The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The most sleek pod machine we've seen, this model with brushed-steel features the trademark Sage quality and ease of use. It preheats after switch-on, and makes an espresso with aroma or a slightly longer lungo in about 30 minutes.
Models for pods are a great alternative to bean-to-cup machines. They take the clumsiest parts of coffee making off your hands, like grinding and measuring grounds.
1. Rapid
Pod machines can be installed and used more quickly than espresso machines. They can typically make a cup in just 30 seconds. But they come at an expense in that the pre-portioned coffee pods used in these models are generally more expensive than freshly roasted beans. And they're not always recyclable (though some companies are now offering free recycling bags and prepaid UPS labels to return them).
The Nespresso CitiZ has one of the most efficient pod machines available due to the barcode scanner that scans each compatible pod's code prior to brewing. This makes it easy to ensure consistent high-quality, high-end coffee every time, with virtually no chances of a drink turning out badly wrong. The machine is also among the tiniest and lightest on the market, with no need for a separate milk jug and the smallest footprint, making it easy to fit into even the smallest of kitchens.
The CitiZ isn't the most efficient device to reduce your environmental impact. The CitiZ isn't equipped with an automatic descaling feature. You'll have to manually descale the machine every 300 cups for hard water, and 1200 cups for soft water. You'll also need to swap with a new cartridge after this expires and could be expensive for some users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another speedy machine with customisable buttons and the option of using either ground coffee or ESE pods, which are pre-dosed and tampered with grounds packed between filter paper. This model is B-Corp Certified. It is committed to decreasing the negative impact it has on its environment and workforce. Its only minor drawback is the time it takes to heat up. Once it's done it, it can make one cup in just 35 seconds.
If you're looking for an elegant, stylish machine capable of handling a range of different sizes and styles, look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This gorgeous, glossy machine, developed in collaboration with Sage, is not only 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 benefit. The most effective models are simple to use. Most machines use the same basic method to make the cup of coffee you want the water is heated inside reservoirs, then pushed through capsules to create rich hot, hot java. The majority of brands offer various drink sizes for different needs. You can also save custom settings to make the process more efficient.
Keurig's K-Cups and Nestle's Nespresso VertuoLine series are the two leading brands on the market, yet each offers a wide selection of capsules from top roasters and brands. Some pods are designed to be used only once before being discarded, while others are designed to be used for a variety of purposes. In either case, you'll have to plan ahead for how you'll deal with the pods that are no longer being used so they do not end up in the garbage.
The sleek SMEG model we tested features a water tank that is removable and easy to fill and the machine will automatically pour a fresh capsule once the previous one has cooled. It can be used to brew lungo and espresso drinks and comes with eight different blends for the variety. This brewer is a great choice for coffee drinkers who want to move away from drip coffee.
In our tests, the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design makes it an eye-catching addition to your counter and opens with a light tap to reveal a hidden compartment for empty pods. The machine comes with a water filter system that is ideal for areas with hard water.
This machine brews the standard cup of coffee (240ml) as well as lungo and ristretto-style espresso drinks, and is surprisingly quick. The controls are simple to operate, using airplane-style toggles that can be easily pulled back and a lever which retracts to reveal the opening for dropping into your pod. It takes a bit of effort to close, but the majority of our test subjects who have limited hand strength and mobility, felt comfortable.
3. Size
The top coffee pod machines eliminate all the mess that comes with coffee making - you just put a pod in, press a button and let it be brewed. It is still necessary to clean your machine occasionally however not as often as a bean-to-cup or espresso maker. Pod machines are smaller than their bigger counterparts and can be stacked on the counter when not in use.
The ideal coffee maker for you will depend on your personal preferences and what you wish to achieve. All pod machines are simple to use, but others provide more options for customization. Consider the coffee pod variety sizes, brew sizes and milk options for frothing when selecting the best machine.
The most popular pod-based machines are Nespresso, Keurig and similar brands. However there are a few newer competitors worth taking a look at. Bruvi has a custom-designed system of pods called B-Pods that can only be used in its machines. The pods are equipped with a barcode on the underside that the machine scans to adjust the brewing settings automatically.
This means that the machine removes all the guesswork the process of making a cup, and guarantees that every drink comes out perfectly every time. It can save your custom drinks to a button so that you can make them by pressing only one button.
Other machines, such as Sage's My Way, offer greater control over your cup of coffee than the majority, letting you choose a specific size and temperature for each drink. It's more expensive than other models, however it comes with a polished stainless-steel construction and the excellent customer service that is a hallmark of Sage's My Way. This is a great option for those wanting to get an extra bit of quality from their espresso maker that is based on pods.
While most people are using the pod-based machine to create single-serve drinks however, there are a few larger models that can also brew longer shots, known as lungos. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is a excellent example, blends retro style of the fifties from SMEG and Italian coffee brand Lavazza. It's a bit difficult to use due to its airplane-style toggles and manual lever, but it's easy and extremely enjoyable to use and brews a lungo in less than 30 seconds and the pods that are used are deposited into an internal bin with the click of a button.
4. Customization
One of the main reasons a pod coffee maker may not be the right choice for you is its limited customizability. If you don't buy an additional milk frother, the only ways to add flavor or creaminess are to make use of an in-mug hot chocolate or tea option, and then add milk to your coffee manually. This shouldn't be a problem for a lot of people, but it could be a problem for those who prefer the convenience of a fully automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew uses barcode scanners to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wettes and infuses, then dispensing the right amount of coffee for the particular kind of pod. It's a hassle-free, hands-off machine that does the job well, but it doesn't have any options for customizing drinks or altering the strength of the brew. This will irritate some buyers but for others the hassle-free automation and variety of cup lengths (espresso lungo, espresso and mug) it provides exactly what they need.
Apart from filling the water tank and decaffeinating the reservoir occasionally the coffee maker will not need a lot of maintenance. It can make short espresso-style shots or tall travel mugs easily. As mentioned, the used pods are ejected in a container hidden from view which keeps your kitchen clean. It also does a fantastic job of delivering full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.
This machine is part Smeg's click here 1950s style range. It's easy to use with a simple control panel and can be used with ground coffee or 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 a maximum water level. It is also necessary to purchase the brand's own capsules, which can be pricey. Nevertheless, this is a great pod coffee maker for those seeking a stylish and functional appliance that will provide them with quality coffee at an affordable price. This model can be used with a variety of third-party capsules and also is compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo range.