The Best Pod Coffee Machines
With pod coffee machines, you simply put a sealed capsule with roasted or ground coffee into the machine. The coffee then flows through for a set amount of time to make your drink.
Certain pod coffee machines come with various sizes of cups as well as the ability to froth milk. Selecting the right pod coffee maker depends on your personal preferences and your lifestyle.
1. Keurig K-Select
If you're looking for a basic Keurig coffee maker without the bells and whistles that come with more expensive models, this machine is a great choice. It's simple to use, has a beautiful design, and can be easily hidden into the corner of your kitchen when it's not in use.
The machine can be loud but it's not a huge issue. It's also quite small and will fit in tiny counter spaces. If you prefer a Keurig with a greater variety of sizes or a carafe that can drip-brew your coffee, you may think about other options.
The Keurig K-Select single serve coffee maker comes with a sleek design and more intuitive features to help you make the perfect cup every time. Pick from a variety of delicious K-Cups, or brew your coffee using a My-K-Cup universal coffee filter (sold separate). Strong Brew increases the intensity and strength of your coffee making it an ideal choice for coffee enthusiasts who like strong coffee.
This brewer is easy to use, with simple buttons. Simply add a K-Cup pod, select the brew size you'd like to use and then press the brew button. In less than a minute you'll have a freshly-brewed cup of coffee ready for you to enjoy. The large 52-ounce water reservoir allows you to make up to five cups in between refills, making it easier to manage your morning routine.
The Keurig is incredibly easy to clean. The water reservoir and lid can be cleaned and removed by hand. However, it is recommended to clean your Keurig prior to cleaning it, and follow the guidelines in the user manual to ensure that the machine is performing optimally. This warranty covers all accessories and the brewer, except for normal wear or abuse, and external causes such as power outages.
2. Tassimo My Way
If you're a lover of coffee and are in search of a pod machine capable of making more than your typical cup of coffee, this is the best option. It's designed to make wide variety of drinks including tea and hot chocolate and comes with a huge 1.3 Liter water tank that can make multiple cups at the same time. The machine can be heated up in just three minutes, and has a built-in milk container that can be used to make latte or cappuccino. It also comes with touchscreen that lets you to adjust the intensity, temperature and quantity of your drink.
The Tassimo My Way uses the brand's T Discs which contain everything you need for your preferred drink. There are over 70 different varieties, including Kenco, Costa, Milka, and Cadbury's. The machine also provides a selection of T Discs for tea and hot chocolate as well.
We found the coffee it produced to be of excellent quality, though slightly less than other pod machines featured in this round-up. It also gave a smooth mouthfeel and steamed milk for a caffe lattes fast. However, it should be noted that the frothy milk made from T Discs has sugar, which, while not a huge issue however, may not be to everyone's liking.
Tassimo My Way's removable parts including the drip tray, and the water tank are dishwasher-safe. There's an Brita filter included and a cleaning disc that can also be used. A handy indicator light will let you know when it's time to clean and the water reservoir helps keep limescale to the minimum. The machine is Energy Star rated, which reduces the amount of electricity it uses by up to 15%.
3. Lavazza Lungo Pod Machine
The Nespresso-compatible pod espresso machine from Lavazza, made in collaboration with Sage, is one of the most attractive machines on the market. It's constructed with durable and attractive materials, has an adjustable steam wand to make lattes and cappuccinos as well as an stainless milk jug in steel. Place a pod into the machine and select the size of your cup and the machine goes into action making espresso lungo, double espresso gran lungo, mug and alto drinks with a thick layer of silky frosting.
As with most pod machines you load the pod using an opening on top and then drop it into the appropriate spot. The machine penetrates the capsule before closing it in such a way that when you lift the lever, the used pod is deposited into a spent pod tray beneath the drip tray.
It's not the fastest machine to brew, taking 30 seconds for an espresso shot and 90 seconds for a lungo - but the results are consistently impressive, with coffee pods coffee machine great crema and a smooth, rich taste. The machine also warns you when the water tank or pod bin requires refilling.
One of the main selling points for this machine is the ability to use it with any Lavazza brand 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 is not inexpensive, but if you combine it with pod delivery services, the price can be similar to the regular bean-to-cup machine. The compact design of this machine allows it to fit into even the tiniest kitchens. The pods are also compostable in a way that you can dispose of them in your local food bins or garden compost.
4. Nespresso Vertuo Pod Machine
Nespresso machines are some of the best pod coffee makers for those who want an efficient reliable, consistent, and reliable coffee. They are quick to heat up and are extremely simple to use. Just put a capsule in, push a button, and you're done. They create a rich, creamy crema that can be added to drinks to give more flavor and a thicker layer. They're not cheap however they are expensive, and you need to purchase their official pods.
The Vertuo line is based on an entirely different method of technology from OriginalLine machines that use espresso capsules (and remain in operation). They scan each capsule's barcode, automatically adapting the brewing parameters to create the perfect cup. They also include a centrifusion system that spins the capsule to extract the best flavors and the thickest crema.
The machines aren't quite as intuitive as the other options. For instance the lid is only opened when the machine is in its final stages, and it takes about 30 minutes to heat up enough to put in a capsule. The machine doesn't come with a milk frother, like some of the other pod machines listed on this list. You'll have spend an extra PS90 to buy a separate Aeroccino to make cappuccinos and lattes.
They also require more regular maintenance than other models - refilling the water tank, emptying the pod containers, and decaling. However, they do come with an app that reminds you of these tasks and includes tools such as store locators and capsule recycling. And if you pair your machine with an IntelliPort you can control it with voice commands which is a great feature for those who make coffee in the dark at 4am or have a weak hand.
5. SMEG Barista Pod Machine
This sleek pod coffee machine is the lovechild of a beloved Italian brand and a renowned kitchen appliances company. It features all the sleek, retro curves that SMEG is famous for, and the ability to make coffee and lungo drinks with ease. It has a programmable setting for the shot, dual-height dripping tray, and a pod bins that are removable.
This coffee maker allows you to make an instant cup of espresso or lungo in the morning or during your work break. Its simple control panel is elegant and doesn't hinder its functionality. It comes with three different baskets for different capsule types. You can even make use of loose ground beans (although you'll need a separate grinder).
The SMEG Barista Pod Machine does not come with a milk pitcher. However, it does have a Pannarello built-in milk frother that is able to froth soymilk and cow milk very nicely. It also comes with a 51mm portafilter which is smaller than the standard commercial style filter. It's pressurized, which is nice because it means you won't get that stale, leftover grind taste. It also comes with a tool that can also be used as a scoop.
The SMEG is among the most expensive pod machines we've reviewed but it's well worth it if you're a fan of the retro look or enjoy being able to make espresso-based drinks. It's also a great option if you're new to the world of coffee making and don't want to deal with the hassles of measuring, grinding, and the process of tamping your own beans.