The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The most elegant pod machine we've ever seen, this brushed-steel model has the trademark Sage quality and ease of use. When it is turned on, it preheats and makes a scrumptious espresso or slightly longer lungo within 30 minutes.
As opposed to bean-to-cup machines, pod models take the most messy aspects of coffee making off your hands, such as grinding and dosing grounds.
1. Fast
Pod machines are generally quicker to setup and use than espresso machines, with the majority capable of making coffee in only 30 seconds or less. The pre-portioned pods used in these machines are generally more expensive than freshly roasted coffee beans, and many of them are not recyclable.
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the most efficient pod machines that is available, thanks to its in-built barcode scanner that scans the code of each compatible pod before making it. This makes it easy to get consistent high-quality, high-end coffee every time, with virtually no chance of a drink coming out badly wrong. The machine is among the lightest and slimmest available. It doesn't require an additional milk container and its small footprint allows it to be easily incorporated into even the tiniest kitchens.
However the CitiZ isn't the most efficient machine for those wanting to reduce 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. You'll also need to swap the filter cartridge when it runs out and could be expensive for certain users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another fast machine that has buttons that can be customized and the option of using either ground coffee or ESE pods that are pre-dosed and tampered grounds packed between filter paper. The model is B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to reducing its negative impact on the environment as well as its workforce. Its only downside is that it takes longer to heat up, but once this is done, it will be able to brew the cup in about 35 seconds.
If you're looking for a sleek, stylish machine that can handle a range of different sizes and styles, look no further than 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 milk frother.
2. Removable parts
The user-friendliness is a big selling point, and the best models are easy to use. Most machines use the same basic mechanism to brew the perfect cup of coffee that is, heated water is placed in the reservoir, and then pushed through capsules to create rich, hot java. Many brands offer a variety of drink sizes for different needs. You can also save your own settings to speed up the process.
Keurig's K-Cups and Nestle's Nespresso VertuoLine series are the two leading brands on the market, however each has a variety 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 for a variety of purposes. In either case, you'll have to plan out how you'll handle the pods that are no longer being used so they aren't thrown away in the trash.
The sleek SMEG model we tested features a removable water tank that's easy to fill, and the machine automatically pours a fresh capsule once the previous one has cooled. It can brew espresso and lungo drinks and has eight different blends to offer variety. This brewer is perfect for coffee drinkers who wish to move away from drip coffee to drip.
In our tests in our tests, the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design looks great on your counter and opens with just a touch to reveal the hidden compartment that stores your empty pods. The machine has an in-built water filter system that is ideal for areas that have hard water.
This machine is quick and can make regular coffee (240ml) as well as ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. The controls are simple to operate, with switches that resemble airplanes, which can be easily pulled back and a lever which retracts to reveal the opening to drop in your pod. It does take a little force to close, but our testers, even those who have limitations in hand strength and mobility felt comfortable.
3. Size
The top coffee pod machines eliminate all the mess that comes with coffee making - you just load a pod in the machine, push a button and let it make coffee. You'll still need to clean your machine occasionally but not like a bean-to-cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are smaller than their bigger counterparts and can be stored on the counter when not being used.
If a coffee pod machine is the right choice for you is based on your preferences and what you want to get from it. All pod machines are simple to operate, however, some provide more options for customization. Take into consideration the variety of coffee pods sizes, brew sizes and milk frothing options when choosing the best machine.
Most people will think of pod-based devices in the likes of Nespresso and Keurig However, there are a few newer competitors which are worth looking into. One is Bruvi, which uses a bespoke pod system known as B-Pods that can only be used by its machines. The pods are identified by a barcode which is scanned by the machine to adjust the brewing parameters automatically.
This method takes all the guesswork out of brewing a cup and ensures each drink comes out perfectly every time. It can even save customized drinks to a separate button, allowing you to create them at the push of a button.
Other machines, such as Sage's My Way, offer greater control over your coffee than the majority models, allowing you to select the right size and temperature for each beverage. It's more expensive than other models, but it comes with the polished stainless-steel construction and the excellent customer service that is a hallmark of the Sage's My Way brand. This is a great option for those wanting to get a bit more out of their pod-based espresso maker.
While the majority of people will be using the pod-based machine to create single-serve drinks, there are some larger models that can brew longer shots, known as lungos, also. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is a great example, combines retro fifties styling from SMEG and Italian coffee brand Lavazza. It's difficult to operate due to its airplane-style toggles as well as the manual lever, but it's easy and incredibly satisfying to operate and brews a lungo in just 30 seconds and the pods that are used are placed in an internal bin with the click of the button.
4. Customization
One of the main reasons a pod coffee maker may not be right for you is its lack of customizability. If you don't have an alternative milk frother, the only way to enhance flavor or creaminess is to use hot chocolate or tea option in your mug or to manually add milk into your coffee. For many people this won't be pod and capsule coffee machines a problem but it could be a nagging issue for those who prefer an automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew uses barcode scanners to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wettes, infuses and dispenses the correct amount of coffee for the specific kind of pod. It's an easy-to-use hands-off device that does a great job but isn't able to customize drinks or altering the strength of brew. Some customers might be disappointed by this, but many will find the ease of use and variety of cup sizes (espressos and mugs, lungos and espressos) to be exactly what they are seeking.
This coffee maker is low maintenance. It's all you have to do is to refill the tank with water, and decaffeinate the reservoir each and every once in a while. It can dispense short espresso shots or tall travel mugs with ease. As mentioned earlier, the used pods are ejected in a container hidden from view which keeps your kitchen clean. It is also great at delivering full-bodied espressos with tops that are topped with crema.
This is a stunning machine and part of the Smeg fifties range. It's easy to use via simple buttons and can be used with both ground coffee and ESE pods. It's only downside is the absence of an indicator that will let you know when you should descale, and the inability to set the maximum water level. You will also have to purchase the brand's capsules which can be expensive. This is a good pod machine for anyone who wants an attractive and convenient appliance that can be used at a reasonable price. If you're looking for a little more variety, a wide range of third-party capsules is available for this model, and it's compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.