The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Coffee Pod Machine
The best coffee pod machine (click to find out more)
The most elegant pod machine we've seen this brushed-steel model has the renowned Sage quality and user-friendly. It preheats after switch-on, and makes an espresso with aroma or a little longer lungo in about 30 seconds.
In contrast to bean-to-cup machines models take the most messed-up aspects of coffee making off your hands, such as grinding and dosing grounds.
1. Fast
Pod machines can be set up and operated faster than espresso machines. The majority of them can make a cup in 30 seconds. The pre-portioned pods used in these machines are typically more costly than freshly roasted coffee beans and a lot are not recyclable.
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the fastest pod machines that is available due to its in-built barcode reader that scans the code of each compatible pod prior to making it. This makes it simple to make consistent quality, high-end coffee each time, with next-to-no chance of a drink coming out horribly wrong. It is also one of the slimmest and lightest available, with no need for an additional milk jug or a small footprint making it easy to fit into even the tiniest kitchen.
The CitiZ is not the best machine to reduce the environmental impact. The CitiZ isn't equipped with an automatic descaling feature. You'll have to manually descale the machine every 300 cups for hard water, and 1200 cups for soft water. You'll also need to swap the filter cartridge after this expires and could be expensive for certain users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another quick machine that comes with a customisable button and the option to use ground coffee or ESE pods that are pre-dosed, tampered and packed between filter paper. The model is B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to reducing its negative impact on the environment as well as its employees. The only drawback is the time it takes to heat up. Once it is heated it will brew a cup in just 35 minutes.
If you're looking for a sleek, stylish machine that can handle a variety of different sizes and styles, take a look at 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, an stainless steel jug and a milk frother.
2. Removable parts
The simplicity of a pod making machines coffee maker is a major selling point. The best models are simple to use. Most machines utilize the same basic mechanism to brew the cup of coffee you want: water is heated inside reservoirs, then it is pushed through capsules to produce rich, hot java. The majority of brands offer a variety of sizes of drinks to meet different requirements, and you can save custom settings on many models to streamline the process even more.
Keurig K-Cups are the biggest player on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also offer a large selection of capsules from well-known roasters. Some pods are able to be used just once before being thrown away, while others can be used multiple times. In either case, you'll have to plan out how you'll handle the pods that are no longer being used so they do not end up in the garbage.
The SMEG we tested comes with a removable water reservoir that is easy to fill. It also automatically dispensates an additional capsule coffee makers once the previous one cools down. It brews lungo and espresso drinks, and comes with a set of eight different blends to provide plenty of options. This brewer is perfect for coffee drinkers who wish to switch to drip coffee.
In our tests, the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable one to use. Its sleek design is beautiful on your counter, and it can be opened with a single touch to reveal the compartment that stores empty pods. The machine has a water filter system that is perfect for areas with hard water.
This machine is able to make an ordinary cup of coffee (240ml) and also serves as lungo and ristretto espresso-style drinks and is surprisingly fast. Its user-friendly controls are easy to navigate, thanks to airplane-style toggles and a lever that retracts with little effort to reveal the area which allows you to drop your pod. It requires some effort to close, but most of our testers, including those with limitations in hand strength and mobility, found it comfortable.
3. Size
The best coffee pod machines take all the messy parts of making coffee out of your hands. You simply load in one of the pods, press an icon and make coffee capsules machines. You'll still need to clean your machine every now and then but not as often as a bean-to cup or espresso maker. Pod machines are also smaller than their larger counterparts which means they can be placed on the counter and be stored away from view when not being used.
Whether a coffee pod machine is the best choice for you depends on your preferences and what you want to gain from it. All pod machines are simple to operate, however, some provide more options for customization. Be aware of the different coffee pods as well as brew sizes, milk and frothing options when choosing the right machine.
The most popular pod-based machines are Nespresso, Keurig and similar brands. However there are a few newer competitors worth looking at. One is Bruvi, which uses an exclusive pod system called B-Pods that can only be used by its machines. The pods are identified with a barcode that is read by the machine to adjust the brewing settings automatically.
This method eliminates all the guesswork of making a cup and makes sure that each drink comes out perfectly every time. It is even able to save custom drinks to a specific button to allow you to make them with the press of a single button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way offer a more precise level of control over your coffee, allowing you to choose the ideal temperature and size for each cup. It's a bit more expensive than other models, but it comes with the polished stainless steel construction and excellent customer service which is synonymous with the brand. It is a great choice for those who need an extra level of quality from their pod-based coffee maker.
Some models with larger capacities can also make lungos. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is an excellent example of this. It combines the retro fifties styling of SMEG with the retro-fifties design of SMEG Italian coffee maker, Lavazza. It's a bit intimidating at first thanks to the airplane-style toggles, however once you've become accustomed to it, it is quick and easy to use. A lungo can be prepared in only 30 minutes.
4. Customization
The lack of flexibility is one of the main reasons it might not be the right choice for you. If you don't buy an additional milk frother, the only methods to add extra flavor or creaminess are to make use of a hot chocolate in-mug or tea option and add milk to your cup manually. This shouldn't be a problem for a lot of people, but could be a problem for those who prefer the convenience of a fully automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew utilizes a barcode scanner to scan each capsule coffee machines. It then automatically pre-wets and infuses, then dispensing the correct amount of coffee for the particular type of pod. It's a user-friendly, hands-off machine which does an excellent job, but lacks options for customising drinks or altering the strength of brew. This may be a problem for some buyers however for others, the easy automation and variety of cup lengths (espresso, lungo and mug) it provides precisely what they require.
Apart from filling the water tank and decaffeinating the reservoir on occasion, this coffee maker will not require a lot of maintenance. It is able to serve espresso shots or tall travel mugs with ease. As mentioned earlier, the used pods are ejected into a hidden container that helps keep your kitchen tidy. It also excels in delivering full-bodied coffees that have tops that are topped with crema.
This machine is part of Smeg's 1950s style range. It's simple to use with an easy-to-use panel of buttons and can accommodate both ground coffee and ESE pods. It's only downside is the absence of an indicator that tells you when you should descale, and the inability to set the maximum level of water. You will also have to buy the brand's capsules which can be expensive. But, it's a great pod coffee maker for anyone seeking a stylish and practical appliance that can provide them with a great service at a reasonable price. For those who want a little more variety, a broad selection of third-party capsules is available for this model, and it's compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.