The Best Coffee Pod Machine

This sleek, brushed-steel appliance provides the Sage distinctive quality and ease of use. It warms up after switching on, and makes an espresso with aroma or a slightly longer lungo in about 30 minutes.

In contrast to bean-to-cup machines models take the most messy aspects of coffee making off your hands, such as grinding and dosing grounds.

1. Rapid

Pod machines can be set up and used faster than espresso machines. The majority of them can make a cup of coffee in 30 seconds. However, they come with an expense in that the pre-portioned coffee pods machines pods used in these machines are generally more expensive than freshly roasted beans. And many are also not recyclable (though some companies now offer free recycling bags and pre-paid UPS labels to return them).

The Nespresso CitiZ has one of the fastest pod machines available, thanks to the barcode scanner that scans every compatible pod's code prior to brewing. This ensures you get consistently high-quality coffee, every time. There is almost no possibility of getting a poor drink. It is also among the tiniest and lightest available and does not require an additional milk jug, and its small footprint making it easy to fit in even the smallest 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 have 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 need to replace it with a fresh one. This can be costly for certain users.

The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another fast machine that has buttons that can be customized and the option of using ground coffee or ESE pods that are pre-dosed and tampered with grounds packed between filter paper. This model is B-Corp Certified. It is committed to reducing the negative impact it has on the environment and workforce. Its only downside is that it takes longer to heat up, but once that is done, it will be able to brew one cup in just 35 minutes.

If you're looking for an elegant, stylish machine capable of handling a range of different sizes and styles then you should look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek machine, created in collaboration with Sage is not just easy to use, but it also comes with an ice cream wand, a stainless steel jug, and a milk frother.

2. Removable parts

The simplicity of a pod coffee maker is a major benefit. The top models are simple to use. Most machines utilize the same basic process to brew the perfect cup of coffee the water is heated inside the reservoir, and then moved through capsules to make rich hot, hot java. Many brands offer a variety of sizes of drinks to meet various needs. You can save custom settings on many models to speed up the process further.

Keurig's K-Cups and Nestle's Nespresso VertuoLine series are the two leading players on the market, however each offers a wide selection of capsules from the most popular roasters and brands. Some pods are able to be used just once before they are discarded however, others can be used a number of times. You'll need a plan for your old pods to prevent them ending up in landfill.

The SMEG we tested has a removable reservoir of water that is easy to fill. It also automatically dispensates an additional capsule once the previous one cools down. It can be used to brew espresso and lungo drinks, and comes with eight different blends to offer the 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 to use. Its sleek design makes it an attractive addition to your countertop, and it can be opened with a gentle touch to reveal a concealed compartment to store your empty pods. It has a water filter system that is perfect for areas with hard water.

This machine is easy to use and can make standard coffee (240ml) as well as ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. Its easy-to-use controls are easy to use with the help of switches that resemble airplanes and a lever that retracts without much effort to reveal the area which allows you to drop your coffee maker. It requires a little force to close but our test subjects, even those who have weak hand and mobility felt comfortable.

3. Size

The best coffee pod machines take all the messy parts of coffee making out of your hands. You simply need to load a pod, hit a button and prepare to brew. You'll still have to clean the machine from time to time however not as often as you would with a bean-to-cup cup or espresso maker. The pod coffee machines machines are smaller than their bigger counterparts and can be stacked on the counter when not being used.

The right coffee pod machine for you will be determined by your preferences and what you wish to achieve. All pod machines are simple to use, but others offer more customization options. The variety of pods, brew size options, and milk frothing capabilities should all be considered to determine the best coffee pod machine.

The majority of people think of pod-based devices in the likes of Nespresso and Keurig However, there are some newer competitors on the scene that could be worth considering. Bruvi uses a bespoke system of pods called B-Pods, which can only be used in its machines. The pods have a barcode on the underside that the machine scans to adjust the brewing settings automatically.

This method removes all the guesswork of making a cup and guarantees that every drink comes out perfectly every time. It can save your custom drinks to a button so that you can make them by pressing one button.

Other machines, like Sage's My Way, offer greater control over your cup of coffee than the majority models, allowing you to select a specific size and temperature for each beverage. It's more expensive than other models, but it comes with a polished stainless steel construction and superior customer service that is a hallmark of the Sage's My Way brand. This is a great choice for those looking for an extra bit of quality from their espresso maker that is based on pods.

Some larger models can also make lungos. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, a excellent example, blends retro style of the fifties from SMEG and Italian coffee brand Lavazza. It's a bit difficult to operate due to its airplane-style toggles as well as the manual lever, but it's quick and incredibly enjoyable to use the lungo is made in only 30 seconds, and the used pods are deposited into an internal bin with the click of the button.

4. Customization

One big reason why a pod coffee machine capsule maker may not be right for you is the limited flexibility to customize. If you don't purchase an auxiliary milk frother, the only methods to add extra flavor or creaminess are to make use of an in-mug hot chocolate or tea option and add milk manually to your coffee. This shouldn't be a problem for most people, but it could be a problem for those who like the convenience of a fully automated experience in the morning.

Bosch's Intellibrew technology uses barcode scanners to scan each capsule and automatically pre-wet, infuse, and disperse the right amount of coffee for that particular type of pod. It's an easy-to-use hands-off device that does an excellent job, but isn't able to customize drinks or for varying the strength of brew. Some customers will be irritated by this, but others will find the ease of use and variety of cup sizes (espressos and lungos, as well as mugs) to be exactly what they are looking for.

Aside from filling up the water tank and decaffeinating the reservoir occasionally the coffee maker will not require much maintenance. It can dispense short espresso shots or tall travel mugs easily. As mentioned earlier, the used pods are ejected in a container hidden from view which keeps your kitchen clean. It also does a fantastic job of serving full-bodied, crema-topped espressos.

This is a beautiful-looking machine and is part of Smeg's fifties style range. It's simple to use with simple buttons and can be used with ground coffee and ESE pods. The only issue is that it doesn't come with an indicator to let you know when it's time for descale. Also, the maximum water level cannot be set, which is a minor inconvenience. It is also necessary to purchase the brand's capsules which can be expensive. This is a good pod machine for those who want an attractive and convenient appliance that will serve well at a reasonable price. For those who want more variety, a large selection of third-party capsules are available for this model and it's compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.