The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The most sleek pod machine we've seen, this brushed-steel model has the signature Sage quality and ease of use. It preheats after switch-on, and makes an espresso with aroma or a little longer lungo in just 30 seconds.
Models for pods are an excellent alternative to bean-to-cup machines. They take the messiest components of making coffee off your hands, like grinding and measuring grounds.
1. Rapid
Pod machines are generally easier to set up and use than espresso machines, with many can make coffee in 30 seconds or so. However, they come with some cost in that the pre-portioned coffee pods used in these models are generally more expensive than freshly roasted beans. And many are also not recyclable (though some companies now offer recycling bags for free and UPS labels to return them).
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the most efficient pod machines available on the market due to its in-built barcode scanner that scans the code of each compatible pod prior to brewing it. This ensures that you get consistently high-quality coffee, every time. There is hardly any chance of getting a bad drink. The machine is among the slimmest and lightest on the market. It doesn't require a separate milk container and its compact size allows it to be easily incorporated into even the tiniest kitchens.
The CitiZ is not the best machine to reduce the environmental impact. The CitiZ does not have an automatic descaling feature. You will need to manually descale the machine every 300 cups for hard water, and every 1200 cups for soft water. You'll also need to swap with a new cartridge after this expires and can be expensive for certain users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another quick machine that comes with a customisable button and the option of using either ground coffee or ESE pods that are pre-dosed and tampered grounds compressed between filter paper. The model is B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to reducing its negative impact on the environment as well as its employees. The only downside is the time it takes to heat up. Once it is heated it will brew a cup in just 35 minutes.
Vertuo Creatista is a stylish, sleek machine that can create a variety of drinks with different sizes and styles. This sleek machine designed in collaboration with Sage is not just easy to use, but also comes with an ice cream wand an stainless steel jug and milk frother.
2. Removable parts
The ease of use of pod coffee makers is a major advantage. The most effective models are easy to operate. Most machines use the same method to make the perfect cup of coffee that is, heated water is placed in the reservoir, and then moved through capsules to make rich hot, hot coffee. Many brands offer a variety of drink sizes to suit different needs, and you can save custom settings on a number of models to simplify the process even further.
Keurig K-Cups are among the top player on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also come with a variety of capsules by well-known roasters. Some pods are made to be used only once before being discarded, while others are designed for multiple uses. You'll need a plan to dispose of the pods you've used to avoid them ending up in landfill.
The SMEG we tested has a removable reservoir of water that is simple to fill. It also automatically dispensates a new capsule after the previous one cools down. It can brew espresso and lungo drinks, and comes with a set of eight different blends that give you plenty of variety. This brewer is ideal for coffee drinkers who wish to make the switch from drip coffee.
In our testing we found that the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design is a looker on your countertop and it opens with a light touch to reveal a concealed compartment for your empty pods. The machine also has the added benefit of the water filtration system which is perfect for areas with hard water.
This machine is quick and can brew standard coffee (240ml) and ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. The controls are simple to operate, using switches that resemble airplanes, which can be easily retracted and a lever that retracts to reveal the opening for dropping into your pod. It takes a bit of force to close, but our testers, including those with weak hand and mobility, found it comfortable.
3. Size
The best coffee pod makers take away all the mess from coffee making. You just load a pod in, press a button and let it be brewed. It is still necessary to clean the machine from time time, but not as frequently as you would with a bean-to-cup cup or espresso maker. Pod machines are smaller than their bigger counterparts and can be stored on the counter when not in use.
Whether a coffee pod machine is the best choice for you is based on your preferences and what you want to get from it. The majority of pod machines are easy to use, but some offer more customisation options than others. Different pod types, brew sizes options, and milk frothing capabilities are all important to help find the perfect coffee pod machine for you.
Most people will think of pod-based devices in the likes of Nespresso and Keurig, but there are some newer rivals that are worth a look. Bruvi has a custom-designed system of pods, called B-Pods that can only be used in its machines. The pods are marked with a barcode, which is read by the machine to adjust the brewing settings automatically.
This method eliminates all pods coffee machine the guesswork of brewing a cup and ensures each drink is made perfectly every time. It can even save customised drinks to a dedicated button so you can create them at the push of a single button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way, offer greater control over your cup of coffee than others machines, allowing you to choose the exact size and temperature for each drink. It's a bit more expensive than some models, but it comes with the polished stainless steel design and top-quality customer service that's associated with the brand. It is a good choice for those who want an extra level of quality from their pod-based coffee maker.
Certain models are larger and can brew lungos. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is a fantastic example of this and combines the retro fifties styling of SMEG with the classic design of Italian coffee maker, Lavazza. It's difficult to operate due to its airplane-style toggles as well as the manual lever, but it's incredibly easy and incredibly enjoyable to use the lungo is made in only 30 seconds, and the pods that are used are deposited into an internal bin with the click of a button.
4. Customization
One reason a pod coffee maker may not be the best choice for you is its lack of customizability. If you don't have an alternative milk frother, the only option to add more flavor or creaminess is to use a hot chocolate or tea option in your mug, or to manually add milk to your the coffee. For most people, this won't be a problem, but it could be a problem for those who prefer an automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew technology utilizes barcode scanners to scan each capsule and automatically pre-wet, infuse and dispense the correct volume of coffee for that particular type of pod. It's a hassle-free, hands-off machine that does the job flawlessly, but does not have any options for making drinks that are customized or altering the strength of the brew. Some customers will be irritated by this, however others will appreciate the convenience and variety of cup sizes (espressos, lungos and mugs) to be exactly what they're seeking.
Aside from filling up the water tank and decaffeinating the reservoir occasionally This coffee maker does not need a lot of maintenance. It can make short espresso shots or tall travel mugs easily. As mentioned, the used pods are ejected into a hidden container which keeps your kitchen clean. It also does a fantastic job of providing full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.
It's a gorgeous machine and part of Smeg's fifties style range. It's simple to use with an easy-to-use panel of buttons and can accommodate ground coffee as well as ESE pods. It's only downside is the lack of a gauge that lets you know when it's time to descale, as well as the inability to set the maximum level of water. You also need to buy the brand's own capsules which can be costly. But, it's a good pod coffee maker for those looking for an attractive and functional appliance that will serve them well for a reasonable price. This model can be used with a variety of capsules from third party manufacturers and works with the Nespresso Vertuo range.