The Best Coffee Pod Machine
This sleek, brushed-steel appliance comes with Sage distinctive quality and user-friendly. When it is turned on, it preheats and makes a scrumptious espresso or a slightly longer lungo in about 30 seconds.
As opposed to bean-to-cup machines, pod models take the most messed-up aspects of coffee making out of your hands - including grinding and dosing grounds.
1. Speedy
Pod machines are typically quicker to install and use than espresso machines, with many can make a cup of coffee in only 30 seconds or so. The pre-portioned pods used in these machines are generally more expensive than freshly roasted coffee beans and a lot are not recyclable.
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the most efficient pod machines that you can find, thanks to its in-built barcode reader that scans the code of each compatible pod before making it. This ensures that you get consistently high-quality coffee, every time. There is hardly any chance of getting a bad beverage. It is also among the tiniest and lightest available that doesn't require an additional milk jug, and a small footprint making it easy to fit in even the tiniest of kitchens.
The CitiZ is not the best machine to reduce the environmental impact. It doesn't have an automated descaling function, and you'll have to clean it yourself every 300 cups if you reside in hard water, or 1200 cups in soft water zones. It is also necessary to put the filter cartridge once this runs out and could be expensive for certain users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another speedy machine with customisable buttons and the option of using either ground coffee or ESE pods that are pre-dosed and tampered with grounds compressed between filter paper. The model is B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to reducing its negative impact on the environment and its workforce. Its only slight drawback is that it takes longer to warm up, but once this is done, it will be able to brew the cup in about 35 minutes.
Vertuo Creatista is a stylish, sleek machine that can make a variety drinks in different sizes and styles. This gorgeous, glossy machine, developed 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 ease of using pod coffee makers is a major advantage. The top models are easy to operate. Most machines utilize the same mechanism to brew the cup of coffee you want that is, heated water is placed in a reservoir, then it is pushed through capsules to produce rich hot, hot coffee. The majority of brands offer various sizes of drinks to meet different requirements. You can also save custom settings to streamline the process.
Keurig's K-Cups and Nestle's Nespresso VertuoLine series are the two biggest players on the market, however each has a variety of capsules from popular roasters and brands. Certain pods can be used just once before being thrown away, while others can be used several times. Whatever the case, you'll need to plan ahead for how you'll handle the pods that are no longer being used so they don't end up in landfill.
The sleek SMEG model we tested comes with a removable water tank that's easy to fill and the machine will automatically pour new capsules once the previous one has been chilled. It can be used to brew espresso and lungo drinks and has eight different blends for variety. This brewer is ideal for coffee drinkers who want to switch from drip coffee.
In our testing we found that the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most satisfying to use. Its sleek design looks stunning on your counter, and it can be opened in a matter of seconds to reveal the hidden compartment that holds empty pods. It also comes with the added benefit of a water filtration system, which is great for areas with hard water.
The machine can brew a standard cup of coffee (240ml) as well as ristretto and lungo espresso-style drinks and is extremely fast. The controls are simple to operate, using airplane-style toggles that can be easily retracted and a lever that retracts to reveal the opening to drop into your coffee maker. It does take a little force to close, but our testers, even those who have limited mobility and hand strength, found it comfortable.
3. Size
The best coffee pod makers remove all the mess from coffee making. All you have to do is load a pod in, press a button and let it be brewed. You will still need to clean the machine from time time, but not as frequently as you would with a bean-to cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are smaller than their larger equivalents and can be stored on the counter when not being used.
The decision of whether a coffee machine is the right choice for you is based on your preferences and what you're looking to gain from it. All pod machines are easy to use, however some offer more customisation options than others. The variety of pods, brew size options and milk frothing capabilities should all be considered to find the ideal coffee pod machine.
Many people associate pod-based machines with the likes of Nespresso and Keurig however there are some newer competitors on the scene that could be worth considering. 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 automatically adjust the brewing settings.
The machine will eliminate the guesswork and ensure that coffee machine capsule each drink is perfect every time. It can even save customised drinks to a separate button to allow you to make them with the press of a single button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way offer a more precise level of control over your coffee and allows you to select a specific temperature and size for each drink. It's more expensive than other models, however it has the polished stainless steel construction and superior customer support synonymous with Sage's My Way. This is a good choice for those looking for a bit more out of their espresso maker that is based on pods.
While the majority of people are using the pod-based machine to create single-serve beverages There are some larger models that can make longer shots, referred to as lungos, too. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is an excellent example of this, and it is a combination of the retro style of SMEG with the classic design of Italian coffee maker, Lavazza. It's difficult to operate due to its airplane-style toggles and manual lever, but it's easy and extremely enjoyable to use the lungo is made in less than 30 seconds and the pods that are used are deposited into an internal bin at the push of the button.
4. Customization
One reason the pod coffee maker might not be the best choice for you is its limited customizability. If you don't buy an additional milk frother, the only options to add extra flavor or creaminess is to make use of a hot chocolate in-mug or tea option, and then add milk manually to your coffee. For most people, this won't be a problem however it could be a sticking point for those who prefer an automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew technology uses a barcode reader to scan each capsule and automatically pre-wet, infuse and give the correct amount of coffee for that particular kind of pod. It's a hassle-free, hands-off machine that performs its job well, but it doesn't have any options for making drinks that are customized or altering the strength of brew. Some customers might be disappointed 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.
Aside from filling up the water tank and decaffeinating the reservoir on occasion the coffee maker will not need a lot of maintenance. It dispenses short espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs easily and, as previously mentioned the used pods are ejected into a hidden container that keeps your kitchen clean. It also does a fantastic job of delivering full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.
This is a stunning machine and is part of the Smeg fifties range. It's user-friendly with a simple panel and can accommodate ground coffee or ESE pods. The only drawback is that it lacks an indicator that lets you know when it's time to descale and the maximum water level can't be set which is a minor inconvenience. You'll also need to purchase the brand's capsules which can be costly. This is a great pod machine for anyone who wants a convenient and attractive appliance that can be used at a reasonable cost. This model is compatible with a range of capsules from third party manufacturers and works with the Nespresso Vertuo range.