The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The sleekest pod machine we've seen this brushed-steel model offers the trademark Sage quality and ease of use. It preheats after switch-on, and brews an aroma-packed espresso or slightly longer lungo in 30 minutes.
The pod models are a great alternative to bean-to-cup machines. They take the clumsiest aspects of making coffee off your hands, like grinding and measuring grounds.
1. Speedy
Pod machines can be set up and operated faster than espresso machines. They can typically make a cup of coffee in 30 seconds. But they come at a cost: the pre-portioned coffee pods used in these machines tend to be more expensive than freshly roasted beans. And they're not always recyclable (though certain companies now offer free recycling bags and prepaid UPS labels for returning them).
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 brewing. This ensures you get consistently high-quality coffee, every time. There is hardly any chance of getting a bad beverage. The machine is among the lightest and slimmest on the market. It does not require a separate milk container and its small footprint allows it to be easily incorporated into the tiniest kitchens.
However the CitiZ isn't the most efficient machine for those wanting to minimize their environmental impact. The CitiZ doesn't have an automatic descaling feature. You'll need to manually descale the machine every 300 cups for hard water, and 1200 cups for soft water. When the filter cartridge wears out, you'll need to replace it with a new one. This can be costly for certain users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another fast machine that has buttons that can be customized and the option to use either ground coffee or ESE pods, which are pre-dosed, tampered and packed 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 warm up, but once that happens it can brew one cup in just 35 minutes.
If you're looking for an elegant, sleek machine that can handle a variety of different drink sizes and styles then look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek machine, created in collaboration with Sage is not only easy to use but also comes with an ice cream wand a stainless steel jug, and milk frother.
2. Removable parts
A pod coffee maker's user-friendliness is a major draw, and the best models are a breeze to use. The majority of machines utilize the same basic method to make your cup by heating water in an internal reservoir, then pumped through the chosen capsules and extracted to produce rich, hot coffee. The majority of brands offer various sizes of drinks for different needs. You can also save custom settings to make the process more efficient.
Keurig K-Cups are among the top player on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also have a wide selection of capsules by famous roasters. Certain pods can be used only once before they are discarded, 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 SMEG we tested has a reservoir of water that is easy to fill. It also automatically dispensates another capsule after the previous one cools down. It can be used to brew espresso and lungo drinks and comes with eight different blends to give you the variety. This brewer is perfect for those who love coffee and want to move away from drip coffee to drip.
In our tests we found that the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design is an eye-catching addition to your counter, and it opens with a light touch to reveal a hidden compartment for empty pods. It has an in-built water filter system that is ideal for areas with hard water.
This machine is able to make the standard cup of coffee (240ml) as well as lungo and ristretto-style espresso drinks and is extremely fast. Its user-friendly controls are a joy to navigate using the airplane-style toggles and a lever that retracts with little effort to reveal the opening that allows you to insert your coffee maker. It requires some pressure to close, however the majority of our test subjects even those with weak hand strength and mobility, were able to use it comfortably.
3. Size
The top coffee pod machines take away all the mess from coffee here making. You just add a pod the machine, press a button, and let it be brewed. You will still need to clean the machine from time to time, but not as frequently as you would with a bean-to-cup cup or espresso maker. Pod machines are also smaller than their counterparts that are larger, so they can fit on the counter and be kept out of sight when not in use.
The decision of whether a coffee machine is the best choice for you depends on your preferences and what you're hoping to gain from it. All pod machines are easy to use, however some offer more customisation options than others. Pod variety, brew size options, and milk frothing features are all important to help find the perfect coffee pod machine.
Most people will associate get more info pod-based machines with the likes of Nespresso and Keurig However, there are some newer competitors that could be worth considering. One of them is Bruvi which has a bespoke pod system called B-Pods, which can only be used in conjunction with its machines. The pods are identified by a barcode which is scanned by the machine to adjust the brewing settings automatically.
This method removes all the guesswork of making a cup and ensures each drink comes out perfectly 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, such as Sage's My here Way offer a more precise level of control over your coffee, allowing you to choose the right temperature and size for each beverage. It's more expensive than other models, however it comes with a polished stainless steel construction and superior customer support synonymous with Sage's My Way. This is a good option for those who want a bit more out of their pod-based espresso maker.
While most people will be using pod-based machines to make single-serve drinks There are some larger models that can create longer shots, also known as lungos, too. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is a great example, combines retro fifties styling from SMEG and Italian coffee brand Lavazza. It's not easy initially due to the toggles that look like airplanes, but once you've gotten used to it, the machine is quick and satisfying to use. A lungo can be made in 30 seconds.
4. Customization
The limited capabilities of a pod coffee maker's customization is a major reason it's not the right choice for you. If you don't purchase an additional milk frother, the only options to add flavor or creaminess are to make use of an in-mug hot chocolate best pod coffee machine or tea option, and then add milk to your coffee manually. For many people this won't be a problem however it could be a nagging issue for those who prefer a fully 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 for the particular kind 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, but others will find the convenience and variety of cup sizes (espressos and mugs, lungos and espressos) to be exactly what they are searching for.
The coffee maker is extremely low-maintenance. It's all you have to do is to fill up the tank with water, and decaffeinate the reservoir every once in a while. It can make short espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs easily. As mentioned, the used pods are ejected into a container hidden here from view that keeps your kitchen tidy. It also does a great job of providing full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.
This is a stunning machine and part of the Smeg fifties range. It's easy to use with a simple panel and can accommodate ground coffee or ESE pods. The only issue is that it doesn't come with an indicator to let you know when it's time for descale. Also, the maximum water level cannot be set, which is a minor inconvenience. You will also have to buy the brand's capsules which can be expensive. But, it's an excellent pod coffee maker for those looking for an attractive and convenient appliance that will provide them with a great service at an affordable cost. This model can be used with a variety of capsules from third party manufacturers and is compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo range.