The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The sleekest pod machine we've seen, this brushed-steel model has the signature Sage quality and is easy to use. It heats up immediately after switching on and makes an espresso with aroma or a slightly longer lungo in just 30 seconds.
As opposed to bean-to-cup machines, pod models take the most messy aspects of coffee making out of your hands, such as grinding and dosing grounds.
1. Speedy
Pod machines can be set up and operated faster than espresso machines. The majority of them can make a cup of coffee in 30 seconds. The pre-portioned pods used in these machines are generally more expensive than freshly roasted coffee beans and a majority are not recyclable.
The Nespresso CitiZ has one of the most efficient pod machines available, thanks to the barcode scanner that scans every compatible pod's code prior to making coffee. This ensures that you get consistently high-quality coffee, every time. There is virtually no possibility of getting a poor beverage. It is also among the tiniest and lightest on the market that doesn't require an additional milk jug, and the smallest footprint, making it easy to fit into even the tiniest of kitchens.
The CitiZ is not the best machine to reduce the environmental impact. It doesn't have an automatic descaling function and you'll need to do it yourself every 300 cups if you reside in hard water areas or 1200 cups in soft water areas. When the filter cartridge wears out, you'll have to replace it with a new. This could be expensive for certain users.
Tassimo Vivy 2 is a fast machine that can be customized with buttons. It can be used with ground coffee or ESE pods which are pre-dosed and 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 drawback is the time it takes to warm up. Once it does it will brew a cup in about 35 minutes.
Vertuo Creatista is a stylish sleek machine that can create a variety of drinks in different sizes and styles. This sleek machine designed in collaboration with Sage is not just simple to use but also comes with an ice cream wand, an stainless steel jug and milk frother.
2. Removable parts
The ease of use of a pod coffee maker is a major benefit. The best models are easy to operate. The majority of machines employ the same basic method to make the cup of coffee you want the water is heated inside a reservoir, then it is pushed through capsules to produce rich, hot java. The majority of brands offer various drink sizes for different needs. You can also save your own settings to speed up the process.
Keurig's K-Cups and Nestle's Nespresso VertuoLine series are the two major players in the market, however both offer a variety of capsules from top roasters and brands. Some pods can be used once before they are discarded however, others can be used multiple times. In either case, you'll have to plan out how you'll deal with the pods you've used up so that they aren't thrown away in the trash.
The SMEG we tested has a removable reservoir of water that is simple to fill. It also automatically dispenses a new capsule after the previous one cools down. It can brew espresso and lungo drinks, and comes with eight different blends to give you variety. This brewer is ideal for those who love coffee and want to switch to drip coffee.
In our tests in our tests, the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design makes it a looker on your countertop 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 that is perfect for areas that have hard water.
The machine is fast and brews standard coffee (240ml), ristretto, and lungo espresso drinks. The controls are easy to operate, with switches that resemble airplanes, which can be retracted easily and a lever which retracts to reveal the opening for dropping in the pod. It does take a little force to close, but our testers, even those with weak hand and mobility were able to use it comfortably.
3. Size
The best coffee pod machines remove all the mess from coffee making - you just put a pod in the machine, press a button, and let it be brewed. You'll still need to clean your machine occasionally however not like a bean-to-cup or espresso maker. Pod machines are also smaller than their larger counterparts, so they can fit on the counter and be stored coffee pod machine out of view when not being used.
The ideal coffee maker for you will be determined by your preferences and the goals you'd like to achieve. All pod machines are simple to use, however some offer more customization options. Different pod types, brew sizes options and milk frothing capabilities are all important to determine the best coffee pod machine.
Most people will think of pod-based machines as the likes of Nespresso and Keurig However, there are some newer competitors on the scene that are worth a look. One of them is Bruvi which makes use of its own pod system, called B-Pods, which can only be used in conjunction with its machines. The pods have an underside barcode that the machine scans to automatically adjust brewing settings.
This method eliminates all the guesswork of brewing a cup and guarantees that every drink is perfect every time. It is even able to save custom drinks to a specific button, allowing you to make them with the press of a single button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way offer a more granular level of control over your coffee that allows you to select the right temperature and size for each beverage. It's more expensive than other models, but it comes with a polished stainless steel construction and superior customer support synonymous with the brand. This is a great choice for those looking for an extra bit of quality from their pod-based espresso maker.
While the majority of people will use pod-based machines to make single-serve beverages however, there are a few larger models that can create longer shots, also known as lungos, also. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, which is a excellent example, blends retro style of the fifties from SMEG and Italian coffee brand Lavazza. It's difficult to use due to its airplane-style toggles and manual lever, but it's quick and incredibly satisfying to operate the lungo is made in only 30 seconds, and the discarded pods are deposited into an internal bin at the push of the button.
4. Customization
The limited capabilities of a pod coffee maker's customisation is a major reason it may not be the best choice for you. If you don't have an additional milk frother, then the only way to add flavor or creaminess is to use a hot tea or chocolate option in your mug, or to manually add milk to your coffee. For most people, this shouldn't be a problem, but it could be a problem for those who prefer a fully 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 that is appropriate for the type of pod. It's an easy-to-use hands-off device that does a great job but lacks options for customising drinks or altering the strength of brew. Some buyers will be annoyed by this, however others will appreciate the ease of use and variety of cup sizes (espressos and lungos, as well as mugs) to be exactly what they're seeking.
Aside from filling up the water tank and decaffeinating it occasionally the coffee maker will not need a lot of maintenance. It dispenses short espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs effortlessly and, as we mentioned the used pods are ejected into a concealed receptacle that keeps your kitchen clean. It also excels at delivering full-bodied coffees with crema-topped tops.
This is a beautiful-looking machine and part of the Smeg fifties range. It's easy to use via a simple panel of buttons and can accommodate ground coffee as well as ESE pods. It's only downside is the lack of a display that tells you when you should descale, and the inability to set a maximum water level. It is also necessary to purchase the capsules made by the company, which can be pricey. This is a great pod machine for those who want a convenient and attractive appliance that can be used at a reasonable cost. If you're looking for more variety, a broad selection of third-party capsules is offered for this model. It's compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.