The Best Coffee Pod Machine

The most elegant pod machine we've ever seen, this brushed-steel model offers the renowned Sage quality and user-friendly. After switching on, it preheats and brews a fragrant espresso or slightly longer lungo in just 30 minutes.

Unlike bean-to-cup machines, pod models take the messiest aspects of coffee making out of 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 in 30 seconds. But they do come at an expense as the pre-portioned pods of coffee used in these models are generally more expensive than freshly roasted beans and many are also not recyclable (though some companies now offer free recycling bags and pre-paid UPS labels for returning the pods).

The Nespresso CitiZ has one of the most efficient pod machines available due to the barcode scanner that scans each compatible pod's code prior to making coffee. This allows you to ensure consistent high-quality, high-end coffee every time, with next-to-no chance of a drink coming out badly wrong. The machine is among the tiniest and lightest available. It doesn't require an additional milk container and its compact footprint allows it to be easily incorporated into the smallest kitchens.

However, the CitiZ isn't the most efficient machine for those looking to reduce their environmental impact. The CitiZ isn't equipped with an automatic descaling feature. You'll need to manually descale the machine every 300 cups for hard water, and every 1200 cups for soft water. You'll also need to swap with a new cartridge after this expires and can be expensive for some users.

Tassimo Vivy 2 is a fast machine that can be customized with buttons. It can be utilized with ground coffee or ESE pods, which are pre-dosed, tampered grounds that are compressed between filter paper. This model is B-Corp Certified. It is committed to lessening the negative impact it has on the environment and workforce. Its only minor drawback is the time it takes to warm up. Once it is heated, it can brew one cup in just 35 seconds.

Vertuo Creatista is a stylish sleek machine that can create a variety of drinks in different sizes and styles. This glossy beauty, made in collaboration with Sage it is not only easy to use and quick to start, but also comes with an ice cream frothing wand as well as a stainless steel Jug.

2. Removable parts

The simplicity of a pod coffee maker is a major advantage. The most effective models are easy to operate. Most machines utilize the same method to make a cup of coffee the water is heated inside reservoirs, then it is pushed through capsules to produce rich, hot java. Many brands offer a variety of sizes of drinks to meet various needs. You can save your own settings for a variety of models to simplify the process even more.

Keurig K-Cups are among the largest players on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also have a wide selection of capsules from well-known roasters. Certain pods can be used just once before being thrown away and others can be used a number of times. You'll need a strategy for the pods you've used to avoid them ending up in landfill.

The SMEG we tested has a removable reservoir of water that is easy to fill. It also automatically dispenses another capsule after the previous one cools down. It can be used to brew lungo and espresso drinks and comes with eight different blends to give you the variety. This brewer will appeal to those who love philips l'or barista red Coffee capsule machine and want to switch from drip coffee.

In our tests in our tests, the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design is an eye-catching addition to your countertop and opens with a simple touch to reveal a hidden compartment for your empty pods. It also comes with the added benefit of a water filtration system, which is ideal for hard-water areas.

This machine is quick and brews standard coffee (240ml) and ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. The controls are simple to operate, with the style of airplane toggles that can be easily retracted and a lever which retracts to reveal the hole to place in the pod. It takes a bit of pressure to close, however most of our testers even those with weak hand strength and mobility, found it comfortable.

3. Size

The top coffee pod machines remove all the messes of coffee making out of your hands - you simply put in the pod, press the button, and then make coffee. You'll still need to clean your machine every now and then however not as often as a bean-to-cup or espresso maker. 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 personal preferences and what you want to achieve. All pod machines are simple to use, however some offer more customisation options than others. The variety of pods, brew size options, and milk frothing features should all be considered to determine the best coffee pod machine for you.

The majority of people associate pod-based machines with the likes of Nespresso and Keurig however there are a few more recent competitors on the scene which are worth looking into. Bruvi utilizes a unique system of pods known as B-Pods that can only be used in its machines. The pods are identified with a barcode that is scanned by the machine to adjust the brewing parameters automatically.

The machine will take all the guesswork out of it and ensure that every drink is perfect every time. It can save your customised drinks on a button to allow you to create them using one 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 cup. It'Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio S - Sleek Slate Grey Coffee Machine more expensive than other models, but it comes with the polished stainless steel construction and superior customer service that is synonymous with the Sage's My Way brand. This is a good option for those wanting to Get the Coconut White Krups Nespresso Vertuo Pop a bit more out of their espresso maker that is based on pods.

While most people are using pod-based machines to make single-serve beverages There are some larger models that can make longer shots, referred to as lungos, too. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is an excellent example of this and blends the retro-fifties style of SMEG with the retro-fifties design of SMEG Italian coffee brand, Lavazza. It's a bit intimidating at first thanks 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 only 30 seconds.

4. Customization

One big reason why pod coffee makers might not be right for you is the limited customization. If you don't have an alternative milk frother then the only way to add flavor or creaminess is to make use of hot tea or chocolate option in your mug or to manually add milk into your coffee. This shouldn't be a problem for many people, but could be an issue for those who like a fully automatic experience in the morning.

Bosch's Intellibrew technology makes use of 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 device that does a great job but lacks options for customising drinks or for varying the strength of brew. This will irritate some buyers but for others the hassle-free automation and variety of cup lengths (espresso, lungo and mug) it gives exactly what they need.

This coffee maker is very low-maintenance. It's all you have to do is to refill the tank with water, and decaffeinate it every time. It is able to serve espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs effortlessly and, as mentioned, used pods are ejected into a hidden receptacle that keeps your kitchen clean. It also does a fantastic job of providing 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 take ground coffee or ESE pods. Its only flaw is the absence of a display that tells you when to descale, and the inability to set the maximum level of water. It is also necessary to purchase the capsules made by the company which can be costly. This is a good pod machine for anyone looking for a convenient and attractive appliance that will serve well at a reasonable cost. If you're looking for some variety, a large selection of third-party capsules is offered for this model. It's compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.