10 No-Fuss Methods To Figuring Out Your Best Coffee Pod Machine
10 No-Fuss Methods To Figuring Out Your Best Coffee Pod Machine
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The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The most elegant pod machine we've seen this model with brushed-steel features the renowned Sage quality and ease of use. It warms up after switching on, and brews an aroma-packed espresso or a little longer lungo in 30 seconds.
Models for pods are a great alternative to bean-to-cup machines. They take the clumsiest components of making coffee off your hands, like grinding and measuring grounds.
1. Speedy
Pod machines can be set up and operated faster than espresso machines. The majority of them can make a cup in just 30 seconds. However, they come with an expense in that the pre-portioned coffee pods used in these machines tend to be more expensive than freshly roasted beans. And they're not always recyclable (though some companies are now offering recycling bags for free and UPS labels for returning the pods).
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the most efficient pod machines available that you can find, thanks to its in-built barcode scanner that scans the code of each compatible pod before making it. This ensures consistently high-quality coffee, every time. There is virtually no chance of getting a bad beverage. It is also among the slimmest and lightest available and does not require an additional milk jug, and a small footprint making it easy to fit into even the tiniest kitchen.
The CitiZ isn't the best machine to reduce the 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. It is also necessary to put with a new cartridge when it runs out and could be expensive for certain users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another fast machine that has buttons that can be customized and the option to use either ground coffee or ESE pods, which are pre-dosed and tampered grounds compressed between filter paper. The model is B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to decreasing its negative impact on the environment as well as its employees. The only downside is the time it takes to warm up. Once it is heated it will brew a cup in about 35 seconds.
If you're after an elegant, stylish machine that can handle a range of different sizes and styles then you should look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek beauty, created in collaboration with Sage, is not only easy to use and quick to start, but also comes with an ice cream frothing wand as well as an stainless steel Jug.
2. Removable parts
The user-friendliness is a major draw and the top models are a breeze to operate. The majority of machines utilize the same basic process to make your coffee: water is heated inside a reservoir, and then pushed through the capsules you choose and extracted to produce rich hot coffee. The majority of brands offer a variety of drink sizes to suit various needs. You can save custom settings on many models to simplify the process further.
Keurig's K-Cups and Nestle's Nespresso VertuoLine series are the two biggest players in the market, but both offer a variety of capsules from top roasters and brands. Some pods are designed to be used once and discarded, while others are intended to be used multiple times. You'll need a strategy for your old pods to prevent them from being thrown away.
The sleek SMEG model we tested comes with a water tank that is removable and easy to fill and the machine automatically dispenses fresh capsules after the previous one has been cooled. It brews lungo and espresso drinks, and comes with eight different blends that provide plenty of options. This brewer is ideal for coffee lovers who want to make the switch from drip coffee.
In our testing we found that the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most satisfying to use. Its sleek design is an eye-catching addition to your countertop and opens with a simple touch to reveal a concealed compartment for empty pods. It has an in-built water filter system which is perfect for areas that have hard water.
This machine is easy to use and brews regular coffee (240ml), ristretto, and lungo espresso drinks. Its user-friendly controls are easy to navigate using the switches that resemble airplanes and a lever that retracts without much effort to reveal the area which allows you to drop your coffee maker. It requires some force to close, but most of our testers who have limitations in hand strength and mobility, found it comfortable.
3. Size
The top coffee pod makers remove all the messes of making coffee out of your hands. You simply put in a pod, hit an icon and brew. It is still necessary to clean the machine from time time but not as often as you would with a coffee maker that is a bean-to cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are smaller than their larger equivalents, and can be stored on the counter when not being used.
The right coffee pod machine for you will depend on your personal preferences and what you wish to achieve. All pod machines are simple to operate, best coffee machines with pods however, some offer more customization options. Be aware of the different coffee pods as well as brew sizes, milk and options for frothing when selecting the best machine.
Most people will think of pod-based machines as the likes of Nespresso and Keurig however there are a few more recent rivals which are worth looking into. Bruvi uses a bespoke system of pods, called B-Pods, which can only be used in its machines. These pods are marked by a barcode which is scanned by the machine to adjust the brewing parameters automatically.
This approach means the machine takes all the guesswork out the process of making a cup, and ensures each drink is perfect every time. It is even able to save custom drinks to a separate button to allow you to create them at the touch of a button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way, offer greater control over your cup of coffee than most, letting you choose the exact size and temperature for each cup. It's a little more expensive than many other models but it offers the polished stainless steel construction and the excellent customer service that is associated with the brand. It is a great option for those looking to get an extra level of quality from their pod-based coffee maker.
While most people are using the pod-based machine to create single-serve drinks, there are some larger models that can brew longer shots, known as lungos, also. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is a fantastic example of this. It combines the retro fifties styling of SMEG with 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 used pods are put into an internal bin at the push of a button.
4. Customization
One reason a pod coffee maker may not be right for you is the limited customization. If you don't have an alternative milk frother, then the only way to add more flavor or creaminess is to use hot chocolate or tea option in your mug or to manually add milk to your coffee. This won't be an issue for many people, but could be a problem for those who like an entirely automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew utilizes a barcode scanner to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wets and infuses, then dispensing the right amount of coffee for the particular kind of pod. It's a simple, hands-off machine which does an excellent job, but isn't able to customize drinks or for varying the strength of brew. Some buyers will be annoyed by this, but many will find the ease of use and variety of cup sizes (espressos and lungos, as well as mugs) to be exactly what they're seeking.
In addition to filling up the water tank and decaffeinating the reservoir occasionally, this coffee maker will not require much maintenance. It can dispense short espresso shots and tall travel mugs easily and, as we mentioned the used pods are ejected into a concealed receptacle that helps keep your kitchen clean. It also does a fantastic job of providing full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.
It's a gorgeous machine that is part of Smeg's fifties-style range. It's simple to use with an easy-to-use panel of buttons and can accommodate ground coffee as well as ESE pods. The only downside is that it doesn't come with 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 capsules made by the company, which can be pricey. Nevertheless, this is a good pod coffee maker for anyone seeking a stylish and convenient appliance that will provide them with a great service at a reasonable price. If you're looking for some variety, a wide range of third-party capsules are available for this model, and it's compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.