The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The most sleek pod machine we've seen this model with brushed-steel features the signature Sage quality and ease of use. After turning on, it preheats and makes a delicious espresso or slightly longer lungo within 30 minutes.
As opposed to bean-to-cup machines, pod models take the most messy aspects of coffee making out of your hands - including grinding and dosing grounds.
1. Fast
Pod machines are typically quicker to set up and use than espresso machines, with the majority able to make a cup of coffee in just 30 seconds or so. But they do come at some cost as the pre-portioned pods of coffee used in these models are generally more expensive than freshly roasted beans. And they are not recycled. (though some companies are now offering free recycling bags and pre-paid UPS labels for returning them).
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the fastest pod machines that you can find, thanks to its in-built barcode scanner that scans the code of each compatible pod before making it. This ensures consistently high-quality coffee, every time. There is virtually no chance of having a bad drink. The machine is among the slimmest and lightest available. It doesn't require an additional milk container and its small footprint allows it to be easily incorporated into the smallest kitchens.
The CitiZ isn't the most efficient machine to reduce your environmental impact. It doesn't have an automated descaling function and you'll need to do it yourself every 300 cups if reside in hard water areas or 1200 cups in soft water zones. You'll also need to swap with a new cartridge once this runs out and can be expensive for some users.
Tassimo Vivy 2 is a quick machine with customizable buttons. It can be used with ground coffee or ESE pods which are pre-dosed, tampered ground compressed between filter paper. It is also B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to decreasing its negative impact on the environment as well as its workforce. The only drawback is that it takes longer to heat up, but once this occurs, it can make a cup in around 35 minutes.
If you're looking for a sleek, stylish machine that can handle a range of different sizes and styles, look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek beauty, created in collaboration with Sage it is not only easy to use and quick to start, but also comes with an ice cream frothing wand as well as an stainless steel jug.
2. Removable parts
The simplicity of a pod coffee maker is a major selling point. The best models are easy to operate. The majority of machines employ the same mechanism to brew the perfect cup of coffee the water is heated inside a reservoir, then pushed through capsules to create rich hot java. Most brands offer a range of sizes for drinks to meet various needs. You can save your own settings for a variety of models to simplify the process even further.
Keurig K-Cups are among the top brands available on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also have a wide selection of capsules by well-known roasters. Some pods can be used just once before being thrown away, while others can be used several 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 pours new capsules once the previous one has been chilled. It can be used to brew espresso and lungo drinks, and comes with eight different blends to give you the variety. This brewer is perfect for coffee lovers who want to switch to drip coffee.
In our testing of the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design looks great on your counter and can be opened in a matter of seconds to reveal the compartment that houses your empty pods. The machine has an integrated water filter that is perfect for areas with hard water.
This machine is easy to use and can make regular coffee (240ml) and ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. Its easy-to-use controls are easy to navigate using the aircraft-style toggles as well as a lever that retracts without much effort to reveal the space that allows you to insert your coffee maker. It requires some pressure to close, however the majority of our test subjects who have limitations in hand strength and mobility, felt comfortable.
3. Size
The best coffee pod machines take the mess of making coffee out of your hands - you simply put in a pod, hit the button, and then brew. You'll still have to clean your machine every now and then, but not as often as a bean-to-cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are smaller than their bigger counterparts and can be stacked on the counter when not in use.
If a coffee pod machine is the best choice for you is based on your preferences and what you're looking to get from it. The majority of pod machines are easy to use, but others provide more options for customization. Different pod types, brew sizes options, and milk frothing features are all important to help find the perfect coffee pod machine.
Many 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 that can only be used in its machines. The pods are equipped with an underside barcode that machines scan to automatically adjust the brewing settings.
This method removes all the guesswork the process of making a cup, and ensures each drink is perfect every time. It can even save customised drinks to a specific button to allow you to make them with the press of a button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way offer a more precise level of control over your coffee, allowing you to choose a specific size and temperature for each beverage. It's more expensive than other models, but it comes with a polished stainless steel construction and superior customer service that is synonymous with the brand. This is a great option for those who want something more from their espresso maker that is based on pods.
Certain models are larger and can brew lungos. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, which is a perfect example, blends retro fifties styling from SMEG and Italian coffee brand Lavazza. It's a little intimidating at first thanks to the toggles that look like airplanes, but once you get used to it, the machine is quick and satisfying to use. A lungo can be made in just 30 seconds.
4. Customization
The limited capabilities of a pod coffee maker's customization is a major reason it might not be the best option for you. If you don't have an auxiliary milk frother, then the only option to enhance flavor or creaminess is to make use of hot tea or chocolate option in your mug, or to manually add milk to coffee. This won't be an issue for most 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 a barcode scanner to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wettes, infuses and dispenses the right amount of coffee for the particular type of pod. It's an easy-to-use and hands-off machine that does an excellent job, however it isn't equipped with options for customizing drinks or altering the strength of brew. Some customers will be irritated by this, but many will find the convenience and variety of cup sizes (espressos and lungos, as well as mugs) to be exactly what they are seeking.
This coffee maker is low-maintenance. It is all you need to do is to fill up the water tank, and decaffeinate it every once in a while. It is able to serve espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs effortlessly and, as previously mentioned, used pods are ejected to a hidden receptacle which keeps your kitchen spotless. It also does a fantastic job of delivering full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.
This is a beautiful-looking machine and is part of Smeg's fifties-style range. It's easy to use via simple buttons and can be used with both ground coffee and ESE pods. It's only downside is the lack of a gauge that lets you know when to descale, and the inability to set the maximum level of water. You'll also need to buy the capsules of the brand, which can be expensive. But, it's a great pod coffee maker for those looking for a beautiful and practical appliance that capsule coffee makers can provide them with quality coffee at a reasonable price. For those who want more variety, a large selection of third-party capsules are available for this model and it's also compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.