The 10 Scariest Things About Best Coffee Pod Machine
The best coffee pod machine (company website)
The most sleek pod machine we've seen this model with brushed-steel features the trademark Sage quality and ease of use. It heats up immediately after switching on and brews an aroma-packed espresso or a little longer lungo in about 30 seconds.
Models for pods are a great alternative to bean-to cup machines. They take the messiest parts of coffee making off your hands, such as grinding and measuring grounds.
1. Fast
Pod machines can be set up and used faster than espresso machines. The majority of them can make a cup of coffee in 30 seconds. The pre-portioned pods that are used in these machines are generally more expensive than freshly roasted coffee beans and a majority of them are not recyclable.
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the fastest pod machines that is available due to its in-built barcode reader that scans the code of each compatible pod prior to brewing it. This allows you to ensure consistent quality, high-end coffee each time, with next-to-no chance of a drink coming out horribly wrong. It is also among the tiniest and lightest available that doesn't require an additional milk jug or a small footprint making it easy to fit in even the tiniest of kitchens.
However, the CitiZ isn't the ideal machine for those looking to cut down on their environmental impact. The CitiZ isn't equipped with an automatic descaling feature. You will need to manually descale the machine every 300 cups for hard water and every 1200 cups for soft water. You'll also have to put the filter cartridge after this expires and could be expensive for some users.
Tassimo Vivy 2 is a quick machine with customizable buttons. It can be used with ground coffee or ESE pods which are pre-dosed and tampered grounds compressed in between filter paper. The model is B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to lessening its negative impact on the environment and its workforce. Its only downside is that it takes longer to warm up, but once that happens it can brew one cup in just 35 seconds.
If you're after an elegant, sleek machine that can handle a range of different drink sizes and styles then you should look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek machine designed in collaboration with Sage is not just simple to use, but it also comes with an ice cream wand stainless steel jug and milk frother.
2. Removable parts
The simplicity of pod coffee makers is a major benefit. The most effective models are easy to operate. The majority of machines employ the same basic process to brew the perfect cup of coffee: water is heated inside a reservoir, then it is pushed through capsules to produce rich hot coffee. Many brands offer a variety of sizes for drinks to meet different needs, and you can save custom settings on a number of models to simplify the process further.
Keurig's K-Cups and Nestle's Nespresso VertuoLine series are the two major players in the market, however each has a variety of capsules from popular roasters and brands. 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 strategy for your old pods coffee machine to prevent them ending up in landfill.
The sleek SMEG model we tested comes with a removable water tank that's easy to fill, and the machine automatically pours a fresh capsule once the previous one has been cooled. It can be used to brew coffee and lungo drinks and comes with eight different blends to provide you with a wide selection. This brewer is perfect for coffee lovers who 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 stunning on your counter, and it opens with just a touch to reveal the hidden compartment that stores empty pods. The machine also has the added benefit of an filtration system for water, which is great for areas with hard water.
The machine is fast and can brew regular coffee (240ml) as well as ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. Its easy-to-use controls are a joy to use, thanks to aircraft-style toggles as well as a lever that retracts with a minimum of effort to reveal the space that allows you to insert your pod. It does take a little effort to close, but our testers, even those with limitations in hand strength and mobility felt comfortable.
3. Size
The best coffee pod machines take the mess of coffee making out of your hands - you simply need to load a pod, hit the button, and then make coffee. You will still need to clean the machine from time to time, but not as frequently as you would with a bean-to-cup 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. The majority of pod machines are easy to use, however some offer more customisation options than others. Take into consideration the variety of coffee pods, brew sizes and milk options for frothing when picking the right machine.
Many people think of pod-based devices in the likes of Nespresso and Keurig However, there are a few more recent rivals which are worth looking into. One is Bruvi which makes use of an exclusive pod system known as B-Pods that can only be used with its machines. These pods have a barcode on the underside 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 makes sure that each drink is made perfectly 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, like Sage's My Way offer a greater degree of control over your coffee, allowing you to choose the ideal temperature and size for each drink. It's a bit more expensive than other models, but it comes with the polished stainless steel construction and the excellent customer service that is associated with the brand. It is a solid option for those looking to get an extra level of quality from their pod-based coffee maker.
While the majority of people are using a pod-based machine to make single-serve drinks however, there are a few larger models that can also brew longer shots, known as lungos, too. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, a excellent example, blends retro fifties styling from SMEG and Italian coffee brand Lavazza. It's difficult to use due to its airplane-style toggles and manual lever, but it's incredibly easy and incredibly satisfying to operate and brews a lungo in just 30 seconds and the pods that are used are placed in an internal bin at the push of the button.
4. Customization
The limited capabilities of a pod coffee maker's flexibility is one of the main reasons it might not be the best choice for you. If you don't buy an auxiliary milk frother, the only methods to add extra flavor or creaminess are to make use of an in-mug hot chocolate or tea option and to add milk to your coffee manually. This won't be an issue for many people, but it could be an issue for those who like an entirely automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew utilizes barcode scanners to scan each capsule coffee machine uk. It then automatically pre-wettes and infuses, then dispensing the correct amount of coffee for the particular kind of pod. It's a user-friendly hands-off device that does an excellent job, however it isn't equipped with options for customizing drinks or varying brew strength. This might be frustrating for some customers but for others, the simple automation and range of cup lengths (espresso, lungo and mug) it provides precisely what they require.
Aside from filling up the water tank and decaffeinating the reservoir occasionally This coffee maker does not need a lot of maintenance. It dispenses short espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs with ease and, as we mentioned the used pods are ejected into a hidden receptacle which keeps your kitchen spotless. It also does a fantastic job of delivering full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.
This machine is part Smeg's 1950s-style collection. It's user-friendly with a simple control panel and can be used with ground coffee or ESE pods. The only drawback is that it lacks an indicator that lets you know when it's time for descale. Also, the maximum water level can't be set, which is a minor issue. It is also necessary to purchase the brand's capsules which can be costly. This is a good pod machine for anyone looking for an easy-to-use and stylish appliance that is able to serve at a reasonable cost. For those who want a little more variety, a wide range of third-party capsules is available for this model, and it's compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.