The Best
Coffee Pod MachineThe most elegant pod machine we've ever seen, this model with brushed-steel features the signature Sage quality and ease of use. After switching on, it preheats and brews a fragrant espresso or a slightly longer lungo within 30 seconds.
As opposed to bean-to-cup machines, pod models take the most messed-up aspects of coffee making out of your hands, such as grinding and dosing grounds.
1. Speedy
Pod machines are generally quicker to install and use than espresso machines, with the majority can make a cup of
coffee machine with capsules in just 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 they're not always recyclable (though some companies are now offering recycling bags for free and UPS labels for returning the pods).
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the most efficient pod machines available that is available due to its built-in barcode reader that scans the code of each compatible pod prior to brewing it. This ensures consistently top-quality coffee every time. There is hardly any possibility of getting a poor beverage. It's also one of the slimmest and lightest on the market and does not require an additional milk jug or its small footprint making it easy to fit in even the tiniest kitchen.
The CitiZ isn't the best machine to minimize your environmental impact. The CitiZ doesn't have an automatic descaling feature. You'll have to manually descale the machine every 300 cups for hard water and every 1200 cups for soft water. Once the filter cartridge is out, you'll have to replace it with a fresh one. This can be costly for certain users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another fast machine that has buttons that can be customized and the option to use either ground coffee or ESE pods, which are pre-dosed and tampered grounds packed between filter paper. This model is also B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to reducing its negative impact on the environment as well as its employees. Its only downside is that it takes longer to heat up, but once that occurs, it can make the cup in about 35 minutes.
If you're looking for an elegant, stylish machine capable of handling a range of different drink sizes and styles, you should look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This glossy beauty, made in collaboration with Sage it is not only quick and simple to operate but also comes with an ice cream frothing wand as well as an stainless steel Jug.
2. Removable parts
A pod coffee maker's user-friendliness is a major selling point, and the best models are a breeze to use. The majority of machines utilize the same process to make your coffee: water is heated in an internal reservoir, and then pushed through the capsules you choose and extracted to create rich, hot coffee. Many brands offer a variety of drink sizes to suit different requirements, and you can save your own settings on a number of models to simplify the process further.
Keurig K-Cups are among the largest player on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also offer a large selection of capsules by well-known roasters. Some pods are made to be used just once and then get thrown away, whereas others are designed to be used multiple times. Whatever the case, you'll need to plan ahead for how you'll deal with the pods you've used up so that they do not end up in the garbage.
The SMEG we tested comes with a removable reservoir of water that is simple to fill. It also automatically dispensates a new capsule after the previous one cools down. It brews espresso and lungo drinks, and comes with a set of eight different blends to provide you with a wide selection. This brewer is perfect for coffee drinkers who wish to move away from drip coffee to drip.
In our testing of the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design makes it an attractive addition to your counter, and it opens with a light touch to reveal a concealed compartment to store your empty pods. It has an in-built water filter system that is ideal for areas with hard water.
The machine is fast and can brew regular coffee (240ml), ristretto, and lungo espresso drinks. The controls are simple to use, with switches that resemble airplanes, which can be easily pulled back and a lever which retracts to reveal the opening for dropping in your pod. It does take a little force to close but our test subjects, even those with limitations in hand strength and mobility felt comfortable.
3. Size
The best
coffee pod machines take all the messy parts of making coffee out of your hands - you simply need to load one of the pods, press an icon and brew. You'll still have to clean your machine from time to time but not like a bean-to-cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are also smaller than their larger counterparts which means they can be placed on the countertop and be stored out of sight when not being used.
The right coffee pod machine for you will depend on your preferences and what you want to achieve. All pod machines are simple to use, but others provide more options for customization. Different pod types, brew sizes options and milk frothing capabilities should all be considered to determine the best coffee pod machine for your needs.
The majority of people think of pod-based devices in the likes of Nespresso and Keurig, but there are a few newer rivals which are worth looking into. Bruvi uses a bespoke system of pods called B-Pods, which can only be used in its machines. The pods are marked by a barcode which is scanned by the machine to adjust the brewing settings automatically.
The machine will eliminate the guesswork and make sure that every drink is perfect every time. It can save your custom drinks on a button so that you can create them using one button.
Other machines, such as Sage's My Way, offer more control over your cup of coffee than most models, allowing you to select a specific size and temperature for each beverage. It's more expensive than many other models, but it comes with the polished stainless steel construction and the excellent customer service that is 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.
While most people will be using a pod-based machine to make single-serve beverages however, there are a few larger models that are able to create longer shots, also known as lungos, too. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is an excellent example of this. It blends the retro-fifties style of SMEG with the classic design of Italian coffee maker, Lavazza. It can be a little difficult to use due to its airplane-style toggles and manual lever, but it's incredibly easy and extremely enjoyable to use the lungo is made in only 30 seconds, and the used pods are deposited into an internal bin at the push of a button.
4. Customization
One of the main reasons a pod coffee maker may not be the best choice for you is the limited customizability. If you don't have an alternative milk frother, then the only way to add more flavor or creaminess is to use a hot chocolate or tea option in your mug or to manually add milk into your
coffee machines with pods. This shouldn't be a problem for most people, but it could be an issue for those who prefer the convenience of a fully automated 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 for that particular type of pod. It's a simple, hands-off machine which does an excellent job, however it isn't equipped with options for customizing drinks or for varying the strength of brew.