How to Find the Best Coffee Pod Machine
Pod machines remove the grinding, dosing and tamping steps involved in coffee-making and are therefore extremely simple to use. Find one that takes a capsule, press an button, and then pumps hot water through the capsule to brew your beverage in a matter of seconds.
Illy Iperespresso X7.1 created by SMEG, produces full-bodied espresso drinks and lungo shots in just 30 seconds. It also comes with an easy milk frother as well as an energy-saving sleep mode.
1. Simple to use
When you are making a cup of coffee you can either create an mess by grinding beans, or you can opt for a more convenient option by using a pod maker. These foolproof machines take the hard work out of brewing by packing all the essential ingredients in one plastic pod that is disposable. You just need to put a pod in the machine and hit a button and you'll get freshly made, crema-topped cup of coffee in a matter of seconds.
Alongside being quick and easy, the best coffee pod machines also offer numerous drinks to fit any budget and taste. They can make everything from cappuccinos and espresso to lattes and iced coffee. Many models come with advanced features to improve precision and personalisation, while others have sleek designs that will look great in any kitchen.
Some of the cheaper coffee pods can be used by anyone however, the more expensive models are designed to provide the most enjoyable user experience. These machines are usually equipped with digital displays as well as custom settings to make the perfect brew. Some have smart capabilities that can connect to apps and can save recipes that you like. Others are smaller and have a minimal design that suits any kitchen.
Selecting a model that fits your lifestyle and kitchen is the first step to selecting the best pod maker. Consider factors like the number of buttons you have to push before brewing and whether it has a variety of settings for different drink sizes and if it comes with accessories like milk frothers.
The Morning Machine is the most user-friendly and simple coffee machine on the market. It features a sleek and compact design that's suitable for any space and doesn't require a permanent water tank since the tank is detachable. The Morning App lets you develop your own recipes, and includes the option of brewing with ten pre-set brew styles. It's also a fantastic choice for those with allergies as the reservoir of water and coffee pods are made from BPA-free materials.
Another popular pod machine is the Bruvi. It was introduced in 2022 and came with three promises that it would make better coffee than other machines that make use of pods, it will offer an array of drinks and its treated polypropylene pods wouldn't be disposed of in landfills, like K-Cups or Starbucks Verismo pod casings. It's not cheap, but worth it for those who don't want use up the waste of disposables.
2. Speedy
The most efficient coffee pods are those with the ability to brew quickly. This allows you to enjoy a hot cup coffee quickly and easily. It typically takes less than one minute to make an eight-ounce cup of coffee (although it depends on the model). It is also recommended to look for an espresso machine with a large reservoir of water that is able to be filled with water for quick refills and also one with a built in milk frother if your a fan of lattes and cappuccinos.
While some of the best coffee pod machines require a little bit of user interaction to ensure an excellent brew, other brands like the Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 offer advanced features to speed up the process. The barcode reader in this model, for instance it automatically pre-wets and infuses the correct amount of water, based on the type of coffee. It shuts down automatically when the brewing process is complete to save energy. This is a great feature to have in a busy kitchen but it does take away some of the customisation and personalisation options that other machines provide to make the perfect brew.
Another brand that offers a more hands-off approach to pod coffee is Bruvi. The company introduced in 2022 a product that uses its own capsules to brew that can be thrown into the trash after use rather than undergoing a lengthy recycling process. It's an excellent alternative to the traditional Nespresso or Keurig systems that have long been the dominant product on the market.
If you decide to go with an basic or advanced pod machine, it's crucial to choose one with the right design for your home. You'll want to choose a coffee machine that is a match for the rest of your kitchen appliances. Consider how much counterspace you have, as well as the types of drinks you enjoy, as many pod coffee makers offer only certain sizes or types.
While pod-based coffee machines are useful but it's important to note that they make less than great brews when compared to traditional drip machines. This is due to the fact that pod-based coffee machines don't grind whole beans, and they fail to extract the full range flavours that good roast and ground coffee can provide.
3. Removable parts
With the right pod coffee maker, you can enjoy your cappuccino, espresso latte or flat white with a minimum of effort. These machines take the tedious, time-consuming tasks of traditional making coffee off your hands grinding, dosing, and tapping the grounds. Instead, you just load a pre-packaged pod into the machine and then press a button. The machine then will pump water from its reservoir through the pod before transferring it to your cup.
Our expert reviewers looked for the best coffee pods that are easy to operate for all types users. We considered the number of buttons the user had to press before the machine began to brew and also how easy to operate the machine once it was turned on, as well as the number of options available for size and strength. We also looked at the size of the reservoir and whether it needed to be filled at the end of each use.
The Illycaffe XS1 is the most user-friendly machine that we tested. The control panel is easy to comprehend, and its design makes it small enough to fit on any countertop. It also comes with a large but small water tank that needs fewer refills than other models, and it can brew an entire pot of coffee in less than four minutes. Our testers found it produced a full, balanced cup with a consistent flavor.
This sleek modern, contemporary-looking coffee machine by Sage comes with a variety of beverage options as well as an easy, automated cleaning and descaling system. The removable 40-ounce tank pod and bean coffee machine is located in an easily accessible compartment at the back of the machine. It also comes with a receptacle that automatically slides into place on the bottom of the machine. It is also compatible with Nespresso pods, which are available in various sizes and strengths.
You can buy coffee pods with an automatic milk frother built in that can heat and froth your milk of choice. It's a great choice if you like a cappuccino or latte, and some brands even sell their own pods with built-in milk. But, it's important to note that not all pod machines can handle third-party capsules of milk.
4. Convenient
Each pod machine has the same basic function - the user puts in a coffee pod, presses a button and hot water pumps through the pod and into a cup to create drinks. They perform a lot of the work for you, like grinding and weighing grounds of coffee, or portafilters, to make espresso. Some pod machines have advanced features that provide an even more immersive experience. These include touchscreens as well as app connectivity.
Some models have programmable shots that allow you to alter your espresso size. Others have dual-height drip tray to accommodate both standard cups as well as mugs. Some also come with automatic sleep settings that save energy between uses, and a removable pod bin that is easy to clean. Some of our top-rated models include a reservoir to brew hot chocolate and tea, too.
Pods are designed to be used once and then chucked away however, not all brands provide an easy recycling procedure for empty pods. Find a machine that allows you to use any type of pods that are compostable, including those.
The Nespresso VertuoPlus is sleek machine with a simple interface. It's an excellent choice for those who want the convenience of a single-serve espresso, but do not want to invest in a full-on coffee bean grinder. Vertuo Plus, unlike many Nespresso machines, accepts refillable pods. However, it still has some drawbacks. One of the downsides is that the lid will not be opened until the machine has been heated. This can be a problem if you're just trying to take out an old pod. It also doesn't allow you to manually adjust the amount of espresso it pulls which could be a challenge for those who prefer strong coffee.
The Keurig K-Classic is another viable option for people who want an instant, convenient cup of coffee. It's more expensive than the OPAL but it has a few advantages that make it worth the cost. It comes with a built-in grinder that can grind drip coffee and K-Cups. It offers a variety of brewing options like decaf or iced. This is great for those who enjoy coffee with a cappuccino, or Latte.