It's The Next Big Thing In Best Coffee Pod Machine
The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The most elegant pod machine we've seen, this model with brushed-steel features the signature Sage quality and ease of use. It preheats after switch-on, and brews an aroma-packed espresso or a little longer lungo in just 30 minutes.
Models for pods are an excellent alternative to bean-to-cup machines. They take the clumsiest parts of coffee making off your hands, such as grinding and measuring grounds.
1. Rapid
Pod machines are generally quicker to install and use than espresso machines, with the majority can make coffee in only 30 seconds or less. However, they come with an expense in that the pre-portioned coffee pods used in these models tend to be more expensive than freshly roasted beans and many are also not recyclable (though certain companies now offer free recycling bags and prepaid UPS labels to return them).
The Nespresso CitiZ has one of the fastest pod machines on the market, thanks to the barcode scanner that scans every compatible pod's code before brewing. This makes it simple to make consistent high-quality, high-end coffee every time, with virtually no chances of a drink turning out horribly wrong. It is also among the slimmest and lightest available and does not require an additional milk jug or the smallest footprint, making it a breeze to fit into even the tiniest of kitchens.
The CitiZ isn't the best machine to minimize your environmental impact. It doesn't come with an automatic descaling function and you'll need to do it yourself every 300 cups if live in hard water or 1200 cups in soft water areas. Once the filter cartridge is out, you'll have to replace it with a new. This can be costly for certain users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another quick machine that comes with a customisable button and the option of using ground coffee or ESE pods, which 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 its environment and workforce. Its only slight drawback is that it takes a little longer to heat up, but once that is done, it will be able to brew one cup in just 35 minutes.
If you're after an elegant, sleek machine capable of handling a range of different drink sizes and styles then take a look at 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 milk frother.
2. Removable parts
A pod coffee maker's ease of use is a big selling point and the best models are simple to use. The majority of machines employ the same method to make a cup of coffee: water is heated inside a reservoir, then pushed through capsules to create rich hot, hot coffee. Most brands offer different sizes of drinks to meet different requirements. You can also save custom settings to streamline the process.
Keurig's K-Cups and Nestle's Nespresso VertuoLine series are the two biggest brands on the market, however each offers a wide selection of capsules from popular roasters and brands. Certain pods can be used only once before being thrown away, while others can be used several times. You'll need a plan for your used pods to avoid them ending up in landfill.
The SMEG we tested comes with a removable water reservoir that is easy to fill. It also automatically dispensates an additional capsule once the previous one cools down. It can be used to brew lungo and espresso drinks, and comes with a set of eight different blends that provide plenty of options. This brewer will appeal to coffee drinkers who want to move away from drip coffee.
In our tests of the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most satisfying to use. Its sleek design is a looker on your countertop and it opens with a simple tap to reveal a hidden compartment to store your empty pods. capsule coffee makers has the added benefit of an filtration system for water, which is ideal for areas with hard water.
This machine is easy to use and brews standard coffee (240ml) as well as ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. Its intuitive controls are a joy to use, thanks to aircraft-style toggles as well as a lever that retracts with a minimum of effort to reveal the area that allows you to insert the pod. It does take a little force to close, but our testers, including those who have weak hand and mobility were able to use it comfortably.
3. Size
The best coffee pod makers remove all the mess from coffee making. All you have to do is put a pod in, press a button and let it brew. You'll still need to clean your machine occasionally, but not as often as a bean-to-cup or espresso maker. Pod machines are smaller than their larger equivalents, and can be stored on the counter when not in use.
If a coffee pod machine is the best choice for you is based on your preferences and what you're hoping to get from it. All pod machines are simple to use, but some have more options for customization than others. Consider the coffee pod variety, brew sizes and milk options for frothing when selecting the best machine.
Many people think of pod-based devices in the likes of Nespresso and Keurig however there are some newer competitors that are worth a look. One is Bruvi, which uses a bespoke pod system called B-Pods that can only be used in conjunction with its machines. These pods are marked with a barcode that is read by the machine to adjust the brewing parameters automatically.
The machine will eliminate the guesswork and ensure that every drink is perfect every time. It is even able to save custom drinks to a specific button so you can make them with the press of a single button.
Other machines, such as Sage's My Way, offer greater control over your coffee than most machines, allowing you to choose a specific size and temperature for each beverage. It's more expensive than other models, but it has the polished stainless steel build and the excellent customer service that is which is synonymous with the brand. It is a solid choice for those who need an extra level of quality from their pod-based coffee maker.
Certain models are larger and can make lungos. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is a excellent example, blends retro-fifties style from SMEG and Italian coffee brand Lavazza. It can be a little difficult to use due to its toggles that resemble airplanes and a manual lever, but it's quick and incredibly satisfying to operate the lungo is made in less than 30 seconds and the discarded pods are put into an internal bin at the push of a button.
4. Customization
The limited capabilities of a pod coffee maker's flexibility is one of the main reasons it may not be the best choice for you. If you don't have an auxiliary milk frother, then the only way to add more flavor or creaminess is to make use of hot chocolate or tea option in your mug, or to manually add milk to your coffee. This won't be an issue for many people, but could be an issue for those who like a fully automatic experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew technology uses a barcode reader to scan each capsule and automatically pre-wet, infuse, and disperse the right amount of coffee required for that type of pod. It's a hassle-free, hands-off machine that does its job flawlessly, but does not have any options for making drinks that are customized or altering the strength of brew. Some buyers will be annoyed by this, but many will find the convenience and variety of cup sizes (espressos and lungos, as well as mugs) to be exactly what they're seeking.
This coffee maker is very low maintenance. It's all you have to do is to fill up the water tank, and decaffeinate the reservoir every so often. It is able to serve espresso shots or tall travel mugs effortlessly. As previously mentioned, used pods are then ejected from a container hidden from view which keeps your kitchen clean. It also does an excellent job of serving full-bodied, crema-topped espressos.
This machine is part of Smeg's 1950s style range. It's easy to use with a simple control panel and can accommodate ground coffee or ESE pods. The only drawback is the absence of an indicator that will let you know when it's time to descale, as well as the inability to set a maximum water level. You'll also have to purchase the capsules made by the company, which can be pricey. This is a great pod machine for those who want an easy-to-use and stylish appliance that can be used at a low cost. For those who want more variety, a broad selection of third-party capsules are available for this model. It's compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.