The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The most elegant pod machine we've seen this brushed-steel model has the signature Sage quality and ease of use. It preheats after switch-on, and then brews a delicious espresso or slightly longer lungo in about 30 seconds.
Unlike bean-to-cup machines, pod models take the messiest aspects of coffee making out of your hands - including grinding and dosing grounds.
1. Rapid
Pod machines are typically quicker to setup and use than espresso machines, with many capable of making coffee in 30 seconds or so. But they do come at some cost: the pre-portioned coffee pods used in these machines tend to be more expensive than freshly roasted beans. And many are also not recyclable (though some companies now offer free recycling bags and prepaid UPS labels for returning the pods).
The Nespresso CitiZ has one of the fastest pod machines available, thanks to the barcode scanner that scans each compatible pod's code prior to brewing. This ensures that you get consistently top-quality coffee every time. There is hardly any possibility of getting a poor beverage. The machine is among the lightest and slimmest available. It doesn't require an additional milk container and its compact footprint makes it easy to fit into even the smallest kitchens.
The CitiZ isn't the most efficient device to reduce the environmental impact. It doesn't have an automated descaling feature, and you'll have to clean it yourself every 300 cups if you 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 one. This can be costly for some users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another fast machine that has buttons that can be customized and the option to use ground coffee or ESE pods, which are pre-dosed, tampered and packed between filter paper. It is also B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to reducing its negative impact on the environment as well as its employees. The only drawback is the time it takes to heat up. Once it's done, it can brew one cup in about 35 seconds.
If you're after a sleek, stylish machine capable of handling a range of different sizes and styles then look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek machine, created in collaboration with Sage is not just simple to use but also comes with an ice cream wand, a stainless steel jug, and a milk frother.
2. Removable parts
A pod coffee maker's user-friendliness is a major draw and the top models are easy to use. Most machines rely on the same general process to make your coffee the water is heated inside a reservoir, and then pushed through the chosen capsules and extracted to create rich, hot coffee. Most brands offer different sizes of drinks for different needs. You can also save custom settings to make the process more efficient.
Keurig K-Cups are the biggest player on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also come with a variety of capsules from famous roasters. Some pods can be used just once before they are discarded, while others can be used several times. Either way, you'll need to think about how you'll handle the pods that are no longer being used so they aren't thrown away in the trash.
The SMEG we tested has a water reservoir that is easy to fill. It also automatically dispensates another capsule after the previous one cools down. It can brew espresso and lungo drinks, and comes with eight different blends to offer variety. This brewer will appeal to those who love coffee and want to move away from drip coffee.
In our tests, the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable one to use. Its sleek design looks stunning on your counter, and it opens with just a touch to reveal the hidden compartment that houses empty pods. The machine comes with an integrated water filter which is perfect for areas that have hard water.
This machine is quick and can make regular coffee (240ml) as well as ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. Its user-friendly controls are easy to use using the aircraft-style toggles as well as a lever that retracts with a minimum of effort to reveal the opening which allows you to drop your coffee maker. It takes a bit of effort to close, but our testers, even those who have limited mobility and hand strength felt comfortable.
3. Size
The top coffee pod makers take all the messy parts of making coffee out of your hands - you simply put in a pod, hit an icon and make coffee. You'll still have to clean the machine from time time but not as often as you would with a coffee maker that is a bean-to cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are smaller than their larger counterparts, and can be stored on the counter when not in use.
If a coffee pod machine is the right option for you is based on your preferences and what you're hoping to gain from it. All pod machines are simple to use, but certain models offer more customization options than others. The variety of pods, brew size options, and milk frothing capabilities must be taken into consideration to find the ideal coffee pod machine for you.
Many people think of pod-based devices in the likes of Nespresso and Keurig however there are some newer rivals which are worth looking into. One of them is Bruvi which has its own pod system, called B-Pods that can only be used in conjunction with its machines. These pods have an underside barcode that machines scan to adjust the brewing settings automatically.
This method eliminates all the guesswork of making a cup and guarantees that every drink comes out perfectly every time. It can save your customised drinks in a single button, so that you can make them by pressing a single button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way offer a more granular level of control over your coffee that allows you to select a specific temperature and size for each drink. It's more expensive than other models, however it comes with the polished stainless-steel build and excellent customer support synonymous with the Sage's My Way brand. This is a good choice for those looking for something more from their pod-based espresso maker.
While the majority of people will use pod-based machines to make single-serve beverages There are some larger models that can brew longer shots, known as lungos, too. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is a fantastic example of this, and it is a combination of the retro style of SMEG with the classic design of Italian coffee maker, Lavazza. It's a little intimidating initially due to the airplane-style toggles but once you get used to it, it is quick and satisfying to use. A lungo can be prepared in just 30 minutes.
4. Customization
One big reason why a pod coffee maker may not be the right choice for pods coffee machines you is the limited customization. If you don't have an alternative milk frother, the only option to add flavor or creaminess is to make use of hot chocolate or tea option in your mug, or to manually add milk to your coffee. This won't be an issue for a lot of people, but could be an issue for those who prefer a fully automatic experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew uses barcode scanners to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wettes, infuses and dispenses the right amount of coffee for the specific kind of pod. It's a user-friendly and hands-off machine that does an excellent job, however it isn't equipped with options for customizing drinks or altering the strength of brew. Some buyers will be annoyed by this, but others will find the convenience and variety of cup sizes (espressos and lungos, as well as mugs) to be exactly what they're searching for.
This coffee maker is low maintenance. It only requires you to refill the tank with water, and decaffeinate it every once in a while. It can make short espresso-style shots or tall travel mugs easily. As previously mentioned, used pods are ejected in an unnoticed container that helps keep your kitchen tidy. It is also great in delivering full-bodied coffees that have tops that are topped with crema.
It's a gorgeous machine that is part of the Smeg fifties range. It is easy to use with a simple panel and can accommodate ground coffee or ESE pods. The only drawback is the absence of a gauge that will let you know when to descale, and the inability to set a maximum water level. You also need to buy the brand's own capsules which can be expensive. But, it's an excellent pod coffee maker for anyone looking for an attractive and practical appliance that can serve them well for an affordable price. This model is compatible with a range of capsules from third-party manufacturers and works with the Nespresso Vertuo range.