The Best Coffee Pod Machine

This sleek, brushed-steel model provides the Sage trademark quality and user-friendly. When it is turned on, it warms up and makes a scrumptious espresso or a slightly longer lungo in just 30 seconds.

In contrast to bean-to-cup machines models take the messiest aspects of coffee-making out of your hands - including grinding and dosing grounds.

1. Fast

Pod machines are generally easier to set up and use than espresso machines, with most can make coffee in 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 of them aren't recyclable.

The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the fastest pod machines on the market due to its built-in barcode reader that scans code of each compatible pod prior to making it. This makes it easy to make consistent high-quality, high-end coffee every time, with virtually no chance of the drink turning out badly wrong. The machine is also one of the slimmest and lightest on the market that doesn't require an additional milk jug, and its small footprint making it easy to fit into even the smallest of kitchens.

However the CitiZ isn't the most efficient machine for those who want to minimize their environmental impact. It doesn't come with an automatic descaling function and you'll need to descale it yourself once every 300 cups if you reside in hard water areas or 1200 cups in soft water areas. You'll also have to put with a new cartridge once this runs out, which could be costly for some users.

The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another fast machine that has buttons that can be customized and the option to use 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 environment and workforce. Its only downside is that it takes a little longer to heat up, but once this is done, it will be able to brew a cup in around 35 minutes.

If you're after an elegant, stylish machine capable of handling a range of different sizes and styles, look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek machine, created in collaboration with Sage is not just simple to use but also comes with an ice cream wand, stainless steel jug and milk frother.

2. Removable parts

A pod coffee maker's user-friendliness is a big selling point, and the best models are easy to operate. The majority of machines utilize the same method to make your cup by heating water inside a reservoir, then pumped through the capsules you choose and extracted to create rich, hot java. The majority of brands offer a variety of sizes for drinks to meet different needs, and you can save custom settings on many models to simplify the process even more.

Keurig K-Cups are the biggest brands available on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also have a wide selection of capsules from popular roasters. Some pods can be used once before being thrown away however, others can be used several times. In either case, you'll have to plan out the way you'll dispose of the pods that are no longer being used so they don't end up in landfill.

The SMEG we tested has a removable reservoir of water that is easy to fill. It also automatically dispensates another capsule after the previous one cools down. It can be used to brew espresso and lungo drinks and comes with eight different blends to offer the variety. This brewer will appeal to coffee lovers who are looking to switch from drip coffee.

In our testing of the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design looks great on your counter, and it can be opened with a single touch to reveal the hidden compartment that stores empty pods. The machine also has the added benefit of a water filtration system, which is perfect for hard-water areas.

This machine brews a standard cup of coffee (240ml) and also serves as lungo and ristretto-style espresso drinks and is extremely fast. Its easy-to-use controls are easy to use, thanks to switches that resemble airplanes and a lever that retracts with little effort to reveal the area which allows you to drop the pod. It requires some force to close, but the majority of our testers even those with weak hand strength and mobility, felt comfortable.

3. Size

The best coffee pod machines take all the messy parts of coffee making out of your hands. You simply need to load the pod, press an icon and prepare to brew. It is still necessary to clean your machine every now and then however not as often as a bean-to-cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are also smaller than their larger counterparts and can be tucked away on the counter and be stored away from sight when not in use.

The right coffee pod machine for you will be determined by your preferences and what you want to achieve. All pod machines are simple to use, however some provide more options for customization. Different pod types, brew sizes options, and milk frothing features should all be considered to determine the best coffee pod machine.

The most popular pod-based machines are Nespresso, Keurig and similar brands. However there are more recent competitors that are worth taking a look at. One is Bruvi, which uses its own pod system, called B-Pods, which can only be used in conjunction with its machines. These pods have a barcode on the underside that machines scan to automatically adjust the brewing settings.

This means that the machine takes all the guesswork out of brewing a cup and makes sure that each drink comes out perfectly every time. It is able to save your customized drinks to a button to allow you to create them using one button.

Other machines, such as Sage's My Way offer a more granular level of control over your coffee, allowing you to choose the right temperature and size for each drink. It's a little more expensive than many other models, but it comes with the polished stainless steel design and top-quality customer service that's 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.

Some models with larger capacities can also brew lungos. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is a fantastic example of this, and it combines the retro fifties styling of SMEG with the classic design of Italian coffee brand, Lavazza. It can be a little difficult to use due to its airplane-style toggles as well as the manual lever, but it's easy and extremely enjoyable to use the lungo is made in only 30 seconds, and the discarded pods are placed in an internal bin with the click of the button.

4. Customization

A pod coffee maker's limited customisation is a major reason it may not be the best option for you. If you don't buy an additional milk frother, the only ways to add flavor or creaminess are to make use of a hot chocolate in-mug or tea option, and then add milk to your cup manually. For most people, this shouldn't be a problem however it could be a sticking point for those who prefer a fully automated experience in the morning.

Bosch's Intellibrew technology uses barcode readers to scan each capsule and automatically pre-wet, infuse, and dispense the correct volume of coffee required for that kind of pod. It's an easy-to-use and hands-off machine that does an excellent job, but lacks options for customising drinks or altering the strength of brew. This may be a problem for some buyers but for others, the simple automation and range of cup lengths (espresso, lungo and mug) it gives exactly what they need.

Apart from filling the water tank and decaffeinating the reservoir occasionally This coffee maker does not require a lot of maintenance. It dispenses short espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs effortlessly and, as previously mentioned the used pods are ejected into a hidden container which keeps your kitchen spotless. It also does a fantastic job of providing full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.

This machine is part of Premium Smeg And Lavazza Capsule Coffee Machine - Black's 1950s-style range. It's easy to use with a simple panel and can accommodate ground coffee or ESE pods. The only issue is that it doesn't come with 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 inconvenience. You will also have to purchase the brand's capsules which can be expensive. This is a good pod machine for anyone who wants an attractive and convenient appliance that can be used at a reasonable cost. For those who want a little more variety, a wide range of third-party capsules are available for this model, and it's compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.