The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The most elegant pod machine we've seen this model with brushed-steel features the signature Sage quality and ease of use. After switching on, it warms up and makes a scrumptious espresso or a slightly longer lungo in just 30 seconds.
In contrast to bean-to-cup machines models take the messiest aspects of coffee making off your hands, including grinding and dosing grounds.
1. Speedy
Pod machines are generally quicker to set up and use than espresso machines, with the majority able to make a cup of coffee in just 30 seconds or less. But they do come at a cost as the pre-portioned pods of coffee used in these machines tend to be 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 the pods).
The Nespresso CitiZ has one of the most efficient pod machines available, thanks to the barcode scanner that scans each compatible pod's code prior to making coffee. This ensures consistently high-quality coffee, every time. There is almost no chance of getting a bad beverage. This machine is among the lightest and slimmest available. It does not require an additional milk container and its compact size makes it easy to fit into the smallest kitchens.
However the CitiZ isn't the ideal machine for those who want to minimize their environmental impact. It doesn't have an automatic descaling feature, and you'll have to clean it yourself every 300 cups if you reside in hard water, or 1200 cups in soft water zones. You'll also have to put in a new filter cartridge when it runs out and could be expensive for certain users.
Tassimo Vivy 2 is a speedy machine that has customisable buttons. It can be used with ground coffee or ESE pods that are pre-dosed, tampered ground that are compressed 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 slight drawback is that it takes longer to warm up, but once that is done, it will be able to brew the cup in about 35 seconds.
If you're looking for an elegant, sleek machine that can handle a variety of different sizes and styles, look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek beauty, created in collaboration with Sage, is not only quick and simple to operate but also comes with an ice cream frothing wand as well as a stainless steel jug.
2. Removable parts
The ease of use of pod coffee makers is a major benefit. The most effective models are easy to operate. Most machines use the same process to brew a cup of coffee: water is heated inside a reservoir, then pushed through capsules to create rich, hot java. Many brands offer a variety of drink sizes to suit various needs. You can save custom settings for a variety of models to speed up the process even more.
Keurig K-Cups are among the largest player on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also have a wide selection of capsules by popular roasters. Some pods are made to be used just once and then be thrown away, while others are meant to be used multiple times. You'll need a plan to dispose of your used pods to avoid them ending up in landfill.
The sleek SMEG model we tested has an ejectable water tank that's easy to fill, and the machine automatically dispenses new capsules once the previous one has cooled. It can brew coffee and lungo drinks and comes with eight different blends that give you plenty of variety. This brewer is ideal for coffee lovers who are looking to switch from drip coffee.
In our tests in our tests, 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 counter and it opens with a simple touch to reveal a hidden compartment for empty pods. It has a water filter system that is perfect for areas with hard water.
The machine can brew a 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 the style of airplane toggles that can be easily retracted and a lever which retracts to reveal the hole to place into your pod. It takes a bit of force to close, but the majority of our testers, including those with weak hand strength and mobility, felt comfortable.
3. Size
The top coffee pod makers remove all the messes of making coffee out of your hands - you simply load in one of the pods, press the button, and then make coffee. It is still necessary to clean the machine from time time however not as often as you would with a bean-to-cup cup or espresso maker. Pod machines are smaller than their larger equivalents, and can be stored on the counter when not being used.
The right coffee pod machine for you will depend on your preferences and the goals you'd like to achieve. The majority of pod machines are easy to use, however some provide more options for customization. Different pod types, brew sizes options and milk frothing capabilities must be taken into consideration to find the ideal coffee pod machine.
The majority of people associate pod-based machines with the likes of Nespresso and Keurig However, there are a few more recent rivals which are worth looking into. Bruvi has a custom-designed system of pods known as B-Pods, which can only be used in its machines. The pods are identified with a barcode that is scanned by the machine to adjust the brewing parameters automatically.
The machine will take all the guesswork out of it and ensure that each drink is perfect every time. It is even able to save custom drinks to a separate button, allowing you to create them at the push of a single button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way, offer greater control over your cup read more of coffee than the majority models, allowing you to select the right size and temperature for each cup. It's a bit more expensive than other models but it offers the polished stainless steel design and top-quality customer service that's which is synonymous with the brand. It is a great choice for those who want 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 drinks, there are some larger models that can also brew longer shots, known as lungos. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is an excellent example of this and is a combination of the retro style of SMEG with the classic design of Italian coffee maker, Lavazza. It's difficult to use due to its airplane-style toggles and manual lever, but it's quick and incredibly satisfying to operate the lungo is made in just 30 seconds and the used pods are placed in an internal bin at the push of a button.
4. Customization
One reason the pod coffee maker might not be the best choice for you is the limited flexibility to customize. Unless you purchase an auxiliary milk frother, the only ways to add flavor or creaminess is to make use of a hot chocolate in-mug or tea option and add milk to your coffee manually. For most people, this won't be a problem but it could be a nagging issue for those who prefer an automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew technology makes use of barcode readers to scan each capsule and automatically pre-wet, infuse, and dispense the correct volume of coffee required for that type of pod. It's a user-friendly and hands-off machine that does a great job but isn't able to customize drinks or varying brew strength. Some customers might be disappointed by this, however others will find the ease of use and variety of cup sizes (espressos, lungos and mugs) to be exactly what they're looking for.
This coffee maker is very low maintenance. It's all you have to do is to fill up the water tank, and decaffeinate it every time. It is able to serve espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs effortlessly and, as we mentioned, used pods are ejected into a hidden receptacle that keeps your kitchen clean. It also does an excellent job of serving full-bodied, crema-topped espressos.
It's a gorgeous machine that is part of Smeg's fifties-style range. It's simple to use with an easy-to-use panel of buttons, and it can handle ground coffee and ESE pods. The only drawback is that it lacks an indicator to let you know when it's time for descale. Also, the maximum water level cannot be set which is a minor inconvenience. It is also necessary to purchase the brand's capsules, which can be pricey. This is a great pod machine for those who want an easy-to-use and stylish appliance that will serve well at a low cost. If you're looking for more variety, a large selection of third-party capsules are available for this model. It's also compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.