The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The most sleek pod machine we've seen this brushed-steel model has the renowned Sage quality and user-friendly. It warms up after switching on, and brews an aroma-packed espresso or slightly longer lungo in just 30 minutes.
Unlike bean-to-cup machines, pod models take the most messy aspects of coffee-making out of your hands - including grinding and dosing grounds.
1. Speedy
Pod machines can be installed and used more quickly than espresso machines. Most of them can make a cup in just 30 seconds. The pre-portioned pods that are used in these machines are typically 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 which scans each compatible pod's code prior to brewing. This ensures that you get consistently top-quality coffee every time. There is virtually no chance of getting a bad beverage. It's also one of the slimmest and lightest on the market and does not require a separate milk jug and its small footprint making it a breeze to fit into even the tiniest of kitchens.
However the CitiZ isn't the ideal machine for those wanting to cut down on their environmental impact. It doesn't come with an automatic descaling function, and you'll have to do it yourself every 300 cups if reside in hard water, or 1200 cups in soft water areas. Once the filter cartridge runs out, you'll need to replace it with a new. This could be expensive for some users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another fast machine that has buttons that can be customized and the option of using ground coffee or ESE pods that are pre-dosed, tampered and compressed between filter paper. This model is B-Corp Certified. It is committed to reducing the negative impact it has on the environment and workforce. The only drawback is the time it takes to heat up. Once it's done it will brew a cup in just 35 seconds.
If you're looking for an elegant, sleek machine capable of handling a range of different drink sizes and styles then you should look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek machine designed in collaboration with Sage is not just easy to use, but also comes with an ice cream wand a stainless steel jug, and milk frother.
2. Removable parts
The ease of use is a major draw and the best models are a breeze to use. Most machines use the same method to make the cup of coffee you want that is, heated water is placed in a reservoir, then moved through capsules to make rich, hot java. Most brands offer different sizes of drinks for different needs. You can also save custom settings to speed up the process.
Keurig's K-Cups and Nestle's Nespresso VertuoLine series are the two major players on the market, yet each offers a wide selection of capsules from the most popular roasters and brands. Some pods are designed to be used just once and then get thrown away, whereas others are meant to be used for a variety of purposes. In either case, you'll have to plan ahead for how you'll handle the pods you've used up so that they aren't thrown away in the trash.
The SMEG we tested has a water reservoir that is easy to fill. It also automatically dispenses another capsule after the previous one cools down. It can be used to brew coffee and lungo drinks and comes with a set of eight different blends that give you plenty of variety. This brewer will appeal to those who love coffee and want to move away from drip coffee.
In our tests of the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most satisfying to use. Its sleek design looks great on your counter and can be opened with a single touch to reveal the compartment that houses empty pods. The machine has an integrated water filter that is perfect for areas that have hard water.
This machine brews a standard cup of coffee (240ml) and also serves as lungo and ristretto-style espresso drinks and is surprisingly fast. Its easy-to-use controls are a joy to navigate with the help of aircraft-style toggles as well as a lever that retracts with little effort to reveal the area that allows you to insert your coffee maker. It takes a bit of effort to close, but most of our testers who have limitations in hand strength and mobility, were able to use it comfortably.
3. Size
The top coffee pod machines take the mess of making coffee out of your hands - you simply need to load a pod, hit a button and make coffee. You'll still need to clean your machine occasionally however not like a bean-to-cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are also smaller than their bigger counterparts and can be tucked away on the counter and be kept out of sight when not being used.
If a coffee pod machine is the right option for you depends on your preferences and what you're looking to get from it. The majority of pod machines are easy to operate, however, some provide more options for customization. Different pod types, brew sizes options and milk frothing capabilities should all be considered to help find the perfect coffee pod machine.
Most people will associate pod-based machines with the coffee machine for pods likes of Nespresso and Keurig however there are a few more recent competitors which are worth looking into. Bruvi has a custom-designed system of pods called B-Pods that can only be used in its machines. The pods have an underside barcode that machines scan to automatically adjust brewing settings.
This method takes all the guesswork out of making a cup and ensures each drink is perfect every time. It can even save customized drinks to a specific button to allow you to create them at the push of a single button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way, offer more control over your coffee than most models, allowing you to select the exact size and temperature for each drink. It's more expensive than some models, but it comes with the polished stainless steel construction and top-quality customer service that's associated with the brand. It is a good choice for those who need an extra level of quality from their pod-based coffee maker.
Certain models are larger and can brew lungos. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, a excellent example, blends retro-fifties style from SMEG and Italian coffee brand Lavazza. It's difficult to use due to its airplane-style toggles as well as the manual lever, but it's incredibly easy and extremely enjoyable to use the lungo is made in only 30 seconds, and the pods that are used are put into an internal bin with the click of a button.
4. Customization
One reason pod coffee makers might not be the right choice for you is the limited customization. If you don't have an alternative milk frother, the only option to enhance flavor or creaminess is to make use of hot tea or chocolate option in your mug, or to manually add milk into your the coffee. For most people, this won't be a problem but it could be a nagging issue for those who prefer a fully automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew technology uses a barcode reader 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 a user-friendly and hands-off machine that does a great job but lacks options for customising drinks or varying brew strength. This may be a problem for some buyers but for others the hassle-free automation and variety of cup lengths (espresso lungo, espresso and mug) it gives precisely what they require.
Aside from filling up the tank with water and decaffeinating the reservoir on occasion, this coffee maker will not require much maintenance. It is able to serve espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs effortlessly and, as mentioned, used pods are ejected into a concealed receptacle that helps keep your kitchen clean. It also does an excellent job of providing full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.
It's a gorgeous machine that is part of the Smeg fifties range. It's user-friendly with a simple interface and can be used with ground coffee or ESE pods. The only drawback is the absence of an indicator that lets you know when to descale, and the inability to set the maximum level of water. It is also necessary to purchase the brand's own capsules which can be costly. But, it's a good pod coffee maker for those looking for a beautiful and functional appliance that will serve them well for a reasonable cost. If you're looking for some variety, a broad selection of third-party capsules is offered for this model, and it's compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.