Best Coffee Pod Machine: What's No One Is Talking About
Best Coffee Pod Machine: What's No One Is Talking About
Blog Article
The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The most elegant pod machine we've seen this model with brushed-steel features the trademark Sage quality and is easy to use. When it is turned on, it warms up and makes a delicious espresso or a slightly longer lungo in just 30 minutes.
As opposed to bean-to-cup machines, pod models take the most messed-up aspects of coffee making off your hands - including grinding and dosing grounds.
1. Rapid
Pod machines are generally easier to setup and use than espresso machines, with most can make a cup of coffee in just 30 seconds or so. But they come at an expense: the pre-portioned coffee pods used in these machines are generally more expensive than freshly roasted beans, and they are not recycled. (though certain companies now offer free recycling bags and pre-paid UPS labels for returning them).
The Nespresso CitiZ has one of the most efficient pod machines available, thanks to the barcode scanner which scans each compatible pod's code before brewing. This makes it simple to ensure consistent quality, high-end coffee each time, with virtually no chance of the drink turning out badly wrong. The machine is also among the tiniest and lightest available that doesn't require a separate milk jug and a small footprint making it a breeze to fit into even the tiniest kitchen.
The CitiZ isn't the best machine to minimize your environmental impact. The CitiZ doesn't have an automatic descaling feature. You'll need to manually descale the machine every 300 cups for hard water and every 1200 cups for soft water. It is also necessary to put in a new filter cartridge when it runs out and can be expensive for certain users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another fast machine that has buttons that can be customized and the option of using either ground coffee or ESE pods that are pre-dosed, tampered and squeezed between filter paper. This model is B-Corp Certified. It is committed to reducing the negative impact it has on its surroundings and its workforce. Its only minor drawback is the time it takes to heat up. Once it does it, it can make one cup in just 35 minutes.
If you're after an elegant, stylish machine that can handle a range of different drink sizes and styles then look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek beauty, created in collaboration with Sage, is not only quick and simple to operate but also comes with an ice-cream frothing wand, as well as a stainless steel Jug.
2. Removable parts
The simplicity of a pod coffee maker is a major selling point. The top models are easy to operate. The majority of machines use the same method to make your cup the water is heated in an internal reservoir, then pumped through the capsules you choose and extracted to create rich hot coffee. Many brands offer a variety of drink sizes to suit different requirements, and you can save custom settings on many models to speed up the process further.
Keurig K-Cups are among the largest players on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also come with a variety of capsules by popular roasters. Some pods are able to be used only once before being thrown away however, others can be used several times. Either way, you'll need to plan ahead for how you'll handle your spent pods so they do not end up in the garbage.
The SMEG we tested has a removable reservoir of water that is simple to fill. It also automatically dispenses another capsule after the previous one cools down. It brews lungo and espresso drinks, and comes with a set of eight different blends to provide you with a wide selection. This brewer will appeal to those who love coffee and want to switch from drip coffee.
In our tests of the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable one to use. Its sleek design is beautiful on your counter, and it can be opened in a matter of seconds to reveal the compartment that holds your empty pods. The machine comes with an integrated water filter that is perfect for areas with hard water.
The machine is fast and can make regular coffee (240ml) as well as ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. Its user-friendly controls are easy to navigate with the help of aircraft-style toggles as well as a lever that retracts with a minimum of effort to reveal the opening where you drop in the pod. It requires some effort to close, but most pod coffee makers of our testers even those with limitations in hand strength and mobility, were able to use it comfortably.
3. Size
The top coffee pod makers take all the messy parts of coffee making out of your hands - you simply put in a pod, hit a button and prepare to brew. It is still necessary to clean your machine from time to time but not as often as a bean-to-cup or espresso maker. Pod machines are also smaller than their counterparts that are larger which means they can be placed on the countertop and be stored away from sight when not in use.
The right coffee pod machine for you will depend on your preferences and what you wish to achieve. The majority of pod machines are easy to use, however some offer more customization options. Take into consideration the variety of coffee pods as well as brew sizes, milk and frothing options when choosing the right machine.
The most popular pod-based machines are Nespresso, Keurig and similar brands. However there are more recent competitors that are worth a look. Bruvi has a custom-designed system of pods, called B-Pods that can only be used in its machines. These pods have an underside barcode that machines scan to automatically adjust the brewing settings.
This method removes all the guesswork the process of making a cup, and ensures each drink is perfect every time. It is even able to save custom drinks to a dedicated button, allowing you to create them at the push of a button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way offer a greater degree of control over your coffee that allows you to select the right temperature and size for each beverage. It's a bit 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 need something more from their pod-based coffee maker.
Some larger models can also make lungos. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, a perfect example, blends retro style of the fifties from SMEG and Italian coffee maker Lavazza. It's a bit difficult to use due to its airplane-style toggles and manual lever, but it's easy and extremely enjoyable to use the lungo is made in less than 30 seconds and the discarded pods are placed in an internal bin with the click of a button.
4. Customization
A pod coffee maker's limited customisation is a major reason it may not be the best option for you. Unless you purchase an additional milk frother, the only options to add flavor or creaminess is to make use of an in-mug hot chocolate or tea option, and then add milk to your coffee manually. This won't be an issue for most people, but could be a problem for those who prefer 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 for that particular type of pod. It's a hands-free, easy-to-use machine that performs its job very well but lacks any options for customizing drinks or for varying the strength of the brew. Some customers might be disappointed by this, however others will appreciate the convenience and variety of cup sizes (espressos and lungos, as well as mugs) to be exactly what they're looking for.
The coffee maker is extremely low-maintenance. It is all you need to do is to fill up the water tank and decaffeinate the reservoir each and every time. It dispenses short espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs easily and, as we mentioned the used pods are ejected to a hidden container that helps keep your kitchen clean. It also does a great job of delivering full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.
It's a gorgeous machine and is part of the Smeg fifties range. It's simple to use with an easy-to-use panel of buttons and can accommodate ground coffee and ESE pods. The only issue is that it doesn't have an indicator to let you know when it's time to descale, and the maximum water level can't be set which is a minor issue. You also need to buy the brand's capsules which can be costly. This is a great pod machine for anyone who wants an easy-to-use and stylish appliance that will serve well at a low cost. This model is compatible with a range of capsules from third-party manufacturers and is compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo range.