The 10 Scariest Things About Best Coffee Pod Machine
The best coffee pod machine - previous -
The most elegant pod machine we've seen, this model with brushed-steel features the trademark Sage quality and ease of use. When it is turned on, it preheats and brews a fragrant espresso or a slightly longer lungo within 30 minutes.
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. Rapid
pod and bean coffee machine machines can be installed and used more quickly than espresso machines. The majority of them can make a cup in just 30 seconds. However, they come with an expense as the pre-portioned pods of coffee used in these models tend to be more expensive than freshly roasted beans. And many are also not recyclable (though some companies are now offering recycling bags for free and UPS labels to return them).
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the fastest pod machines that you can find, thanks to its in-built barcode reader that scans the code of each compatible pod prior to brewing it. This ensures that you get consistently high-quality coffee, every time. There is almost no possibility of getting a poor beverage. It's also one of the slimmest and lightest on the market and does not require an additional milk jug, and a small footprint making it easy to fit in even the tiniest of kitchens.
However the CitiZ isn't the most efficient machine for those looking to cut down on their environmental impact. It doesn't have an automatic descaling function, and you'll have to do it yourself every 300 cups if you reside in hard water, or 1200 cups in soft water areas. You'll also need to swap with a new cartridge once this runs out, which could be costly for certain users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another speedy machine with customisable buttons and the option to use ground coffee or ESE pods that are pre-dosed and tampered grounds squeezed between filter paper. This model is B-Corp Certified. It is committed to reducing the negative impact it has on the environment and its employees. The only drawback is the time it takes to warm up. Once it does it, it can make one cup in just 35 seconds.
If you're after an elegant, stylish machine capable of handling a range of different sizes and styles, you should look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek machine designed in collaboration with Sage is not only easy to use but also comes with an ice cream wand, stainless steel jug and a milk frother.
2. Removable parts
The ease of using a pod coffee maker is a major selling point. The most effective models are easy to operate. Most machines use the same basic mechanism to brew the cup of coffee you want the water is heated inside the reservoir, and then it is pushed through capsules to produce rich hot coffee. The majority of brands offer a variety of sizes for drinks to meet various needs. You can save your own settings on a number of models to simplify the process even more.
Keurig's K-Cups and Nestle's Nespresso VertuoLine series are the two biggest brands on the market, but both offer a variety of capsules from top roasters and brands. Certain pods can be used once before they are discarded however, others can be used several times. Whatever the case, you'll need to think about how you'll deal with the pods you've used up so that they don't end up in landfill.
The SMEG we tested has a removable reservoir of water that is easy to fill. It also automatically dispenses a new capsule coffee machine after the previous one cools down. It can brew espresso and lungo drinks and has eight different blends to offer various options. This brewer is ideal for coffee lovers who want to switch to drip coffee.
In our testing of the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most satisfying to use. Its sleek design is an eye-catching addition to your countertop, and it opens with a simple tap to reveal a hidden compartment for empty pods. It also comes with the added benefit of the water filtration system which is perfect for areas with hard water.
This machine is quick and can make standard coffee (240ml) and ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. The controls are easy to operate, using switches that resemble airplanes, which can be retracted easily and a lever which retracts to reveal the opening for dropping into your pod. It takes a bit of force to close, but our testers, even those who have limitations in hand strength and mobility were able to use it comfortably.
3. Size
The best coffee pod machines take the mess of coffee making out of your hands. You simply need to load the pod, press a button and make coffee. You'll still need to clean your machine from time to time however not like a bean-to-cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are smaller than their larger counterparts, so they can fit on the countertop and be stored away from view when not in use.
The best coffee machine 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. Different pod types, brew sizes options, and milk frothing features must be taken into consideration to find the ideal coffee pod machine for you.
Most people will think of pod-based machines as the likes of Nespresso and Keurig, but there are some newer competitors which are worth looking into. Bruvi uses a bespoke system of pods known as B-Pods, which can only be used in its machines. These pods have an underside barcode that the machine scans to automatically adjust the brewing settings.
This approach means the machine removes all the guesswork the process of making a cup, and guarantees that every drink comes out perfectly every time. It can save your custom drinks on a button so that you can create them using only one button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way, offer more granular control over your cup of coffee than others, letting you choose the exact size and temperature for each cup. It's more expensive than other models, but it has the polished stainless steel design and top-quality customer service that's which is synonymous with the brand. It is a great option for those looking to get a bit more from their pod-based coffee maker.
While the majority of people are using pod-based machines to make single-serve beverages however, there are a few larger models that are able to create longer shots, also known as lungos, also. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is an excellent example of this. It is a combination of the retro style of SMEG with the classic design of Italian coffee pods coffee machine brand, Lavazza. It's a bit intimidating at first thanks to the airplane-style toggles, but once you get used to it, the machine is easy and enjoyable to use. A lungo can be brewed in only 30 seconds.
4. Customization
A pod coffee maker's limited customisation is a major reason it might not be the best option for you. If you don't have an auxiliary milk frother, the only way to enhance flavor or creaminess is to make use of hot chocolate or tea option in your mug, or to manually add milk into your the coffee. This shouldn't be a problem for many people, but it could be a problem for those who prefer a fully automatic experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew technology utilizes barcode readers to scan each capsule machine coffee, and automatically pre-wet, infuse and disperse the right amount of coffee that is appropriate for the kind of pod. It's a simple 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 many will appreciate the ease of use and the variety of cup sizes (espressos and mugs, lungos and espressos) to be exactly what they're searching for.
This coffee maker is very low-maintenance. It only requires you to refill the water tank, and decaffeinate the reservoir every time. It is able to serve espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs with ease and, as we mentioned the used pods are ejected to a hidden receptacle that keeps your kitchen clean. It also does a great job of serving full-bodied, crema-topped espressos.
This machine is part of Smeg’s 1950s-style range. It's user-friendly with a simple panel and can take ground coffee or ESE pods. The only downside is that it doesn't come with an indicator to let you know when it's time to descale, and the maximum water level can't be set which is an issue. It is also necessary to purchase the capsules made by the company, which can be pricey. This is a good pod machine for those who want an attractive and convenient appliance that will serve well at a reasonable cost. If you're looking for some variety, a large selection of third-party capsules is available for this model, and it's compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.