The best coffee machines with pods Coffee Pod Machine

The most elegant pod machine we’ve seen this model with brushed-steel features the signature Sage quality and is easy to use. After switching on, it preheats and makes a delicious espresso or slightly longer lungo in about 30 seconds.

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

1. Speedy

Pod machines can be set up and operated faster than espresso machines. They can typically make a cup of coffee in 30 seconds. But they come at an expense in that the pre-portioned coffee pods used in these machines are generally more expensive than freshly roasted beans. And they’re not always recyclable (though some companies are now offering free recycling bags and prepaid UPS labels to return them).

The Nespresso CitiZ has one of the most efficient pod machines available, thanks to the barcode scanner that scans each compatible pod’s code prior to brewing. This makes it easy to ensure consistent high-quality, high-end coffee every time, with next-to-no chance of a drink coming out horribly wrong. It is also one of the slimmest and lightest available, with no need for an additional milk jug, and the smallest footprint, making it a breeze to fit into even the tiniest of kitchens.

The CitiZ isn’t the most efficient machine to reduce the 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 every 1200 cups for soft water. Once the filter cartridge runs out, you’ll need replace it with a new. This can be costly for some users.

The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another quick machine that comes with a customisable button and the option to use ground coffee or ESE pods, which are pre-dosed and tampered grounds squeezed between filter paper. This model is B-Corp Certified. It is committed to decreasing the negative impact it has on its environment and its employees. The only drawback is the time it takes to heat up. Once it does it will brew a cup in about 35 minutes.

If you’re looking for a sleek, stylish machine that can handle 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 an stainless steel jug and a milk frother.

2. Removable parts

A pod coffee maker’s ease of use is a big selling point and the best models are easy to operate. The majority of machines use the same process to make your coffee: water is heated in an internal reservoir, then pressured through your chosen capsules and extracted to form rich hot java. Many brands offer a variety of sizes for drinks to meet different needs, and you can save your own settings on a number of models to speed up the process further.

Keurig’s K-Cups and Nestle’s Nespresso VertuoLine series are the two leading brands on the market, but both offer a variety of capsules from top roasters and brands. Certain pods can be used only once before they are discarded and others can be used multiple times. You’ll need a plan to dispose of your old pods to prevent them from being thrown away.

The SMEG we tested comes with a removable reservoir of water that is simple to fill. It also automatically releases an additional capsule once the previous one cools down. It can be used to brew lungo and espresso drinks and has eight different blends to offer the variety. This brewer is ideal for 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 attractive addition to your countertop and it can be opened with a gentle touch to reveal a concealed compartment for your empty pods. The machine comes with an in-built water filter system which is perfect for areas with hard water.

This machine is quick and brews standard coffee (240ml) as well as ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. Its user-friendly controls are easy to use with the help of switches that resemble airplanes and a lever that retracts without much effort to reveal the area where you drop in the pod. It does take a little effort to close, but our testers, even those who have weak hand and mobility felt comfortable.

3. Size

The top coffee pod machines eliminate all the mess that comes with coffee machine capsule making. You just add a pod, press a button and let it make coffee. It is still necessary to clean your machine occasionally however not as often as a bean-to cup or espresso maker. Pod machines are smaller than their larger equivalents and can be stored on the counter when not being used.

The decision of whether a coffee machine is the right choice for you depends on your preferences and what you’re hoping to get out of it. All pod machines are simple to use, but certain models offer more customization options than others. Consider the coffee pod variety sizes, brew sizes and milk frothing options when choosing the best coffee pod machine machine.

The most popular pod-based coffee machines are Nespresso, Keurig and similar brands. However, there are some newer competitors that may be worth looking at. One of them is Bruvi, which uses a bespoke pod system known as B-Pods that can only be used in conjunction with its machines. The pods are identified with a barcode, which is scanned by the machine to adjust the brewing settings automatically.

This method takes all the guesswork out the process of making a cup, and makes sure that each drink comes out perfectly every time. It is able to save your customized drinks in a single button to allow you to create them using only one button.

Other machines, like Sage’s My Way offer a more granular level of control over your coffee, allowing you to choose the ideal 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 service that is a hallmark of the Sage’s My Way brand. This is a great option for those who want something more from their pod-based espresso maker.

While the majority of people will use the pod-based machine to create single-serve beverages however, there are a few larger models that are able to brew longer shots, known as lungos, also. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, which is a excellent example, blends retro-fifties style from SMEG and Italian coffee brand Lavazza. It’s a bit intimidating at first thanks to the toggles that look like airplanes, but once you get used to it, the machine is quick and easy to use. A lungo can be prepared in just 30 seconds.

4. Customization

One reason a pod coffee maker may not be the right choice for you is its limited customization. If you don’t have an auxiliary milk frother then the only option to add flavor or creaminess is to use a hot chocolate or tea option in your mug or to manually add milk into your coffee. For most people, this won’t be a problem, but it could be a problem for those who prefer an automated experience in the morning.

Bosch’s Intellibrew technology utilizes a barcode reader to scan each capsule and automatically pre-wet, infuse, and disperse the right amount of coffee for that particular kind of pod. It’s a simple, hands-off machine that does its job flawlessly, but does not have any options for making drinks that are customized or for varying the strength of brew. Some customers will be irritated by this, but others will find the ease of use and variety of cup sizes (espressos and mugs, lungos and espressos) to be exactly what they are seeking.

In addition to filling up the water tank and decaffeinating the reservoir occasionally, this coffee maker will not need a lot of maintenance. It can dispense short espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs with ease. As previously mentioned, used pods are then ejected from a container hidden from view that keeps your kitchen tidy. It also does a fantastic job of delivering full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.

It’s a gorgeous machine and is part of Smeg’s fifties-style range. It’s user-friendly with simple buttons and can be used with both ground coffee and ESE pods. The only downside is that it doesn’t come with an indicator that lets you know when it’s time to descale, and the maximum water level can’t be set, which is a minor inconvenience. You’ll also need to purchase the brand’s capsules which can be expensive. However, this is a good pod coffee maker for those seeking a stylish and convenient appliance that will serve them well for an affordable cost. If you’re looking 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.