The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The most elegant pod machine we've seen this model with brushed-steel features the trademark Sage quality and user-friendly. When it is turned on, it warms up and makes a scrumptious espresso or slightly longer lungo within 30 seconds.
As opposed to bean-to-cup machines, pod models take the most messed-up aspects of coffee making out of your hands, such as grinding and dosing grounds.
1. Speedy
Pod machines are generally easier to setup and use than espresso machines, with the majority can make a cup of coffee in just 30 seconds or so. But they come at some cost as the pre-portioned pods of coffee used in these machines tend to be more expensive than freshly roasted beans, and they are not recycled. (though some companies are now offering free recycling bags and prepaid UPS labels to return 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 makes it easy to get consistent high-quality, high-end coffee every time, with virtually no chance of a drink coming out horribly wrong. It's also one of the slimmest and lightest available and does not require an additional milk jug or the smallest footprint, making it easy to fit in even the smallest of kitchens.
However, the CitiZ isn't the most efficient machine for those looking to minimize their environmental impact. The CitiZ isn't equipped with an automatic descaling feature. You'll need to manually descale the machine every 300 cups for hard water and every 1200 cups for soft water. You'll also have to put the filter cartridge when it runs out and can be expensive for certain 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 that are pre-dosed and tampered grounds packed between filter paper. This model is also B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to reducing its negative impact on the environment and its workforce. Its only minor drawback is the time it takes to heat up. Once it is heated, it can brew one cup in around 35 minutes.
Vertuo Creatista is a stylish sleek machine that can create a variety of drinks with different sizes and styles. This sleek machine designed in collaboration with Sage is not just simple to use but also comes with an ice cream wand a stainless steel jug, and milk frother.
2. Removable parts
The ease of using pod coffee makers is a major advantage. The most effective models are easy to operate. Most machines use the same process to brew the perfect cup of coffee: water is heated inside a reservoir, then it is pushed through capsules to produce rich hot coffee. The majority of brands offer a variety of sizes for drinks to meet different requirements, and you can save custom settings on a number of models to speed up the process even more.
Keurig K-Cups are among the largest player on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also offer a large selection of capsules from popular roasters. Some pods are able to be used once before they are discarded however, others can be used a number of times. In either case, you'll have to plan ahead for how you'll handle the pods that are no longer being used so they don't end up in landfill.
The sleek SMEG model we tested has an ejectable water tank that's easy to fill and the machine automatically pours new capsules once the previous one has cooled. It can be used to brew lungo and espresso drinks, and comes with a set of eight different blends to provide you with a wide selection. This brewer is a great choice for coffee drinkers who want to move away from drip coffee.
In our tests in our tests, the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design is beautiful on your counter and can be opened with a single touch to reveal the compartment that stores empty pods. The machine has an integrated water filter that is perfect for areas that have hard water.
This machine is able to make the standard cup of coffee (240ml), as well as ristretto and lungo espresso-style drinks and is extremely fast. The controls are easy to use, with switches that resemble airplanes, which can be retracted easily and a lever which retracts to reveal the opening for dropping into the pod. It requires some force to close, but most of our testers even those with limitations in hand strength and mobility, were able to use it comfortably.
3. Size
The best coffee pod makers remove all the mess from coffee making. You just put a pod in the machine, press a button, and let it be brewed. It is still necessary to clean the machine from time to time, but not as frequently as you would with a coffee maker that is a bean-to cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are smaller than their larger equivalents and can be stacked on the counter when not being used.
The capsule coffee machine ideal coffee maker for you will depend on your personal preferences and what you wish to achieve. All pod machines are simple to operate, however, some provide more options for customization. Consider the coffee pod variety as well as brew sizes, milk and options for frothing when selecting the right machine.
The most popular pod-based machines are Nespresso, Keurig and similar brands. However there are newer competitors that may be worth taking a look at. Bruvi has a custom-designed system of pods, called B-Pods that can only be used in its machines. The pods are marked by a barcode which is scanned by the machine to adjust the brewing settings automatically.
The machine will eliminate all the guesswork out of it and ensure that each drink is perfect every time. It can save your customised drinks on a button to allow you to create them using a single button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way offer a greater degree of control over your coffee, allowing you to choose the ideal temperature and size for each cup. It's more expensive than other models, however it has the polished stainless-steel build and excellent customer support synonymous with Sage's My Way. This is a great option for those wanting to get an extra bit of quality from their pod-based espresso maker.
Some larger models can also make lungos. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, which is a excellent example, blends retro style of the fifties from SMEG and Italian coffee brand Lavazza. It's a little intimidating 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 only 30 seconds.
4. Customization
The limited capabilities of a pod coffee maker's flexibility is one of the main reasons it may not be the right choice for you. If you don't buy an additional milk frother, the only options to add extra flavor or creaminess is to use an in-mug hot chocolate or tea option and add milk manually to your coffee. This shouldn't be a problem for a lot of people, but it could be an issue for those who like a fully automatic experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew utilizes a barcode scanner to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wets and infuses, then dispensing the correct amount of coffee to the particular type of pod. It's a user-friendly, hands-off machine which does an excellent job, but isn't able to customize drinks or altering the strength of brew. Some customers will be irritated by this, but many will appreciate the convenience and variety of cup sizes (espressos, lungos and mugs) to be exactly what they are seeking.
This coffee maker is low maintenance. It is all you need to do is to fill up the water tank, and decaffeinate the reservoir each and every time. It can dispense short espresso shots and tall travel mugs easily and, as we mentioned, used pods are ejected to a hidden container which keeps your kitchen spotless. It also does an excellent job of delivering full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.
This is a stunning machine and part of Smeg's fifties-style range. It's easy to use with a simple interface and can be used with ground coffee or ESE pods. It's only downside is the lack of an indicator that will let you know when to descale, and the inability to set the maximum water level. It is also necessary to purchase the brand's capsules which can be costly. Nevertheless, this is a good pod coffee maker for those looking for an attractive and convenient appliance that will serve them well for an affordable cost. For those who want a little more variety, a broad selection of third-party capsules is offered for this model and it's also compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.