The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The most elegant pod machine we've ever seen, this brushed-steel model has the signature Sage quality and is easy to use. After switching on, it heats up and makes a scrumptious espresso or slightly longer lungo within 30 seconds.
Pod models are an excellent alternative to bean-to-cup machines. They take the most messy aspects of making coffee off your hands, such as grinding and measuring grounds.
1. Rapid
Pod machines can be installed and used more quickly than espresso machines. The majority of them can make a cup in just 30 seconds. 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 many are also not recyclable (though some companies now offer free recycling bags and pre-paid UPS labels for returning the pods).
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 brewing it. This ensures you get consistently high-quality coffee, every time. There is almost no chance of having a bad drink. The machine is also among the tiniest and lightest available, with no need for a separate milk jug and the smallest footprint, making it easy to fit in even the smallest of kitchens.
However, the CitiZ isn't the ideal machine for those wanting to reduce 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, or 1200 cups in soft water areas. You'll also need to swap with a new cartridge after this expires and could be expensive for some users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another speedy machine with customisable buttons and the option to use either ground coffee or ESE pods, which are pre-dosed and tampered grounds packed between filter paper. It is also B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to decreasing its negative impact on the environment as well as its workforce. The only downside is the time it takes to heat up. Once it's done, it can brew one cup in about 35 minutes.
If you're after a sleek, stylish machine that can handle a variety of different drink sizes and styles then take a look at 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 a stainless steel jug, and a milk frother.
2. Removable parts
A pod coffee maker's user-friendliness is a major selling point, and the best models are easy to use. The majority of machines utilize the same basic method to make your cup: water is heated inside a reservoir, and then pushed through the chosen capsules and extracted to produce rich hot java. Most brands offer different sizes of drinks to meet different requirements. You can also save custom settings to speed up the process.
Keurig's K-Cups and Nestle's Nespresso VertuoLine series are the two biggest brands on the market, yet each offers a wide selection of capsules from popular roasters and brands. Some pods are made to be used just once and then get thrown away, whereas others are intended to be used multiple times. In either case, you'll have to plan ahead for the way you'll dispose of your spent pods so they don't end up in landfill.
The SMEG we tested has a water reservoir that is easy 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 offer the variety. This brewer will appeal to coffee lovers who are looking 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 great on your counter and opens with just a touch to reveal the compartment that stores your empty pods. It has a water filter system that is perfect for areas with hard water.
This machine is quick and can brew standard coffee (240ml) as well as ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. Its intuitive controls are easy to use with the help of switches that resemble airplanes and a lever that retracts without much effort to reveal the opening where you drop in your pod. It takes a bit of effort to close, but the majority of our testers even those with weak hand strength and mobility, were able to use it comfortably.
3. Size
The top coffee pod makers take all the messy parts of making coffee out of your hands. You simply need to load one of the pods, press an icon and make coffee. It is still necessary to clean your machine from time to time however not as often as a bean-to cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are smaller than their larger counterparts and can be stored on the counter when not in use.
If a coffee pod machine is the right option for you is based on your preferences and what you're hoping to gain from it. All pod machines are simple to use, however some offer more customization options. Be aware of the different coffee pods as well as brew sizes, milk and frothing options when choosing the best machine.
The most popular pod-based coffee machines are Nespresso, Keurig and similar brands. However there are a few more recent competitors that are worth looking at. Bruvi utilizes a unique system of pods, called B-Pods that can only be used in its machines. These pods have a barcode on the underside that machines scan to automatically adjust brewing settings.
This means that the machine removes all the guesswork of making a cup and ensures each drink is made perfectly every time. It can save your customised drinks on a button so that you can make them by pressing only one button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way offer a greater degree of control over your coffee that allows you to select the ideal temperature and size for each drink. It's a bit more expensive than many other models, but it comes with the polished stainless steel construction and the excellent customer service that is which is synonymous with the brand. It is a solid option for those looking to get an extra level of quality from their pod-based coffee maker.
While most people will be using pod-based machines to make single-serve beverages, there are some larger models that can also make longer shots, referred to as lungos, too. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, which is a perfect example, blends retro style of the fifties from SMEG and Italian coffee brand Lavazza. It's not easy initially due to the airplane-style toggles but once you've gotten used to it, it is quick and easy to use. A lungo can be prepared in 30 minutes.
4. Customization
A pod coffee maker's limited flexibility is one of the main reasons it may not be the best option for you. If you don't buy an additional milk frother, the only methods to add extra flavor pod capsule coffee machine or creaminess is to make use of an in-mug hot chocolate or tea option and to add milk to your coffee manually. For many people this won't be a problem however it could be a problem for those who prefer an automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew utilizes a barcode scanner to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wets and infuses, then dispensing the correct amount of coffee for the specific type of pod. It's a simple, hands-off machine which does an excellent job, however it isn't equipped with options for customizing drinks or varying brew strength. Some buyers will be annoyed by this, however others will appreciate the convenience and variety of cup sizes (espressos, lungos and mugs) to be exactly what they're seeking.
Apart from filling the water tank and decaffeinating the reservoir occasionally, this coffee maker will not need a lot of maintenance. It is able to serve espresso-style shots or tall travel mugs easily. As previously mentioned, used pods are ejected in a container hidden from view that keeps your kitchen tidy. It is also excellent in delivering full-bodied coffees that have a crema-topped top.
This is a beautiful-looking machine and is part of Smeg's fifties-style range. It is easy to use with a simple interface and can take ground coffee or ESE pods. The only drawback is the absence of a display that tells you when you should descale, and the inability to set a maximum water level. You'll also need to buy the capsules of the brand, which can be expensive. This is a good pod machine for those who want a convenient and attractive appliance that will serve well at a reasonable price. If you're looking for more variety, a broad selection of third-party capsules is available for this model, and it's also compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.