The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The most elegant pod machine we've seen this model with brushed-steel features the trademark Sage quality and is easy to use. After switching on, it preheats and makes a scrumptious espresso or slightly longer lungo in about 30 seconds.
Unlike bean-to-cup machines, pod models take the most messy aspects of coffee making out of your hands, including grinding and dosing grounds.
1. Rapid
Pod machines are generally easier to install and use than espresso machines, with the majority able to make coffee in just 30 seconds or less. The pre-portioned pods used in these machines are typically more expensive than freshly roasted coffee beans and many of them are not recyclable.
The Nespresso CitiZ has one of the fastest pod machines available, thanks to the barcode scanner that scans every compatible pod's code prior to brewing. This makes it easy to make consistent high-quality, high-end coffee every time, and there is virtually no chances of a drink turning out badly wrong. It's also among the tiniest and lightest available, with no need for a separate milk jug and the smallest footprint, making it easy to fit in even the tiniest of kitchens.
The CitiZ is not the best machine to minimize your environmental impact. It doesn't have an automatic descaling feature, and you'll have to clean it yourself every 300 cups if you live in hard water or 1200 cups in soft water zones. You'll also have to put with a new cartridge when it runs out and can be expensive for some users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another fast machine that has buttons that can be customized and the option of using ground coffee or ESE pods, which are pre-dosed and tampered with grounds compressed between filter paper. This model is B-Corp Certified. It is committed to lessening the negative impact it has on its environment and workforce. Its only slight drawback is that it takes a little longer to warm up, but once that happens it can brew a cup in around 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, created in collaboration with Sage is not just easy to use, but it also comes with an ice cream wand a stainless steel jug, and a milk frother.
2. Removable parts
The ease of use of pod coffee makers is a major benefit. The best models are easy to operate. Most machines utilize the same mechanism to brew the perfect cup of coffee the water is heated inside the reservoir, and then moved through capsules to make rich hot, hot coffee. The majority of brands offer various drink sizes for different needs. You can also save your own settings to speed up the process.
Keurig K-Cups are among the top brands available on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also have a wide selection of capsules from popular roasters. Certain pods can be used just once before they are discarded however, others can be used several times. You'll need a plan for the pods you've used to avoid them ending up in landfill.
The SMEG we tested has a water reservoir that is easy to fill. It also automatically dispenses an additional capsule once the previous one cools down. It can brew lungo and espresso drinks and has eight different blends to offer various options. This brewer is perfect for coffee lovers who want to switch to drip coffee to drip.
In our tests in our tests, the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design is beautiful on your counter, and it opens with just a touch to reveal the hidden compartment that stores your empty pods. The machine comes with an integrated water filter that is ideal for areas with hard water.
This machine is easy to use and brews standard coffee (240ml) and ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. The controls are easy to operate, using switches that resemble airplanes, which can be easily pulled back and a lever that retracts to reveal the opening to drop in your pod. It requires a bit of effort to close, but most of our testers who have weak hand strength and mobility, found it comfortable.
3. Size
The top coffee pod machines remove all the messes of coffee making out coffee pods machine of your hands. You simply put in the pod, press the button, and then prepare to brew. You will still need to clean the machine from time time but not as often as you would with a bean-to-cup cup or espresso maker. Pod machines are smaller than their larger counterparts, and can be stored on the counter when not being used.
The ideal coffee maker for you will be determined by your preferences and the goals you'd like to achieve. All pod machines are easy to use, but some have more options for customization than others. Be aware of the different coffee pods sizes, brew sizes and milk options for frothing when picking the best machine.
Most people will think of pod-based devices in the likes of Nespresso and Keurig, but there are a few newer competitors on the scene which are worth looking into. One of them is Bruvi, which uses its own pod system, called B-Pods that can only be used with its machines. The pods are marked with a barcode, which is read by the machine to adjust the brewing parameters automatically.
The machine will eliminate all the guesswork and ensure that every drink is perfect every time. It can even save customized drinks to a specific button, allowing you to create them at the touch of a button.
Other machines, such as Sage's My Way offer a more precise level of control over your coffee that allows you to select a specific temperature and size for each drink. It's more expensive than other models, but it comes with the polished stainless-steel build and excellent customer service that is synonymous with Sage's My Way. This is a great option for those who want a bit more out of their pod-based espresso maker.
While most people are using a pod-based machine to make single-serve drinks, there are some larger models that are able to make longer shots, referred to as lungos, also. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is an excellent example of this, and it combines the retro fifties styling of SMEG with the retro-fifties design of SMEG Italian coffee maker, Lavazza. It's a bit intimidating to use thanks to its toggles that resemble airplanes and a manual lever, but it's quick and extremely enjoyable to use and brews a lungo in just 30 seconds and the used pods are placed in an internal bin at the touch of a button.
4. Customization
The lack of flexibility is one of the main reasons it may not be the best choice for you. If you don't purchase an auxiliary milk frother, the only options to add flavor or creaminess are to use an in-mug hot chocolate or tea option, and then add milk to your cup manually. This won't be an issue for many people, but could be an issue for those who like a fully automatic experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew utilizes a barcode scanner to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wettes and infuses, then dispensing the correct amount of coffee to 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 altering the strength of brew. Some customers might be disappointed by this, but others will appreciate the convenience and variety of cup sizes (espressos, lungos and mugs) to be exactly what they are looking for.
In addition to filling up the tank with water and decaffeinating it occasionally the coffee maker will not require much maintenance. It can make short espresso shots or tall travel mugs effortlessly. As mentioned earlier, the used pods are ejected into an unnoticed container that helps keep your kitchen tidy. It also does a fantastic job of serving full-bodied, crema-topped espressos.
This machine is part of Smeg’s 1950s-style range. It's easy to use with a simple interface and can be used with ground coffee or ESE pods. The only issue is that it lacks an indicator that lets you know when it's time for descale. Also, the maximum water level can't be set which is an issue. It is also necessary to purchase the capsules made by the company which can be expensive. This is a great pod machine for anyone looking for an easy-to-use and stylish appliance that can be used at a low cost. This model is compatible with a range of capsules from third-party manufacturers and is compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo range.