The Best Pod Coffee Machines
Pod coffee machines allow you to put a capsule that contains ground or roast coffee beans into the. The coffee is then poured into the machine for a set amount of time.
Some pod coffee makers have different sizes of cups, a built-in filter, and milk that froths. The best pod machine for you will depend on your lifestyle and personal preferences.
1. Keurig K-Select
If you're looking for a basic Keurig coffee maker without the bells and whistles of higher-end models, this is a good option. It's simple to use, has a beautiful design and can be hidden away in a corner of the kitchen when it's not in use.
One downside to this machine is that it could be loud, but it isn't a major issue. It's small enough to fit on a counter that is small. However, if you want a Keurig with a larger variety of sizes or a carafe to use for traditional drip brewing, you should look at other alternatives.
Keurig K-Select is a single serve coffee maker that combines a sleek style with more user-friendly features. This allows you to brew the perfect cup of coffee every time. Pick from a variety of delicious K-Cups or brew coffee using the universal filter for coffee My-K-Cup (sold separate). The Strong Brew feature kicks up the intensity and strength of your coffee, making it the best option for those who enjoy a bold cup.
The brewer comes with simple controls with buttons. Simply add the K-Cup pod, select the brew size you'd like to use, and press the brew button. In less than a minute you'll have a freshly-brewed cup of coffee ready to drink. The large water reservoir of 52 ounces allows you to brew five cups before refilling, simplifying your morning routine.
The Keurig is incredibly easy to clean. The reservoir for water and lid can be removed and cleaned by hand. However, you should always descale your Keurig prior to cleaning it, and follow the instructions in the user's manual to ensure that your machine is working at its best. The warranty covers the brewer and all original accessories, except for normal wear and tear, damages due to abuse or misuse, and any external causes of failure, such as power outages.
2. Tassimo My Way
This is the best option for coffee lovers who want an appliance that can do more than just making your regular cup. It can create a variety of drinks such as tea and hot cocoa. The large 1.3-litre water tank can allow multiple cups to be brewed at once. The machine can be warmed up in three minutes, and includes a milk container that lets you to make latte and cappuccino. It also features a touch-sensitive display that lets you set the temperature, intensity and quantity of your desired drink.
Tassimo My Way uses T Discs, which are a set of ingredients can be used to create your drink. There are more than 70 different varieties to select from, from brands like Kenco and Costa to Costa, Milka and Cadbury's. The machine comes with a selection of T discs, including ones for hot and tea chocolate.
We discovered the coffee it produced to be of good quality, although just a little less than the other pod machines featured in this round-up. It also heated the milk for an espresso fairly quickly and produced a rich mouthfeel, but not too thick. It is important to know that the frothy T Disc milk contains sugar which, though not a major issue, may not be to everyone's liking.
The Tassimo My Way is easy to keep clean, with the drip tray, the removable parts of the brewing unit, and the water tank being dishwasher-safe. A Brita filter is included, as is an ice-cleaning disk. A useful indicator light lets you know when it's time to descale and the water reservoir helps keep the limescale to an absolute minimum. The machine is Energy Star rated, which reduces the amount of electricity it uses by up to 15%..
3. Lavazza Lungo Pod Machine
This Nespresso compatible pod coffee machine, designed in collaboration with Sage by Lavazza is among the most appealing machines available. It's made with tough and attractive materials, it comes with an elegantly adjustable steam wand to make cappuccinos and lattes and a stainless milk jug made of steel. Place a pod into the machine, select your cup size and the machine goes into action - brewing espresso double espresso, lungo, gran lungo, alto drinks and mugs with a thick layer of silky frosting.
As with most pod machines you load the pod using an opening on top of the machine and then drop it in the right spot. The machine punctures the capsule then seals it. When you lift the lever the used pod will fall into a dedicated used Pod tray that is located beneath the drip tray.
It's not the fastest machine for brewing, taking 30 seconds for an espresso shot and about 90 seconds for a lungo - however, the results are always impressive, with excellent crema and a rich, smooth taste. The machine will also alert you when it is time to refill the water tank or pod bin.
One of the main selling points for this machine is that you can use it with any Lavazza-branded pod There are seven in all, including espresso ground (Qualita Rossa, Intenso, Passionale and Delizioso) Two decaffeinated (Dek Cremoso) and two organic coffees (!Tierra! Bio). The pod coffee machine isn't inexpensive, but if you combine it with a pod delivery subscription it can cost similar to a regular bean-to cup machine. Its slimline design means it can be easily incorporated into even the smallest kitchens. Additionally, the pods are compostable so you can pop them into your council's food waste bins or own garden compost.
4. Nespresso Vertuo Pod Machine
Nespresso machines are the top pods coffee makers for those who are looking for a reliable, fast and consistently brewed cup. They heat up quickly and are extremely simple to use. Just put a capsule in, push a button, and you're done. They produce a rich, creamy crema that can be added to drinks to give more flavor and thickness. The official pods are not cheap and you will have purchase them.
The Vertuo line utilizes an entirely different method of technology from OriginalLine machines that use espresso capsules (and are still in existence). They read each capsule's barcode, automatically adapting the brewing parameters for a perfect cup. They also have a centrifusion machine which spins the capsules to get the best flavor and the most thick crema.
The machines aren't as intuitive as our other choices. For instance, the lid only opens when the machine is ready, and it takes 30 seconds to get hot enough to be able to fit into a capsule. The machine doesn't come with the milk frother like some of the other pod machines listed on this list. So you'll have to shell out an additional PS90 to buy a separate Aeroccino to make cappuccinos and lattes.
They also require more regular maintenance than other models, such as refilling the water tank, emptying used pod containers, and descaling. However, they have an application that reminds you of these chores and provides tools such as store locators and capsule recycling. If you pair your machine with an IntelliPort you can control it with voice commands which is a nice feature for those who make coffee in the dark at 4am, or have weak hands.
5. SMEG Barista Pod Machine
This sleek pod coffee maker is the product of a cherished Italian brand and a renowned kitchen appliances company. It features all the retro, sleek curves that SMEG is famous for, and the ability to make coffee and lungo drinks effortlessly. It also has a programmable shot setting and dual-height drip tray, and a removable pod bin.
This coffee maker makes it simple to make a quick cup of single-shot or double-shot espresso in the morning, or for a lungo during your break at work. Its easy-to-use control panel keeps it looking sleek and doesn't interfere with its function. If you're looking to dress up your daily joe even more, it comes with three different filter baskets that accommodate different kinds of capsules. You can even make use of loose ground beans (although you'll need an additional grinder).
The SMEG Barista Pod Machine doesn't include a milk pitcher however, it does come with a built-in Pannarello milk frother, which froths soymilk and cow milk quite beautifully. It also has the portafilter 51mm which is smaller than a standard commercial-style filter. It is pressurised which means that you won't have the taste of stale food that is left behind. It also comes with a Tamper which can also be used as a scoop.
The SMEG is among coffee machine capsule the most expensive pod machines we've reviewed, but it's definitely worth it if you're a lover of the retro design or if you like being able to make espresso-based drinks. It's also a great choice if you're new to the world of coffee making and don't want to go through the hassles of measuring, grinding, and making your own coffee.