Think You're The Perfect Candidate For Best Coffee Pod Machine? Check This Quiz
Think You're The Perfect Candidate For Best Coffee Pod Machine? Check This Quiz
Blog Article
The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The most sleek pod machine we've seen this model with brushed-steel features the trademark Sage quality and is easy to use. It heats up immediately after switching on and brews an aroma-packed espresso or a little longer lungo in 30 minutes.
Models for pods are a great alternative to bean-to cup machines. They take the clumsiest components of making coffee off your hands, like grinding and measuring grounds.
1. Fast
Pod machines are generally quicker to setup and use than espresso machines, with many can make coffee in just 30 seconds or so. However, they come with a 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 are now offering recycling bags for free and UPS labels to return them).
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the most efficient pod machines on the market due to its built-in barcode reader that scans code of each compatible pod before making it. This makes it simple to make consistent quality, high-end coffee each time, and there is virtually no chances of a drink turning out horribly wrong. The machine is also among the tiniest and lightest on the market, with no need for an additional milk jug, and its small footprint making it easy to fit in even the tiniest kitchen.
However, the CitiZ isn't the ideal machine for those looking to reduce their environmental impact. It doesn't have an automated descaling feature, and you'll have to descale it yourself once every 300 cups if reside in hard water areas or 1200 cups in soft water areas. When the filter cartridge wears out, you'll need replace it with a new. This could be expensive for some users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another speedy machine with customisable buttons and the option to use ground coffee or ESE pods, which are pre-dosed and tampered with grounds compressed between filter paper. This model is B-Corp Certified. It is committed to decreasing the negative impact it has on its environment and workforce. The only drawback is the time it takes to warm up. Once it is heated it will brew a cup in just 35 minutes.
Vertuo Creatista is a stylish sleek machine that is able to create a variety of drinks with different sizes and styles. This sleek machine, designed in collaboration with Sage is not only easy to use, but it also comes with an ice cream wand an stainless steel jug and a milk frother.
2. Removable parts
The ease of use of pod coffee makers is a major advantage. The most effective models are easy to operate. Most machines rely on the same method to make your cup the water is heated inside a reservoir, and then pushed through the capsules you choose and extracted to produce rich, hot java. Most brands offer a range of drink sizes to suit different requirements, and you can save custom 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 come with a variety of capsules from famous roasters. Some pods can be used once before they are discarded and others can be used several times. In either case, you'll have to think about how you'll deal with the pods you've used up so that they don't end up in landfill.
The sleek SMEG model we tested comes with an ejectable water tank that's easy to fill, and the machine automatically pours fresh capsules after the previous one has been cooled. It brews lungo and espresso drinks, and comes with a set of eight different blends to provide plenty of options. This brewer is ideal for coffee lovers who are looking to switch from drip coffee.
In our testing, the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most satisfying to use. Its sleek design looks stunning on your counter, and it opens with just a touch to reveal the compartment that holds empty pods. It has a water filter system that is perfect for areas that have hard water.
The machine can brew an ordinary cup of coffee (240ml) as well as ristretto and lungo espresso-style drinks and is extremely fast. The controls are easy to operate, with airplane-style toggles that can be retracted capsule coffee makers easily and a lever which retracts to reveal the hole to place in the pod. It requires a little force to close, but our testers, even those who have limited mobility and hand strength felt comfortable.
3. Size
The top coffee pod machines take away all the mess from coffee making. All you have to do is put a pod in the machine, press a button, and let it make coffee. It is still necessary to clean your machine every now and then but not as often as a bean-to-cup or espresso maker. Pod machines are smaller than their larger counterparts and can be stored on the counter when not being used.
The decision of whether a coffee machine is the right option for you depends on your preferences and what you're hoping to get out of it. All pod machines are simple to use, however some provide more options for customization. Pod variety, brew size options, and milk frothing features should all be considered to help find the perfect coffee pod machine for your needs.
Many people think of pod-based machines as the likes of Nespresso and Keurig however there are some newer competitors on the scene that could be worth considering. Bruvi utilizes a unique system of pods known as B-Pods that can only be used in its machines. These pods are marked with a barcode, which is read by the machine to adjust the brewing settings automatically.
The machine will eliminate all the guesswork and ensure that every drink is perfect every time. It can save your customised drinks to a button, so that you can make them by pressing one button.
Other machines, such as Sage's My Way offer a greater degree of control over your coffee, allowing you to choose the right size and temperature for each cup. It's more expensive than other models, but it comes with a polished stainless steel construction and superior customer service that is a hallmark of the brand. This is a good choice for those looking for something more from their espresso maker that is based on pods.
While the majority of people will use pod-based machines to make single-serve beverages There are some larger models that are able to make longer shots, referred to as lungos. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is a fantastic example of this. It is a combination of the retro style of SMEG with the classic design of Italian coffee maker, Lavazza. It's difficult to operate due to its airplane-style toggles and manual lever, but it's incredibly easy and incredibly satisfying to operate - a lungo is brewed in just 30 seconds and the discarded pods are deposited into an internal bin with the click of a button.
4. Customization
One of the main reasons a pod coffee maker may not be the best choice for you is its limited customization. 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 coffee. For most people, this shouldn't be a problem, but it could be a problem for those who prefer an automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew uses a barcode scanner to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wettes and infuses the right amount of coffee for the particular kind of pod. It's a simple, hands-off machine that performs its job very well but lacks any options for customizing drinks or varying the strength of brew. This may be a problem for some buyers however for others, the easy automation and variety of cup lengths (espresso, lungo and mug) it gives exactly what they need.
Aside from filling up the tank with water and decaffeinating it occasionally, this coffee maker will not need a lot of maintenance. It is able to serve espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs effortlessly and, as previously mentioned the used pods are ejected into a concealed receptacle which keeps your kitchen spotless. It also does a great job of delivering full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.
This machine is part Smeg's 1950s style range. It's simple to use with an easy-to-use panel of buttons and can accommodate ground coffee and ESE pods. The only issue is that it doesn't come with an indicator to let you know when it's time for descale. Also, the maximum water level cannot be set, which is a minor issue. It is also necessary to buy the capsules of the brand, which can be costly. This is a good pod machine for those who want an easy-to-use and stylish appliance that will serve well at a reasonable price. This model can be used with a variety of capsules from third-party manufacturers and works with the Nespresso Vertuo range.