17 Signs To Know If You Work With Best Coffee Pod Machine
The Best Coffee Pod MachineThe sleekest pod machine we've seen this model with brushed-steel features the trademark Sage quality and user-friendly. It preheats after switch-on, and brews an aroma-packed espresso or slightly longer lungo in 30 seconds.
In contrast to bean-to-cup machines models take the messiest aspects of coffee making off your hands, including grinding and dosing grounds.
1. Rapid
Pod machines can be installed and used more quickly than espresso machines. They can typically make a cup in 30 seconds. But they come at an expense as the pre-portioned pods of coffee 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 the pods).
The Nespresso CitiZ has one of the fastest pod machines available due to the barcode scanner which scans each compatible pod's code before brewing. This ensures that you get consistently top-quality coffee every time. There is almost no chance of having a bad beverage. The machine is among the lightest and slimmest available. It does not require a separate milk container and its compact footprint allows it to be easily incorporated into the smallest kitchens.
However, the CitiZ isn't the best machine for those wanting to cut down on 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. Once the filter cartridge runs out, you'll need replace it with a fresh one. This can be costly for certain users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another speedy machine with customisable buttons and the option to use ground coffee or ESE pods that are pre-dosed, tampered and squeezed between filter paper. The model is B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to reducing its negative impact on the environment as well as its workforce. The only drawback is the time it takes to heat up. Once it does, it can brew one cup in around 35 seconds.
If you're after an elegant, sleek machine that can handle a range of different drink sizes and styles, look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek machine, designed 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
The ease of use of a pod coffee maker is a major selling point. The best models are simple to use. The majority of machines employ the same basic mechanism to brew a cup of coffee: water is heated inside the reservoir, and then it is pushed through capsules to produce rich, hot coffee. The majority of brands offer a variety of drink sizes to suit different needs, and you can save your own settings on many models to streamline the process further.
Keurig K-Cups are among the largest players on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also offer a large selection of capsules from famous roasters. Some pods are made to be used only once before being get thrown away, whereas others are intended to be used for a variety of purposes. You'll need a plan for your old pods to prevent them ending up in landfill.
The sleek SMEG model we tested has a removable water tank that's easy to fill and the machine will automatically pour fresh capsules after the previous one has cooled. It brews lungo and espresso drinks, and comes with a set of eight different blends to provide you with a wide selection. This brewer is a great choice for coffee lovers who are looking to move away from drip coffee.
In our testing, the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most enjoyable pod capsule coffee machine to use. Its sleek design looks stunning on your counter and can be opened in a matter of seconds to reveal the hidden compartment that houses empty pods. It has an in-built water filter system which is perfect 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 extremely fast. Its easy-to-use controls are a joy to use using the airplane-style toggles and a lever that retracts without much effort to reveal the space which allows you to drop your coffee maker. It requires a little force to close, but our test subjects, even those with limited mobility and hand strength, found it comfortable.
3. Size
The top coffee pod machines eliminate all the mess that comes with coffee making. All you have to do is add a pod the machine, press a button, and let it brew. You'll still have to clean the machine from time to time, but not as frequently as you would with a bean-to-cup cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are smaller than their counterparts that are larger which means they can be placed on the counter and be kept out of sight when not being used.
The decision of whether a coffee machine is the best choice for you is based on your preferences and what you're hoping to get from it. The majority of pod machines are easy to operate, however, some provide more options for customization. Be aware of the different coffee pods as well as brew sizes, milk and frothing options when choosing the best machine.
The majority of people think of pod-based devices in the likes of Nespresso and Keurig However, there are some newer competitors on the scene that are worth a look. Bruvi has a custom-designed system of pods known as B-Pods that can only be used in its machines. These pods are marked by a barcode which is scanned by the machine to adjust the brewing settings automatically.
The machine will eliminate the guesswork and make sure that each drink is perfect every time. It can save your customised drinks on a button to allow you to make them by pressing one button.
Other machines, such as Sage's My Way offer a greater degree of control over your coffee and allows you to select a specific size and temperature for each drink. It's more expensive than other models, however it has the polished stainless-steel build and excellent customer service that is a hallmark of the brand. This is a good option for those who want an extra bit of quality from their pod-based espresso maker.
While the majority of people will be using pod-based machines to make single-serve beverages however, there are a few larger models that can also make longer shots, referred to as lungos, also. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is a great example of this and is a combination of the retro style of SMEG with the classic design of Italian coffee maker, Lavazza. It's not easy initially due to the toggles that look like airplanes, however once you've become accustomed to it, it is quick and satisfying to use. A lungo can be prepared in just 30 minutes.
4. Customization
The lack of flexibility is one of the main reasons it's not the right choice for you. If you don't have an auxiliary milk frother, then the only way to enhance flavor or creaminess is to make use of hot tea or chocolate option in your mug, or to manually add milk to your the coffee. For most people, this shouldn't be a problem, but it could be a sticking point for those who prefer an automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew technology uses barcode readers to scan each capsule, and automatically pre-wet, infuse, and disperse the right amount of coffee that is appropriate for the kind of pod. It's a hassle-free, hands-off machine that does the job well, but it doesn't have any options for making drinks that are customized or for varying the strength of the brew. This might be frustrating for some customers however for others, the easy automation and range of cup lengths (espresso lungo, espresso and mug) will provide exactly what they need.
The coffee maker is extremely low maintenance. It's all you have to do is to refill the water tank, and decaffeinate the reservoir each and every once in a while. It is able to serve espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs with ease and, as previously mentioned the used pods are ejected into a hidden receptacle which keeps your kitchen spotless. It also excels at delivering full-bodied coffees with a crema-topped top.
This is a stunning machine and is part of the Smeg fifties range. It's simple to use with a simple panel of buttons and can be used with ground coffee and ESE pods. The only drawback is the lack of a gauge that lets you know when you should 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. This is a great pod machine for anyone looking for an easy-to-use and stylish appliance that is able to serve at a low cost. For those who want some variety, a large selection of third-party capsules is offered for this model and it's also compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.