The Best Coffee Pod Machine

This sleek, brushed-steel machine provides the Sage distinctive quality and user-friendly. After switching on, it preheats and brews a fragrant espresso or a slightly longer lungo in about 30 minutes.

Models for pods are an excellent alternative to bean-to cup machines. They take the messiest aspects of making coffee off your hands, such as grinding and measuring grounds.

1. Fast

Pod machines can be set up and operated faster than espresso machines. The majority of them can make a cup in 30 minutes. However, they come with an expense as the pre-portioned pods of coffee that are used in these machines are generally more expensive than freshly roasted beans, and they are not recycled. (though certain companies now offer free recycling bags and pre-paid UPS labels for returning the pods).

The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the fastest pod machines on the market due to its in-built barcode scanner that scans the code of each compatible pod before brewing it. This ensures consistently top-quality coffee every time. There is hardly any possibility of getting a poor beverage. The machine is also one of the slimmest and lightest on the market, with no need for an additional milk jug or a small footprint making it easy to fit into even the tiniest of kitchens.

However, the CitiZ isn't the ideal 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. Once the filter cartridge is out, you'll need to replace it with a new one. This could be expensive for some users.

The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another fast machine that has buttons that can be customized and the option of using ground coffee or ESE pods, which are pre-dosed and tampered with grounds squeezed 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. The only drawback is that it takes longer to heat up, but once this is done, it will be able to brew 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 you should look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek machine designed in collaboration with Sage is not just simple 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 benefit. The top models are easy to operate. The majority of machines employ the same mechanism to brew a cup of coffee the water is heated inside a reservoir, then it is pushed through capsules to produce rich hot, hot java. The majority of brands offer a variety of drink sizes to suit different needs, and you can save custom settings for a variety of models to streamline the process even more.

Keurig K-Cups are among the largest player on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also offer a large selection of capsules from well-known roasters. Some pods are designed to be used once and get thrown away, whereas others are designed to be used for a variety of purposes. Either way, you'll need to plan ahead for how you'll deal with the pods you've used up so that they don't end up in landfill.

The SMEG we tested has a removable reservoir of water that is simple to fill. It also automatically dispenses another capsule after the previous one cools down. It can be used to brew espresso and lungo drinks, and has eight different blends for various options. This brewer is perfect for coffee lovers who want to move away from drip coffee.

In our tests, the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design is an attractive addition to your counter and it opens with a light touch to reveal a concealed compartment to store your empty pods. It also comes with the added benefit of an filtration system for water, which is great for hard-water areas.

This machine is able to make the standard cup of coffee (240ml) as well as lungo and ristretto espresso-style drinks, and is surprisingly quick. 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 in your pod. It requires some force to close, but the majority of our testers even those with limited hand strength and mobility, felt comfortable.

3. Size

The top coffee pod makers take all the messy parts of making coffee out of your hands - you simply load in a pod, hit the button, and then brew. You'll still have to clean your machine occasionally, but not like a bean-to-cup or espresso maker. Pod machines are also smaller than their bigger pods coffee machine counterparts which means they can be placed on the counter and be kept out of view when not in use.

If a coffee pod machine is the right option for you is based on your preferences and what you want to get from it. All pod machines are simple to use, but others provide more options for customization. Pod variety, brew size options, and milk frothing capabilities should all be considered to find the ideal coffee pod machine for you.

Most people will associate pod-based machines with the likes of Nespresso and Keurig However, there are a few more recent competitors which are worth looking into. One of them is Bruvi, which uses its own pod system, called B-Pods that can only be used by its machines. The pods are identified with a barcode, which is scanned by the machine to adjust the brewing parameters automatically.

This means that the machine removes all the guesswork of making a cup and guarantees that every drink is perfect every time. It is even able to save custom drinks to a separate button to allow you to create them at the push of a button.

Other machines, such as Sage's My Way offer a more precise level of control over your coffee and allows you to select the right size and temperature for each drink. It's more expensive than other models, however it comes with the polished stainless-steel construction and the excellent customer support synonymous with Sage's My Way. This is a great choice for those looking for an extra bit of quality from their pod-based espresso maker.

Certain models are larger and can make lungos. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is a fantastic example of this and is a combination of the retro style of SMEG with the retro-fifties design of SMEG Italian coffee maker, Lavazza. It's not easy initially due to the airplane-style toggles but once you get used to it, the machine is quick and easy to use. A lungo can be made in only 30 seconds.

4. Customization

The lack of customisation is a major reason it may not be the best choice for you. If you don't have an auxiliary milk frother, then the only option to add flavor or creaminess is to use a hot chocolate or tea option in your mug, or to manually add milk to the coffee. This shouldn't be a problem for many people, but it could be a problem for those who prefer an entirely automated 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 required for that type of pod. It's a simple, hands-off machine that performs its job well, but it doesn't have any options for customised drinks or altering the strength of brew. This might be frustrating for some customers however for others, the easy automation and range of cup lengths (espresso, lungo and mug) will provide precisely what they require.

Apart from filling the water tank and decaffeinating the reservoir occasionally This coffee maker does not need a lot of maintenance. It can dispense short espresso shots and tall travel mugs easily and, as previously mentioned, used pods are ejected to a hidden container which keeps your kitchen spotless. It also does a great job of delivering full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.

This machine is part of Smeg’s 1950s style range. It's user-friendly with a simple panel and can accommodate ground coffee or ESE pods. The only issue is that it doesn't have an indicator to let you know when it's time to descale and the maximum water level cannot be set, which is a minor inconvenience. You'll also have to purchase the brand's own capsules which can be costly. This is a good pod machine for anyone who wants an easy-to-use and stylish appliance that will serve well at a reasonable cost. For those who want more variety, a wide range of third-party capsules is offered for this model and it's compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.