The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The most sleek pod machine we've seen, this model with brushed-steel features the signature Sage quality and is easy to use. It heats up immediately after switching on and makes an espresso with aroma or a little longer lungo in about 30 seconds.
The pod models are a great alternative to bean-to cup machines. They take the clumsiest aspects of making coffee off your hands, including grinding and measuring grounds.
1. Rapid
Pod machines are typically quicker to install and use than espresso machines, with the majority capable of making a cup of coffee in just 30 seconds or less. The pre-portioned pods used in these machines tend to be more expensive than freshly roasted coffee beans and many are not recyclable.
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the most efficient pod machines available on the market due to its built-in barcode reader that scans the code of each compatible pod prior to brewing it. This ensures you get consistently high-quality coffee, every time. There is hardly any possibility of getting a poor drink. The machine is one of the tiniest and lightest available. It does not require an additional milk container, and its small footprint allows it to be easily incorporated into even the smallest kitchens.
However, the CitiZ isn't the ideal machine for those wanting to reduce their environmental impact. The CitiZ isn't equipped with an automatic descaling feature. You will need to manually descale the machine every 300 cups for hard water and 1200 cups for soft water. Once the filter cartridge is out, you'll need replace it with a new one. This can be costly for some users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another speedy machine with customisable buttons and the option of using ground coffee or ESE pods that are pre-dosed and tampered grounds packed between filter paper. This model is B-Corp Certified. It is committed to decreasing the negative impact it has on the environment and its employees. Its only minor drawback is the time it takes to heat up. Once it does, it can brew one cup in just 35 seconds.
If you're after an elegant, sleek machine that can handle a range of different drink sizes and styles then you should look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This glossy beauty, made in collaboration with Sage, is not only simple and quick to operate but also comes with an ice-cream frothing wand, as well as a stainless steel Jug.
2. Removable parts
A pod coffee maker's ease of use is a major selling point, and the best models are easy to use. Most machines use the same mechanism to brew the perfect cup of coffee: water is heated inside a reservoir, then pushed through capsules to create rich hot coffee. The majority of brands offer a variety of drink sizes to suit various needs. You can save your own settings for a variety of models to speed up the process even further.
Keurig K-Cups are the biggest brands available on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also have a wide selection of capsules from popular roasters. Some pods are able to be used once before being thrown away, while others can be used several times. You'll need a strategy for your used pods to avoid them from being thrown away.
The sleek SMEG model we tested comes with an ejectable water tank that's easy to fill, and the machine will automatically pour new capsules once the previous one has been cooled. It can be used to brew lungo and espresso drinks, and comes with eight different blends that provide you with a wide selection. This brewer will appeal to coffee lovers who are looking to switch from drip coffee.
In our tests, the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable one to use. Its sleek design looks great on your counter and can be opened in a matter of seconds to reveal the compartment that stores empty pods. The machine comes with an in-built water filter system which is perfect for areas that have hard water.
This machine brews an ordinary cup of coffee (240ml), as well as lungo and ristretto-style espresso drinks and is extremely fast. Its intuitive controls are easy to navigate, thanks to aircraft-style toggles as well as a lever that retracts without much effort to reveal the area that allows you to insert the pod. It does take a little effort to close, but our testers, including those with limitations in hand strength and mobility, found it comfortable.
3. Size
The best coffee pod machines eliminate all the mess that comes with coffee making - you just load a pod in, press a button and let it brew. You'll still need to clean your machine from time to time but not as often as a bean-to-cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are also smaller than their larger counterparts and can be tucked away on the counter and be kept out of view when not in use.
If a coffee pod machine is the best choice for you depends on your preferences and what you're looking to gain from it. All pod machines are simple to operate, however, some provide more options for customization. read more Take into consideration the variety of coffee pods, brew sizes and milk options for frothing when picking the right machine.
Most people will associate pod-based machines with the likes of Nespresso and Keurig, but there are some newer competitors on the scene that could be worth considering. One is Bruvi which has an exclusive pod system known as B-Pods that can only be used with its machines. The pods have a barcode on the underside that the machine scans to adjust the brewing settings automatically.
This means that the machine takes all the guesswork out the process of making a cup, and makes sure that each drink is made perfectly every time. It can even save customized drinks to a dedicated button so you can create them at the push of a button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way, offer more granular control over your coffee than most, letting you choose the exact size and temperature for each cup. It's a bit more expensive than many other models, but it has the polished stainless steel design and top-quality customer service that's synonymous with the brand and is a solid option for those looking to get something more from their pod-based coffee maker.
While most people will be using the pod-based machine to create single-serve drinks There are some larger models that can make longer shots, referred to as lungos, also. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is a fantastic example of this. It blends the retro-fifties style of SMEG with Italian coffee brand, Lavazza. It can be a little difficult to operate due to its airplane-style toggles and manual lever, but it's easy and incredibly satisfying to operate the lungo is made in just 30 seconds and the used pods are deposited into an internal bin with the click of a button.
4. Customization
The lack of flexibility is one of the main reasons it may not be the best option for you. If you don't have an additional milk frother, then the only option to add more flavor or creaminess is to use hot chocolate or tea option in your mug, or to manually add milk to your the coffee. This won't be an issue for many people, but could be a problem for those who prefer the convenience of a fully automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew utilizes barcode scanners to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wettes, infuses and dispenses the right amount of coffee to the specific type of pod. It's an easy-to-use hands-off device that does an excellent job, however it isn't equipped with options for customizing drinks or varying brew strength. Some customers might be disappointed by this, however others will appreciate the ease of use and the variety of cup sizes (espressos, lungos and mugs) to be exactly what they're searching for.
This coffee maker is very low-maintenance. It's all you have to do is to refill the water tank and decaffeinate the reservoir each and every time. It is able to serve espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs with ease and, as mentioned, used pods are ejected into a hidden receptacle which keeps your kitchen spotless. It also excels in delivering full-bodied coffees that have crema-topped tops.
This machine is part Smeg's 1950s style range. It's user-friendly with an easy-to-use panel of buttons and can accommodate both ground coffee and ESE pods. Its only flaw is the absence of a gauge that will let you know when it's time to descale, as well as the inability to set the maximum water level. You also need to buy the brand's capsules, which can be pricey. This is a great pod machine for those who want a convenient and attractive appliance that will serve well at a reasonable price. For those who want more variety, a large selection of third-party capsules is available for this model, and it's also compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.