Best Coffee Pod Machine: What's The Only Thing Nobody Is Discussing
Best Coffee Pod Machine: What's The Only Thing Nobody Is Discussing
Blog Article
The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The most sleek pod machine we've ever seen, this brushed-steel model has the trademark Sage quality and is easy to use. It preheats after switch-on, and brews an aroma-packed espresso or a little longer lungo in 30 minutes.
Unlike bean-to-cup machines, pod models take the most messed-up aspects of coffee making off your hands - including grinding and dosing grounds.
1. Rapid
Pod machines can be set up and used faster than espresso machines. The majority of them can make a cup of coffee in 30 minutes. The pre-portioned pods that are used in these machines are typically more costly than freshly roasted coffee beans and many of them aren't recyclable.
The Nespresso CitiZ has one of the fastest pod machines available, thanks to the barcode scanner that scans each compatible pod's code prior to making coffee. This ensures consistently high-quality coffee, every time. There is almost no chance of getting a bad drink. The machine is also among the slimmest and lightest on the market that doesn't require a separate milk jug and the smallest footprint, making it easy to fit in even the tiniest of kitchens.
However the CitiZ isn't the most efficient machine for those looking to cut down on their environmental impact. The CitiZ isn't equipped with an automatic descaling feature. You will need to manually descale the machine every 300 cups for hard water and every 1200 cups for soft water. You'll also need to swap in a new filter cartridge once this runs out and could be expensive for some 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, which are pre-dosed and tampered grounds packed between filter paper. It is also B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to lessening its negative impact on the environment and its workforce. The only drawback is the time it takes to heat up. Once it is heated it will brew a cup in around 35 seconds.
If you're looking for an elegant, sleek machine that can handle a variety of different drink sizes and styles then look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek beauty, created in collaboration with Sage it is not only quick and simple to operate but also comes with an ice cream frothing wand as well as a stainless steel Jug.
2. Removable parts
The ease of using pod coffee makers is a major selling point. The top models are simple to use. The majority of machines use the same method to make your cup: water is heated inside a reservoir, then pressured through your chosen capsules and extracted to produce rich hot java. Many brands offer a variety of drink sizes for different needs. You can also save custom settings to make the process more efficient.
Keurig K-Cups are among the top players on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also come with a variety of capsules from well-known roasters. Some pods are able to be used only once before being thrown away and others can be used a number of times. You'll need a plan for your used pods to avoid them from being thrown away.
The sleek SMEG model we tested comes with a water tank that is removable and easy to fill, and the machine automatically pours new capsules once the previous one has been cooled. It can be used to brew coffee and lungo drinks and comes with a set of eight different blends to provide you with a wide selection. This brewer is ideal for coffee lovers who are looking to move away from drip coffee.
In our tests, the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable one 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 for empty pods. The machine has an in-built water filter system that is perfect for areas that have hard water.
The machine is fast and brews standard coffee (240ml) as well as ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. Its intuitive controls are a joy to use using the aircraft-style toggles as well as a lever that retracts with little effort to reveal the space that allows you to insert the pod. It takes a bit of pressure to close, however the majority of our testers who have weak hand strength and mobility, found it comfortable.
3. Size
The best coffee pod machines take all the messy parts of making coffee out of your hands - you simply load in one of the pods, press an icon and make coffee. You will still need to clean the machine from time to time, but not as frequently as you would with a bean-to cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are also smaller than their counterparts that are larger, so they can fit on the counter and be kept out of view when not in use.
The ideal coffee maker for you will depend on your preferences and what you wish to achieve. The majority of pod machines are easy to use, however some offer more customisation options than others. Different pod types, brew sizes options and milk frothing capabilities are all important to find the ideal coffee pod machine for your needs.
Many people associate pod-based machines with the likes of Nespresso and Keurig however there are a few newer rivals that are worth a look. Bruvi has a custom-designed system of pods, called B-Pods that can only be used in its machines. The pods are marked by a barcode which is read by the machine to adjust the brewing parameters automatically.
The machine will eliminate the guesswork and ensure that every drink is perfect 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 precise level of control over your coffee, allowing you to choose the right temperature and size for each cup. It's more expensive than other models, but it comes with the polished stainless-steel build and excellent customer support synonymous with the brand. This is a great option for those who want something more from their pod-based espresso maker.
While the majority of people are using a pod-based machine to make single-serve drinks however, there are a few larger models that can create longer shots, also known as lungos. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is an excellent example of this, and it blends the retro-fifties style of SMEG with Italian coffee brand, Lavazza. It can be a little intimidating to use thanks to its airplane-style toggles and manual lever, but it's quick and incredibly satisfying to operate - a lungo is brewed in just 30 seconds and the discarded pods are put into an internal bin with the click of the button.
4. Customization
One reason a pod coffee maker may not be right for you is its limited flexibility to customize. If you don't buy an auxiliary milk frother, the only methods to add extra flavor or creaminess are to make use of a hot chocolate in-mug or tea option and to add milk to your cup manually. This shouldn't be a problem for most people, but it could be an issue for those who prefer an entirely automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew technology makes use of barcode readers to scan each capsule and automatically pre-wet, infuse, and disperse the right amount of coffee for that particular kind of pod. It's an easy-to-use hands-off device that does a great job however it isn't equipped with options for customizing drinks or varying brew strength. This might be coffee pods machine frustrating for some customers however for others, the easy automation and range of cup lengths (espresso lungo, espresso and mug) it provides precisely what they require.
In addition to filling up the tank with water and decaffeinating the reservoir on occasion, this coffee maker will not need a lot of maintenance. It can make short espresso shots or tall travel mugs effortlessly. As mentioned, the used pods are then ejected from an unnoticed container which keeps your kitchen clean. It also does a great job of providing full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.
This is a beautiful-looking machine and is part of Smeg's fifties-style range. It's simple to use with simple buttons, and it can handle both ground coffee and ESE pods. Its only flaw is the lack of an indicator that tells you when to descale, and the inability to set the maximum water level. You also need to buy the capsules made by the company which can be expensive. However, this is an excellent pod coffee maker for anyone looking for an attractive and practical appliance that can serve them well for an affordable cost. For those who want some variety, a wide range of third-party capsules are available for this model and it's compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.