The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The sleekest pod machine we've ever seen, this brushed-steel model offers the signature Sage quality and ease of use. After turning on, it warms up and brews a fragrant espresso or a slightly longer lungo within 30 seconds.
The pod models are a great alternative to bean-to-cup machines. They take the messiest components of making coffee off your hands, including grinding and measuring 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 less. However, they come with some cost: the pre-portioned coffee pods used in these machines are generally more expensive than freshly roasted beans. And they are not recycled. (though some companies are now offering free recycling bags and prepaid UPS labels to return the pods).
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the most efficient pod machines available that you can find due to its built-in barcode scanner that scans the code of each compatible pod prior to making it. This makes it easy to get consistent quality, high-end coffee each time, with next-to-no chances of a drink turning out horribly wrong. It is also one of the slimmest and lightest available, with no need for a separate milk jug and the smallest footprint, making it easy to fit into even the tiniest of kitchens.
The CitiZ isn't the most efficient device to reduce the environmental impact. It doesn't have an automatic descaling function, and you'll have to clean it yourself every 300 cups if live in hard water or 1200 cups in soft water areas. When the filter cartridge wears out, you'll need replace it with a fresh one. This 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, which are pre-dosed, tampered ground compressed in between filter paper. This model is B-Corp Certified. It is committed to reducing the negative impact it has on the environment and workforce. Its only downside is that it takes longer to warm up, but once this is done, it will be able to brew a cup in around 35 seconds.
Vertuo Creatista is a stylish sleek machine that can create a variety of drinks with different sizes and styles. This gorgeous, glossy machine, developed in collaboration with Sage it is not only quick and simple to operate but also comes with a milk frothing wand and a stainless steel jug.
2. Removable parts
A pod coffee maker's ease of use is a major selling point, and the best models are a breeze to use. The majority of machines employ the same basic method to make the cup of coffee you want that is, heated water is placed in a reservoir, then pushed through capsules to create rich hot, hot coffee. The majority of brands offer a variety of sizes for drinks to meet different needs, and you can save custom settings on a number of models to streamline the process further.
Keurig K-Cups are among the top players on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also come with a variety of capsules from popular roasters. Some pods are made to be used just once and then be thrown away, while others are intended for multiple uses. You'll need a plan to dispose of your old pods to prevent them from ending up in the garbage.
The sleek SMEG model we tested comes with an ejectable water tank that's easy to fill, and the machine will automatically pour a fresh capsule once the previous one has cooled. It can be used to brew espresso and lungo drinks, and comes with eight different blends for various options. This brewer is ideal for coffee drinkers who want to switch from drip coffee.
In our tests of the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design is beautiful on your counter and can be opened with a single touch to reveal the compartment that holds empty pods. It has a water filter system that is perfect for areas with hard water.
This machine is able to make an ordinary cup of coffee (240ml), as well as lungo and ristretto-style espresso drinks and is surprisingly fast. Its easy-to-use controls are easy to navigate using the switches that resemble airplanes and a lever that retracts with little effort to reveal the space where you drop in your pod. It requires some effort to close, but the majority of our test subjects, including those with limited hand strength and mobility, were able to use it comfortably.
3. Size
The top coffee pod machines remove all the messes of making coffee out of your hands - you simply put in one of the pods, press a button and brew. It is still necessary to clean your machine every now and then, but not like a bean-to-cup or espresso maker. Pod machines are smaller than their larger counterparts, and can be stored on the counter when not being used.
The decision of whether a coffee machine is the right choice for you depends on your preferences and what you're hoping to gain from it. The majority of pod machines are easy to operate, however, some provide more options for customization. Different pod types, brew sizes options, and milk frothing features are all important to determine the best coffee pod machine for you.
Most people will associate pod-based machines with the likes of Nespresso and Keurig however there are a few newer competitors that are worth a look. Bruvi uses a bespoke system of pods called B-Pods, which can only be used in its machines. The pods have an underside barcode that the machine scans to adjust the brewing settings automatically.
The machine will eliminate the guesswork out of it and ensure that each drink is perfect every time. It can save your customised drinks in a single button, so that you can make them by pressing a single button.
Other machines, such as Sage's My Way, offer greater control over your cup of coffee than most, letting you choose the right size and temperature for each beverage. It's more expensive than other models, however it comes with a polished stainless steel construction and superior customer service that is a hallmark of Sage's My Way. This is a great option for those wanting to get a bit more out of their espresso maker that is based on pods.
Some larger models can also make 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 retro-fifties design of SMEG Italian coffee maker, Lavazza. It's difficult to use due to its toggles that resemble airplanes and a manual lever, but it's incredibly easy and incredibly satisfying to operate the lungo is made in only 30 seconds, and the discarded pods are put into an internal bin at best pod coffee machine the push of the button.
4. Customization
The lack of flexibility is one of the main reasons it might not be the right choice for you. If you don't have an auxiliary milk frother then the only option to add flavor or creaminess is to make use of hot chocolate or tea option in your mug or to manually add milk to your coffee. This shouldn't be a problem for most people, but could be a problem for those who like the convenience of a fully automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew utilizes barcode scanners to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wettes, infuses and dispenses the right amount of coffee for the specific kind of pod. It's an easy-to-use hands-off device that does an excellent job, however it isn't equipped with options for customizing drinks or for varying the strength of brew. Some customers will be irritated by this, however others will appreciate the convenience and variety of cup sizes (espressos and mugs, lungos and espressos) to be exactly what they're searching for.
In addition to filling up the water tank and decaffeinating the reservoir on occasion This coffee maker does not require much maintenance. It can dispense short espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs easily. As mentioned, the used pods are ejected into a container hidden from view that helps keep your kitchen tidy. It is also excellent in delivering full-bodied coffees that have a crema-topped top.
This machine is part of Smeg's 1950s style range. It's easy to use with a simple control panel and can take ground coffee or ESE pods. The only downside 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. You will also have to buy the capsules of the brand, which can be expensive. This is a great pod machine for anyone who wants an easy-to-use and stylish appliance that is able to serve at a reasonable cost. This model is compatible with a variety of capsules from third-party manufacturers and works with the Nespresso Vertuo range.