The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The sleekest pod machine we've ever seen, this model with brushed-steel features the signature Sage quality and is easy to use. After switching on, it heats up and makes a scrumptious espresso or a slightly longer lungo in just 30 minutes.
The pod models are an excellent alternative to bean-to-cup machines. They take the messiest parts of coffee making off your hands, including grinding and measuring grounds.
1. Fast
Pod machines can be set up and operated faster than espresso machines. They can typically make a cup of coffee in 30 seconds. But they do come at an expense in that the pre-portioned coffee pods that are used in these machines tend to be more expensive than freshly roasted beans. And many are also not recyclable (though some companies are now offering free recycling bags and prepaid UPS labels for returning the pods).
The Nespresso CitiZ has one of the fastest pod machines on the market, thanks to the barcode scanner that scans every compatible pod's code prior to brewing. This allows you to get consistent, high-quality coffee every time, with virtually no chances of a drink turning out horribly wrong. The machine is also among the slimmest and lightest available and does not require an additional milk jug, and its small footprint making it easy 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. 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. When the filter cartridge wears out, you'll have to replace it with a new one. This can be costly for certain users.
Tassimo Vivy 2 is a speedy machine that has customisable buttons. It can be used with ground coffee or ESE pods which are pre-dosed, tampered ground compressed between filter paper. The model is B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to lessening its negative impact on the environment as well as its employees. Its only downside is that it takes longer to warm up, but once this is done, it will be able to brew one cup in just 35 seconds.
If you're after an elegant, stylish machine that can handle a range of different drink sizes and styles, you should look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek machine designed in collaboration with Sage is not only easy to use, but it also comes with an ice cream wand stainless steel jug and a milk frother.
2. Removable parts
The simplicity of a pod coffee maker is a major selling point. The most effective models are easy to operate. Most machines rely on the same general method to make your cup: water is heated in an internal reservoir, then pumped through the capsules you choose and extracted to form rich hot coffee. Most brands offer a range of sizes for drinks to meet different needs, and you can save custom settings on many models to streamline the process further.
Keurig K-Cups are among the largest brands available on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also come with a variety of capsules made by the most well-known roasters. Certain pods can be used only once before they are discarded, while others can be used multiple times. You'll need a plan for the pods you've used to avoid them from ending up in the garbage.
The sleek SMEG model we tested features a removable water tank that's easy to fill and the machine automatically pours fresh capsules after 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, the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable one to use. Its sleek design is an eye-catching addition to your counter and it opens with a light touch to reveal a concealed compartment to store your empty pods. It also comes with the added benefit of the water filtration system which is ideal for areas with hard water.
This machine is easy to use and brews standard coffee (240ml) and ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. The controls are easy to operate, using airplane-style toggles that can be easily retracted and a lever that retracts to reveal the hole to place in your pod. It takes a bit of force to close but our testers, including those who have limited mobility and hand strength, found it comfortable.
3. Size
The top coffee pod machines eliminate all the mess that comes with coffee making. All you have to do is put a pod in the machine, push a button and let it brew. You'll still have to clean your machine occasionally, but not as often as a bean-to-cup or espresso maker. Pod machines are also smaller than their bigger counterparts which means they can be placed on the counter and be stored away from sight when not in use.
Whether a coffee pod machine is the right choice for you depends on your preferences and what you're looking to gain from it. All pod machines are simple to use, but some have more options for customization than others. Be aware of the different coffee pods, brew sizes and milk frothing options when choosing the best machine.
The most well-known pod-based machines are Nespresso, Keurig and similar brands. However there are a few more recent competitors that are worth taking a look at. Bruvi has a custom-designed system of pods, called B-Pods, which can only be used in its machines. These pods are marked with a barcode, which is read by the machine to adjust the brewing settings automatically.
The machine will eliminate all the guesswork and make sure that every drink is perfect every time. It can save your customised drinks on a button, so that you can create them using one button.
Other machines, such as Sage's My Way, offer greater control over your cup of coffee than most, letting you choose the exact size and temperature for each drink. It's a bit more expensive than some models, but it has the polished stainless steel build and the excellent customer service that is associated with the brand. It is a great choice for those who need something more from their pod-based coffee maker.
Some models with larger capacities can also make lungos. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is a excellent example, blends retro-fifties style from SMEG and Italian coffee brand Lavazza. It can be a little intimidating to use thanks to its toggles that resemble airplanes and a manual lever, but it's easy and extremely enjoyable to use the lungo is made in less than 30 seconds and the discarded pods are put into an internal bin at the push of the button.
4. Customization
The limited capabilities of a pod coffee maker's customisation is a major reason it's not the right choice for you. If you don't purchase an auxiliary milk frother, the only methods to add extra flavor or creaminess is to use an in-mug hot chocolate or tea option, and then add milk to your cup manually. This won't be an issue for most people, but it could be a problem for those who like an entirely automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew makes use of a barcode scanner to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wets and infuses the right amount of coffee for the specific kind of pod. It's a hands-free, easy-to-use machine that performs its job very well but lacks any options for making drinks that are customized or for varying the pod-making machines strength of brew. 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 provides precisely what they require.
This coffee maker is very low maintenance. It's all you have to do is to refill the water tank and decaffeinate it every once in a while. It can dispense short espresso-style shots or tall travel mugs with ease. As mentioned earlier, the used pods are ejected into an unnoticed container that helps keep your kitchen tidy. It also does a fantastic job of serving full-bodied, crema-topped espressos.
This machine is part of Smeg's 1950s style range. It's easy to use with a simple panel and can accommodate ground coffee or ESE pods. The only drawback is that it lacks an indicator that lets you know when it's time for descale. Also, the maximum water level cannot be set which is an issue. You'll also need to buy the brand's capsules which can be expensive. However, this is an excellent pod coffee maker for those seeking a stylish and practical appliance that can provide them with a great service at a reasonable price. This model is compatible with a variety of capsules from third-party manufacturers and works with the Nespresso Vertuo range.