The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The most elegant pod machine we've ever seen, this brushed-steel model offers the signature Sage quality and user-friendly. It warms up after switching on, and makes an espresso with aroma or a little longer lungo in just 30 minutes.
As opposed to bean-to-cup machines, pod models take the most messed-up aspects of coffee making out of your hands, including grinding and dosing grounds.
1. Speedy
Pod machines are generally easier to set up and use than espresso machines, with the majority capable of making a cup of coffee in just 30 seconds or less. But they do come at some cost as the pre-portioned pods of coffee used in these models tend to be more expensive than freshly roasted beans. And they're not always recyclable (though some companies now offer free recycling bags and prepaid UPS labels for returning the pods).
The Nespresso CitiZ has one of the fastest pod machines on the market, thanks to the barcode scanner which scans each compatible pod's code before brewing. This makes it simple to ensure consistent quality, high-end coffee each time, with virtually no chances of a drink turning out badly wrong. It's also among the slimmest and lightest available that doesn't require an additional milk jug or the smallest footprint, making it easy to fit in even the tiniest of kitchens.
However the CitiZ isn't the most efficient machine for those who want to cut down on their 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 every 1200 cups for soft water. Once the filter cartridge is out, you'll have to replace it with a new. This can be costly for some users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another quick machine that comes with a customisable button and the option to use either ground coffee or ESE pods that are pre-dosed and tampered with grounds squeezed between filter paper. This model is also B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to decreasing its negative impact on the environment and its workforce. The only drawback is the time it takes to heat up. Once it does it, it can make one cup in about 35 seconds.
Vertuo Creatista is a stylish sleek machine that can make a variety drinks in different sizes and styles. This sleek machine designed 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 user-friendliness is a major selling point and the best models are a breeze to operate. Most machines utilize the same basic process to brew the perfect cup of coffee the water is heated inside reservoirs, then moved through capsules to make rich hot coffee. Many brands offer a variety of sizes for drinks to meet different needs, and you can save custom settings for a variety of models to speed up the process even further.
Keurig K-Cups are among the top player on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also come with a variety of capsules from popular roasters. Some pods are designed to be used once and discarded, while others are designed to be used multiple times. You'll need a plan to dispose of the pods you've used to avoid them from ending up in the garbage.
The SMEG we tested comes with a removable reservoir of water that is simple to fill. It also automatically releases a new capsule after the previous one cools down. It brews espresso and lungo drinks, and comes with a set of eight different blends that give you plenty of variety. This brewer is ideal for coffee lovers who want to make the switch from drip coffee to drip.
In our tests in our tests, the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design looks great on your counter and can be opened with a single touch to reveal the compartment that stores your empty pods. The machine has a water filter system that is ideal for areas with hard water.
This machine is easy to use and can make standard coffee (240ml) as well as ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. The controls are simple to operate, using the style of airplane toggles that can be easily retracted and a lever that retracts to reveal the opening to drop into your pod. It requires a bit of force to close, but the majority of our testers even those with limitations in hand strength and mobility, found it comfortable.
3. Size
The best coffee pod machines take all the messy parts of coffee making out of your hands - you simply need to load one of the pods, press an icon and prepare to brew. You'll coffee machines with pods still have to clean your machine every now and then but not like a bean-to-cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are smaller than their counterparts that are larger and can be tucked away on the counter and be kept out of sight when not in use.
The best coffee machine for you will depend on your personal preferences and what you wish to achieve. The majority of pod machines are easy to use, but some have more options for customization than others. Consider the coffee pod variety sizes, brew sizes and milk options for frothing when picking the best machine.
The most popular pod-based machines are Nespresso, Keurig and similar brands. However, there are some newer competitors that may be worth looking at. Bruvi utilizes a unique system of pods known as B-Pods, which can only be used in its machines. The pods have an underside barcode that the machine scans to adjust the brewing settings automatically.
The machine will eliminate the guesswork and ensure that each drink is perfect every time. It can even save customised drinks to a specific button, allowing you to create them at the push of a button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way offer a more granular level of control over your coffee that allows you to select the right temperature and size for each beverage. It's more expensive than other models, however it comes with a polished stainless-steel construction and the excellent customer service that is a hallmark of the Sage's My Way brand. This is a good option for those who want a bit more out of their pod-based espresso maker.
While the majority of people will be using a pod-based machine to make single-serve beverages, there are some larger models that are able to create longer shots, also known as lungos. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, which is a great example, combines retro fifties styling from SMEG and Italian coffee brand Lavazza. It's not easy at first thanks to the toggles that look like airplanes, but once you've gotten used to it, it is quick and easy to use. A lungo can be prepared in 30 seconds.
4. Customization
One of the main reasons pod coffee makers might not be right for you is its lack of customizability. If you don't buy an additional milk frother, the only options to add extra flavor or creaminess is to make use of a hot chocolate in-mug or tea option and to add milk to your coffee manually. For most people, this shouldn't be a problem but it could be a problem for those who prefer a fully automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew technology uses barcode scanners to scan each capsule, and automatically pre-wet, infuse, and give the correct amount of coffee required for that type of pod. It's an easy-to-use, hands-off machine which does a great job but isn't able to customize drinks or altering the strength of brew. This might be frustrating for some customers but for others the hassle-free automation and variety of cup lengths (espresso, lungo and mug) it provides precisely what they require.
This coffee maker is low-maintenance. It only requires you to fill up the water tank, and decaffeinate it every once in a while. It is able to serve espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs with ease and, as previously mentioned the used pods are ejected to a hidden receptacle which keeps your kitchen spotless. It also excels at delivering full-bodied espressos with crema-topped tops.
This machine is part of Smeg's 1950s style range. It's user-friendly with an easy-to-use panel of buttons and can be used with both ground coffee and ESE pods. It's only downside is the absence of an indicator that lets you know when it's time to descale, as well as the inability to set a maximum water level. It is also necessary to purchase the brand's capsules which can be expensive. This is a great pod machine for those who want an attractive and convenient appliance that is able to serve at a reasonable price. For those who want some variety, a wide range of third-party capsules is available for this model. It's also compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.