The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The most sleek pod machine we've seen, this brushed-steel model has the renowned Sage quality and is easy to use. After switching on, it preheats and makes a scrumptious espresso or a slightly longer lungo in about 30 minutes.
In contrast to bean-to-cup machines models take the most messy aspects of coffee making off your hands, including grinding and dosing grounds.
1. Rapid
Pod machines can be set up and used faster than espresso machines. Most of them can make a cup in just 30 minutes. But they do come at an expense as the pre-portioned pods of coffee that are used in these machines are generally more expensive than freshly roasted beans, and many are also not recyclable (though some companies are now offering free recycling bags and pre-paid UPS labels to return them).
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the most efficient pod machines available that you can find due to its in-built barcode reader that scans code of each compatible pod before making it. This makes it easy to make consistent quality, high-end coffee each time, and there is virtually no chances of a drink turning out horribly wrong. The machine is among the slimmest and lightest on the market. It does not require an additional milk container, and its compact footprint allows it to be easily incorporated into the tiniest kitchens.
However, the CitiZ isn't the ideal machine for those looking to cut down on their environmental impact. It doesn't have an automatic descaling function and you'll need 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 with a new cartridge after this expires 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, tampered and compressed between filter paper. This model is B-Corp Certified. It is committed to reducing the negative impact it has on its surroundings and its workforce. The only drawback is that it takes longer to heat up, but once that occurs, it can make one cup in just 35 seconds.
Vertuo Creatista is a stylish sleek machine that can make a variety drinks in different sizes and styles. This sleek machine, designed in collaboration with Sage is not only easy to use but also comes with an ice cream wand stainless steel jug and a milk frother.
2. Removable parts
The simplicity of a pod coffee maker is a major advantage. The top models are simple to use. Most machines utilize the same process to brew the cup of coffee you want the water is heated inside a reservoir, then pushed through capsules to create rich hot java. Many brands offer a variety of drink sizes for different needs. You can also save your own settings to make the process more efficient.
Keurig K-Cups are among the top brands available on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also come with a variety of capsules made by the most popular roasters. Certain pods can be used just once before being thrown away and others can be used multiple times. Either way, you'll need to plan out how you'll deal with the pods that are no longer being used so they don't end up in landfill.
The SMEG we tested comes with a removable water reservoir that is easy to fill. It also automatically dispensates another capsule after the previous one cools down. It can make espresso and lungo drinks, and has eight different blends to offer the variety. This brewer is ideal for those who love coffee and want to move away from drip coffee.
In our tests of the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable one to use. Its sleek design makes it an eye-catching addition to your countertop and it can be opened with a gentle touch to reveal a concealed compartment for your empty pods. The machine also has the added benefit of a water filtration system, which is ideal for hard-water areas.
The machine is fast and can make regular coffee (240ml), ristretto, and lungo espresso drinks. The controls are simple to operate, using the style of airplane toggles that can be easily pulled back and a lever that retracts to reveal the opening to drop into the pod. It requires some pressure to close, however most of our testers, including those with limitations in hand strength and mobility, felt comfortable.
3. Size
The best coffee pod machines eliminate all the mess that comes with coffee making. You just load a pod in the machine, press a button, and let it be brewed. You'll still have to clean your machine occasionally, but not as often as a bean-to cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are smaller than their larger counterparts, so they can fit on the countertop and be kept out of view when not being used.
If a coffee pod machine is the best choice for you depends on your preferences and what you're looking to get from it. All pod machines are simple to use, however some have more options for customization than others. Pod variety, brew size options and milk frothing capabilities are all important to help find the perfect coffee pod machine.
The most popular pod-based machines are Nespresso, Keurig and similar brands. However there are a few newer competitors that may be worth taking a look at. One of them is Bruvi, which uses its own pod system, called B-Pods that can only be used by its machines. The pods are marked with a barcode, which is scanned by the machine to adjust the brewing settings automatically.
This approach means the machine eliminates all the guesswork of brewing a cup and guarantees that every drink is made perfectly every time. It can save your custom drinks capsule machine coffee on a button to allow you to create them with only one button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way, offer more granular control over your coffee than others machines, allowing you to choose the right size and temperature for each cup. It's more expensive than other models, however it has the polished stainless steel construction and superior customer support synonymous with Sage's My Way. This is a great choice for those looking for a bit more out of their espresso maker that is based on pods.
Some models with larger capacities can also make lungos. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, which is a great example, combines retro-fifties style from SMEG and Italian coffee brand Lavazza. It's a bit intimidating to use thanks to its airplane-style toggles as well as the manual lever, but it's quick and incredibly enjoyable to use the lungo is made in just 30 seconds and the pods that are used are deposited into 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 option for you. If you don't have an alternative milk frother then the only way to enhance flavor or creaminess is to use hot tea or chocolate option in your mug or to manually add milk into your coffee. This won't be an issue for many people, but could be a problem for those who prefer a fully automatic experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew technology utilizes barcode readers to scan each capsule and automatically pre-wet, infuse, and dispense the correct volume of coffee that is appropriate for the kind of pod. It's a user-friendly hands-off device that does an excellent job, however it isn't equipped with options for customizing drinks or varying brew strength. This will irritate some buyers however for others, the easy automation and range of cup lengths (espresso, lungo and mug) will provide precisely what they require.
This coffee maker is very low maintenance. It only requires you to refill the tank with water, and decaffeinate the reservoir each and every so often. It can make short espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs easily. As mentioned earlier, the used pods are ejected into an unnoticed container that keeps your kitchen tidy. It also does an excellent job of delivering full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.
This machine is part of Smeg's 1950s-style collection. It is easy to use with a simple control panel and can accommodate ground coffee or ESE pods. Its only flaw is the absence of a gauge that will let you know when to descale, and the inability to set the maximum level of water. You'll also need to purchase the brand's capsules which can be costly. But, it's an excellent pod coffee maker for those looking for a beautiful and functional appliance that will provide them with a great service at a reasonable cost. If you're looking for some variety, a wide range of third-party capsules is available for this model. It's compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.