The Best Coffee Pod Machine

The most sleek pod machine we've seen, this brushed-steel model offers the trademark Sage quality and is easy to use. When it is turned on, it heats up and brews a fragrant espresso or a slightly longer lungo within 30 seconds.

Models for pods are a great alternative to bean-to cup machines. They take the most messy aspects of making coffee off your hands, like grinding and measuring grounds.

1. Speedy

Pod machines are typically quicker to install and use than espresso machines, with the majority capable of making a cup of coffee in 30 seconds or less. The pre-portioned pods that are used in these machines are typically more expensive than freshly roasted coffee beans and a lot are not recyclable.

The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the fastest pod machines that is available, thanks to its in-built barcode reader that scans the code of each compatible pod prior to making it. This makes it easy to get consistent quality, high-end coffee each time, and there is virtually no chance of a drink coming out badly wrong. The machine is among the tiniest and lightest available. It doesn't require a separate milk container and its compact size allows it to be easily incorporated into the smallest kitchens.

The CitiZ isn't the best machine to minimize the environmental impact. It doesn't have an automated descaling function and you'll need to do it yourself every 300 cups if you reside in hard water areas or 1200 cups in soft water areas. Once the filter cartridge runs out, you'll need to replace it with a fresh one. This could be expensive for some users.

The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another speedy machine with customisable buttons and the option of using ground coffee or ESE pods that are pre-dosed, tampered and packed between filter paper. This model is B-Corp Certified. It is committed to decreasing the negative impact it has on the environment and workforce. The only drawback is that it takes a little longer to heat up, but once that occurs, it can make a cup in around 35 seconds.

If you're after an elegant, sleek machine that can handle a range of different sizes and styles, take a look at the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This gorgeous, glossy machine, developed in collaboration with Sage and Sage, is not just easy to use and quick to start, but also comes with an ice-cream frothing wand, as well as an stainless steel jug.

2. Removable parts

The ease of using pod coffee makers is a major selling point. The top models are easy to operate. Most machines utilize the same basic mechanism to brew a cup of coffee the water is heated inside reservoirs, then pushed through capsules to create rich hot, hot coffee. The majority of brands offer a variety of sizes for drinks to meet various needs. You can save custom settings on a number of models to speed up the process even further.

Keurig K-Cups are the biggest player on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also come with a variety of capsules made by the most famous roasters. Certain pods can be used once before they are discarded and others can be used several times. You'll need a strategy for your old pods to prevent them ending up in landfill.

The SMEG we tested comes with a removable reservoir of water that is easy to fill. It also automatically releases a new capsule after the previous one cools down. It can be used to brew coffee and lungo drinks and comes with eight different blends that provide you with a wide selection. This brewer is perfect for those who love coffee and want to switch to drip coffee.

In our tests, the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design looks great on your counter, and it can be opened in a matter of seconds to reveal the hidden compartment that houses empty pods. The machine has a water filter system that is ideal for areas that have hard water.

This machine is able to make the standard cup of coffee (240ml) as well as lungo and ristretto espresso-style drinks and is extremely fast. Its user-friendly controls are easy to navigate using the switches that resemble airplanes and a lever that retracts with a minimum of effort to reveal the opening that allows you to insert your pod. It requires a bit of effort to close, but most of our testers, including those with weak hand strength and mobility, were able to use it comfortably.

3. Size

The best coffee pod makers take away all the mess from coffee making. You just load a pod in the machine, press a button, and let it be brewed. You'll still need 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 and can be tucked away on the countertop and be stored out of view when not in use.

The decision of whether a coffee machine is the best choice for you is based on your preferences and what you're looking to get from it. All pod machines are simple to use, however certain models offer more customization options than others. Pod variety, brew size options, and milk frothing features must be taken into consideration to find the ideal coffee pod machine for you.

The most popular pod-based coffee machines are Nespresso, Keurig and similar brands. However there are newer competitors that may be worth looking at. Bruvi utilizes a unique system of pods called B-Pods, which can only be used in its machines. The pods have a barcode on the underside that machines scan to automatically adjust the brewing settings.

The machine will take all the guesswork and ensure that every drink is perfect every time. It is even able to save custom drinks to a specific button so you can make them with the press of a button.

Other machines, such as Sage's My Way offer a more granular level of control over your coffee that allows you to select the right size and temperature for each pod-making machines drink. It's more expensive than many other models, but it has the polished stainless steel construction and the excellent customer service that is synonymous with the brand and is a good choice for those who want something more from their pod-based coffee maker.

Certain models are larger and can make lungos. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is a fantastic example of this and is a combination of the retro style of SMEG with the classic design of Italian coffee maker, Lavazza. It's difficult to use due to its toggles that resemble airplanes and a manual lever, but it's quick and incredibly satisfying to operate and brews a lungo in just 30 seconds and the used pods are placed in an internal bin with the click of the button.

4. Customization

The limited capabilities of a pod coffee maker's flexibility is one of the main reasons it's not the best option for you. If you don't have an additional milk frother then the only way to add flavor or creaminess is to use a hot tea or chocolate option in your mug or to manually add milk to the coffee. This shouldn't be a problem for many people, but it could be an issue for those who prefer an entirely automated experience in the morning.

Bosch's Intellibrew makes use of barcode scanners to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wets and infuses, then dispensing the right amount of coffee to the particular type of pod. It's a simple, hands-off machine that does the job very well but lacks any options for customizing drinks or varying the strength of the brew. Some customers might be disappointed by this, but many will find the convenience and variety of cup sizes (espressos and lungos, as well as mugs) to be exactly what they're searching for.

Aside from filling up the water tank and decaffeinating the reservoir on occasion This coffee maker does not require much maintenance. It can make short espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs effortlessly. As mentioned earlier, the used pods are then ejected from a container hidden from view that helps keep your kitchen tidy. It also does a great job of serving full-bodied, crema-topped espressos.

This is a stunning machine and part of Smeg's fifties style range. It's user-friendly with a simple control panel and can accommodate ground coffee or ESE pods. The only issue is that it doesn't have 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 issue. It is also necessary to purchase the brand's own capsules, which can be pricey. This is a good pod machine for anyone looking for an easy-to-use and stylish appliance that will serve well at a reasonable price. For those who want more variety, a wide range of third-party capsules is available for this model. It's also compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.