The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The most elegant pod machine we've seen, this model with brushed-steel features the signature Sage quality and user-friendly. When it is turned on, it preheats and brews a fragrant espresso or a slightly longer lungo in about 30 seconds.
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. Speedy
Pod machines are typically quicker to set up and use than espresso machines, with the majority able to make a cup of coffee in just 30 seconds or less. The pre-portioned pods that are used in these machines tend to be more expensive than freshly roasted coffee beans and many are not recyclable.
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the fastest pod machines on the market, thanks to its in-built barcode reader that scans the code of each compatible pod prior to making it. This makes it easy to make consistent quality, high-end coffee each time, with next-to-no chance of a drink coming out badly wrong. The machine is one of the tiniest and lightest on the market. It doesn't require an additional milk container, and its small footprint makes it easy to fit into the smallest kitchens.
However the CitiZ isn't the most efficient machine for those who want to cut down on their environmental impact. The CitiZ does not have an automatic descaling feature. You will need to manually descale the machine every 300 cups for hard water and 1200 cups for soft water. Once the filter cartridge is out, you'll have to replace it with a new. This could be expensive for some users.
Tassimo Vivy 2 is a fast machine that can be customized with buttons. It can be used with either ground coffee or ESE pods that are pre-dosed, tampered ground compressed between filter paper. This model is also B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to lessening its negative impact on the environment and its workforce. Its only slight drawback is that it takes longer to warm up, but once this is done, it will be able to brew the cup in about 35 minutes.
If you're looking for a sleek, stylish machine that can handle a range of different sizes and styles then look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek machine, created in collaboration with Sage is not only easy to use, but 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 advantage. The top models are simple to use. Most machines use the same basic process to brew the perfect cup of coffee that is, heated water is placed in reservoirs, then it is pushed through capsules to produce rich hot, hot java. The majority of brands offer a variety of sizes of drinks to meet different needs, and you can save custom settings on a number of models to streamline the process further.
Keurig K-Cups are among the top brands available on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also have a wide selection of capsules by famous roasters. Some pods are made to be used once and discarded, while others are meant to be used for a variety of purposes. Whatever the case, you'll need to plan ahead for the way you'll dispose of the pods you've used up so that they aren't thrown away in the trash.
The SMEG we tested comes with a removable reservoir of water that is simple to fill. It also automatically releases 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 give you variety. This brewer will appeal coffee capsule machine to those who love coffee and want to switch from drip coffee.
In our tests, the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable one to use. Its sleek design looks great on your counter and can be opened with a single touch to reveal the hidden compartment that houses empty pods. The machine also has the added benefit of the water filtration system which is ideal for hard-water areas.
The machine is fast and can brew standard coffee (240ml) as well as ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. The controls are easy to operate, using airplane-style toggles that can be easily retracted and a lever which retracts to reveal the opening for dropping in your coffee maker. It requires a little effort to close, but our test subjects, even those with limited mobility and hand strength, found it comfortable.
3. Size
The best coffee pod makers take away all the mess from coffee making. All you have to do is put a pod in the machine, press a button, and let it be brewed. It is still necessary to clean the machine from time time however not as often as you would with a coffee maker that is a bean-to cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are smaller than their bigger counterparts and can be stored on the here counter when not being used.
The right coffee pod machine for you will be determined by your personal preferences and what you want to achieve. All pod machines are easy to use, however some have more options for customization than others. Take into consideration the variety of coffee pods as well as brew sizes, milk and options for frothing when picking the right machine.
The majority of people think of pod-based devices in the likes of Nespresso and Keurig however there are a few more recent competitors that are worth a look. One of them is Bruvi which makes use of an exclusive pod system called B-Pods, which can only be used in conjunction with its machines. The pods are identified by a barcode which is read by the machine to adjust the brewing parameters automatically.
The machine will eliminate all the guesswork and make sure that every drink is perfect every time. It is able to save your customized drinks in a single button so that you can create them using one button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way, offer more granular control over your cup of coffee than the majority models, allowing you to select the right size and temperature for each drink. It's more expensive than other models, but it has the polished stainless-steel build and excellent customer support synonymous with Sage's My Way. This is a good choice check here for those looking for an extra bit of quality from their espresso maker that is based on pods.
Some models with larger capacities can also create lungos. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is an excellent example of this. It blends the retro-fifties style of SMEG with the classic design of Italian coffee maker, Lavazza. It's difficult to operate due to its airplane-style toggles and manual lever, but it's incredibly easy and incredibly satisfying to operate the lungo is made in just 30 seconds and the pods that are used are placed in an internal bin at the touch of a button.
4. Customization
The lack of customization is a major reason it might not be the best option for you. Unless you purchase an additional milk frother, the only options to add flavor or creaminess are to make use of an in-mug hot chocolate or tea option, and then add milk to your coffee manually. This won't be an issue for most people, but could be an issue for those who like an entirely automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew utilizes barcode scanners to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wettes, infuses and dispenses the right amount of coffee for the particular type of pod. It's an easy-to-use hands-off device that does an excellent job, but lacks options for customising drinks or altering the strength of brew. Some buyers will be annoyed by this, but others will find the ease of use and the variety of cup sizes (espressos, lungos and mugs) to be exactly what they're looking for.
This coffee maker is very low-maintenance. It only requires you to fill up the water website tank and decaffeinate it every time. It can make short espresso-style shots or tall travel mugs easily. As previously mentioned, used pods are ejected in a hidden container which keeps your kitchen clean. It also excels in delivering full-bodied coffees that have tops that are topped with crema.
It's a gorgeous machine and part of Smeg's fifties style range. It's simple to use with simple buttons, and it can handle ground coffee as well as ESE pods. The here only drawback is the lack of a gauge that lets you know when to descale, and the inability to set the maximum water level. It is also necessary to buy the brand's capsules which can be costly. This is a great pod machine for anyone looking for an attractive and convenient appliance that can be used at a reasonable cost. If you're looking for 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.