The Best Pod Coffee Machines
Pod coffee machines allow you to insert a capsule containing ground or roasted coffee beans into the. The coffee is then poured into the machine for a set amount of time.
Some pod coffee machines have multiple cup sizes and frothing milk capabilities. The ideal pod machine for you will depend on your lifestyle and your personal preferences.
1. Keurig K-Select
If you're looking to buy a basic Keurig coffee maker without all the bells and whistles that come with more expensive models, this machine is a great choice. It's easy to operate and has a beautiful design. When not in use it can be placed in a corner of the kitchen.
The machine is noisy but that's not a major problem. 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 might think about other alternatives.
The Keurig K-Select single serve coffee maker is a blend of sleek design and more intuitive features to help you make your perfect cup every time. Select from a wide selection of K-Cups or brew coffee using the universal filter for coffee My-K-Cup (sold separately). Strong Brew increases the intensity and the strength of your coffee, making it a perfect option for those who enjoy strong coffee.
The brewer is simple to operate with buttons. Insert a K-Cup and then select the desired size of brew and press the brew button. In less than a minute you'll have a fresh-tasting cup of coffee ready to enjoy. The large reservoir of 52 ounces allows you to brew five cups prior to refilling, easing your morning routine.
The machine is simple to clean, and comes with a removable water reservoir and lid that can be easily washed. However, you should always descale your Keurig before cleaning, and follow the guidelines in the user's manual to ensure that the machine is operating at its peak. This warranty covers all accessories and the brewer, excluding for normal wear, abuse or misuse and other external causes like power outages.
2. Tassimo My Way
If you're a coffee lover and are in search of a pod maker capable of making more than just your regular cup of coffee it's the ideal choice. It's designed to make wide range of drinks like tea and hot chocolate and has a large 1.3 Liter water tank that allows you to brew multiple cups at a time. The machine warms up in just three seconds and can produce an espresso or latte with its milk jug built-in. It also comes with a touch-sensitive screen that allows 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 to make your desired drink. There are more than 70 varieties, including Kenco, Costa, Milka and Cadbury's. The machine also offers a selection of T Discs for tea and hot chocolate as well.
We found the coffee it made to be of a excellent quality, though slightly less than some of the other pod machines in this round-up. It also steamed the milk for the caffe latte in a short time and produced a rich taste without being too thick. However, it is to be not forgotten that the frothy milk made from T Discs has sugar, which isn't a huge issue in itself but isn't for everyone's taste.
The Tassimo My Way is easy to clean, with the drip tray, the removable parts of the brewing unit, and the water tank being dishwasher-safe. There's a Brita filter that is included as well as a cleaning disc that can also be used. A handy indicator light will inform you when you need to descale. water tanks will help keep the limescale to the minimum. The machine is Energy Star rated, which reduces the power consumption of up to 15%..
3. Lavazza Lungo Pod Machine
This Nespresso compatible pod coffee machine created in collaboration with Sage by Lavazza is among the most appealing machines on the market. It's built with durable and attractive materials, comes with an elegantly adjustable steam wand that can be used to make lattes and cappuccinos, and an stainless milk jug made of steel. The machine will brew espresso, lungos, double espressos, mugs, and altos with thick layers of foam.
Like most pod machines, you load a pod using an opening at the top of the machine, and then drop it into place. The machine punctures the capsule, then seals it. When you lift the lever, the used pod will fall into a specially spent pod tray beneath the drip tray.
The machine isn't the fastest to brew espresso. It takes about 30 seconds for one shot and 90 seconds for the lungo. But the results are always spectacular with a smooth, rich flavor and great crema. The machine also warns you when the water tank or pod bin needs refilling.
A big selling point for this machine is that you can use it with any Lavazza brand pod - there are seven in total including espresso ground (Qualita Rossa, Intenso, Passionale and Delizioso), two decaffeinated (Dek Cremoso) and two organic coffees (!Tierra! Bio). It's not cheap, but if you get a subscription plan that combines the pod coffee machine with the delivery of pods that can come at a similar price to a traditional bean-to-cup machine. The slim design of this machine allows it to fit into the smallest kitchens. The pods are also industrially compostable, so you can place them in your local food bins or garden compost.
4. Nespresso Vertuo Pod Machine
Nespresso machines are among the top pods coffee makers for those who are looking for a reliable, quick and consistently brewed cup. They heat quickly and are simple to use. Just insert a capsule and press a button and you're done. They produce an extremely creamy, rich crema that can be added to drinks to give more flavor and a thicker layer. They're not cheap, though, and you have to purchase their official pods.
The Vertuo line uses different technology than OriginalLine machines that use espresso capsules (and remain in operation). The Vertuo line scans the barcode of each capsule and adjusts the brewing parameters to create an ideal cup. They also have a centrifusion machine that spins the capsules to extract the most flavor and the thickest crema.
However they're not as intuitive as some of our other picks. The lid is only opened when the machine is ready, and it takes around 30 seconds for the capsule to get hot. The machine doesn't come with milk frothers like some of the other pod coffee makers on this list, pod-making machines meaning you'll need to spend an additional PS90 or so to buy an extra Aeroccino if you want to make lattes or cappuccinos.
They also require more regular maintenance than other models--refilling the water tank, emptying the pod containers, and descaling--but they have an app that reminds you of these tasks and offers tools like store locators and capsule recycling. If you pair your machine with an IntelliPort you can control it with voice commands. This is great if you are making coffee at 4am in the dark or have a limited strength.
5. SMEG Barista Pod Machine
The sleek and stylish pod machine is the product of the adored Italian brand and a renowned company that makes kitchen appliances. It sports the modern, sleek curves SMEG are renowned for, and it can brew the espresso and lungo drinks. It comes with a programable setting for the shot, dual-height dripping trays, and pod bins that are removable.
This coffee maker allows you to make an instant cup of lungo or espresso in the morning or during your break at work. Its easy-to-use control panel looks sleek and doesn't detract from its function. It has three interchangeable baskets for different types of capsules. You can even use ground beans that are loose (although you'll need an additional grinder).
The SMEG Barista Pod Machine doesn't have a milk pitcher, however, it has an inbuilt Pannarello milk frother that can froth both soymilk and cowmilk nicely. It also comes with a portafilter that measures 51mm, which is smaller than the typical commercial filter. It's pressurized which is great because it eliminates the old, unfinished grind taste. It comes with a plastic tamper that can also double as a spoon.
The SMEG is the most expensive machine on our list. However, it's well worth it if you're looking for something retro or you love making espresso drinks fast. It's also a great choice when you're just beginning to learn about the world of making coffee and don't want to have to go through the hassles of measuring, grinding, and the process of tamping your own beans.