The Best Coffee Pod Machine
This sleek, brushed-steel model provides the Sage brand's distinctive quality and ease of operation. After switching on, it preheats and makes a scrumptious espresso or slightly longer lungo in about 30 seconds.
Pod models are an excellent alternative to bean-to cup machines. They take the clumsiest components of making coffee off your hands, such as grinding and measuring grounds.
1. Speedy
Pod machines are generally easier to set up and use than espresso machines, with most able to make coffee in 30 seconds or so. The pre-portioned pods used in these machines are typically more costly than freshly roasted coffee beans and many of them are not recyclable.
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the most efficient pod machines that you can find due to its built-in barcode scanner that scans the code of each compatible pod prior to making it. This ensures you get consistently high-quality coffee, every time. There is hardly any chance of getting a bad beverage. The machine is one of the tiniest and lightest available. It does not require a separate milk container and its compact footprint allows it to be easily incorporated into even the tiniest kitchens.
The CitiZ isn't the best machine to reduce your environmental impact. The CitiZ doesn't have an automatic descaling feature. You will need to manually descale the machine every 300 cups for hard water and every 1200 cups for soft water. It is also necessary to put the filter cartridge after this expires, which could be costly for certain users.
Tassimo Vivy 2 is a speedy machine that has customisable buttons. It can be used with either ground coffee or ESE pods which are pre-dosed, tampered grounds that are compressed between filter paper. This model is B-Corp Certified. It is committed to reducing the negative impact it has on its surroundings and its workforce. The only drawback is that it takes a little longer to heat up, but once this occurs, it can make the cup in about 35 seconds.
If you're looking for a sleek, stylish machine that can handle a range of different sizes and styles, look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek machine designed in collaboration with Sage is not only easy to use, but also comes with an ice cream wand stainless steel jug and a milk frother.
2. Removable parts
The user-friendliness is a big selling point, and the best models are simple to operate. Most machines use the same basic process to brew the cup of coffee you want that is, heated water is placed in the reservoir, and then moved through capsules to make rich, hot java. Many brands offer a variety of sizes of drinks for different needs. You can also save custom settings to make the process more efficient.
Keurig's K-Cups and Nestle's Nespresso VertuoLine series are the two biggest players in the market, yet each has a variety of capsules from top roasters and brands. Some pods are made to be used once and get thrown away, whereas others are designed to be used for a variety of purposes. You'll need a plan to dispose of your used pods to avoid them from ending up in the garbage.
The SMEG we tested has a removable water reservoir that is easy to fill. It also automatically dispensates another capsule after the previous one cools down. It can make espresso and lungo drinks and has eight different blends to offer variety. This brewer is ideal for those who love coffee and want to pod coffee machine move away from drip coffee.
In our tests of the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design is beautiful on your counter and opens with just a touch to reveal the hidden compartment that holds empty pods. The machine comes with a water filter system which is perfect for areas with hard water.
This machine is able to make a standard cup of coffee (240ml), as well as lungo and ristretto espresso-style drinks and is extremely fast. The controls are simple to operate, with switches that resemble airplanes, which can be easily pulled back and a lever which retracts to reveal the opening to drop in your coffee maker. It takes a bit of pressure to close, however the majority of our testers, including 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. You just put a pod in the machine, press a button, and let it brew. You'll still have to clean the machine from time time, but not as frequently as you would with a bean-to cup or espresso maker. Pod machines are also smaller than their counterparts that are larger and can be tucked away on the countertop and be kept out of view when not being used.
If a coffee pod machine is the right choice for you depends on your preferences and what you're hoping to get from it. All pod machines are simple to use, however certain models offer more customization options than others. Be aware of the different coffee pods, 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 some newer competitors that are worth a look. Bruvi uses a bespoke system of pods, called B-Pods, which can only be used in its machines. The pods are equipped with a barcode on the underside that machines scan to automatically adjust the brewing settings.
The machine will eliminate all the guesswork out of it and ensure that every drink is perfect every time. It can save your customised drinks in a single button so that you can create them with only one button.
Other machines, such as Sage's My Way offer a more precise level of control over your coffee that allows you to select the ideal temperature and size for each drink. It's more expensive than other models, however it comes with the polished stainless steel construction and superior customer service that is synonymous with the Sage's My Way brand. This is a great option for those who want an extra bit of quality from their espresso maker that is based on pods.
Some larger models can also brew lungos. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is an excellent example of this. It is a combination of the retro style of SMEG with Italian coffee maker, Lavazza. It's a little intimidating initially due to the airplane-style toggles however once you've become accustomed to it, it is quick and satisfying to use. A lungo can be made in only 30 minutes.
4. Customization
One big reason why pod coffee makers might not be right for you is its lack of customizability. If you don't have an auxiliary milk frother then the only option to add more flavor or creaminess is to use a hot chocolate or tea option in your mug, or to manually add milk into your the coffee. For most people, this shouldn't be a problem, but it could be a nagging issue for those who prefer an automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew uses barcode scanners to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wettes and infuses the correct amount of coffee to the particular kind of pod. It's a hassle-free, hands-off machine that does the job very well but lacks any options for making drinks that are customized or for varying the strength of brew. Some customers might be disappointed by this, but others will find the convenience and variety of cup sizes (espressos and lungos, as well as mugs) to be exactly what they're searching for.
Apart from filling the water tank and decaffeinating the reservoir on occasion This coffee maker does not need a lot of maintenance. It is able to serve espresso shots or tall travel mugs effortlessly. As mentioned, the used pods are ejected into a hidden container which keeps your kitchen clean. It is also great at delivering full-bodied coffees with a crema-topped top.
This machine is part Smeg's 1950s style range. It's easy to use with a simple interface and can accommodate ground coffee or ESE pods. Its only flaw is the absence of a gauge that will let you know when it's time to descale, as well as the inability to set a maximum water level. You also need to buy the brand's own capsules which can be expensive. But, it's a great pod coffee maker for anyone seeking a stylish and convenient appliance that will provide them with quality coffee at a reasonable price. If you're looking for some variety, a large selection of third-party capsules is offered for this model, and it's compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.