. Breville Essenza Mini Solo
Compact and powerful, the Breville Essenza Mini Solo is a capsule machine that exemplifies quality in a smaller footprint. Designed for Nespresso capsules, it brings you black coffee at the touch of a button from the richness of espresso to the length of a lungo.
The Essenza Mini Solo uses a high-pressure pump to extract the full flavour from the coffee grounds, resulting in a robust espresso with a rich crema. Its rapid 25-second heat-up time ensures your drink is ready when you are, and the automatic energy-saving function is a testament to Breville's commitment to energy efficiency.
Despite its compact size, this machine does not compromise on water capacity. Its removable water tank is easy to refill, making the brewing process effortless. With adjustable cup sizes and a user-friendly interface, the Essenza Mini Solo offers a simple, quick, and efficient way to make great coffee at home.
The Essenza Mini Solo's compact design is ideal for small kitchens, offices, or even travelling. Its efficient operation, quality results, and user-friendly features make it an excellent choice for those seeking great coffee in a compact package.
In Conclusion
Choosing a pod machine depends mainly on your personal preferences, budget, and the coffee experience you're after. The Morning Machine is perfect for coffee enthusiasts who want to fine-tune their brew. The Breville Nespresso Creatista offers high-tech features and the ability to craft a barista-grade coffee at home. Meanwhile, the Breville Essenza Mini Solo provides an efficient, compact solution for espresso lovers.
Image: Courtesy of Morning
All four machines promise convenience, performance, and a love for great coffee, reaffirming why they're considered among the best pod machines in Australia.