The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The sleekest pod machine we've ever seen, this brushed-steel model has the trademark Sage quality and ease of use. It preheats after switch-on, and then brews a delicious espresso or a little longer lungo in just 30 minutes.
Unlike bean-to-cup machines, pod models take the messiest aspects of coffee making out of your hands, including grinding and dosing grounds.
1. Rapid
Pod machines are typically quicker to set up and use than espresso machines, with many can make coffee in only 30 seconds or so. But they come at an expense in that the pre-portioned coffee pods that are used in these machines are generally more expensive than freshly roasted beans. And many are also not recyclable (though some companies now offer free recycling bags and prepaid UPS labels for returning the pods).
The Nespresso CitiZ has one of the fastest pod machines available due to the barcode scanner that scans each compatible pod's code before brewing. This ensures that you get consistently top-quality coffee every time. There is hardly any chance of getting a bad beverage. This machine is among the tiniest and lightest available. It doesn't require an additional milk container, and its compact size makes it easy to fit into even the tiniest kitchens.
However, the CitiZ isn't the most efficient machine for those wanting to minimize their environmental impact. The CitiZ doesn't have 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. You'll also have to put in a new filter cartridge after this expires, which could be costly for certain users.
Tassimo Vivy 2 is a quick machine with customizable buttons. It can be used with either ground coffee or ESE pods, which are pre-dosed and tampered grounds compressed in between filter paper. This model is B-Corp Certified. It is committed to decreasing the negative impact it has on the surroundings and its workforce. Its only minor drawback is the time it takes to warm up. Once it does, it can brew one cup in just 35 minutes.
If you're looking for a sleek, stylish machine that can handle a variety of different drink sizes and styles, look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek machine, created in collaboration with Sage is not just simple to use but also comes with an ice cream wand, a stainless steel jug, and milk frother.
2. Removable parts
The ease of use of a pod coffee maker is a major benefit. The top models are easy to operate. Most machines utilize the same mechanism to brew the perfect cup of coffee that is, heated water is placed in reservoirs, then pushed through capsules to create rich hot, hot java. Most brands offer a range of sizes of drinks to meet different needs, and you can save custom settings on many models to simplify the process further.
Keurig K-Cups are among the largest brands available on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also come with a variety of capsules by well-known roasters. Some pods can be used once before being thrown away, while others can be used several times. Whatever the case, you'll need to plan out the way you'll dispose of your spent pods so they do not end up in the garbage.
The SMEG we tested comes with a removable reservoir of water that is easy to fill. It also automatically dispenses a new capsule after the previous one cools down. It can be used to brew coffee and lungo drinks and comes with a set of eight different blends to provide you with a wide selection. This brewer is ideal for those who love coffee and want to move away from drip coffee to drip.
In our tests in our tests, the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design is an attractive addition to your counter and can be opened with a gentle touch to reveal a concealed compartment for empty pods. The machine comes with an integrated water filter that is ideal for areas with hard water.
This machine is able to make a standard cup of coffee (240ml) and also serves as lungo and ristretto-style espresso drinks and is extremely fast. Its user-friendly controls are a joy to use using the switches that resemble airplanes and a lever that retracts without much effort to reveal the space which allows you to drop your pod. It does take a little force to close but our testers, including those who have limitations in hand strength and mobility were able to use it comfortably.
3. Size
The top coffee pod machines take the mess of coffee making out of your hands. You simply need to load one of the pods, press a button and brew. It is still necessary to clean your machine occasionally, 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 being used.
If a coffee pod machine is the best choice for you is based on your preferences and what you want to get out of it. The majority of pod machines are easy to use, however some offer more customisation options than others. Pod variety, brew size options, and milk frothing features are all important to help find the perfect coffee pod machine.
The majority of people think of pod-based devices in the likes of Nespresso and Keurig However, there are a few newer competitors that could be worth considering. Bruvi utilizes a unique system of pods, called B-Pods that can only be used coffee pods coffee machine in its machines. The pods are marked by a barcode which is scanned by the machine to adjust the brewing settings automatically.
This method removes all the guesswork the process of making a cup, and ensures each drink comes out perfectly every time. It can save your customised drinks on a button so that you can create them using a single button.
Other machines, such as Sage's My Way offer a more precise level of control over your coffee that allows you to select a specific size and temperature for each drink. It's more expensive than some models, but it has the polished stainless steel build and top-quality customer service that's associated with the brand. It is a great choice for those who want something more from their pod-based coffee maker.
Certain models are larger and can brew lungos. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, which is a excellent example, blends retro style of the fifties 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 satisfying to operate - a lungo is brewed in just 30 seconds and the pods that are used are put into an internal bin at the touch of a button.
4. Customization
The limited capabilities of a pod coffee maker's flexibility is one of the main reasons it's not the right choice for you. If you don't have an additional milk frother, then the only option to add more flavor or creaminess is to make use of hot tea or chocolate option in your mug, or to manually add milk into your the coffee. This shouldn't be a problem for many people, but could be an issue for those who prefer a fully automatic experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew makes use of a barcode scanner to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wets and infuses the correct amount of coffee for the specific kind of pod. It's a hands-free, easy-to-use machine that does its job flawlessly, but does not have any options for making drinks that are customized or varying the strength of brew. This will irritate some buyers but for others, the simple automation and range of cup lengths (espresso lungo, espresso and mug) it provides precisely what they require.
Apart from filling the tank with water and decaffeinating the reservoir occasionally, this coffee maker will not need a lot of maintenance. It is able to serve espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs easily. As mentioned, the used pods are then ejected from a hidden container that helps keep your kitchen tidy. It is also great at delivering full-bodied coffees with tops that are topped with crema.
This machine is part of Smeg's 1950s-style collection. It's easy to use with a simple interface and can accommodate ground coffee or ESE pods. The only issue is that it doesn't come with an indicator to let you know when it's time for descale. Also, the maximum water level can't be set, which is a minor inconvenience. It is also necessary to purchase the brand's capsules which can be costly. This is a good pod machine for anyone looking for a convenient and attractive appliance that is able to serve at a low cost. This model is compatible with a range of capsules from third-party manufacturers and is compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo range.