Best Coffee Pod Machine Isn't As Tough As You Think
Best Coffee Pod Machine Isn't As Tough As You Think
Blog Article
The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The most sleek pod machine we've seen, this brushed-steel model has the trademark Sage quality and user-friendly. It heats up immediately after switching on and makes an espresso with aroma or a little longer lungo in 30 minutes.
Pod models are an excellent alternative to bean-to-cup machines. They take the messiest aspects of making coffee off your hands, such as grinding and measuring grounds.
1. Rapid
Pod machines are typically quicker to set up and use than espresso machines, with the majority capable of making a cup of coffee in only 30 seconds or less. The pre-portioned pods that are used in these machines tend to be more expensive than freshly roasted coffee beans, and a lot are not recyclable.
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 making coffee. This makes it simple to get consistent, high-quality coffee every time, with virtually no chance of a drink coming out horribly wrong. The machine is also among the slimmest and lightest on the market that doesn't require an additional milk jug, and a small footprint making it a breeze to fit into even the smallest of kitchens.
However, the CitiZ isn't the best machine for those wanting to minimize their environmental impact. It doesn't have an automated descaling function and you'll need to descale it yourself once every 300 cups if you reside in hard water, or 1200 cups in soft water zones. When the filter cartridge wears out, you'll need to replace it with a new. This could be expensive for some users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another quick machine that comes with a customisable button and the option to use ground coffee or ESE pods that are pre-dosed and tampered grounds packed between filter paper. It is also B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to reducing its negative impact on the environment as well as its employees. Its only minor drawback is the time it takes to heat up. Once it's done it will brew a cup in around 35 minutes.
If you're after a sleek, stylish machine that can handle a range of different sizes and styles then take a look at the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek machine, created in collaboration with Sage is not just easy to use but also comes with an ice cream wand stainless steel jug and a milk frother.
2. Removable parts
A pod coffee maker's ease of use is a big selling point and the best models are easy to operate. Most machines use the same process to brew the cup of coffee you want the water is heated inside reservoirs, then pushed through capsules to create rich hot java. Many brands offer a variety of sizes of drinks for different needs. You can also save custom settings to make the process more efficient.
Keurig's K-Cups and Nestle's Nespresso VertuoLine series are the two leading players on the market, yet each offers a wide selection of capsules from the most popular roasters and brands. Some pods are made to be used just once and then discarded, while others are intended to be used multiple times. You'll need a strategy for your old pods to prevent them from ending up in the garbage.
The SMEG we tested has a removable reservoir of water that is simple to fill. It also automatically dispensates a new capsule after the previous one cools down. It can make espresso and lungo drinks and comes with eight different blends for variety. This brewer is a great choice for coffee lovers who are looking to move away from drip coffee.
In our tests, the Tassimo My Way 2 coffee machine with capsules was the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design makes it an attractive addition to your countertop and it can be opened with a gentle touch to reveal a concealed compartment for your empty pods. It also comes with the added benefit of the water filtration system which is ideal for hard-water areas.
The machine is fast and can brew standard coffee (240ml) and ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. The controls are simple to operate, with switches that resemble airplanes, which can be easily retracted and a lever which retracts to reveal the opening to drop into your pod. It requires a bit of force to close, but most of our testers who have weak hand strength and mobility, found it comfortable.
3. Size
The best coffee pod machines remove all the messes of coffee making out of your hands - you simply load in the pod, press an icon and brew. You'll still need to clean your machine every now and then however not as often as a bean-to-cup or espresso maker. Pod machines are smaller than their larger equivalents and can be stored on the counter 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 out of it. All pod machines are simple to use, but some have more options for customization than others. Pod variety, brew size options and milk frothing capabilities should all be considered to help find the perfect coffee pod machine for your needs.
Many people think of pod-based devices in the likes of Nespresso and Keurig However, there are a few newer competitors on the scene which are worth looking into. Bruvi has a custom-designed system of pods called B-Pods that can only be used in its machines. The pods are identified by a barcode which is scanned by the machine to adjust the brewing settings automatically.
The machine will take all the guesswork and make sure that every drink is perfect every time. It can even save customized drinks to a separate button to allow you to make them with the press of a button.
Other machines, such as Sage's My Way offer a more precise level of control over your coffee, allowing you to choose a specific temperature and size for each beverage. It's more expensive than other models but it offers the polished stainless steel build and the excellent customer service that is associated with the brand. It is a solid choice for those who want an extra level of quality from their pod-based coffee maker.
Some larger models can also create lungos. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is an excellent example of this. It blends the retro-fifties style of SMEG with the classic design of Italian coffee maker, Lavazza. It's a bit intimidating to use thanks to its toggles that resemble airplanes and a manual lever, but it's incredibly easy and incredibly satisfying to operate and brews a lungo in less than 30 seconds and the pods that are used are deposited into an internal bin at the push 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 have an additional milk frother, then the only way to enhance flavor or creaminess is to use a hot tea or chocolate option in your mug, or to manually add milk to coffee. This won't be an issue for a lot of people, but could be a problem for those who like a fully automatic experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew technology makes use of barcode readers to scan each capsule, and automatically pre-wet, infuse and give the correct amount of coffee that is appropriate for the type of pod. It's a hands-free, easy-to-use machine that does its job well, but it doesn't have any options for making drinks that are customized or altering the strength of brew. This will irritate some buyers but for others, the simple automation and variety of cup lengths (espresso lungo, espresso and mug) will provide precisely what they require.
Aside from filling up the water tank and decaffeinating it occasionally the coffee maker will not require much maintenance. It is able to serve espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs effortlessly and, as previously mentioned the pods that are used are ejected into a concealed container that helps keep your kitchen clean. It also does an excellent job of serving full-bodied, crema-topped espressos.
This is a beautiful-looking machine and is part of the Smeg fifties range. It's easy to use via a simple panel of buttons and can accommodate both ground coffee and ESE pods. The only downside is that it lacks an indicator that lets you know when it's time for descale. Also, the maximum water level cannot be set which is an issue. 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 reasonable cost. This model is compatible with a range of capsules from third-party manufacturers and works with the Nespresso Vertuo range.