The Best Coffee Pod Machine

The sleekest pod machine we've seen, this brushed-steel model has the trademark Sage quality and is easy to use. When it is turned on, it preheats and makes a scrumptious espresso or a slightly longer lungo in about 30 seconds.

In contrast to bean-to-cup machines models take the most messy aspects of coffee making off your hands, such as grinding and dosing grounds.

1. Rapid

Pod machines are generally quicker to install and use than espresso machines, with many able to make coffee in 30 seconds or less. The pre-portioned pods used in these machines are typically more costly than freshly roasted coffee beans, and many are not recyclable.

The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the most efficient pod machines that you can find due to its built-in barcode reader that scans code of each compatible pod before brewing it. This ensures you get consistently high-quality coffee, every time. There is hardly any possibility of getting a poor drink. The machine is among the slimmest and lightest available. It does not require an additional milk container, and its compact size allows it to be easily incorporated into even the smallest kitchens.

However the CitiZ isn't the best machine for those who want to minimize their environmental impact. It doesn't have an automated descaling function, and you'll have to clean it yourself every 300 cups if you reside in hard water areas or 1200 cups in soft water areas. It is also necessary to put with a new cartridge when it runs out, which could be costly for some users.

The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another fast machine that has buttons that can be customized and the option of using either ground coffee or ESE pods that are pre-dosed and tampered grounds packed between filter paper. This model is B-Corp Certified. It is committed to decreasing the negative impact it has on its surroundings and its workforce. Its only minor drawback is the time it takes to heat up. Once it does, it can brew one cup in about 35 seconds.

If you're after an elegant, sleek machine that can handle a variety of different sizes and styles then look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek beauty, created in collaboration with Sage, is not only easy to use and quick to start, but also comes with a milk frothing wand and an stainless steel jug.

2. Removable parts

The ease of using pod coffee makers is a major selling point. The best models are simple to use. Most machines utilize the same process to brew the cup of coffee you want: water is heated inside the reservoir, and then it is pushed through capsules to produce rich hot java. The majority of brands offer various sizes of drinks for different needs. You can also save custom settings to make the process more efficient.

Keurig K-Cups are the biggest player on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also come with a variety of capsules made by the most popular roasters. Some pods are designed to be used just once and then be thrown away, while others are designed to be used multiple times. Either way, you'll need to think about the way you'll dispose of the pods that are no longer being used so they aren't thrown away in the trash.

The SMEG we tested has a removable water reservoir that is easy to fill. It also automatically dispensates a new capsule after the previous one cools down. It brews coffee and lungo drinks and comes with a set of eight different blends that provide plenty of options. This brewer will appeal to coffee lovers who are looking to switch from drip coffee.

In our testing, the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design makes it an eye-catching addition to your countertop and it can be opened with a gentle touch to reveal a concealed compartment to store your empty pods. The machine has a water filter system which is perfect for areas with hard water.

This machine brews a standard cup of coffee (240ml) as well as lungo and ristretto-style espresso drinks and is surprisingly fast. The controls are simple to operate, using switches that resemble airplanes, which can be easily pulled back and a lever which retracts to reveal the opening to drop into your pod. It does take a little force to close but our testers, even those with limitations in hand strength and mobility, found it comfortable.

3. Size

The best coffee pod makers remove all the mess from coffee making. All you have to do is add a pod the machine, push a button and let it brew. You'll still have to clean the machine from time time but not as often as you would with a bean-to-cup cup or espresso maker. Pod machines are also smaller than their counterparts that are larger which means they can be placed on the counter and be stored away from sight when not in use.

The ideal coffee maker for you will depend on your preferences and what you want to achieve. All pod machines are simple to use, however some offer more customisation options than others. Be aware of the different coffee pods, brew sizes and milk options for frothing when picking the right machine.

Most people will think of pod-based machines as the likes of Nespresso and Keurig, but there are some newer rivals which are worth looking into. One is Bruvi which has its own pod system, called B-Pods, which can only be used in conjunction with its machines. These pods are marked with a barcode that is scanned by the machine to adjust the brewing settings automatically.

The machine will take all the guesswork and ensure that every drink is perfect every time. It can save your custom drinks in a single button to allow you to create them with one button.

Other machines, such as Sage's My Way, offer more control over your coffee than the majority models, allowing you to select the right size and temperature for each beverage. It's more expensive than other models, however it comes with a polished stainless-steel construction and the excellent customer support synonymous with the brand. This is a good option for those wanting to get a bit more out of their pod-based espresso maker.

While most people are using pod-based machines to make single-serve drinks, there are some larger models that can brew longer shots, known as lungos, too. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is an excellent example of this, and it combines the retro fifties styling of SMEG with Italian coffee maker, Lavazza. It's a little intimidating at first thanks to the airplane-style toggles, however once you've become accustomed to it, the machine is easy and enjoyable to use. A lungo can be brewed in 30 seconds.

4. Customization

The lack of flexibility is one of the main reasons it's not the best option for you. If you don't have an auxiliary milk frother then the only option to add flavor or creaminess is to make use of hot tea or chocolate option in your mug or to manually add milk to the coffee. For most people, this shouldn't be a problem, but it could be a nagging issue for those who prefer a fully automated experience in the morning.

Bosch's Intellibrew utilizes barcode scanners to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wettes and infuses the right amount of coffee to the specific type of pod. It's a simple, hands-off machine which does an excellent job, but lacks options for customising capsule machine coffee drinks or altering the strength of brew. This might be frustrating for some customers but for others, the simple automation and range of cup lengths (espresso lungo, espresso 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 require much maintenance. It can dispense short espresso shots or tall travel mugs with ease. As mentioned, the used pods are ejected in an unnoticed container which keeps your kitchen clean. It also does an excellent job of delivering full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.

This machine is part Smeg's 1950s-style collection. It's user-friendly with simple buttons and can accommodate ground coffee as well as ESE pods. The only issue is that it doesn't have an indicator to let you know when it's time for descale. Also, the maximum water level cannot be set, which is a minor inconvenience. It is also necessary to buy the capsules of the brand, which can be expensive. Nevertheless, this is a good pod coffee maker for those seeking a stylish and convenient appliance that will serve them well for an affordable price. This model is compatible with a variety of capsules from third-party manufacturers and works with the Nespresso Vertuo range.