20 Up-And-Comers To Watch In The Best Coffee Pod Machine Industry
The Best Coffee Pod MachineThe sleekest pod machine we've seen this model with brushed-steel features the trademark Sage quality and user-friendly. It heats up immediately after switching on and then brews a delicious espresso or a slightly longer lungo in 30 seconds.
Pod models are an excellent alternative to bean-to cup machines. They take the most messy components of making coffee off your hands, like grinding and measuring grounds.
1. Speedy
Pod machines can be installed and used more quickly than espresso machines. The majority of them can make a cup of coffee in 30 seconds. However, they come with some cost: the pre-portioned coffee pods used in these machines 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 fastest pod machines that is available due to its in-built barcode reader that scans code of each compatible pod before brewing it. This makes it easy to get consistent, high-quality coffee every time, with virtually no chance of the drink turning out horribly wrong. The machine is one of the tiniest and lightest on the market. It does not require an additional milk container and its compact size makes it easy to fit into even the smallest kitchens.
The CitiZ isn't the best machine to reduce your 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. When the filter cartridge wears out, you'll need to replace it with a new one. This could be expensive for certain users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another quick machine that comes with a customisable button and the option of using either ground coffee or ESE pods that are pre-dosed, tampered and packed between filter paper. It is also B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to reducing its negative impact on the environment as well as its employees. The only drawback is that it takes a little longer to warm up, but once this occurs, it can make one cup in just 35 seconds.
If you're after an elegant, sleek machine capable of handling a range of different drink sizes and styles then look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek machine, created in collaboration with Sage is not just easy to use, but also comes with an ice cream wand a stainless steel jug, and milk frother.
2. Removable parts
The simplicity of a pod coffee maker is a major benefit. The best models are easy to operate. Most machines rely on the same general method to make your cup the water is heated inside a reservoir, and then pushed through the chosen capsules and extracted to create rich, hot java. Many brands offer a variety of sizes for drinks to meet different needs, and you can save custom settings on a number of models to streamline the process further.
Keurig K-Cups are among the top player on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also have a wide selection of capsules by famous roasters. Some pods can be used only once before they are discarded, while others can be used multiple times. In either case, you'll have to plan ahead for how you'll handle the pods you've used up so that they aren't thrown away in the trash.
The sleek SMEG model we tested features a water tank that is removable and easy to fill, and the machine will automatically pour new capsules once the previous one has cooled. It can brew espresso and lungo drinks, and comes with eight different blends for variety. This brewer is a great choice for those who love coffee and want to move away from drip coffee.
In our testing, the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design looks stunning on your counter and can be opened with a single touch to reveal the hidden compartment that holds your empty pods. The machine comes with an in-built water filter system that is ideal for areas with hard water.
This machine is quick and brews regular coffee (240ml) as well as ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. The controls are simple to operate, using airplane-style toggles that can be retracted easily and a lever which retracts to reveal the opening to drop in your pod. It requires a little force to close, but our testers, even those who have limited mobility and hand strength were able to use it comfortably.
3. Size
The top coffee pod machines remove all the messes of making coffee out of your hands. You simply need to load one of the pods, press the button, and then make coffee. You'll still have to clean your machine occasionally, but not like a bean-to-cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are also smaller than their bigger counterparts which means they can be placed on the countertop and be stored out of view when not being used.
If a coffee pod machine is the right choice for you depends on your preferences and what you're looking to get out of it. The majority of pod machines are easy to use, but others offer more customization options. Consider the coffee pod variety as well as brew sizes, milk and options for frothing when picking the right machine.
Most people will associate pod-based machines with the likes of Nespresso and Keurig however there are some newer competitors 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 that is scanned by the machine to adjust the brewing settings automatically.
This means that the machine takes all the guesswork out of brewing a cup and guarantees that every drink comes out perfectly every time. It is able to save your customized drinks in a single button so that you can make them by pressing one button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way offer a greater degree of control over your coffee, allowing you to choose the ideal size and temperature for each beverage. It's more expensive than other models, but it has the polished stainless steel construction and superior customer service that is a hallmark of the brand. This is a good option for those who want a bit more out of their espresso maker that is based on pods.
Some larger models can also brew lungos. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is a fantastic example of this, and it combines the retro fifties styling of SMEG with the retro-fifties design of SMEG Italian coffee brand, Lavazza. It's not easy initially due to the toggles that look like airplanes, however once you've become accustomed to it, the machine is quick and satisfying to use. A lungo can be made in only 30 seconds.
4. Customization
One of the main reasons pod coffee makers might not be the right choice for you is the limited customizability. If you don't buy an additional milk frother, the only ways to add extra flavor or creaminess is to use an in-mug hot chocolate or tea option and to add milk manually to your coffee. This shouldn't be a problem for many people, but it could be an issue for those who prefer the convenience of a fully automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew technology utilizes barcode scanners to scan each capsule and automatically pre-wet, infuse, and disperse the right amount of coffee required for that type of pod. It's a hands-free, easy-to-use machine that does the job flawlessly, but does not have any options for customised drinks or for varying the strength of brew. Some customers might be disappointed by this, however others will appreciate the ease of use and variety of cup sizes (espressos, lungos and mugs) to be exactly what they're searching for.
Aside from filling up the tank with water and decaffeinating the reservoir occasionally, this coffee maker will not require much maintenance. It can dispense short espresso shots and tall travel mugs easily and, as mentioned the used pods are ejected to a hidden receptacle that keeps your kitchen clean. It is also excellent in delivering full-bodied coffees that have tops that are topped with crema.
This is a beautiful-looking machine and part of Smeg's fifties-style range. It's easy to use with a simple panel and can be used with ground coffee or ESE pods. Its only flaw is the lack of a display that will let you know when it's time to descale, as well as the inability to set the maximum level of water. You'll also need to buy the capsules of the brand, which can be expensive. This is a good pod machine for those who want an attractive and convenient appliance that is able to serve at a reasonable price. If you're looking pod coffee machine for a little more variety, a wide range of third-party capsules is available for this model, and it's also compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.