The Best Pod Coffee Machines

With pod coffee machines, you simply put a sealed capsule with roasted or ground beans into the machine. The coffee is then poured into the machine for a specified amount of time.

Some pod coffee machines offer multiple cup sizes and frothing milk capabilities. Selecting the right pod coffee maker for you is dependent on your individual preferences and lifestyle.

1. Keurig K-Select

This machine is a great option if you're looking for an Keurig coffeemaker that isn't adorned with all the bells, whistles, and features of the more expensive models. It's easy to use and has a stunning appearance. When not in use, it can be easily hidden away in the kitchen.

One downside to this machine is that it could be loud, but it isn't an issue. It is also fairly compact and can be tucked away in tiny counter spaces. If you prefer a Keurig with a wider range of sizes or a carafe that can drip-brew your coffee, you might think about other alternatives.

The Keurig K-Select single serve coffee maker is a blend of elegant design and intuitive features to help you make your perfect cup every time. Choose from hundreds delicious K-Cups and brew coffee with a universal My-K-Cup filter (sold separately). The Strong Brew feature kicks up the intensity and strength of your coffee which makes it the ideal choice for those who appreciate a strong cup.

The brewer is simple to operate that are operated by buttons. Simply insert a K-Cup, select your desired size of brew and press brew. In less than a minute, you'll have a fresh cup of coffee waiting to enjoy. The large 52-ounce water reservoir allows you to make up to five cups in between refills, making it easier to manage your morning routine.

The Keurig is incredibly easy to clean. The water reservoir and lid can be cleaned and removed by hand. However, you should always remove the scale from your Keurig prior to cleaning it, and follow the instructions in the user manual to ensure that your machine is operating at its peak. This warranty covers the brewer and all original accessories, except for normal wear and tear, damage caused by misuse or abuse, and any external causes of failure such as power outages.

2. Tassimo My Way

This is the ideal choice for coffee lovers looking for an appliance that can do more than just making your regular cup. It can create a variety of drinks including hot cocoa. The huge 1.3-litre water tank lets multiple cups to be brewed simultaneously. The machine can be warmed up in three minutes, and includes a milk container that can be used to make latte or a cappuccino. It also features an LCD that can be touched to let you adjust the intensity, temperature, and quantity of your drink.

The Tassimo My Way uses the brand's T Discs that contain everything you require for your desired drink. There are more than 70 different varieties to choose from, ranging from brands like Kenco and Costa to Costa, Milka and Cadbury's. The machine also has a selection of T Discs for hot chocolate and tea as well.

We found the coffee it made to be of a excellent quality, though just a little less than some of the other pod machines featured in this round-up. It also heated the milk for the caffe latte in a short time and gave a smooth mouthfeel, but not too thick. It is important to remember that the milk's frothy texture has sugar which, though not a major issue, may not be for everyone's taste.

The Tassimo My Way is easy to keep clean, with the drip tray, the removable components of the brewing unit as well as coffee machines capsules the water tank being dishwasher-safe. There's an Brita filter included and a cleaning disc that can also be used. A handy indicator light lets you know when it's time to descale and a reservoir of water keeps the limescale at an absolute minimum. The machine is rated Energy Star, which helps reduce its electricity consumption by up to 15%..

3. Lavazza Lungo Pod Machine

The Nespresso-compatible pod espresso machine from Lavazza created in collaboration with Sage is among the most beautiful machines available. The machine is constructed of sturdy and attractive materials. It comes with a stylish steam wand that can be adjusted to make cappuccinos or lattes, and a stainless steel milk jug. Put a pod in, select your cup size and the machine goes into action brewing espresso lungo, double espresso gran lungo, mug and alto drinks with a thick layer of silky frosting.

Like most pod machines, you load the pod through a hatch on the top and then drop it into the right spot. The machine punctures the capsule and then closes it. When you pull the lever, the pod will fall into a specially spent pod tray beneath the drip tray.

The machine isn't the fastest way to make espresso. It takes 30 seconds for a single shot and 90 seconds for the lungo. But the results are always amazing with a smooth, rich taste and a delicious crema. The machine will also inform you when it is time to refill the water tank or pod bin.

One of the main selling points for this machine is the ability to use it with any Lavazza-branded pod - there are seven in all, including ground roasted espresso (Qualita Rossa, Intenso, Passionale and Delizioso), two decaffeinated (Dek Cremoso) and two organic coffees (!Tierra! Bio). It's not cheap, but with a subscription deal that combines the pod coffee machine with pod delivery that can come for a comparable price to a regular bean-to-cup machine. The slim design of this machine makes it possible to fit into the smallest kitchens. The pods are recyclable, so you can dispose of them in food waste bins for your council bins or garden compost.

4. Nespresso Vertuo Pod Machine

Nespresso machines are the best pods coffee makers for those who are looking for a reliable, quick and steady brew. They heat quickly and are incredibly simple to use--just insert a capsule, press a button, and you're done. They also produce a rich crema that you can add to your drinks to add thickness and flavor. The official pods are not cheap and you will have purchase them.

The Vertuo line is a distinct machine from the OriginalLine machines, which still make use of espresso capsules. They read the barcode of each capsule, automatically adapting the brewing parameters to create a perfect cup. They also have a centrifusion machine that spins the capsules in order to get the best flavor and the most thick crema.

The machines aren't as intuitive as our other choices. For instance the lid opens only when the machine is ready and it takes about 30 seconds to get hot enough to allow it to be put into a capsule. The machine doesn't come with milk frothers, as do some of the other pod machines on this list. So you'll have spend an extra PS90 to purchase a separate Aeroccino to make cappuccinos and lattes.

These machines also require more maintenance than other models, such as refilling the water tank and emptying used pod containers and descaling - but they come with an app which reminds you to do these tasks and also provides tools such as store locators and capsule recyclers. If you connect your machine to an IntelliPort you can control it with voice commands. This is a great feature when you're making coffee at 4am in the dark or have a limited strength.

5. SMEG Barista Pod Machine

This sleek machine is the lovechild between the adored Italian brand, and a renowned manufacturer of kitchen appliances. It comes with all the sleek, retro curves that SMEG is famous for, along with the ability to make lungo and espresso drinks with ease. It also has a shot setting that is programmable and dual-height drip tray, and a pod bin that can be removed.

This coffee maker lets you make an instant cup of lungo or espresso in the morning or during breaks at work. Its simple control panel makes it look sleek and doesn't distract you from its function. It comes with three baskets that can be swapped for different capsule types. You can also make use of loose ground beans (although you'll need to own a separate grinder).

The SMEG Barista Pod Machine does not include a milk pitcher. However, it has a Pannarello built-in milk frother that can froth cow and soymilk nicely. It also has a 51mm portafilter that is smaller than a typical commercial-style filter. It's pressurised which is great because it means you won't get that stale, leftover grind taste. It comes with a plastic tamper which also doubles as spoon.

The SMEG is the most expensive machine on our list. However, it's well worth it if you're looking for something retro or you love making espresso drinks quickly. It's also a great option when you're just beginning to learn about the world of coffee making and don't want to endure the hassle of measuring, grinding and tamping your own beans.