"Ask Me Anything:10 Answers To Your Questions About Pod Coffee Machine
The Best Pod Coffee Machines
With pod coffee machines, you place a sealed capsule with roasted or ground coffee into the machine. The coffee is then poured through for a set time period to create your beverage.
Some pod coffee makers come with various sizes of cups and a built-in filter and milk that froths. Choosing the best pod coffee machine for you depends on your personal preferences and your lifestyle.
1. Keurig K-Select
If you're looking to buy a basic Keurig coffee maker without all the bells and whistles that come with higher-end models, this is a great choice. It's simple to use, has a stunning design, and can be easily stored away in the corner of your kitchen when not being used.
One drawback to this machine is that it may be noisy, but it isn't a big deal. It is also fairly small and will fit in small counters. But, if you're looking for a Keurig that has a larger variety of sizes, or a carafe for traditional drip brewing, you should think about other alternatives.
Keurig K-Select is a single-serve coffee maker that combines a sleek design with more intuitive features. This lets you brew the perfect cup of coffee every time. Pick from a variety of delicious K-Cups and brew coffee with a universal My-K-Cup filter (sold separately). Strong Brew increases the intensity and strength of your coffee making it an ideal choice for coffee enthusiasts who like strong coffee.
This brewer is simple to use, with simple buttons. Simply insert the K-Cup pod, select the size of brew you want, and then press the brew button. In less than a minute you'll have a freshly-brewed cup of coffee waiting to enjoy. The large 52-ounce reservoir lets you brew up to five cups between refills, easing your morning routine.
The Keurig is easy to clean. The reservoir for water and lid can be removed and cleaned by hand. However, it is recommended to clean your Keurig before cleaning it, and follow the directions in the user guide to ensure that your machine is operating at its peak. The warranty covers the brewer and the original accessories, with the exception of for normal wear and tear, damage due to abuse or misuse and external causes of failure, such as power outages.
2. Tassimo My Way
This is the best option for coffee lovers looking for a machine that does more than just making your regular cup. It can make a variety drinks including hot cocoa. The large 1.3-litre water tank allows for multiple cups to be brewed simultaneously. The machine is warm in just three seconds, and can create the perfect cappuccino or latte using the built-in milk jug. It also features a touch-sensitive display that lets you set the temperature, intensity and quantity of your desired drink.
The Tassimo My Way uses the brand's T Discs that contain everything you need to make your preferred drink. There are more than 70 kinds, including Kenco, Costa, Milka and Cadbury's. The machine has a range of T Discs, including those for tea and hot chocolate.
The coffee produced by this machine was of excellent quality, but slightly less than some of the other machines we reviewed. It also produced a creamy mouthfeel and steamed milk for caffe lattes in a short time. However, it must be not forgotten that the frothy milk made from T Discs is a source of sugar that, while not a huge issue in itself, isn't to everyone's taste.
Tassimo My Way's removable components including the drip tray, and the water tank are dishwasher-safe. A Brita filter is included, as well as an ice-cleaning disk. A helpful indicator light will let you know when to descale, and water tanks will help keep the limescale to a minimum. The machine is Energy Star rated, which reduces the power consumption of up to 15%.
3. Lavazza Lungo Pod Machine
This Nespresso-compatible pod coffee machine from Lavazza, made in collaboration with Sage, is one of the most attractive machines available. The machine is constructed of tough and attractive materials. It comes with a stylish steam wand that can be adjusted to make cappuccinos and lattes, and a stainless-steel milk jug. Put a pod in and select the size of your cup and the machine goes into action, making espresso lungo, double espresso, gran lungo, alto drinks and mugs with a thick layer of silky froth.
Like most pod machines, you load a pod using a hatch at the top of the machine, and then drop it in place. The machine punctures the capsule then closes it. When you press the lever, the used pod will fall into a designated used Pod tray that is located beneath the drip tray.
It's not the fastest machine for brewing it takes 30 seconds to make a shot of espresso and around 90 seconds for a lungo - but the results are consistently impressive, with a great crema and a smooth, rich taste. pod and bean coffee machine alerts you when the water tank or pod bin is in need of refilling.
One of the main selling points for this machine is that you can use it with any Lavazza brand pod - there are seven in all, including espresso ground (Qualita Rossa, Intenso, Passionale and Delizioso) and two decaffeinated (Dek Cremoso) and two organic coffees (!Tierra! Bio). It's not cheap, but if you get a subscription plan that combines the pod coffee machine with the delivery of pods that can come at a similar price to a regular bean-to cup machine. The slim design of this machine allows it to fit into even the smallest kitchens. The pods are recyclable, so you can dispose of them in food waste bins for your council bins or garden compost.
4. Nespresso Vertuo Pod Machine
Nespresso machines are among the best pods coffee makers for those looking for a reliable, quick and steady brew. They heat up fast and are simple to use. Just insert a capsule and press a button, and you're done. They create an intense, creamy crema that can be added to drinks for more flavor and a thicker layer. They're not cheap, though you must purchase their official pods.
The Vertuo line utilizes different technology than OriginalLine machines that work with espresso capsules (and are still in existence). They read the barcode of each capsule, automatically adapting the brewing parameters to create a perfect cup. They also have a centrifusion device that spins the capsules in order to make the best flavor and the most thick crema.
However that, the machines aren't as intuitive as some of our other choices. For instance the lid opens only when the machine is in its final stages, and it takes around 30 seconds to heat up enough to allow it to be put into a capsule. And they don't come with milk frothers like the other pod coffee makers on this list, meaning you'll have to shell out an additional PS90 or so to buy an additional Aeroccino for those who want to make lattes or cappuccinos.
They also require more regular maintenance than other models, such as refilling the water tank, emptying the pod containers, and descaling--but they do come with an app that reminds you of these duties and includes tools such as store locators and capsule recycling. If you pair your machine to an IntelliPort you can control it using voice commands. This is ideal when you're making coffee at 4am in the dark or have a limited strength.
5. SMEG Barista Pod Machine
This sleek pod coffee machine is the love child of a well-known Italian brand and a renowned kitchen appliance company. It has all of the sleek, retro curves that SMEG is famous for, and the ability to brew lungo and espresso drinks with ease. It also has a shot setting that is programmable and dual-height drip tray, and a removable pod bin.
This coffee maker lets you make an instant cup of espresso or lungo in the morning or during breaks at work. Its simple control panel looks elegant and doesn't take away from its function. If you're looking to spice your daily coffee even more, it comes with three filter baskets that can accommodate different types of capsules. You can use loose-ground beans (although a separate grinder is required).
The SMEG Barista Pod Machine doesn't include a milk pitcher, however, it has a built-in Pannarello milk frother, which froths soymilk and cow milk quite well. It also comes with a portafilter that measures 51mm, which is smaller than the typical commercial filter. It's pressurized, which is nice because it eliminates that stale, leftover grind taste. It also comes with a plastic tool which doubles as a scoop.
The SMEG is one of the most expensive pod machines on our list, but it's definitely worth it if your a fan of the retro design or enjoy being able to make espresso-based drinks. It's also a great option if you're new to the world of coffee making and don't want to have to deal with the hassles of measuring, grinding, and making your own coffee.