Best Coffee Pod Machine: 11 Things You've Forgotten To Do
Best Coffee Pod Machine: 11 Things You've Forgotten To Do
Blog Article
The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The most elegant pod machine we've seen this model with brushed-steel features the trademark Sage quality and user-friendly. When it is turned on, it warms up and makes a scrumptious espresso or slightly longer lungo within 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. Rapid
Pod machines are generally easier to install and use than espresso machines, with the majority can make coffee in 30 seconds or less. But they do come at a cost in that the pre-portioned coffee pods used in these models tend to be more expensive than freshly roasted beans, and they're not always recyclable (though some companies are now offering free recycling bags and pre-paid UPS labels for returning the pods).
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the most efficient pod machines that is available due to its in-built barcode reader that scans the code of each compatible pod before making it. This allows you to ensure consistent quality, high-end coffee each time, with virtually no chance of the drink turning out horribly wrong. The machine is one of the lightest and slimmest on the market. It doesn't require a separate milk container and its small footprint makes it easy to fit into the tiniest kitchens.
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 will need to manually descale the machine every 300 cups for hard water, and 1200 cups for soft water. You'll also need to swap with a new cartridge after this expires and can be expensive for certain users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another quick machine that comes with a customisable button and the option to use either ground coffee or ESE pods, which are pre-dosed, tampered and packed 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. Its only downside is that it takes a little longer to heat up, but once this happens it can brew the cup in about 35 seconds.
Vertuo Creatista is a stylish sleek machine that is able to make a variety drinks in different sizes and styles. This sleek beauty, created in collaboration with Sage and Sage, is not just simple and quick to operate but also comes with a milk frothing wand and an stainless steel Jug.
2. Removable parts
The ease of use of pod coffee makers is a major selling point. The top models are easy to operate. Most machines rely on the same basic method to make your cup the water is heated in an internal reservoir, and then pushed through your chosen capsules and extracted to produce rich, hot coffee. Most brands offer a range of sizes for drinks to meet different requirements, and you can save custom settings on a number of models to streamline the process even more.
Keurig's K-Cups and Nestle's Nespresso VertuoLine series are the two major players in 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 several times. You'll need a plan to dispose of your used pods to avoid them from ending up in the garbage.
The sleek SMEG model we tested comes with an ejectable water tank that's easy to fill and the machine will automatically pour fresh capsules after the previous one has cooled. It brews espresso and lungo drinks, and comes with a set of eight different blends that provide you with a wide selection. This brewer is perfect for those who love coffee and want to make the switch from drip coffee.
In our testing we found that the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most satisfying to use. Its sleek design looks great on your counter and opens with just a touch to reveal the hidden compartment that houses empty pods. The machine comes with an in-built water filter system which is perfect for areas with hard water.
This machine is easy to use and can brew regular coffee (240ml) as well as pod and bean coffee machine ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. The controls are simple to use, with the style of airplane toggles that can be easily retracted and a lever that retracts to reveal the opening for dropping into your coffee maker. It takes a bit of force to close, but most of our testers, including those with limitations in hand strength and mobility, felt comfortable.
3. Size
The top coffee pod machines eliminate all the mess that comes with coffee making. All you have to do is put 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 however not as often as a bean-to-cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are smaller than their larger counterparts, so they can fit on the counter and be kept out of sight when not in use.
The best coffee machine for you will be determined by your preferences and the goals you'd like to achieve. The majority of pod machines are easy to use, however some offer more customisation options than others. Consider the coffee pod variety, brew sizes and milk frothing options when choosing the right machine.
Most people will associate pod-based machines with the likes of Nespresso and Keurig however there are a few more recent competitors that are worth a look. Bruvi has a custom-designed system of pods, called B-Pods, which can only be used in its machines. The pods are equipped with a barcode on the underside that the machine scans to automatically adjust the brewing settings.
The machine will take all the guesswork and make sure that every drink is perfect every time. It can save your custom drinks in a single button so that you can create them with a single button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way, offer greater control over your cup of coffee than most machines, allowing you to choose the right size and temperature for each cup. It's more expensive than other models, but it comes with a polished stainless-steel build and excellent customer service that is synonymous with the brand. This is a good choice for those looking for a bit more out of their espresso maker that is based on pods.
While most people will use pod-based machines to make single-serve beverages There are some larger models that can also brew longer shots, known as lungos, too. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, which is a excellent example, blends retro fifties styling from SMEG and Italian coffee maker Lavazza. It can be a little intimidating to use thanks to its toggles that resemble airplanes and a manual lever, but it's quick and incredibly enjoyable to use - a lungo is brewed in less than 30 seconds and the pods that are used are placed in an internal bin with the click of the button.
4. Customization
A pod coffee maker's limited customisation is a major reason it might not be the right choice for you. If you don't buy an auxiliary milk frother, the only methods to add flavor or creaminess are to make use of a hot chocolate in-mug or tea option and add milk to your cup manually. This won't be an issue for many people, but it could be an issue for those who prefer a fully automatic experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew technology utilizes barcode readers to scan each capsule and automatically pre-wet, infuse and disperse the right amount of coffee for that particular type of pod. It's a simple, hands-off machine that does its job very well but lacks any options for customizing drinks or for varying the strength of brew. This may be a problem for some buyers however for others, the easy automation and variety of cup lengths (espresso, lungo and mug) it provides precisely what they require.
The coffee maker is extremely low maintenance. It is all you need to do is to fill up the tank with water, and decaffeinate it every so often. It can dispense short espresso shots and tall travel mugs effortlessly and, as previously mentioned, used pods are ejected into a concealed container that helps keep your kitchen clean. It also excels at delivering full-bodied espressos with tops that are topped with crema.
This machine is part of Smeg’s 1950s-style collection. It's user-friendly with simple buttons and can be used with both ground coffee and ESE pods. It's only downside is the lack of a gauge that lets you know when to descale, and the inability to set a maximum water level. You'll also have to purchase the capsules made by the company, which can be pricey. This is a good pod machine for those who want a convenient and attractive appliance that is able to serve at a reasonable price. This model can be used with a variety of capsules from third party manufacturers and works with the Nespresso Vertuo range.