The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The most sleek pod machine we've ever seen, this brushed-steel model has the signature Sage quality and is easy to use. It heats up immediately after switching on and then brews a delicious espresso or a slightly longer lungo in just 30 seconds.
In contrast to bean-to-cup machines models take the messiest aspects of coffee making out of your hands - including grinding and dosing grounds.
1. Speedy
Pod machines can be installed and used more quickly than espresso machines. The majority of them can make a cup of coffee in 30 seconds. But they come at some cost in that the pre-portioned coffee pods that are used in these machines are generally more expensive than freshly roasted beans and they're not always recyclable (though some companies now offer free recycling bags and prepaid UPS labels to return the pods).
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the fastest pod machines on the market, thanks to its in-built barcode reader that scans code of each compatible pod prior to making it. This makes it simple to make consistent, high-quality coffee every time, with next-to-no chances of a drink turning out badly wrong. The machine is also among the tiniest and lightest on the market and does not require an additional milk jug or the smallest footprint, making it a breeze 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 reside in hard water areas or 1200 cups in soft water areas. It is also necessary to put with a new cartridge once this runs out, which could be costly for some users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another speedy machine with customisable buttons and the option to use either ground coffee or ESE pods that are pre-dosed and tampered with grounds squeezed between filter paper. This model is also B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to lessening its negative impact on the environment and its employees. The only drawback is that it takes longer to heat up, but once this occurs, it can make one cup in just 35 seconds.
If you're after an elegant, stylish machine that can handle a variety of different drink sizes and styles, look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek beauty, created in collaboration with Sage and Sage, is not just easy to use and quick to start, but also comes with an ice cream frothing wand as well as a stainless steel jug.
2. Removable parts
A pod coffee maker's ease of use is a big selling point and the top models are simple to use. Most machines rely on the same general method to make your cup: water is heated inside a reservoir, and then pushed through your chosen capsules and extracted to create rich hot java. Many brands offer a variety of sizes of drinks to meet different requirements. You can also save custom settings to make the process more efficient.
Keurig K-Cups are among the largest player on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also have a wide selection of capsules made by the most famous roasters. Some pods can be used once before they are discarded, while others can be used multiple times. Whatever the case, you'll need to plan ahead for how you'll handle your spent pods so they aren't thrown away in the trash.
The sleek SMEG model we tested has a removable water tank that's easy to fill, and the machine automatically pours new capsules once the previous one has cooled. It can be used to brew espresso and lungo drinks and has eight different blends to offer variety. This brewer will appeal to those who love coffee and want to switch from drip coffee.
In our testing of the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design is an attractive addition to your counter and it opens with a simple tap to reveal a hidden compartment to store your empty pods. The machine comes with a water filter system which is perfect for areas with hard water.
This machine is easy to use and can brew regular coffee (240ml) and ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. The controls are easy to operate, with the style of airplane toggles that can be retracted easily and a lever that retracts to reveal the opening to drop in your pod. It takes a bit of force to close, but most of our testers even those with limitations in 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 the machine, press a button, and let it make coffee. You'll still need to clean your machine from time to time, but not as often as a bean-to-cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are also smaller than their larger counterparts, so they can fit on the countertop and be kept out of sight when not being used.
Whether a coffee pod machine is the best choice for you depends on your preferences and what you're hoping to get out of it. All pod machines are simple to use, but others provide more options for customization. Be aware of the different coffee pods sizes, brew sizes and milk options for frothing when picking the right machine.
Most people will think of pod-based machines as the likes of Nespresso and Keurig however there are a few more recent competitors on the scene that are worth a look. One of them is Bruvi which has an exclusive pod system called B-Pods, which can only be used in conjunction with its machines. These pods are marked with a barcode, which is scanned by the machine to adjust the brewing settings automatically.
This means that the machine removes all the guesswork of brewing a cup and ensures each drink is made perfectly every time. It can even save customized drinks to a separate button so you can make them with the press of a button.
Other machines, such as Sage's My Way offer a more precise level of control over your more info coffee, allowing you to choose a specific size and temperature for each cup. It's a bit more expensive than many other models but it offers the polished stainless steel design and the excellent customer service that is synonymous with the brand and is a great choice for those who need more info an extra level of quality from their pod-based coffee maker.
While most people will be using the pod-based machine to create single-serve drinks, there are some larger models that can create longer shots, also known as lungos, too. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, which is a great example, combines retro style of the fifties from SMEG and Italian coffee maker Lavazza. It's a bit intimidating to use thanks to its toggles that resemble airplanes and a manual lever, but it's easy and incredibly satisfying to operate - a lungo is brewed in less than 30 seconds and the used pods are placed in an internal bin at the touch of the button.
4. Customization
One big reason why website pod coffee makers might not be the right choice for you is its lack of customizability. If you don't have an alternative milk frother, then the only option to add flavor or creaminess is to use a hot tea or chocolate option in your mug, click here or to manually add milk into your the coffee. This won't be an issue for many people, but could be a problem for those who prefer an entirely automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew technology makes use of barcode readers to scan each capsule, and automatically pre-wet, infuse and disperse the right amount of coffee required for that type of pod. It's a user-friendly hands-off device that does a great job however it isn't equipped with options for customizing drinks or for varying the strength of brew. Some buyers will be annoyed by this, but others will find the ease of use and the variety of cup sizes (espressos and lungos, as well as mugs) to be exactly what they are searching for.
This coffee maker is low maintenance. It is all you need to do is to fill up the water tank and decaffeinate the reservoir each and every so often. It can dispense short espresso shots and tall travel mugs effortlessly and, as we mentioned the pods that are used are ejected to a hidden receptacle that keeps your kitchen clean. It is also great in delivering full-bodied coffees that have tops that are topped with crema.
This machine is part of Smeg’s 1950s-style range. It's user-friendly with a simple panel and can accommodate ground coffee or ESE pods. The only drawback is the lack of an indicator that lets you know when you should descale, and the inability to set the maximum water level. You also need to buy the brand's own capsules, which can be pricey. This is a great pod machine for those who want an easy-to-use and stylish appliance that can be used at a low get more info cost. If you're looking for a little more variety, a wide range of third-party capsules is available for this model, and it's also compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.