The Best Pod Coffee Machines
With pod coffee machines, you place a sealed capsule with roasted or ground beans into the machine. The coffee is then poured into the machine for a specified amount of time.
Certain pod coffee machines come with different sizes of cups and the ability to froth milk. The best pod coffee machine for you is based on your personal preferences and your lifestyle.
1. Keurig K-Select
This machine is an excellent choice if you are looking for an Keurig coffee maker that doesn't come with all the bells and whistles and features of the more expensive models. It's easy to use, has a stunning design and is able to be stored away in the corner of your kitchen when not being used.
One downside to this machine is that it may be loud, but it isn't a major issue. It is also fairly small and will fit on tiny counter spaces. However, if you want a Keurig that has a larger variety of sizes or a carafe for traditional drip brewing, consider other alternatives.
Keurig K'Select is a single-serve coffee maker that combines a sleek style with more user-friendly features. This lets you make the perfect cup of coffee every time. Pick from a variety of delicious K-Cup pods, or make your own ground coffee using My-K-Cup's universal reusable coffee filter (sold separately). The Strong Brew feature kicks up your coffee's strength and intensity, making it the best choice for coffee lovers who appreciate a strong cup.
The brewer comes with simple controls with buttons. Simply insert the K-Cup and select your preferred size of brew and press brew. In less than a minute, you'll have a fresh cup of coffee waiting for you to enjoy. The large water reservoir of 52 ounces lets you to make five cups before refilling, simplifying your morning routine.
This machine is very easy to clean. The water reservoir and lid can be removed and washed by hand. However, it is recommended to remove the scale from your Keurig prior to cleaning it, and follow the instructions in the user guide to ensure that your machine is performing optimally. The warranty covers the brewer and the original accessories, with the exception of for normal wear and tear, damage due to abuse or misuse and external causes of failure such as power outages.
2. Tassimo My Way
This is the best option for those who love coffee and want a machine that can do more than just making your regular cup. It's designed to make diverse range of drinks, including hot chocolate and tea, and comes with a huge 1.3 millilitre water tank that can brew multiple cups at the same time. The machine can be heated up within three seconds, and also comes with a built-in milk container that allows you to make latte or cappuccino. It also has an LCD that can be touched to let you to adjust the intensity, temperature and quantity of your drink.
Tassimo My Way uses T Discs, which are a set of ingredients can be used to create your drink. There are over 70 different kinds that include Kenco, Costa, Milka and Cadbury's. The machine also provides a selection of T Discs for hot chocolate and tea as well.
The coffee made by this machine was of excellent quality, but slightly less than other machines we have reviewed. It also gave a smooth mouthfeel and steamed milk for a caffe lattes fast. It is important to remember that the frothy T Disc milk has sugar, which, while not a major issue it might not be a favorite for everyone.
Tassimo Myway's removable parts such as the drip tray and the water tank are all dishwasher-safe. There's an Brita filter as well as a cleaning disc that can be used as well. A helpful indicator light will let you know when you need to descale. the water tank keeps the limescale to a minimum. The machine is Energy Star rated, which reduces the power consumption of up to 15%.
3. Lavazza Lungo Pod Machine
This Nespresso pod coffee machine, designed in collaboration with Sage by Lavazza is among the most attractive machines on the market. It's made with tough and attractive materials, comes with a neat adjustable steam wand to make lattes and cappuccinos as well as a stainless milk jug in steel. Put a pod in and choose the cup size and the machine will whir into action - brewing espresso double espresso, lungo, gran lungo, alto and mug drinks with a thick layer of silky froth.
As with most pod machines you load a pod through an opening on the top of the machine and drop it into place. The machine penetrates the capsule, and then closes it in such a way that when you lift the lever, the pod falls into a dedicated spent pod tray that is located beneath the drip tray.
The machine is not the fastest machine to brew espresso, it takes 30 seconds for a single shot and 90 seconds for the lungo. But the results are always impressive with a rich, smooth taste and a delicious crema. The machine also alerts you when the water tank or pod bin needs refilling.
The main selling point of this machine is that it can use it with any pod and bean coffee machine Lavazza brand pod Seven pods are available in all, including ground roasted espresso (Qualita Rossa, Intenso, Passionale and Delizioso), two decaffeinated (Dek Cremoso) and two organic coffees (!Tierra! Bio). The pod coffee machine isn't expensive, but if you pair it with pod delivery services the cost could be similar to that of an ordinary bean-to-cup machine. This machine's slimline design means it can be easily incorporated into even the smallest kitchens, while the pods are compostable, so you can put them in your council food waste bins, or even your own garden compost.
4. Nespresso Vertuo Pod Machine
Nespresso machines are among the best pods coffee makers for those who are looking for a reliable, fast and consistently brewed cup. They heat up quickly and are extremely simple to use. Just insert a capsule, press a button and you're done. They produce an extremely creamy, rich crema that can be added to drinks to give more flavor and a thicker layer. They're not cheap, however they are expensive, and you need to buy their official pods.
The Vertuo line is a different model from the OriginalLine machines, which still make use of espresso capsules. They scan each capsule's barcode, automatically adapting the brewing parameters for the perfect cup. They also include a centrifusion system that spins the capsule to get the most flavorful and thickest crema.
The machines aren't quite as intuitive as the other options. The lid only opens when the machine is ready and it takes around 30 seconds for the capsule to warm up. The machine doesn't come with an milk frother, like some of the other pod coffee makers on this list, meaning you'll need an additional PS90 or so to buy an extra Aeroccino for those who want to make lattes and cappuccinos.
They also require more regular maintenance than other models--refilling the water tank, emptying old pod containers, and decaling. However, they have an app that reminds you of these tasks and provides tools such as store locators and capsule recycling. If you connect your machine to an IntelliPort you can control it with voice commands which is a nice feature if you're making coffee in the dark at 4am or have weak hands.
5. SMEG Barista Pod Machine
This sleek pod coffee machine is the product of a cherished Italian brand and a renowned kitchen appliance company. It features all the retro, sleek curves that SMEG is known for, as well as the ability to make coffee and lungo drinks with ease. It also has a programmable shot setting, dual-height drip trays, and a removable pod bin.
This coffee maker lets you make a quick cup or two of lungo or espresso in the morning or during your break at work. Its easy-to-use control panel looks sleek and doesn't detract from its function. It has three interchangeable baskets for different capsule types. You can also make use of loose ground beans (although you'll need to own an additional grinder).
The SMEG Barista Pod Machine doesn't have a milk pitcher, but it does have a built-in Pannarello milk frother that can froth soymilk and cow milk quite beautifully. It also has a portafilter of 51mm which is smaller than the conventional commercial filter. It's pressurised, so you won't have the stale, lingering taste. It also includes a plastic tamper that doubles as a scoop.
The SMEG is the most expensive machine we've reviewed. However, it's worth it if you're retro or you like making espresso drinks quickly. This is a great choice for those who are new to coffee making and don't want to tackle the difficulty of measuring, grinding, and tamping the beans yourself.