The Best Pod Coffee Machines
Pod coffee machines let you add a capsule with ground or roast coffee beans into the machine. The coffee is then poured into the machine for a set amount of time.
Some pod coffee makers have various sizes of cups and a built-in filter and milk ability to froth. The ideal pod machine for you will depend on your lifestyle and your personal preferences.
1. Keurig K-Select
If you're looking for a simple Keurig coffee maker without the bells and whistles that come with higher-end models, this one is a good option. It's easy to use and has a stunning look. When not in use it can be placed in a corner of the kitchen.
One disadvantage of this machine is that it can be noisy, but it isn't an issue. It's also small enough to fit on a counter with a small space. If you'd prefer a Keurig with a wider range of sizes or a carafe that can drip-brew your coffee, you may be interested in other alternatives.
Keurig K'Select is a single-serve coffee maker that combines a sleek style with more intuitive features. This allows you to make the perfect cup coffee every time. Choose from hundreds of delicious K-Cup pods, or brew 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 and makes it the perfect option for those who enjoy a bold cup.
The brewer has simple controls with buttons. Simply insert a K-Cup pod, select the desired brew size and press brew. In less than a minute, you'll be enjoying freshly brewed coffee. The large 52-ounce water reservoir allows you to brew up to five cups in between refills, easing your morning routine.
The Keurig is simple to clean, with an easily accessible reservoir for water and a lid that can be easily washed. To ensure your Keurig is running at its peak it is essential to descale it before cleaning. Follow the instructions in the user guide. The warranty covers the brewer as well as all accessories that came with it, except for normal wear and tear, damages caused by abuse or misuse and external causes of failure, such as power outages.
2. Tassimo My Way
This is the ideal choice for coffee lovers looking for a machine that can do more than just make your typical cup. It can create a variety of drinks such as tea and hot cocoa. The huge 1.3-litre water tank lets multiple cups to be brewed at once. The machine is warm in just three seconds, and can create a latte or cappuccino using its milk jug built-in. It also features an LCD that can be touched to let you to alter the intensity, temperature, and quantity of your drink.
The Tassimo My Way uses the brand's T Discs which include everything you require for your favorite drink. There are more than 70 kinds, including Kenco, Costa, Milka, and Cadbury's. The machine also has the option of T Discs for hot chocolate and tea as well.
We discovered the coffee it produced to be of good quality, although just a little less than other pod machines in this round-up. It also produced a creamy mouthfeel and steaming milk to make caffe lattes quickly. However, it is to be not forgotten that the frothy milk made from T Discs is a source of sugar that is, although not a major problem in itself however, may not be to everyone's liking.
The Tassimo My Way is easy to clean, with the drip tray, removable parts of the brewing unit, and the water tank all being dishwasher-safe. A Brita filter is included, as is a cleaning disk. A useful indicator light informs you when it's time to descale and a water reservoir keeps limescale to a minimum. The machine is rated Energy Star, which helps reduce the amount of electricity it uses by up to 15%..
3. Lavazza Lungo Pod Machine
This Nespresso compatible pod coffee machine, designed in collaboration with Sage by Lavazza is one of the most attractive machines available. The machine is constructed of tough and attractive materials. It has a neat steam wand that can be adjusted to make cappuccinos or lattes, and a stainless steel milk jug. Pop in a pod and select the size of your cup and the machine goes into action brewing espresso lungo, double espresso gran lungo, alto drinks and mugs with a thick layer of silky foam.
As with all pod machines you load the pod through an opening on top of the machine and then drop it in place. The machine punctures the capsule and then closes it. When you press the lever the used pod will fall into a designated spent pod tray beneath the drip tray.
It's not the fastest to brew espresso. It takes about 30 seconds for a single shot and 90 seconds for the lungo. However, the results are always spectacular with a smooth, rich taste and a delicious crema. The machine will also notify you when it is time to refill the tank of water or the pod bin.
The main selling point of this machine is that you can use it with any Lavazza-branded pod - there are seven in total including ground roasted espresso (Qualita Rossa, Intenso, Passionale and Delizioso) Two decaffeinated (Dek Cremoso) and two organic coffees (!Tierra! Bio). It's expensive, but with a subscription plan that combines this pod coffee maker with pod delivery it could come at a similar cost to a regular bean-to cup machine. The machine's slim design allows it to be tucked away in the smallest kitchens, while the pods themselves are compostable, which means you can place them into your local food waste bins, or even your own garden compost.
4. Nespresso Vertuo Pod Machine
Nespresso machines are among the top pod coffee makers for those looking for quick, reliable, and consistent brew. They are quick to heat up and are easy to use. Simply insert a capsule and push a button and you're ready to go. They also create a delicious crema that can be added to your drinks to add thickness and flavor. The official pods aren't cheap and you will have to buy them.
The Vertuo line utilizes a different technology than OriginalLine machines that work with espresso capsules (and remain in operation). They read the barcode of each capsule and automatically adjust the brewing parameters to create a perfect cup. They also have a centrifusion machine that spins the capsules to make the best flavor and the thickest crema.
However that, the machines aren't as user-friendly as our other choices. The lid is only opened when the machine is ready, and it takes around 30 seconds for the capsule to warm up. They don't include a milk frother, like some of the other pod machines in this list. You'll have to spend an extra PS90 to purchase a separate Aeroccino to make cappuccinos and lattes.
They also require more frequent maintenance than other models, such as refilling the water tank, emptying the pod containers, and descaling--but they do come with an app that reminds you of these duties and provides tools such as store locators and capsule recycling. If you pair your machine with an IntelliPort you can control it using voice commands. This is great for those who make coffee at 4am in the dark or have limited strength.
5. SMEG Barista Pod Machine
This sleek pod coffee machine is the love child of a well-known Italian brand and a renowned kitchen appliance company. It features the sleek, retro curves that SMEG are known for, and can make the espresso and lungo drinks. It also comes with a programmable shot setting, dual-height drip trays, and a pod bin that can be removed.
This coffee maker lets you make one or two cups of espresso or lungo in the morning or during your break at work. The simple control panel keeps it looking sleek and doesn't distract from its function. It comes with three baskets that can be swapped for different capsule types. You can even make use of loose ground beans (although you'll need to own a separate grinder).
The SMEG Barista Pod Machine does not come with a milk pitcher. However, it does have a Pannarello built-in milk frother that froths cow and soymilk very nicely. It also comes with a 51mm portafilter which is smaller than the conventional commercial filter. It's pressurized, which means that you won't get the stale, lingering taste. It also includes a plastic tamper that doubles as scoop.
The pod coffee maker SMEG is the most expensive machine on our list. However, it's worth it if you're retro or you enjoy making espresso drinks fast. This is a great choice for those who are new to coffee making and don't need to go through the hassle of grinding, measuring and tamping beans yourself.