The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The most elegant pod machine we've seen, this model with brushed-steel features the renowned Sage quality and is easy to use. It warms up after switching on, and brews an aroma-packed espresso or a slightly longer lungo in about 30 seconds.
In contrast to bean-to-cup machines models take the most messy aspects of coffee making out of your hands - including grinding and dosing grounds.
1. Speedy
Pod machines are generally easier to install and use than espresso machines, with most capable of making coffee in just 30 seconds or so. The pre-portioned pods that are used in these machines tend to be more costly than freshly roasted coffee beans and a lot of them are not recyclable.
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the most efficient pod machines available that is available, thanks to its in-built barcode reader that scans code of each compatible pod prior to brewing it. This makes it simple to get consistent quality, high-end coffee each time, and there is virtually no chance of a drink coming out horribly wrong. The machine is also among the tiniest and lightest available and does not require an additional milk jug or its small footprint making it a breeze to fit into even the tiniest of kitchens.
However the CitiZ isn't the ideal machine for those wanting to cut down on their environmental impact. The CitiZ isn't equipped with an automatic descaling feature. You will need to manually descale the machine every 300 cups for hard water and every 1200 cups for soft water. It is also necessary to put the filter cartridge when it runs out and can be expensive for some users.
Tassimo Vivy 2 is a fast machine that can be customized with buttons. It can be used with ground coffee or ESE pods, which are pre-dosed, tampered grounds that are compressed between filter paper. The model is B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to reducing its negative impact on the environment as well as its workforce. Its only downside is that it takes longer to warm up, but once this occurs, it can make the cup in about 35 seconds.
Vertuo Creatista is a stylish, sleek machine that can create a variety of drinks in different sizes and styles. This gorgeous, glossy machine, developed in collaboration with Sage and Sage, is not just quick and simple to operate but also comes with a milk frothing wand and an stainless steel Jug.
2. Removable parts
The ease of use of a pod coffee maker is a major benefit. The top models are simple to use. The majority of machines utilize the same general process to make your coffee: water is heated in an internal reservoir, then pressured through the chosen capsules and extracted to form rich hot coffee. Many brands offer a variety of sizes of drinks to meet different requirements. You can also save custom settings to streamline the process.
Keurig K-Cups are among the top player on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also offer a large selection of capsules from popular roasters. Some pods can be used just once before they are discarded, while others can be used multiple times. You'll need a plan for the pods you've used to avoid them from ending up in the garbage.
The SMEG we tested comes with a removable reservoir of water that is easy to fill. It also automatically releases a new capsule after the previous one cools down. It can brew coffee and lungo drinks and comes with a set of eight different blends to give you plenty of variety. This brewer will appeal to those who love coffee and want to switch from drip coffee.
In our tests we found that the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design looks stunning on your counter and can be opened with a single touch to reveal the hidden compartment that houses your empty pods. It has an integrated water filter that is perfect for areas with hard water.
This machine brews a standard cup of coffee (240ml) as well as ristretto and lungo espresso-style drinks, and is surprisingly quick. Its intuitive controls are easy to navigate with the help of aircraft-style toggles as well as a lever that retracts without much effort to reveal the opening where you drop in the pod. It requires a bit of force to close, but most of our testers, including those with weak hand strength and mobility, found it comfortable.
3. Size
The best coffee pod makers eliminate all the mess that comes with coffee making. All you have to do is add a pod, press a button and let it brew. It is still necessary to clean your machine every now and then however not like a bean-to-cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are smaller than their counterparts that are larger which means they can be placed on the counter and be kept out of sight when not in use.
The decision of whether a coffee machine is the right option for you depends on your preferences and what you're hoping to get out of it. All pod machines are simple to use, but some offer more customisation options than others. Consider the coffee pod variety sizes, brew sizes and milk frothing options when choosing the right machine.
The majority of people think of pod-based machines as the likes of Nespresso and Keurig However, there are some newer rivals which are worth looking into. One of them is Bruvi which makes use of a bespoke pod system known as B-Pods that can only be used by its machines. The pods are marked by a barcode which is scanned by the machine to adjust the brewing parameters automatically.
This approach means the machine eliminates all the guesswork of making a cup and guarantees that every drink is perfect every time. It can save your custom drinks on a button, so that you can create them with one button.
Other machines, such as Sage's My Way, offer more control over your cup of coffee than the majority, letting you choose the right size and temperature for each beverage. It's more expensive than some models, but it has the polished stainless steel construction and excellent customer service associated with the brand. It is a solid option for those looking to get an extra level of quality from their pod-based coffee maker.
While most people are using the pod-based machine to create single-serve beverages, there are some larger models that can also brew longer shots, known as lungos, too. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, a excellent example, blends retro fifties styling from SMEG and Italian coffee maker Lavazza. It's a bit difficult to use due to its airplane-style toggles as well as the manual lever, but it's quick and incredibly enjoyable to use and brews a lungo in less than 30 seconds and the used pods are put into an internal bin at the push of a button.
4. Customization
One of the main reasons a pod coffee maker may not be right for you is the limited flexibility to pod coffee maker customize. If you don't have an auxiliary milk frother then the only option to add flavor or creaminess is to use hot chocolate or tea option in your mug, or to manually add milk to your coffee. This shouldn't be a problem for many people, but it could be a problem for those who prefer the convenience of a fully automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew technology utilizes barcode scanners to scan each capsule, and automatically pre-wet, infuse and give the correct amount of coffee required for that kind of pod. It's a simple, hands-off machine that performs its job well, but it doesn't have any options for making drinks that are customized or varying the strength of the brew. Some customers might be disappointed by this, but many will appreciate the convenience and variety of cup sizes (espressos, lungos and mugs) to be exactly what they're looking for.
Aside from filling up the tank with water and decaffeinating it occasionally the coffee maker will not require a lot of maintenance. It dispenses short espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs effortlessly and, as mentioned the used pods are ejected into a concealed receptacle that keeps your kitchen clean. It is also great in delivering full-bodied coffees that have crema-topped tops.
This machine is part of Smeg’s 1950s-style range. It's easy to use with a simple interface and can take ground coffee or ESE pods. The only issue is that it doesn't have an indicator that lets you know when it's time to descale and the maximum water level cannot be set which is a minor inconvenience. You also need to buy the capsules made by the company, which can be pricey. Nevertheless, this is a good pod coffee maker for those seeking a stylish and functional appliance that will provide them with quality coffee at an affordable cost. This model is compatible with a range of capsules from third party manufacturers and is compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo range.