The Best Pod Coffee Machines
Pod coffee makers allow you to put a capsule that contains ground or roasted coffee beans into the machine. The coffee is poured through the machine for a predetermined amount of time.
Some pod coffee makers have different sizes of cups and a built-in filter and milk that froths. Selecting the right pod coffee maker for you is dependent on your individual preferences and lifestyle.
1. Keurig K-Select
This machine is a great option if you're seeking an Keurig coffeemaker that doesn't have all the bells, whistles, and features of the more expensive models. It's easy to use, has a great design and can be hidden into an area of the kitchen when it's not being used.
The machine can be noisy but that's not a major problem. It's also quite compact and can be tucked away in small counters. If you prefer a Keurig with a wider range of sizes or a carafe to drip-brew your coffee, you might want to consider other alternatives.
Keurig K'Select is a single-serve coffee maker that combines a sleek design with more user-friendly features. This allows you to make the perfect cup coffee every time. Choose from a wide selection of delicious K-Cup pods, or brew your own ground coffee with a My-K-Cup universal coffee filter that can be reused (sold separately). Strong Brew increases the intensity and strength of your coffee, making it an ideal choice for coffee enthusiasts who prefer strong coffee.
This brewer is easy to use, with simple buttons. Place the 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 water reservoir of 52 ounces lets you to brew five cups before refilling, making it easier to manage your morning routine.
The Keurig is simple to clean, thanks to an easily accessible reservoir for water and a lid that can be easily hand washed. To ensure your Keurig is running at its peak you must remove the scale prior to cleaning. Follow the guidelines in the user's guide. The warranty covers the brewer as well as all accessories that came with it, except for normal wear and tear, damage due to abuse or misuse or any other external cause of failure, such as power outages.
2. Tassimo My Way
This is the best choice for coffee lovers looking for an appliance that can do more than just make your daily cup. It's designed to make diverse range of drinks, including tea and hot chocolate and features a large 1.3 litre water tank that can brew multiple cups at the same time. The machine can be heated up in only three seconds, and can create the perfect cappuccino or latte using its built-in milk jug. It also features an LCD that can be touched to let you adjust the temperature, intensity, and the volume of your beverage.
Tassimo My Way uses T Discs, which are a set of ingredients that you can use to make your drink. There are more than 70 different varieties to select from, from brands such as Kenco and Costa to Costa, Milka and Cadbury's. The machine also has T discs for hot chocolate and tea as well.
We found the coffee it made to be of excellent quality, though slightly less than the other pod machines featured in this round-up. It also steamed the milk to make an espresso fairly quickly and produced a creamy taste without being too thick. It is important to know that the frothy T Disc milk contains sugar that, while not a major issue, may not be a favorite for everyone.
The Tassimo My Way is easy to clean, with the drip tray, removable parts of the brewing unit as well as the water tank all being dishwasher-safe. A Brita filter is included, as is cleaning disk. A useful indicator light will inform you when it's time to descale, and water tanks will help keep the 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
This Nespresso compatible pod coffee maker was designed in collaboration with Sage by Lavazza is one of the most attractive machines on the market. It's made with tough and attractive materials, comes with an adjustable steam wand that can be used to make lattes and cappuccinos as well as an stainless steel milk jug. The machine can brew espresso double espressos, lungos, mugs, gran lungos and altos using a thick layer frosting.
Like most pod machines, you load a pod using an opening on the top of the machine, and then drop it in place. The machine punctures the capsule, then seals it. When you pull the lever, the pod will fall into a specially spent pod tray beneath the drip tray.
It's not the fastest machine to brew in 30 seconds for an espresso shot and about 90 seconds for a lungo - however, the results are always impressive, with excellent crema and a smooth, rich taste. The machine also alerts you when the water tank or pod bin is in need of refilling.
This machine is a big selling item because it can be used with any Lavazza pod. There are seven pods total that include ground espresso (Qualita Rossa), decaffeinated (Dek Cremoso) and two organic coffees. Bio). It's expensive, but with the subscription deal that bundles this pod coffee machine with pod delivery, it can work out at a similar price to a regular bean-to-cup machine. The slim design of this machine makes it possible to fit into even the tiniest kitchens. The pods are industrially compostable, so you can put them in your local food bins or garden compost.
4. Nespresso Vertuo Pod Machine
Nespresso machines are among the top pod coffee makers for those who are looking for quick, reliable, and consistent brew. They are quick to heat up and are extremely simple to use. Just put a capsule in, push the button, and you're done. They also create a rich crema that can be added to your drinks to add flavour and thickness. The official pods are not inexpensive and you'll have purchase them.
The Vertuo line is based on different technology than OriginalLine machines that use espresso capsules (and are still in existence). The Vertuo line is able to read the barcode on each capsule and adjusts the brewing parameters to create the perfect cup. They also have a centrifusion machine which spins the capsules to get the best flavor and thickest crema.
However they're not as user-friendly as our other picks. The lid only opens when the machine is ready and it takes around 30 seconds for the capsule to heat up. They don't include milk frothers as do other pod coffee makers listed on this list, so you'll have to shell out an additional PS90 or so to buy a separate Aeroccino if you want to make lattes or cappuccinos.
These machines also require more maintenance than other models - filling the water tank and emptying the pod containers used for descaling however they come with an app that reminds you to complete these tasks, and offers best pod coffee machine tools like capsule recyclers and store locators. If you connect your machine to an IntelliPort you can use voice commands to control it which is a great feature if you're making coffee in the dark at 4am, or have a weak hand.
5. SMEG Barista Pod Machine
This sleek pod coffee machine is the love child of a well-known Italian brand and a renowned kitchen appliances company. It comes with all the sleek, retro curves that SMEG is known for, and the ability to make coffee and lungo drinks effortlessly. It also comes with a programmable shot setting as well as dual-height drip trays and a removable pod bin.
This coffee maker makes it easy to whip up one-shot or double-shot espresso in the morning, or a lungo during your break at work. Its simple control panel looks sleek and doesn't distract from its purpose. If you're looking to dress your morning joe more, it comes with three different filter baskets that allow for different capsule types. You can even use ground beans that are loose (although you'll need to own an additional grinder).
The SMEG Barista Pod Machine does not come with a pitcher for milk. It does however have a Pannarello built-in milk frother that froths cow and soymilk very nicely. It also comes with a portafilter that measures 51mm, which is smaller than the standard commercial style filter. It's pressurised and this is a plus since it means you won't get the stale, lingering grind taste. It also comes with a Tamper which can also be used as a scoop.
The SMEG is the most expensive machine we've reviewed. It's a good investment it if you're retro or you like making espresso drinks fast. It's also a great choice for those who are new to the world of coffee and don't want to have to endure the hassle of grinding, measuring, and making your own coffee.