The Best Coffee Pod Machine
This sleek, brushed-steel machine offers the Sage distinctive quality and ease of use. It heats up immediately after switching on and brews an aroma-packed espresso or slightly longer lungo in just 30 minutes.
In contrast to bean-to-cup machines models take the messiest aspects of coffee making off your hands - including grinding and dosing grounds.
1. Speedy
Pod machines are generally easier to install and use than espresso machines, with many can make coffee in only 30 seconds or less. However, they come with an expense in that the pre-portioned coffee pods used in these models tend to be more expensive than freshly roasted beans and they are not recycled. (though some companies are now offering recycling bags for free and UPS labels to return them).
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the most efficient pod machines available that is available due to its built-in barcode scanner that scans the code of each compatible pod prior to making it. This makes it easy to get consistent quality, high-end coffee each time, with virtually no chance of the drink turning out horribly wrong. The machine is also one of the slimmest and lightest on the market and does not require an additional milk jug or a small footprint making it easy to fit into even the tiniest kitchen.
However the CitiZ isn't the ideal machine for those looking to cut down on their environmental impact. It doesn't have an automatic descaling feature, and you'll have to clean it yourself every 300 cups if you live in hard water or 1200 cups in soft water zones. Once the filter cartridge is out, you'll need replace it with a new one. This could be expensive for certain users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another speedy machine with customisable buttons and the option to use ground coffee or ESE pods, which are pre-dosed, tampered and 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. The only drawback is that it takes longer to warm up, but once that occurs, it can make a cup in around 35 minutes.
If you're after an elegant, sleek machine that can handle a range of different drink sizes and styles, look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This gorgeous, glossy machine, developed in collaboration with Sage it is not only easy to use and quick to start, but also comes with a milk frothing wand and a stainless steel jug.
2. Removable parts
A pod coffee maker's ease of use is a major selling point and the best models are easy to use. The majority of machines use the same general process to make your coffee the water is heated in an internal reservoir, and then pushed through your chosen capsules and extracted to create rich hot java. The majority of brands offer various sizes of drinks for different needs. You can also save custom settings to streamline the process.
Keurig K-Cups are among the largest player on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also have a wide selection of capsules by famous roasters. Certain pods can be used just once before they are discarded and others can be used multiple times. You'll need a strategy for your old pods to prevent them ending up in landfill.
The sleek SMEG model we tested has a water tank that is removable and easy to fill and the machine automatically dispenses new capsules once the previous one has been cooled. It can be used to brew espresso and lungo drinks and comes with eight different blends to give you various options. This brewer is perfect for those who love coffee and want to make the switch from drip coffee.
In our testing of the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most satisfying to use. Its sleek design looks stunning on your counter and can be opened in a matter of seconds to reveal the compartment that holds your empty pods. The machine has a water filter system that is ideal for areas that have hard water.
The machine can brew a standard cup of coffee (240ml), as well as lungo and ristretto pod coffee makers espresso-style drinks, and is surprisingly quick. The controls are easy to operate, using the style of airplane toggles that can be easily retracted and a lever that retracts to reveal the opening to drop into your coffee maker. It takes a bit of pressure to close, however most of our testers who have weak hand strength and mobility, were able to use it comfortably.
3. Size
The best coffee pod machines eliminate all the mess that comes with coffee making. You just put a pod in the machine, press a button, and let it brew. You'll still need to clean your machine occasionally however not as often as a bean-to-cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are smaller than their larger equivalents, and can be stored on the counter when not being used.
The right coffee pod machine for you will be determined by your personal preferences and the goals you'd like to achieve. All pod machines are simple to use, however some provide more options for customization. Be aware of the different coffee pods sizes, brew sizes and milk options for frothing when picking the right machine.
The majority of people think of pod-based machines as the likes of Nespresso and Keurig However, there are some newer competitors on the scene that are worth a look. One is Bruvi which has a bespoke pod system called B-Pods, which can only be used with its machines. These pods are marked by a barcode which is read by the machine to adjust the brewing parameters automatically.
The machine will eliminate all the guesswork out of it and ensure that every drink is perfect every time. It can save your custom drinks in a single button so that you can make them by pressing a single button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way, offer greater control over your coffee than most models, allowing you to select the right size and temperature for each drink. It's more expensive than other models, however it comes with the polished stainless-steel build and excellent customer service that is synonymous with the brand. This is a great choice for those looking for something more from their pod-based espresso maker.
Some larger models can also make lungos. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is a fantastic example of this and combines the retro fifties styling of SMEG with the classic design of Italian coffee maker, Lavazza. It's not easy initially due to the airplane-style toggles but once you've gotten used to it, it is easy and enjoyable to use. A lungo can be made in just 30 minutes.
4. Customization
One reason the pod coffee maker might not be right for you is the limited customization. If you don't purchase an additional milk frother, the only methods to add extra flavor or creaminess are to make use of an in-mug hot chocolate or tea option and add milk to your coffee manually. For most people, this shouldn't be a problem however 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 dispense the correct volume of coffee required for that type of pod. It's a simple, hands-off machine that does the job well, but it doesn't have any options for customised drinks or varying the strength of the brew. Some buyers will be annoyed by this, however others will appreciate the ease of use and the variety of cup sizes (espressos and lungos, as well as mugs) to be exactly what they are seeking.
Apart from filling the tank with water and decaffeinating it occasionally the coffee maker will not require much maintenance. It dispenses short espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs easily and, as previously mentioned the pods that are used are ejected to a hidden container which keeps your kitchen spotless. It also does an excellent job of delivering full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.
It's a gorgeous machine that is part of Smeg's fifties-style range. It's easy to use via a simple panel of buttons, and it can handle ground coffee as well as ESE pods. The only issue is that it doesn't have an indicator that lets you know when it's time to descale and the maximum water level cannot be set, which is a minor issue. It is also necessary to purchase the brand's capsules which can be expensive. But, it's an excellent pod coffee maker for anyone looking for a beautiful and functional appliance that will serve them well for an affordable cost. This model is compatible with a variety of third-party capsules and also works with the Nespresso Vertuo range.