The Best Coffee Pod Machine

This sleek, brushed-steel model offers the Sage distinctive quality and user-friendly. It preheats after switch-on, and then brews a delicious espresso or a little longer lungo in just 30 minutes.

As opposed to bean-to-cup machines, pod models take the messiest aspects of coffee making out of your hands, such as grinding and dosing grounds.

1. Fast

Pod machines are generally easier to install and use than espresso machines, with many can make a cup of coffee in 30 seconds or less. The pre-portioned pods used in these machines tend to be more expensive than freshly roasted coffee beans, and a lot of them aren't recyclable.

The Nespresso CitiZ has one of the fastest pod machines available due to the barcode scanner which scans each compatible pod's code prior to making coffee. This allows you to make consistent, high-quality coffee every time, and there is virtually no chance of the drink turning out badly wrong. It is also one of the slimmest and lightest on the market that doesn't require an additional milk jug, and the smallest footprint, making it a breeze to fit into even the tiniest kitchen.

However, the CitiZ isn't the most efficient machine for those who want to reduce their environmental impact. The CitiZ doesn't have an automatic descaling feature. You will need to manually descale the machine every 300 cups for hard water and 1200 cups for soft water. When the filter cartridge wears out, you'll need replace it with a new one. This can be costly for certain users.

The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another quick machine that comes with a customisable button and the option of using ground coffee or ESE pods that 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 the environment and its employees. Its only slight drawback is that it takes a little longer to heat up, but once that occurs, it can make the cup in about 35 seconds.

If you're looking for an elegant, stylish machine that can handle a variety of different sizes and styles then you should look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek machine, created in collaboration with Sage is not only easy to use, but it also comes with an ice cream wand, an stainless steel jug and milk frother.

2. Removable parts

The ease of use of a pod coffee maker is a major advantage. The best models are easy to operate. Most machines utilize the same basic process to brew a cup of coffee that is, heated water is placed in a reservoir, then pushed through capsules to create rich, hot java. The majority of brands offer various drink sizes for different needs. You can also save custom settings to make the process more efficient.

Keurig's K-Cups and Nestle's Nespresso VertuoLine series are the two leading players on the market, but each offers a wide selection of capsules from the most popular roasters and brands. Some pods can be used just once before being thrown away and others can be used a number of times. You'll need a plan to dispose of your old pods to prevent them from being thrown away.

The SMEG we tested has a reservoir of water that is simple to fill. It also automatically releases an additional capsule once the previous one cools down. It can make lungo and espresso drinks and has eight different blends for various options. This brewer is a great choice for coffee lovers who are looking to move away from drip coffee.

In our testing of the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most satisfying to use. Its sleek design makes it an eye-catching addition to your countertop and it opens with a simple touch to reveal a concealed compartment for empty pods. It has an in-built water filter system that is perfect for areas with hard water.

The machine is fast and can make regular coffee (240ml) and ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. The controls are simple to operate, with airplane-style toggles that can be retracted easily and a lever which retracts to reveal the hole to place into your pod. It requires a bit of effort to close, but the majority of our test subjects even those with limited hand strength and mobility, felt comfortable.

3. Size

The best coffee pod machines take the mess of making coffee out of your hands - you simply need to load the pod, press an icon and prepare to brew. You'll still have to clean your machine occasionally however not as often as a bean-to-cup or espresso maker. Pod machines are smaller than their bigger counterparts, and can be stored on the counter when not in use.

The ideal coffee maker for you will be determined by your personal preferences and what you want to achieve. All pod machines are easy to use, however some offer more customisation options than others. Consider the coffee pod variety sizes, brew sizes and milk frothing options when choosing the best machine.

Most people will think of pod-based machines as the likes of Nespresso and Keurig However, there are a few newer competitors that could be worth considering. One is Bruvi which has an exclusive pod system called B-Pods, which can only be used with its machines. The pods are equipped with a barcode on the underside that machines scan to adjust the brewing settings automatically.

This means that the machine takes all the guesswork out of brewing a cup and ensures each drink comes out perfectly every time. It can even save customised drinks to a specific button so you can make them with the press of a single button.

Other machines, like Sage's My Way offer a more granular level of control over your coffee that allows you to select a specific temperature and size for each beverage. It's more expensive than other models, but it has the polished stainless steel construction and superior customer service that is synonymous with the Sage's My Way brand. This is a great option for those who want a bit more out of their pod-based espresso maker.

Some models with larger capacities can also create lungos. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is a perfect example, blends retro-fifties style from SMEG and Italian coffee maker 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 made in 30 minutes.

4. Customization

One big reason why a pod coffee maker may not be the right choice for you is its lack of customization. If you don't have an additional milk frother, then the only way to add more flavor or creaminess is to pod coffee makers use a hot tea or chocolate option in your mug, or to manually add milk to the coffee. This won't be an issue for most people, but it could be an issue for those who like a fully automatic experience in the morning.

Bosch's Intellibrew uses barcode scanners to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wettes, infuses and dispenses the right amount of coffee for the particular kind of pod. It's a hassle-free, hands-off machine that performs its job well, but it doesn't have any options for customised drinks or altering the strength of the brew. Some buyers will be annoyed by this, but many will find the ease of use and the variety of cup sizes (espressos and lungos, as well as mugs) to be exactly what they're searching for.

The coffee maker is extremely low-maintenance. It only requires you to fill up the tank with water, and decaffeinate it every once in a while. It can dispense short espresso-style shots or tall travel mugs easily. As mentioned earlier, the used pods are ejected into a hidden container that keeps your kitchen tidy. It also does a great job of serving full-bodied, crema-topped espressos.

This machine is part of Smeg’s 1950s-style range. It is easy to use with a simple panel and can accommodate ground coffee or ESE pods. The only drawback is that it lacks an indicator that lets you know when it's time to descale, and the maximum water level cannot be set which is an inconvenience. You will also have to purchase the brand's capsules which can be expensive. But, it's an excellent pod coffee maker for anyone seeking a stylish and functional appliance that will provide them with a great service at a reasonable cost. This model can be used with a variety of third-party capsules and also works with the Nespresso Vertuo range.