Best Coffee Pod Machine: It's Not As Difficult As You Think
Best Coffee Pod Machine: It's Not As Difficult As You Think
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The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The most elegant pod machine we've seen this brushed-steel model has the signature Sage quality and user-friendly. It warms up after switching on, and brews an aroma-packed espresso or a little longer lungo in about 30 seconds.
As opposed to bean-to-cup machines, pod models take the most messy aspects of coffee-making out of your hands - including grinding and dosing grounds.
1. Rapid
Pod machines are generally easier to install and use than espresso machines, with the majority capable of making coffee in just 30 seconds or so. But they come at a cost in that the pre-portioned coffee pods used in these models tend to be 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 is one of the most efficient pod machines available that is available, thanks to its in-built barcode scanner that scans the code of each compatible pod before making it. This ensures that you get consistently top-quality coffee every time. There is virtually no chance of getting a bad beverage. It's also among the tiniest and lightest available and does not require an additional milk jug, and its small footprint making it easy to fit into even the smallest of kitchens.
The CitiZ isn't the best machine to minimize your environmental impact. The CitiZ does not have an automatic descaling feature. You will need to manually descale the machine every 300 cups for hard water, and 1200 cups for soft water. When the filter cartridge wears out, you'll have to replace it with a new. This can be costly for some users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another speedy machine with customisable buttons and the option of using either ground coffee or ESE pods, which are pre-dosed and tampered with grounds squeezed 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 downside is the time it takes to heat up. Once it's done it, it can make one cup in just 35 seconds.
If you're looking for a sleek, stylish machine capable of handling a range of different sizes and styles then you should look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This gorgeous, glossy machine, developed in collaboration with Sage, is not only quick and simple to operate but also comes with an ice-cream frothing wand, as well as an stainless steel Jug.
2. Removable parts
The ease of use is a major draw, and the best models are easy to use. Most machines use the same basic method to make the perfect cup of coffee: water is heated inside the reservoir, and then it is pushed through capsules to produce rich, hot java. Many brands offer a variety of drink sizes for different needs. You can also save custom settings to speed up the process.
Keurig's K-Cups and Nestle's Nespresso VertuoLine series are the two leading players in the market, but each has a variety of capsules from the most popular roasters and brands. Certain pods can be used once before being thrown away and others can be used multiple times. Whatever the case, you'll need to plan ahead for how you'll deal with the pods you've used up so that they don't end up in landfill.
The SMEG we tested comes with a removable reservoir of water that is easy to fill. It also automatically dispensates an additional capsule once the previous one cools down. It can make lungo and espresso drinks and has eight different blends to give you variety. This brewer is perfect for those who love coffee and want to switch to drip coffee.
In our tests of the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design is beautiful on your counter, and it can be opened in a matter of seconds to reveal the hidden compartment that houses empty pods. It has an in-built water filter system that is ideal for areas with hard water.
This machine brews a standard cup of coffee (240ml), as well as lungo and ristretto espresso-style drinks and is extremely fast. The controls are simple to operate, with airplane-style toggles that can be retracted easily and a lever that retracts to reveal the opening for dropping in the pod. It requires a bit of force to close, but the majority of our testers, including those with weak hand strength and mobility, found it comfortable.
3. Size
The top coffee pod machines remove all the messes of coffee making out of your hands - you simply put in a pod, hit an icon and brew. You'll still have to clean the machine from time time but not as often as you would with a bean-to cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are smaller than their larger counterparts, and can be stored on the counter when not in use.
Whether a coffee pod machine is the right option 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 others offer more customization options. Be aware of the different coffee pods, brew sizes and milk frothing options when choosing the best machine.
Most people will associate pod-based machines with the likes of Nespresso and Keurig, but there are a few newer competitors that could be worth considering. Bruvi uses a bespoke system of pods, called B-Pods, which can only be used in its machines. The pods are equipped with a barcode on the underside that the machine scans to automatically adjust the brewing settings.
This approach means the machine removes all the guesswork of making a cup and guarantees that every drink comes out perfectly every time. It can even save customized drinks to a specific button to allow you to create them at the touch of a single button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way offer a more granular level of control over your coffee that allows you to select a specific temperature and size for each cup. It's more expensive than other models, but it has the polished stainless steel construction and excellent customer service synonymous with the brand and is a solid choice for those who want an extra level of quality 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. It combines the retro fifties styling of SMEG with the classic design of Italian coffee maker, Lavazza. It's intimidating to use thanks to its airplane-style toggles and manual lever, but it's quick and incredibly enjoyable to use and brews a lungo in just 30 seconds and the discarded pods are placed in an internal bin at the push of a button.
4. Customization
One big reason why a pod coffee maker may get more info not be right for you is its limited customization. If you don't have an alternative milk frother, then the only option to enhance 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 a lot of people, but it could be an issue here for those who like the convenience of a fully automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew makes use of barcode scanners to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wettes, infuses and dispenses the correct amount of coffee for the specific type of pod. It's an easy-to-use, hands-off machine which does an excellent job, however it isn't equipped with options for customizing drinks or altering the strength of brew. Some buyers will be annoyed by this, but others will appreciate the convenience and variety of cup sizes (espressos and mugs, lungos and espressos) to be exactly what they are searching for.
Apart from filling coffee capsules machines the water tank and decaffeinating the reservoir occasionally This coffee maker does not require a lot of maintenance. It is able to serve espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs with ease. As mentioned earlier, the used pods are ejected into a container hidden from view that keeps your kitchen tidy. It is also great in delivering full-bodied coffees that have crema-topped tops.
This is a beautiful-looking machine that is part of Smeg's fifties-style range. It's user-friendly with a simple control panel and can be used with ground coffee or ESE pods. It's only downside is the absence of an indicator that will let you know when to descale, website and the inability to set a maximum water level. You will also have to buy the capsules of the brand, which can be costly. However, this is an excellent pod coffee maker for those seeking a stylish and practical appliance check here that can serve them well for a reasonable price. For those who want a little more variety, a broad selection of third-party capsules is available for this model, and it's also compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.