The Best Coffee Pod Machine

The most elegant pod machine we've ever seen, this brushed-steel model offers the signature Sage quality and ease of use. It preheats after switch-on, and makes an espresso with aroma or a slightly longer lungo in just 30 seconds.

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

1. Fast

Pod machines are generally quicker to setup and use than espresso machines, with many capable of making a cup of coffee in just 30 seconds or less. But they do come at a cost in that the pre-portioned coffee pods used in these machines are generally 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 to return them).

The Nespresso CitiZ has one of the fastest pod machines available, thanks to the barcode scanner that scans every compatible pod's code prior to brewing. This makes it easy to ensure consistent high-quality, high-end coffee every time, with virtually no chances of a drink turning out badly wrong. The machine is one of the slimmest and lightest available. It does not require a separate milk container and its compact footprint allows it to be easily incorporated into even the smallest kitchens.

However, the CitiZ isn't the best machine for those who want to reduce their environmental impact. The CitiZ doesn't have an automatic descaling feature. You'll have to manually descale the machine every 300 cups for hard water, and every 1200 cups for soft water. Once the filter cartridge runs out, you'll need to replace it with a new one. This can be costly for certain users.

The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another speedy machine with customisable buttons and the option of using ground coffee or ESE pods, which are pre-dosed and tampered with grounds squeezed between filter paper. This model is also B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to lessening its negative impact on the environment and its employees. Its only downside is that it takes longer to heat up, but once this occurs, it can make the cup in about 35 seconds.

If you're after an elegant, stylish machine that can handle a range of different drink sizes and styles, you should 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 a milk frothing wand and an stainless steel Jug.

2. Removable parts

The simplicity of pod coffee makers is a major advantage. The best models are simple to use. The majority of machines utilize the same basic process to make your coffee: water is heated in an internal reservoir, then pressured through the capsules you choose and extracted to produce rich, hot coffee. Many brands offer a variety of sizes of drinks for different needs. You can also save custom settings to streamline the process.

Keurig's K-Cups and Nestle's Nespresso VertuoLine series are the two leading players in the market, yet both offer a variety of capsules from popular roasters and brands. Some pods can be used only once before they are discarded, while 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 reservoir of water that is simple to fill. It also automatically dispenses an additional capsule once the previous one cools down. It can brew espresso and lungo drinks, and comes with eight different blends for various options. This brewer is perfect for coffee drinkers who wish to make the switch from drip coffee to drip.

In our tests of the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design is a looker on your countertop, and it opens with a light touch to reveal a hidden compartment to store your empty pods. It has an integrated water filter that is perfect for areas with hard water.

The machine can brew an ordinary cup of coffee (240ml), as well as lungo and ristretto-style espresso drinks and is surprisingly fast. The controls are simple to operate, with airplane-style toggles that can be easily pulled back and a lever that retracts to reveal the hole to place into the pod. It requires a little force to close but our testers, even those with limited mobility and hand strength felt comfortable.

3. Size

The best coffee pod machines eliminate all the mess that comes with coffee making. You just load a pod in, press a button and let it brew. You'll still have to clean your machine every now and then but not as often as 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 in use.

The best coffee machine for you will depend on your preferences and the goals you'd like to achieve. The majority of pod machines are easy to use, however some provide more options for customization. Different pod types, brew sizes options and milk frothing capabilities are all important to find the ideal coffee pod machine for you.

Many people think of pod-based machines as the likes of Nespresso and Keurig However, there are a few newer competitors on the scene that could be worth considering. pod coffee makers Bruvi has a custom-designed system of pods called B-Pods, which can only be used in its machines. These pods have a barcode on the underside that the machine scans to automatically adjust brewing settings.

The machine will eliminate the guesswork and ensure that every drink is perfect every time. It is even able to save custom drinks to a separate button, allowing you to create them at the touch of a single button.

Other machines, like Sage's My Way offer a more precise 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, however it has the polished stainless-steel build and excellent customer support synonymous with the brand. This is a good option for those who want an extra bit of quality from their pod-based espresso maker.

Certain models are larger and can brew lungos. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, a great example, combines retro style of the fifties from SMEG and Italian coffee brand Lavazza. It's a little intimidating at first thanks to the airplane-style toggles however once you've become accustomed to it, it is quick and satisfying to use. A lungo can be made in 30 minutes.

4. Customization

One of the main reasons the pod coffee maker might not be the right choice for you is its lack of customization. If you don't buy an additional milk frother, the only ways to add extra flavor or creaminess is to use an in-mug hot chocolate or tea option and to add milk to your cup manually. For most people, this won't be a problem however it could be a nagging issue for those who prefer an automated experience in the morning.

Bosch's Intellibrew uses a barcode scanner to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wets and infuses, then dispensing the correct amount of coffee to the specific kind of pod. It's a hassle-free, hands-off machine that does its job very well but lacks any options for making drinks that are customized or for varying the strength of brew. This might be frustrating for some customers but for others the hassle-free automation and range of cup lengths (espresso lungo, espresso and mug) will provide precisely what they require.

Aside from filling up the water tank and decaffeinating the reservoir occasionally This coffee maker does not require much maintenance. It is able to serve espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs with ease and, as mentioned the pods that are used are ejected into a concealed receptacle that helps keep your kitchen clean. It is also great at delivering full-bodied coffees with a crema-topped top.

This machine is part of Smeg's 1950s style range. It's user-friendly with a simple control panel and can be used with ground coffee or ESE pods. Its only flaw is the lack of a gauge that will let you know when it's time to descale, as well as the inability to set the maximum level of water. It is also necessary to buy the capsules of the brand, which can be costly. This is a good pod machine for anyone looking for an easy-to-use and stylish appliance that is able to serve at a reasonable price. This model is compatible with a range of capsules from third party manufacturers and is compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo range.