The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Best Coffee Pod Machine
The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The most sleek pod machine we've ever seen, this model with brushed-steel features the trademark Sage quality and ease of use. It preheats after switch-on, and brews an aroma-packed espresso or a slightly longer lungo in 30 minutes.
As opposed to bean-to-cup machines, pod models take the most messy aspects of coffee making off your hands - including grinding and dosing grounds.
1. Rapid
Pod machines can be set up and used faster than espresso machines. Most of them can make a cup of coffee in 30 minutes. But they come at some cost: the pre-portioned coffee pods that are used in these machines tend to be more expensive than freshly roasted beans. And they're not always recyclable (though certain companies now offer free recycling bags and pre-paid UPS labels for returning them).
The Nespresso CitiZ has one of the fastest pod machines available, thanks to the barcode scanner that scans every compatible pod's code prior to brewing. This ensures you get consistently high-quality coffee, every time. There is virtually no chance of getting a bad beverage. The machine is also one of the slimmest and lightest available that doesn't require an additional milk jug or its small footprint making it easy to fit into even the tiniest kitchen.
However the CitiZ isn't the best machine for those looking to reduce 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 need to replace it with a fresh one. This 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 either ground coffee or ESE pods, which are pre-dosed and tampered with grounds packed between filter paper. It is also B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to reducing its negative impact on the environment and its employees. Its only minor drawback is the time it takes to warm up. Once it does it, it can make one cup in around 35 seconds.
Vertuo Creatista is a stylish, sleek machine that can create a variety of drinks in different sizes and styles. This sleek machine, created in collaboration with Sage is not just easy to use but also comes with an ice cream wand stainless steel jug and a milk frother.
2. Removable parts
The simplicity of pod coffee makers is a major selling point. The best models are easy to operate. The majority of machines employ the same basic method to make a cup of coffee that is, heated water is placed in reservoirs, then pushed through capsules to create rich, hot coffee. The majority of brands offer a variety of sizes of drinks to meet different requirements, and you can save your own settings on a number of models to simplify the process even further.
Keurig's K-Cups and Nestle's Nespresso VertuoLine series are the two major players on the market, yet each offers a wide selection of capsules from top roasters and brands. Some pods are made to be used once and be thrown away, while others are meant to be used multiple times. You'll need a plan for your old pods to prevent them ending up in landfill.
The SMEG we tested has a removable reservoir of water that is simple to fill. It also automatically dispenses another capsule coffee machine after the previous one cools down. It can brew lungo and espresso drinks, and comes with eight different blends to give you plenty of variety. This brewer is ideal for coffee lovers who are looking to switch from drip coffee.
In our testing of the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most satisfying to use. Its sleek design makes it an eye-catching addition to your counter and it opens with a simple touch to reveal a hidden compartment for empty pods. The machine also has the added benefit of the water filtration system which is perfect for areas with hard water.
This machine is quick and brews standard coffee (240ml) as well as ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. Its easy-to-use controls are easy to use with the help of airplane-style toggles and a lever that retracts with a minimum of effort to reveal the opening that allows you to insert the pod. It does take a little effort to close, but our test subjects, even those with limitations in hand strength and mobility were able to use it comfortably.
3. Size
The best coffee pod machines take all the messy parts of coffee making out of your hands. You simply put in a pod and capsule coffee machines, hit an icon and make coffee. It is still necessary to clean the machine from time time, but not as frequently as you would with a bean-to-cup cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are also smaller than their bigger counterparts which means they can be placed on the countertop and be stored out of sight when not in use.
If a coffee machine for pods pod machine is the best choice for you depends on your preferences and what you're looking to gain from it. All pod machines are easy to use, however some offer more customisation options than others. Take into consideration the variety of coffee pods as well as brew sizes, milk and options for frothing when picking the best machine.
The most popular pod-based machines are Nespresso, Keurig and similar brands. However there are newer competitors that may be worth looking at. Bruvi uses a bespoke system of pods called B-Pods, which can only be used in its machines. The pods are equipped with a barcode on the underside that machines scan to automatically adjust the brewing settings.
This means that the machine removes all the guesswork of making a cup and guarantees that every drink comes out perfectly every time. It is able to save your customized drinks to a button, so that you can create them using one button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way offer a greater degree of control over your coffee, allowing you to choose the ideal temperature and size for each drink. It's more expensive than other models, but it comes with a polished stainless-steel construction and the excellent customer service that is a hallmark of the brand. This is a good option for those who want an extra bit of quality from their espresso maker that is based on pods.
Some larger models can also make lungos. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, which is a excellent example, blends retro-fifties style from SMEG and Italian coffee brand Lavazza. It's a little intimidating initially due to the airplane-style toggles but once you get used to it, it is quick and easy to use. A lungo can be made in only 30 seconds.
4. Customization
A pod coffee maker's limited customization is a major reason it's not the best option for you. If you don't have an additional milk frother, the only option to add flavor or creaminess is to use hot tea or chocolate option in your mug or to manually add milk to your the coffee. This won't be an issue for a lot of people, but it could be an issue for those who like the convenience of a fully automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew utilizes a barcode scanner to scan each capsule coffee machine. It then automatically pre-wets, infuses and dispenses the right amount of coffee for the particular type of pod. It's a hassle-free, hands-off machine that performs its job well, but it doesn't have any options for customised drinks or for varying the strength of the brew. Some customers will be irritated by this, but others will appreciate the ease of use and variety of cup sizes (espressos, lungos and mugs) to be exactly what they're seeking.
This coffee pod machine maker is very low-maintenance. It's all you have to do is to fill up the tank with water, and decaffeinate the reservoir every so often. It is able to serve espresso-style shots or tall travel mugs with ease. As mentioned, the used pods are ejected in a container hidden from view that helps keep your kitchen tidy. It also does a great job of delivering full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.
This machine is part of Smeg’s 1950s-style collection. It's user-friendly with a simple panel and can accommodate ground coffee or ESE pods. The only issue is that it lacks an indicator that lets you know when it's time to descale and the maximum water level cannot be set, which is a minor issue. You'll also have to purchase the brand's capsules which can be expensive. This is a great pod machine for anyone looking for a convenient and attractive appliance that can be used at a reasonable price. This model is compatible with a variety of third-party capsules and also works with the Nespresso Vertuo range.
