The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The sleekest pod machine we've seen, this model with brushed-steel features the renowned Sage quality and ease of use. It preheats after switch-on, and then brews a delicious espresso or a little longer lungo in 30 minutes.
As opposed to bean-to-cup machines, pod models take the most messed-up aspects of coffee making off your hands, such as grinding and dosing grounds.
1. Fast
Pod machines can be installed and used more quickly than espresso machines. The majority of them can make a cup of coffee in 30 seconds. But they come at an expense: the pre-portioned coffee pods used in these machines tend to be more expensive than freshly roasted beans, and they are not recycled. (though certain companies now offer free recycling bags and prepaid UPS labels to return the pods).
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the most efficient pod machines available that you can find, thanks to its in-built barcode reader that scans the code of each compatible pod before making it. This makes it easy to make consistent, high-quality coffee every time, with next-to-no chances of a drink turning out horribly wrong. The machine is also among the tiniest and lightest available and does not require an additional milk jug, and a small footprint making it a breeze to fit into even the tiniest of kitchens.
However, the CitiZ isn't the ideal machine for those wanting to minimize their environmental impact. It doesn't come with an automatic descaling feature, and you'll have to clean it yourself every 300 cups if reside in hard water, or 1200 cups in soft water zones. It is also necessary to put in a new filter cartridge once this runs out and can be expensive for some users.
Tassimo Vivy 2 is a fast machine that can be customized with buttons. It can be utilized with ground coffee or ESE pods, which are pre-dosed, tampered grounds compressed between filter paper. This model is also B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to lessening its negative impact on the environment and its workforce. The only drawback is the time it takes to heat up. Once it does it will brew a cup in about 35 seconds.
If you're after an elegant, sleek machine that can handle a variety 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 and Sage, is not just easy to use and quick to start, but also comes with a milk frothing wand and a stainless steel jug.
2. Removable parts
The ease of using pod coffee makers is a major advantage. The top models are easy to operate. Most machines use the same process to brew the cup of coffee you want the water is heated inside the reservoir, and then moved through capsules to make rich, hot coffee. The majority of brands offer various drink sizes for different needs. You can also save custom settings to speed up the process.
Keurig K-Cups are among the largest player on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also offer a large selection of capsules made by the most well-known roasters. Some pods are designed to be used once and get thrown away, whereas others are meant for multiple uses. In either case, you'll have to plan out how you'll deal with the pods you've used up so that they don't end up in landfill.
The SMEG we tested has a reservoir of water that is easy to fill. It also automatically dispensates an additional capsule once the previous one cools down. It can be used to brew espresso and lungo drinks and comes with eight different blends to give you the variety. This brewer is perfect for coffee lovers who want to move away from drip coffee.
In our testing of the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most satisfying to use. Its sleek design is beautiful on your counter, and it can be opened in a matter of seconds to reveal the hidden compartment that stores empty pods. The machine also has the added benefit of the water filtration system which is great for hard-water areas.
This machine brews the standard cup of coffee (240ml) as well as ristretto and lungo espresso-style drinks and is surprisingly fast. Its user-friendly controls are easy to use with the help of switches that resemble airplanes and a lever that retracts with a minimum of effort to reveal the space which allows you to drop your pod. It takes a bit of effort to close, but the majority of our testers even those with weak hand strength and mobility, were able to use it comfortably.
3. Size
The top coffee pod machines remove all the messes of coffee making out of your hands. You simply load in the pod, press a button and brew. It is still necessary to clean the machine from time time, but not as frequently as you would with a coffee maker that is a bean-to cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are smaller than their larger counterparts, and can be stored on the counter when not being used.
The decision of whether a coffee machine is the right choice for you is based on your preferences and what you're looking to get from it. All pod machines are easy to use, but certain models offer more customization options than others. Consider the coffee pod variety, brew sizes and milk options for frothing when selecting the right machine.
The most popular pod-based coffee machines are Nespresso, Keurig and similar brands. However there are a few newer competitors that may be worth a look. One is Bruvi which has an exclusive pod system called B-Pods, which can only be used with its machines. The pods are marked with a barcode that is read by the machine to adjust the brewing parameters automatically.
This approach means the machine eliminates all the guesswork of brewing a cup and guarantees that every drink is perfect every time. It can even save customised drinks to a separate button to allow you to make them with the press of a more info button.
Other machines, such as Sage's My Way offer a more granular level of control over your coffee and allows you to select the right temperature and size for each cup. It's a little more expensive than many other models but it offers the polished stainless steel construction and excellent customer service synonymous with the brand and is a great option for those looking to get an extra level of quality from their pod-based coffee maker.
Some larger models can also create lungos. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is an excellent example of this, and it combines the retro fifties styling of SMEG with the classic design of Italian coffee maker, Lavazza. It's not easy at first thanks to the toggles that look like airplanes, but once you've gotten used to it, the machine is quick and easy to use. A lungo can be prepared in only 30 seconds.
4. Customization
A pod coffee maker's limited customisation is a major reason it might not be the right choice for you. If you don't have an additional milk frother then the only way to add flavor or creaminess is to make use of hot chocolate or tea option in your mug or to manually add milk into your the coffee. For most people, this shouldn't be a problem however it could be a nagging issue for those who prefer a fully automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew technology uses barcode scanners to scan each capsule, and automatically pre-wet, infuse and disperse the right amount of coffee that is appropriate for the type of pod. It's a user-friendly hands-off device that does a great job but lacks options for customising drinks or for varying the strength of brew. Some customers will be irritated by this, but others will appreciate the convenience and variety of cup sizes (espressos and lungos, as well as mugs) to be exactly what they're looking for.
Aside from filling up the water tank and decaffeinating the reservoir occasionally the coffee maker will not need a lot of maintenance. It is able to serve espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs with ease and, as previously mentioned the pods that are used are ejected into a concealed receptacle that keeps your kitchen clean. It is also excellent at delivering full-bodied espressos with tops that are topped with crema.
This is a beautiful-looking machine and part of Smeg's fifties style range. It's easy to use via simple buttons and can accommodate ground coffee as well as ESE pods. The only downside is that it doesn't come with an indicator that lets you know when it's time for descale. Also, the maximum water level cannot be set which is a minor inconvenience. You will also have to purchase the brand's capsules which can be expensive. But, it's an excellent pod coffee maker for anyone seeking a stylish and convenient appliance that will provide them with a great service at a reasonable price. If you're looking for some variety, a large selection of third-party capsules are available for this model and it's also compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.