If you like the idea of a quick, mess-free coffee fix in the morning, a pod-based machine is a good option. How do you pick the best one?
This machine is retro in design and has the SMEG Lavazza logos on its front. It's more expensive and requires a large space on your counter. However, it's an excellent pod coffee maker that has a sturdy feel.
1. Nespresso Compatible
If you're an avid Nespresso lover, you'll need to choose a coffee pod maker that is compatible with the capsules made by this brand. You may also want to choose a model that can use other capsules as well, like organic and Fairtrade varieties or flavored pods with a special flavor. These models are available at a price similar to the standard ones. Some even come with built-in frothers that allow you to make a cappuccino, Latte, or other flavored pods.
The entry of Bruvi into the pod machine market in 2022 was met with excitement. This brightly-coloured device promised a variety of drink choices, a better cup of coffee than other pod machine, and pods that can be thrown away without worrying about the environment.
It's a winner on all three counts. The compact pod coffee machine is reasonably priced and produces an extremely rich, robust espresso every time. It's one of the quietest machines on the market. You can make a cup of Joe even before the alarm goes off.
best coffee espresso machine comes with two sizes of cups that can be adjusted to match the type of beverage you're making. It comes with three settings for temperature and texture of the milk while making the cappuccino or latte. It also makes hot cocoa, which is ideal for kids and adults who want to unwind.
A sleep function that can be programmed is another feature that's a plus. It goes into standby mode after an hour without any use. It is also easy to clean and requires very little water. If you're looking to keep your energy costs low, consider opting for a machine that has an open capsule holder that is removable for easier emptying.
You can also include a milk frother in your coffee pod (unless one is already included in the model you buy). It is also possible to consider an reusable coffee filter that can be used with capsules that can be reused. A thermometer or water kettle for precise temperature control is another option.
2. Easy to Clean
A coffee pod machine is a convenient way to begin your day with a hot cup of coffee. In just a few seconds you'll have freshly brewed coffee. Simply insert a pod and turn it on. They are simple to clean and don't require regular maintenance. They just require a water tank refill and a descaling every six months.
Keurig's K-Cups have the widest variety of choices available, including national brands and supermarket favorites like Folgers, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and Dunkin' Donuts. Even non-coffee drinks like tea and hot chocolate are available in K Cup form from different brands. However, you don't have to use Keurig's K-Cups to make a delicious cup of coffee. In fact, you can also make use of reusable filter capsules made from plastic or paper that can hold ground coffee or pre-loaded drip pods as well as loose coffee grounds.
But many of these machines aren't known for producing an intense, rich cup that holds up to the taste of discerning consumers. In our tests, we discovered that some pod coffee makers produced watery or excessively bitter cups of joe. Some were difficult to use and took up a lot of counter space and running loudly.
There are a few high-end coffee makers that offer the convenience and consistency of single-serve machines without the wasteful packaging and disappointing taste. Some models have an inbuilt frother to froth and pour your latte or cappuccino, while others have an extra frother that can plug in to the machine to create a deliciously frothy top to your drink.
In addition to making an excellent cup of coffee, these newer pod coffee machines have taken steps to address the increasing concerns about the environmental impact caused by plastic-based single-serve pods. Keurig and Nespresso made their aluminum pods recyclable, by replacing them with polypropylene. The latter offers free capsule recycling bags that can drop off at any store or UPS location. Bruvi, a newly launched competitor, utilizes pods that are compatible with its own brewers. They are designed to break down quickly in landfills, leaving no microplastics.
3. Fast Brewing
A pod coffee maker can be a lifesaver for people who don't want to grind beans or boil kettles. These idiot-proof appliances allow you to brew a cup of espresso, coffee or tea in mere minutes with no cleaning up. And while these machines do produce more environmental waste than drip machines however, they're significantly less time-consuming than brewing whole beans in a French press or pour-over.
In the latter half of 2022, a startup based in Los Angeles known as Bruvi launched its BV-01 coffee pod machine. It promised to produce better-tasting single serve coffee and provide more drink options than the many other pod-based machines, and also provide reusable capsules which could be taken away without breaking into tiny microplastics. While the Bruvi brewer will cost more than Keurig or Nespresso but it is a great device all around that feels like a beginning of a new era in pod coffee.
When purchasing a coffee pod maker, the size of the serving is an important factor to take into account. Some models can produce single-serve cups with different sizes, ranging from huge travel mugs to 2-ounce espresso shots. Other machines can make entire pots of coffee, and some have a milk frother so you can add a smooth cappuccino or lattes to your morning joe.
The design of a coffee machine is another important factor to consider. The color and finish of the machine, as well as the placement and size of the water reservoir and pod compartment will affect the way your machine appears on your counter. Some brands also provide various colored pods, which allows you to change up your beverage to suit the season or your mood.
Pod coffee makers tend to be compact and take up less space than single-serve or drip brewers. And while a small footprint is nice but it's equally important to ensure your machine has enough capacity to brew several cups in between refills. For the average household, a water tank that can hold at least 40 ounces ought to be adequate for most pod coffee makers.
4. Variety of drinks
The pod machines are extremely versatile and, based on the brand you select, can make all manner of drinks. Some brands, such as Keurig's popular Keurig system as well as Sage's Nespresso collaboration, can make four different sizes of drinks, while others offer just two or one. Some machines can also prepare hot cocoa, tea and cold drinks.
Certain pod coffee machines have built-in milk frothers which can make cappuccinos, lattes and other drinks with frothy froth. Some require a separate milk jug, or a conjoined one for this job. The best milk-frothing machines are simple to use and provide precise control. They also have a sleek design that fits in any kitchen.
The Grind One is a great example. It's sleek design that is a step back from the curves you find on other pod coffee makers. It is smaller than most Keurig models which makes it perfect for those with small kitchens or dorm rooms. The water tank is easy to access and holds up to 40 pounds. The machine is able to automatically deposit capsules used up in a container attached to the machine. In addition to maintaining the reservoir and decaling it every six months, minimal maintenance is required.
This machine is more expensive than some of the other models we've reviewed but it delivers a premium experience. The brushed stainless steel finish is modern and sleek, while the drip tray can be adjusted to accommodate tall or short espresso cups as well as travel mugs. It can brew up to five different drinks thanks to a barcode system which scans each compatible pod and then automatically alter its settings.
This is the most attractive machine we've test. It also produces delicious tasting brews - especially for an automatic. The only reason we didn't grant it the top spot is due to its lack of milk-frothing capabilities. the only option available is to make use of dried skimmed milk capsules which don't taste as good as fresh-squeezed milk. We would have awarded this machine top marks with an integrated milk frother.
