How To Beat Your Boss On Best Coffee Pod Machine
How To Beat Your Boss On Best Coffee Pod Machine
Blog Article
The Best Coffee Pod Machine
This sleek, brushed-steel model comes with Sage distinctive quality and ease of operation. It preheats after switch-on, and makes an espresso with aroma or a little longer lungo in just 30 seconds.
Models for pods are an excellent alternative to bean-to cup machines. They take the most messy parts of coffee making off your hands, such as grinding and measuring grounds.
1. Fast
Pod machines are generally quicker to set up and use than espresso machines, with many can make a cup of coffee in just 30 seconds or less. But they do come at some cost in that the pre-portioned coffee pods used in these models are generally 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 to return the pods).
The Nespresso CitiZ has one of the fastest pod machines on the market, thanks to the barcode scanner which scans each compatible pod's code prior to brewing. This ensures you get consistently high-quality coffee, every time. There is almost no possibility of getting a poor drink. It is also one of the slimmest and lightest on the market, with no need for an additional milk jug or its small footprint making it easy to fit in even the tiniest kitchen.
However the CitiZ isn't the ideal machine for those looking to minimize their environmental impact. It doesn't have an automatic descaling function, and you'll have to descale it yourself once every 300 cups if you live in hard water or 1200 cups in soft water zones. You'll also need to swap in a new filter cartridge when it runs out and could be expensive for certain users.
Tassimo Vivy 2 is a fast machine that can be customized with buttons. It can be used with ground coffee or ESE pods which are pre-dosed and tampered grounds compressed in between filter paper. It is also B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to reducing its negative impact on the environment and its employees. The only downside is the time it takes to warm up. Once it's done it will brew a cup in just 35 minutes.
Vertuo Creatista is a stylish sleek machine that can create a variety of drinks in different sizes and styles. This glossy beauty, made in collaboration with Sage it is not only easy to use and quick to start, but also comes with an ice-cream frothing wand, as well as a stainless steel Jug.
2. Removable parts
The simplicity of a pod coffee maker is a major selling point. The top models are simple to use. Most machines use the same basic method to make a cup of coffee that is, heated water is placed in the reservoir, and then moved through capsules to make rich, hot coffee. The majority of brands offer a variety of sizes of drinks to meet different requirements, and you can save your own settings on a number of models to streamline the process further.
Keurig K-Cups are among the largest player on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also come with a variety of capsules by well-known roasters. Some pods are made to be used just once and then get thrown away, whereas others are meant for multiple uses. You'll need a plan for the pods you've used to avoid them from ending up in the garbage.
The SMEG we tested has a removable water reservoir that is easy to fill. It also automatically releases an additional capsule once the previous one cools down. It can be used to brew coffee and lungo drinks and comes with a set of eight different blends that give you plenty of variety. This brewer is ideal for those who love coffee and want to move away from drip coffee.
In our tests, the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design is an eye-catching addition to your counter, and it opens with a simple tap to reveal a hidden compartment for empty pods. The machine also has the added benefit of an filtration system for water, which is great for areas with hard water.
This machine is able to make an ordinary cup of coffee (240ml), as well as lungo and ristretto espresso-style drinks and is surprisingly fast. The controls are simple to operate, with airplane-style toggles that can be retracted easily and a lever which retracts to reveal the opening for dropping into the pod. It requires some force to close, but most of our testers, including those with limited hand strength and mobility, felt comfortable.
3. Size
The top coffee pod machines take the mess of making coffee out of your hands - you simply load in the pod, press a button and make coffee. You will still need to clean the machine from time to time however not as often as you would with a bean-to-cup cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are smaller than their bigger counterparts, so they can fit on the counter and be stored away from view when not being used.
The right coffee pod machine for you will depend on your preferences and what you want to achieve. All pod machines are simple to use, however some offer more customization options. Consider the coffee pod variety as well as brew sizes, milk and options for frothing when picking the best machine.
The most popular pod-based coffee machines are Nespresso, Keurig and similar brands. However there are newer competitors that may be worth taking a look at. Bruvi uses a bespoke system of pods known as B-Pods, which can only be used in its machines. The pods have an underside barcode that machines scan to automatically adjust the brewing settings.
This approach means the machine takes all the guesswork out the process of making a cup, and guarantees that every drink comes out perfectly every time. It is even able to save custom drinks to a dedicated button to allow you to create them at the push of a 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 more expensive than other models, but it has the polished stainless-steel build and excellent customer service that is a hallmark of Sage's My Way. This is a good option for those wanting to get a bit more out of their espresso maker that is based on pods.
While the majority of people are using a pod-based machine coffee machines for pods to make single-serve beverages There are some larger models that are able to make longer shots, referred to as lungos. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is a great example, combines retro style of the fifties from SMEG and Italian coffee maker Lavazza. It can be a little difficult to operate due to its airplane-style toggles and manual lever, but it's easy and incredibly satisfying to operate - a lungo is brewed in only 30 seconds, and the used pods are put into an internal bin with the click of the button.
4. Customization
A pod coffee maker's limited customisation is a major reason it may not be the best option for you. If you don't purchase an auxiliary milk frother, the only options to add extra flavor or creaminess is to make use of a hot chocolate in-mug or tea option, and then add milk to your cup manually. This won't be an issue for a lot of people, but it could be a problem for those who prefer the convenience of a fully automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew technology uses a barcode reader to scan each capsule, and automatically pre-wet, infuse, and dispense the correct volume of coffee required for that type of pod. It's a hands-free, easy-to-use machine that performs its job well, but it doesn't have any options for customised drinks or varying the strength of the brew. Some customers will be irritated by this, however others will find the convenience and variety of cup sizes (espressos, lungos and mugs) to be exactly what they are searching for.
This coffee maker is low-maintenance. It only requires you to refill the tank with water, and decaffeinate it every time. It is able to serve espresso shots or tall travel mugs effortlessly. As previously mentioned, used pods are then ejected from a hidden container that keeps your kitchen tidy. It also does a fantastic job of delivering full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.
This is a beautiful-looking machine and part of the Smeg fifties range. It's easy to use via an easy-to-use panel of buttons, and it can handle both ground coffee and ESE pods. It's only downside is the lack of a display that lets you know when to descale, and the inability to set the maximum level of water. You'll also have to purchase the brand's capsules, which can be pricey. However, this is a good pod coffee maker for those looking for a beautiful and functional appliance that will serve them well for an affordable cost. If you're looking for some variety, a broad selection of third-party capsules is offered for this model and it's compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.