Best Coffee Pod Machine Isn't As Tough As You Think
Best Coffee Pod Machine Isn't As Tough As You Think
Blog Article
The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The most elegant pod machine we've seen this brushed-steel model offers the trademark Sage quality and user-friendly. It preheats after switch-on, and then brews a delicious espresso or a little longer lungo in about 30 minutes.
Models for pods are a great alternative to bean-to-cup machines. They take the most messy components of making coffee off your hands, like grinding and measuring grounds.
1. Fast
Pod machines are typically quicker to setup and use than espresso machines, with the majority can make coffee in only 30 seconds or so. However, they come with a cost in that the pre-portioned coffee pods that are used in these machines tend to be more expensive than freshly roasted beans and they're not always recyclable (though some companies now offer recycling bags for free and UPS labels for returning the pods).
The Nespresso CitiZ has one of the most efficient pod machines available due to the barcode scanner which scans each compatible pod's code before brewing. This makes it easy to make consistent, high-quality coffee every time, and there is virtually no chances of a drink turning out badly wrong. The machine is also among the tiniest and lightest available, with no need for a separate milk jug and the smallest footprint, making it a breeze to fit into even the tiniest kitchen.
However, the CitiZ isn't the ideal machine for those who want to minimize their 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 1200 cups for soft water. You'll also need to swap in a new filter cartridge after this expires and can be expensive for certain users.
Tassimo Vivy 2 is a quick machine with customizable buttons. It can be used with either ground coffee or ESE pods that are pre-dosed, tampered grounds that are compressed between filter paper. The model is B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to lessening its negative impact on the environment and its workforce. The only drawback is that it takes a little longer to warm up, but once this is done, it will be able to brew a cup in around 35 minutes.
If you're looking for an elegant, stylish machine capable of handling a range of different drink sizes and styles then take a look at 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 a milk frother.
2. Removable parts
A pod coffee maker's ease of use is a major selling point, and the best models are easy to use. The majority of machines utilize the same general method to make your cup: water is heated inside a reservoir, and then pushed through the chosen capsules and extracted to form rich hot coffee. Most brands offer different sizes of drinks to meet different requirements. You can also save custom settings to speed up the process.
Keurig K-Cups are among the largest brands available on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also come with a variety of capsules from popular roasters. Some pods are able to be used just once before being thrown away, while others can be used multiple times. You'll need a plan for the pods you've used to avoid them from being thrown away.
The sleek SMEG model we tested features a removable water tank that's easy to fill, and the machine automatically pours fresh capsules after the previous one has been chilled. It can brew espresso and lungo drinks, and has eight different blends to offer variety. This brewer is perfect for coffee drinkers who wish to switch to drip coffee.
In our tests in our tests, the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable one to use. Its sleek design is beautiful on your counter, and it can be opened with a single touch to reveal the compartment that holds empty pods. It also comes with the added benefit of an filtration system for water, which is ideal for hard-water areas.
This machine brews the standard cup of coffee (240ml) as well as lungo and ristretto espresso-style drinks and is surprisingly fast. The controls are simple to use, with switches that resemble airplanes, which can be retracted easily and a lever that retracts to reveal the hole to place into your pod. It requires a bit of force to close, but the majority of our test subjects even those with limitations in hand strength and mobility, were able to use it comfortably.
3. Size
The best coffee pod makers eliminate all the mess that comes with coffee making - you just load a pod in the machine, push a button and let it be brewed. It is still necessary to clean your machine every now and then but not as often as a bean-to cup or espresso maker. Pod machines are also smaller than their bigger counterparts which means they can be placed on the counter and be kept out of sight when not in use.
The best coffee machine for you will depend on your preferences and what you want to achieve. The majority of pod machines are easy to operate, however, some offer more customization options. Different pod types, brew sizes options, and milk frothing capabilities are all important to find the ideal coffee pod machine for you.
Most people will associate pod-based machines with the likes of Nespresso and Keurig however there are a few more recent competitors on the scene 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 settings automatically.
The machine will take all the guesswork and make sure that each drink is perfect every time. It is even able to save custom drinks to a separate button so you can create them at the push of a single button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way, offer greater control over your cup of coffee than most, letting you choose the exact size and temperature for each drink. It's a little more expensive than some models, but it has the polished stainless steel build and the excellent customer service that is synonymous with the brand and is a great choice for those who need something more from their pod-based coffee maker.
While the majority of people will be using pod-based machines to make single-serve drinks, there are some larger models that are able to create longer shots, also known as lungos, also. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is an excellent example of this, and it is a combination of the retro style of SMEG with Italian coffee brand, Lavazza. It's difficult to operate due to its airplane-style toggles and manual lever, but it's quick and extremely enjoyable to use the lungo is made in just 30 seconds and the used pods are put into an internal bin at the push of the button.
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, the only option to enhance flavor or creaminess is to make use of hot chocolate or tea option in your mug, or to manually add milk to the coffee. This shouldn't be a problem for many people, but could be an issue for those who prefer the convenience of a fully automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew makes use of a barcode scanner to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wets and infuses the right amount of coffee to the specific type of pod. It's a hassle-free, hands-off machine that does the job flawlessly, but does not have any options for customised drinks or varying the strength of the brew. This will irritate some buyers however for others, the easy automation and range of cup lengths (espresso lungo, espresso and mug) it gives precisely what they require.
This coffee maker is very low-maintenance. It's all you have to do is to refill the water tank, and decaffeinate it every so often. It is able to serve espresso-style shots capsule coffee machines and tall travel mugs effortlessly and, as mentioned the used pods are ejected into a hidden container that helps keep your kitchen clean. It is also excellent at delivering full-bodied coffees with a crema-topped top.
This is a stunning machine that is part of Smeg's fifties-style range. It's easy to use with a simple interface and can take ground coffee or ESE pods. The only downside is that it lacks an indicator to let you know when it's time to descale and the maximum water level can't be set, which is a minor issue. You'll also have to purchase the brand's own capsules which can be expensive. However, this is an excellent pod coffee maker for anyone seeking a stylish and practical appliance that can provide them with quality coffee at an affordable cost. If you're looking for a little more variety, a broad selection of third-party capsules are available for this model and it's compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.