The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The most sleek pod machine we've seen this model with brushed-steel features the renowned Sage quality and user-friendly. After turning on, it preheats and makes a scrumptious espresso or slightly longer lungo in just 30 minutes.
The pod models are an excellent alternative to bean-to-cup machines. They take the messiest aspects of making coffee off your hands, such as grinding and measuring grounds.
1. Speedy
Pod machines are typically quicker to set up and use than espresso machines, with the majority able to make coffee in just 30 seconds or so. The pre-portioned pods used in these machines tend to be more expensive than freshly roasted coffee beans, and a lot of them are not recyclable.
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the most efficient pod machines available that you can find, thanks to its in-built barcode scanner that scans the code of each compatible pod before making it. This ensures you get consistently high-quality coffee, every time. There is virtually no chance of having a bad drink. The machine is among the slimmest and lightest available. It does not require an additional milk container, and its compact size makes it easy to fit into the smallest kitchens.
However the CitiZ isn't the best machine for those looking to minimize their environmental impact. It doesn't have an automated descaling function and you'll need to do it yourself every 300 cups if you reside in hard water, or 1200 cups in soft water areas. Once the filter cartridge is out, you'll need replace it with a new. This could be expensive for certain users.
Tassimo Vivy 2 is a quick machine with customizable buttons. It can be used with either ground coffee or ESE pods, which are pre-dosed and tampered grounds that are compressed between filter paper. It is also B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to lessening its negative impact on the environment as well as its workforce. The only drawback is the time it takes to heat up. Once it is heated, it can brew one cup in just 35 minutes.
If you're looking for an elegant, stylish machine that can handle a variety of different drink sizes and styles then look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek machine designed in collaboration with Sage is not just simple to use, but it also comes with an ice cream wand, stainless steel jug and milk frother.
2. Removable parts
A pod coffee maker's ease of use is a major draw and the best models are simple to operate. The majority of machines utilize the same basic process to make your coffee: water is heated inside a reservoir, and then pushed through the capsules you choose and extracted to produce rich, hot coffee. The majority of brands offer various sizes of drinks for different needs. You can also save your own settings to speed up the process.
Keurig's K-Cups and Nestle's Nespresso VertuoLine series are the two biggest players on the market, however both offer a variety of capsules from the most popular roasters and brands. Some pods are designed to be used only once before being get thrown away, whereas others are designed to be used multiple times. You'll need a plan to dispose of your used pods to avoid them ending up in landfill.
The sleek SMEG model we tested features an ejectable water tank that's easy to fill, and the machine will automatically pour a fresh capsule once the previous one has cooled. It can be used to brew espresso and lungo drinks, and comes with a set of eight different blends that provide plenty of options. This brewer is ideal for those who love coffee and want to switch from drip coffee.
In our tests, the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most satisfying to use. Its sleek design is an eye-catching addition to your counter and can be opened with a gentle touch to reveal a hidden compartment for your empty pods. It also comes with the added benefit of the water filtration system which is great for hard-water areas.
This machine is quick and can brew regular coffee (240ml) as well as ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. Its easy-to-use controls are a joy to navigate using the switches that resemble airplanes and a lever that retracts with little effort to reveal the space where you drop in your pod. It does take a little force to close but our testers, including those who have limitations in hand strength and mobility were able to use it comfortably.
3. Size
The best coffee pod machines eliminate all the mess that comes with coffee making. All you have to do is add a pod the machine, push a button and let it make coffee. You'll still have to clean your machine occasionally but not as often as a bean-to cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are smaller than their bigger counterparts, and can be stored on the counter when not in use.
The ideal coffee maker for you will depend on your preferences and the goals you'd like to achieve. All pod machines are easy to use, but some offer more customisation options than others. Take into consideration the variety of coffee pods, brew sizes and milk frothing options when choosing the right machine.
Most people will think coffee pod machine of pod-based devices in the likes of Nespresso and Keurig however there are a few more recent competitors which are worth looking into. Bruvi has a custom-designed system of pods called B-Pods that can only be used in its machines. The pods are identified by a barcode which is scanned by the machine to adjust the brewing parameters automatically.
The machine will eliminate the guesswork and make sure that each drink is perfect every time. It can save your customised drinks to a button so that you can create them using a single button.
Other machines, such as Sage's My Way, offer more control over your coffee than the majority machines, allowing you to choose the right size and temperature for each drink. It's a bit more expensive than some models but it offers the polished stainless steel construction and the excellent customer service that is associated with the brand. It is a great choice for those who want a bit more from their pod-based coffee maker.
Certain models are larger and can create lungos. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is an excellent example of this, and it blends the retro-fifties style of SMEG with Italian coffee brand, Lavazza. It's a little intimidating initially due to the airplane-style toggles however once you've become accustomed to it, it is quick and easy to use. A lungo can be made in only 30 seconds.
4. Customization
The lack of customisation is a major reason it may not be the best option for you. If you don't purchase an auxiliary milk frother, the only methods to add extra flavor or creaminess are to make use of a hot chocolate in-mug or tea option, and then add milk to your cup manually. For most people, this shouldn't be a problem however it could be a sticking point for those who prefer an automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew makes use of a barcode scanner to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wets, infuses and dispenses the correct amount of coffee for the specific type of pod. It's an easy-to-use and hands-off machine that does an excellent job, but lacks options for customising drinks or for varying the strength of brew. This might be frustrating for some customers but for others, the simple automation and range of cup lengths (espresso, lungo and mug) it provides precisely what they require.
Aside from filling up the water tank and decaffeinating the reservoir on occasion the coffee maker will not require a lot of maintenance. It can dispense short espresso shots and tall travel mugs effortlessly and, as mentioned, used pods are ejected into a hidden container which keeps your kitchen spotless. It also does a great job of providing full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.
This machine is part of Smeg's 1950s-style collection. It's user-friendly with a simple control panel and can take ground coffee or ESE pods. It's only downside is the lack of a gauge that will let you know when to descale, and the inability to set a maximum water level. You also need to buy the brand's own capsules which can be expensive. This is a good pod machine for anyone looking for a convenient and attractive appliance that can be used at a reasonable cost. This model is compatible with a range of capsules from third-party manufacturers and works with the Nespresso Vertuo range.