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. After turning on, it warms up and makes a scrumptious espresso or a slightly longer lungo within 30 minutes.
Unlike 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. Fast
Pod machines can be installed and used more quickly than espresso machines. Most of them can make a cup of coffee in 30 seconds. But they do come at 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 now offer recycling bags for free and UPS labels to return them).
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the most efficient pod machines available that is available due to its built-in barcode scanner that scans the code of each compatible pod prior to brewing it. This makes it easy to get consistent, high-quality coffee every time, with next-to-no chances of a drink turning out badly wrong. The machine is also one of the slimmest and lightest available that doesn't require a separate milk jug and the smallest footprint, making it easy to fit into even the tiniest kitchen.
However, the CitiZ isn't the best machine for those looking to cut down on their environmental impact. It doesn't have an automatic descaling function, and you'll have to descale it yourself once every 300 cups if reside in hard water, or 1200 cups in soft water zones. Once the filter cartridge runs out, you'll need to replace it with a fresh one. This could be expensive for some users.
Tassimo Vivy 2 is a quick machine with customizable buttons. It can be used with ground coffee or ESE pods which are pre-dosed, tampered grounds compressed between filter paper. This model is B-Corp Certified. It is committed to lessening the negative impact it has on its environment and workforce. The only downside is the time it takes to heat up. Once it is heated it will brew a cup in around 35 seconds.
If you're after a sleek, stylish machine capable of handling a range of different sizes and styles then take a look at the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This gorgeous, glossy machine, developed 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 major selling point and the top models are simple to operate. Most machines rely on the same basic mechanism to brew your cup: water is heated inside a reservoir, and then pushed through the chosen capsules and extracted to produce rich, hot coffee. Many brands offer a variety of drink sizes to suit different needs, and you can save your own settings for a variety of models to streamline the process further.
Keurig K-Cups are among the top players on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also offer a large selection of capsules made by the most popular roasters. Some pods are made to be used just once and then discarded, while others are intended to be used for a variety of purposes. Either way, you'll need to plan out how you'll handle the pods that are no longer being used so they do not end up in the garbage.
The SMEG we tested comes with a removable reservoir of water that is simple to fill. It also automatically releases an additional capsule once the previous one cools down. It can make espresso and lungo drinks and has eight different blends for the variety. This brewer is a great choice for coffee lovers who are looking to move away from drip coffee.
In our tests, the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable one to use. Its sleek design makes it an eye-catching addition to your counter and opens with a simple tap to reveal a hidden compartment for your empty pods. It has a water filter system which is perfect for areas that have hard water.
This machine is easy to use and can brew standard coffee (240ml) as well as ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. Its intuitive controls are a joy to use, thanks to switches that resemble airplanes and a lever that retracts without coffee machine for pods much effort to reveal the space which allows you to drop the pod. It requires a little force to close, but our testers, including those with weak hand and mobility were able to use it comfortably.
3. Size
The best coffee pod machines take the mess of making coffee out of your hands - you simply load in the pod, press an icon and prepare to brew. You'll still need to clean your machine every now and then, but not as often as a bean-to cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are also smaller than their bigger counterparts, so they can fit on the counter and be kept out of sight when not being used.
The best coffee machine for you will be determined by your preferences and the goals you'd like to achieve. All pod machines are easy to use, but some offer more customisation options than others. Consider the coffee pod variety as well as brew sizes, milk and options for frothing when picking the right machine.
The most popular pod-based machines are Nespresso, Keurig and similar brands. However there are a few newer competitors that may be worth taking a look at. One of them is Bruvi which makes use of a bespoke pod system known as B-Pods that can only be used by its machines. The pods are marked with a barcode, which is scanned by the machine to adjust the brewing parameters automatically.
The machine will eliminate the guesswork out of it and ensure that each drink is perfect every time. It is able to save your customized drinks to a button, so that you can create them using only one button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way offer a greater degree of control over your coffee and allows you to select the right size and temperature for each beverage. It's a little more expensive than some models, but it comes with the polished stainless steel design and top-quality customer service that's associated with the brand. It is a solid option for those looking to get an extra level of quality from their pod-based coffee maker.
While most people will be using a pod-based machine to make single-serve beverages There are some larger models that are able to create longer shots, also known as lungos. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, a perfect example, blends retro style of the fifties from SMEG and Italian coffee maker Lavazza. It's a bit intimidating initially due to the airplane-style toggles, but once you've gotten used to it, the machine is easy and enjoyable to use. A lungo can be brewed in 30 minutes.
4. Customization
One reason a pod coffee maker may not be right for you is the limited customizability. If you don't buy an auxiliary milk frother, the only options to add extra flavor or creaminess is to use an in-mug hot chocolate or tea option and add milk manually to your coffee. For most people, this won't be a problem however it could be a nagging issue for those who prefer an automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew makes use of a barcode scanner to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wettes, infuses and dispenses the correct amount of coffee for the particular type of pod. It's a simple, hands-off machine which does an excellent job, but isn't able to customize drinks or for varying the strength of brew. This will irritate some buyers but for others, the simple automation and range of cup lengths (espresso, lungo and mug) will provide exactly what they need.
This coffee maker is low maintenance. It's all you have to do is to refill the water tank, and decaffeinate the reservoir every time. It can dispense short espresso shots and tall travel mugs effortlessly and, as previously mentioned, used pods are ejected to a hidden receptacle that keeps your kitchen clean. It also does an excellent job of providing full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.
This machine is part of Smeg's 1950s style range. It's user-friendly with simple buttons, and it can handle ground coffee and ESE pods. Its only flaw is the lack of an indicator that lets you know when you should descale, and the inability to set a maximum water level. You also need to buy the brand's own capsules, which can be pricey. Nevertheless, this is an excellent pod coffee maker for anyone looking for an attractive and functional appliance that will provide them with a great service at an affordable cost. If you're looking for more variety, a large selection of third-party capsules is offered for this model. It's also compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.