The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The sleekest pod machine we've seen, this model with brushed-steel features the trademark Sage quality and ease of use. It warms up after switching on, and makes an espresso with aroma or a little longer lungo in just 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. Speedy
Pod machines are typically quicker to set up and use than espresso machines, with many able to make a cup of coffee in 30 seconds or less. However, they come with an expense as the pre-portioned pods of coffee used in these models tend to be more expensive than freshly roasted beans, and they're not always recyclable (though some companies are now offering free recycling bags and prepaid UPS labels to return them).
The Nespresso CitiZ has one of the fastest pod machines available, thanks to the barcode scanner that scans every compatible pod's code before brewing. This makes it simple to get consistent quality, high-end coffee each time, and there is virtually no chances of a drink turning out badly wrong. This machine is among the lightest and slimmest available. It doesn't require an additional milk container and its compact footprint allows it to be easily incorporated into even the tiniest kitchens.
However, the CitiZ isn't the ideal machine for those who want to minimize their environmental impact. It doesn't have an automatic descaling feature, and you'll have to descale it yourself once every 300 cups if reside in hard water areas or 1200 cups in soft water zones. You'll also have to put with a new cartridge once this runs out, which could be costly for some users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another fast machine that has buttons that can be customized and the option of using ground coffee or ESE pods that are pre-dosed, tampered and packed between filter paper. It is also B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to decreasing its negative impact on the environment and its employees. The only downside is the time it takes to warm up. Once it's done it, it can make one cup in about 35 minutes.
If you're looking for 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 sleek machine, created in collaboration with Sage is not just easy to use, but it also comes with an ice cream wand, a stainless steel jug, and milk frother.
2. Removable parts
The user-friendliness is a major selling point and the top models are easy to operate. Most machines rely on the same method to make your cup: water is heated inside a reservoir, and then pushed through the capsules you choose and extracted to form rich, hot java. Many brands offer a variety of sizes for drinks to meet different needs, and you can save custom settings on a number of models to simplify the process even more.
Keurig's K-Cups and Nestle's Nespresso VertuoLine series are the two biggest players on the market, yet each has a variety of capsules from top roasters and brands. Some pods are able to be used just once before being thrown away, while others can be used several times. 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 features an ejectable water tank that's easy to fill, and the machine automatically pours new capsules once the previous one has been cooled. It can brew lungo and espresso drinks, and comes with eight different blends that provide plenty of options. This brewer is ideal for those who love coffee and want to switch from drip coffee.
In our tests we found that the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most satisfying to use. Its sleek design looks stunning on your counter and can be opened in a matter of seconds to reveal the hidden compartment that stores empty pods. It also comes with the added benefit of the water filtration system which is ideal for areas with hard water.
The machine is fast and can make regular coffee (240ml) and ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. The controls are simple to operate, using airplane-style toggles that can be easily pulled back and a lever that retracts to reveal the opening for dropping in your pod. It does take a little effort to close, but our testers, including those who have limitations in hand strength and mobility, found it comfortable.
3. Size
The best coffee pod machines remove all the messes of making coffee out of your hands. You simply load in the pod, press an icon and brew. You'll still have to clean the machine from time to time however not as often as you would with a bean-to cup or espresso maker. Pod machines are smaller than their bigger counterparts, and can be stored on the counter when not in use.
Whether a coffee pod machine is the best choice for coffee capsule machine you depends on your preferences and what you're hoping to get out of it. The majority of pod machines are easy to operate, however, some provide more options for customization. Pod variety, brew size options, and milk frothing features are all important to find the ideal coffee pod machine for you.
The most well-known pod-based machines are Nespresso, Keurig and similar brands. However, there are some newer competitors that may be worth taking a look at. Bruvi uses a bespoke system of pods called B-Pods that can only be used in its machines. These pods are marked with a barcode, which is read by the machine to adjust the brewing parameters automatically.
This means that the machine eliminates all the guesswork the process of making a cup, and guarantees that every drink is perfect every time. It is able to save your customized drinks on a button to allow you to create them using only one button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way offer a more precise level of control over your coffee that allows you to select the ideal size and temperature for each cup. It's a little more expensive than some models but it offers the polished stainless steel build and the excellent customer service that is synonymous with the brand and is a good choice for those who want an extra level of quality from their pod-based coffee maker.
Certain models are larger and can create lungos. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, which is a perfect example, blends retro fifties styling from SMEG and Italian coffee maker Lavazza. It's not easy at first thanks to the toggles that look like airplanes, however once you've become accustomed to it, it is quick and satisfying to use. A lungo can be prepared in just 30 seconds.
4. Customization
The limited capabilities of a pod coffee maker's customization is a major reason it may not be the best choice for you. If you don't buy an additional milk frother, the only methods to add extra flavor or creaminess are to make use of an in-mug hot chocolate or tea option and add milk to your cup manually. This shouldn't be a problem for many people, but it could be an issue for those who like a fully automatic experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew technology uses barcode readers 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 for varying the strength of brew. This might be frustrating for some customers however for others, the easy automation and variety of cup lengths (espresso lungo, espresso and mug) it gives exactly what they need.
Apart from filling the water tank and decaffeinating it occasionally the coffee maker will not require a lot of maintenance. It can dispense short espresso shots and tall travel mugs easily and, as previously mentioned the used pods are ejected into a concealed receptacle which keeps your kitchen spotless. It also does a great job of providing full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.
This machine is part Smeg's 1950s-style range. It's user-friendly with a simple interface and can take ground coffee or ESE pods. The only issue is that it doesn't come with an indicator that lets you know when it's time to descale, and the maximum water level cannot be set which is a minor inconvenience. You'll also have to purchase the brand's own capsules which can be costly. Nevertheless, this is an excellent pod coffee maker for those looking for a beautiful and functional appliance that will serve them well for a reasonable cost. This model is compatible with a range of capsules from third party manufacturers and works with the Nespresso Vertuo range.