Think You're Cut Out For Best Coffee Pod Machine? Try This Quiz
Think You're Cut Out For Best Coffee Pod Machine? Try This Quiz
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The Best Coffee Pod Machine
This sleek, brushed-steel model provides the Sage trademark quality and ease of use. It preheats after switch-on, and brews an aroma-packed espresso or a slightly longer lungo in 30 seconds.
In contrast to bean-to-cup machines models take the messiest aspects of coffee making off your hands - including grinding and dosing grounds.
1. Fast
Pod machines can be set up and operated faster than espresso machines. Most of them can make a cup in just 30 minutes. However, they come with an expense in that 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 some companies are now offering recycling bags for free and UPS labels to return them).
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the most efficient pod machines available that is available, thanks to its in-built barcode scanner that scans the code of each compatible pod before making it. This allows you to ensure consistent quality, high-end coffee each time, with next-to-no chance of the drink turning out horribly wrong. The machine is also one of the slimmest and lightest on the market, with no need for an additional milk jug, and the smallest footprint, making it easy to fit into even the tiniest of kitchens.
The CitiZ is not the best machine to minimize the environmental impact. It doesn't have an automatic descaling function, and you'll have to do it yourself every 300 cups if reside in hard water, or 1200 cups in soft water zones. You'll also need to swap with a new cartridge once this runs out, which could be costly for some 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 and tampered grounds compressed between filter paper. This model is B-Corp Certified. It is committed to reducing the negative impact it has on its surroundings and its workforce. Its only downside is that it takes longer to heat up, but once this occurs, it can make one cup in just 35 seconds.
If you're looking for a sleek, stylish machine that can handle a range of different drink sizes and styles then take a look at the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This gorgeous, glossy machine, developed in collaboration with Sage and Sage, is not just simple and quick to operate but also comes with an ice cream frothing wand as well as a stainless steel jug.
2. Removable parts
A pod coffee maker's ease of use is a major draw and the top models are simple to operate. Most machines utilize the same method to make the cup of coffee you want the water is heated inside the reservoir, and then pushed through capsules to create rich hot, hot java. The majority of brands offer various drink sizes for different needs. You can also save your own settings to make the process more efficient.
Keurig's K-Cups and Nestle's Nespresso VertuoLine series are the two major players on the market, however each has a variety of capsules from the most popular roasters and brands. Certain pods can be used once before they are discarded however, others can be used several times. In either case, you'll have to plan ahead for the way you'll dispose of the pods you've used up so that they aren't thrown away in the trash.
The sleek SMEG model we tested features a water tank that is removable and easy to fill, and the machine automatically pours fresh capsules after the previous one has cooled. It can make espresso and lungo drinks and has eight different blends to give you variety. This brewer is a great choice for those who love coffee and want to move away from drip coffee.
In our tests in our tests, the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable one to use. Its sleek design looks great on your counter and opens with just a touch to reveal the compartment that holds empty pods. It also comes with the added benefit of a water filtration system, which is ideal for hard-water areas.
This machine is easy to use and brews regular coffee (240ml) and ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. The controls are easy to use, with the style of airplane toggles that can be easily retracted and a lever which retracts to reveal the hole to place into the pod. It takes a bit of effort to close, but our testers, including those with limited mobility and hand strength were able to use it comfortably.
3. Size
The top coffee pod machines remove all the messes of making coffee out of your hands. You simply put in one of the pods, press the button, and then make coffee. It is still necessary to clean the machine from time to time, but not as frequently as you would with a bean-to-cup cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are smaller than their bigger counterparts and can be stacked on the counter when not being used.
The ideal coffee maker for you will be determined by your preferences and what you want to achieve. The majority of pod machines are easy to use, however some provide more options for customization. Different pod types, brew sizes options and milk frothing capabilities should all be considered to find the ideal coffee pod machine for your needs.
Many people associate pod-based machines with the likes of Nespresso and Keurig However, there are some newer competitors that are worth a look. Bruvi has a custom-designed system of pods called B-Pods, which can only be used in its machines. The pods are identified with a barcode that is read by the machine to adjust the brewing settings automatically.
This means that the machine removes all the guesswork of brewing a cup and guarantees that every drink is made perfectly every time. It can even save customized drinks to a dedicated button, allowing you to create them at the push of a single button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way offer a more precise level of control over your coffee and allows you to select a specific size and temperature for each cup. It's more expensive than other models, but it comes with a polished stainless-steel build and excellent customer service that is synonymous with the Sage's My Way brand. This is a great option for those who want an extra bit of quality from their espresso maker that is based on pods.
Certain models are larger and can create lungos. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is a excellent example, blends retro-fifties style from SMEG and Italian coffee maker Lavazza. It's not easy initially due to the airplane-style toggles but once you've gotten used to it, the machine is quick and easy to use. A lungo can be prepared in just 30 minutes.
4. Customization
The limited capabilities of a pod coffee maker's customisation is a major reason it's not the best option for you. If you don't purchase an additional milk frother, the only methods to add flavor or creaminess are to use an in-mug hot chocolate or tea option and add milk to your coffee manually. This won't be an issue for most people, but could be an issue for those who like a fully automatic experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew technology utilizes barcode scanners to scan each capsule, and automatically pre-wet, infuse and give the correct amount of coffee for that particular type of pod. It's a simple, hands-off machine that does its job flawlessly, but does not have any options for making drinks that are customized or varying the strength of brew. This might be frustrating for some customers but for others, the simple automation and variety of cup lengths (espresso, lungo and mug) will provide exactly what they need.
Aside from filling up the tank with water and decaffeinating the reservoir on occasion This coffee maker does not require much maintenance. It can dispense short espresso-style shots or tall travel mugs effortlessly. As mentioned earlier, the used pods are then ejected from a hidden container that keeps your kitchen tidy. It also excels at delivering full-bodied espressos with tops that are topped with crema.
This machine is part Smeg's 1950s style range. It's user-friendly with a simple interface and can take ground coffee or ESE pods. The only downside is that it doesn't have an indicator that lets you know pods coffee machines when it's time to descale and the maximum water level can't be set, which is a minor inconvenience. You also need to buy the capsules made by the company which can be costly. But, it's an excellent pod coffee maker for anyone looking for an attractive and convenient appliance that will serve them well for an affordable price. If you're looking for some variety, a broad selection of third-party capsules is available for this model and it's compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.