How to Choose the Best Coffee Pod Machine
A pod machine is a great option for those looking to get a quick and mess-free morning coffee fix. How do you choose the right one?
With a nod to the retro design, this machine boasts the SMEG and Lavazza branding across its front. It's more expensive and requires a large space on your counter. It's a premium pod coffee maker that feels sturdy.
1. Nespresso Compatible
If you're a Nespresso lover, you will need to choose a coffee maker that is compatible with capsules made by this brand. You may also want to choose models that work with other types of capsules, such as organic and Fairtrade choices or special flavoured pods. They're usually sold at the same price as the originals and some include an inbuilt milk frother, so you can make a cappuccino or latte.
Bruvi's entry into the pod machine market in 2022 was met with excitement. This vibrantly-coloured device promised three things: a more flavorful cup of coffee than other pod machines, a wide variety of drink options and pods you can put in the trash without worrying about the environmental impact.
It delivers on three counts. This compact pod coffee machine is affordable and makes an extremely rich, robust espresso every time. It's also one of the most silent models available which means you can make a cup of Joe before your morning alarm starts.
The Bruvi comes in two sizes and can be adjusted to the type of drink you're making. It comes with three settings for temperature and the texture of the milk when making either a cappuccino, or lattes. It can even make hot chocolate, which is perfect for adults and kids who want to warm up and wind down.
Another major plus is the programmable sleep mode, which goes to standby after a period of one hour of inactivity. It is also easy to clean and requires only a tiny amount of water. If you want to keep your electricity costs low, consider opting for an appliance that has a removable capsule holder to make it easier to empty.
There are other accessories that you can add to your coffee pod machine like a milk froth (unless it's part of the model you purchase). Other items you may want to look into include the possibility of a reusable filter to use with reusable capsules as well as a water kettle or thermometer for precise temperature control and an insulated travel mug.
2. Easy to Clean
A coffee pod machine is a convenient method to start your morning with a hot cup coffee. In just a few seconds you'll be enjoying a freshly-brewed drink. Just insert a pod and turn it on. They are also easy to clean, and the majority of them don't require regular maintenance -- just filling up the tank with water and decaling every six months or so.
Keurig's K-Cups offer the largest selection of choices on the market including national brands as well as popular grocery store brands like Folgers, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, and Dunkin' Donuts. There are also non-coffee options, such as hot cocoa and tea, available in K-Cups from various brands. But you're not limited to Keurig's K-Cups to make a great cup of coffee. you can also use reusable filter capsules made from plastic or paper that hold ground coffee or pre-loaded drip pods and even loose coffee grounds.
Many of these pod-based machines don't produce a rich strong, robust brew that can endure the most sophisticated taste. We found some pod coffee makers that produce bitter or watery cups of coffee. Some were difficult to use, taking up valuable counter space and generating a loud noise.
There are several high-quality pod coffee makers that give the ease of operation and consistency of a single-serve machine, without the disappointing taste and wasteful packaging. Some include a built-in frother that allows you to foam and pour your cappuccino or latte, while others have a separate frother you can plug into the machine to provide an amazing foamy topping to your drinks.
These newer pod machines not just make a great cup of coffee however, they also address the growing concern about the environmental impact of single-serve pods that are made of plastic. Both Keurig and Nespresso have made their aluminum pods recyclable by replacing them with polypropylene and the latter is now offering free bags for recycling capsules which can be picked up at any of its stores or UPS locations. Bruvi is a brand new competitor, utilizes pods that can only be used with its own brewers. They are designed to be able to break down quickly in landfills without leaving microplastics.
3. Fast Brewing
If you do not want to deal with the hassle of grinding beans or boiling a kettle, a pod coffee machine can be a lifesaver. These fool-proof machines let you brew espresso, tea or coffee in minutes without any cleaning up. While these machines generate more waste for the environment than drip machines however, they're significantly less laborious than making a batch of whole beans in a French press or pour-over.
A company based in LA called Bruvi released its BV-01 pod-based machine at the end of 2022. It promised to create a more flavorful single-serve joe, offer more options for drinks than the majority of pod-based machines, and provide reusable capsules that could be thrown away without breaking down into microplastics. While the Bruvi brewer costs more than Keurig or Nespresso, it is an excellent device in all aspects that feels like a dawning of a new age in pod coffee.
When buying a coffee pod maker, the size of the serving is a major aspect to take into consideration. Some models produce single-serve cups in a variety of sizes, ranging from large travel mugs to 2-ounce espresso shots. Some machines can brew whole pots of coffee. Some even have a milk frother to add a creamy cappuccino, latte or latte.
Another important factor to be considered is the design of a pod coffee machine. The color, the finish and placement of the machine, as well as the size and location of the reservoir for water will impact how it looks on your counter. Some brands also offer various colored pods, which allows you to change your drink to match the season or your mood.
Pod coffee makers tend to be compact and take up less space than drip or single-serve brewers. And while a small footprint is nice but it's equally important to ensure your machine is able to make several cups between refills. Most pod coffee makers should work with a water tank that is at 40 ounces or more for the typical household.
4. Variety of Drinks
Pod machines are surprisingly versatile and, based on the brand you select they can create all kinds of drinks. Certain brands, like Keurig's popular Keurig system as well as Sage's Nespresso collaboration, can brew four different sizes of drinks, while others offer just two or three. Certain machines also make hot chocolate and cold drinks.
Some pod coffee machines can make frothy cappuccinos as well as lattes, thanks to built-in milk frothers. Some require an additional milk jug or a conjoined one for this function. The best pod coffee makers for milk-frothing offer the most precise control and user-friendliness as well as sleek designs that fit into any kitchen.
The Grind One is a great example. Its minimalist design is a far cry form the curves that are found on other pod coffee machines. It's also smaller than most Keurigs, making it perfect for dorms and kitchens with small spaces. The reservoir can hold up to 40 pounds and is easily accessible. The machine will automatically place used capsules into a container that is attached to the machine. In addition to maintaining the reservoir and descaling it every six months, minimal maintenance is required.
The machine is more expensive than many of the other models we've reviewed, but it delivers a premium experience. The drip tray can be adjusted to ensure that it can fit tall travel mugs, or shorter espresso cups. It can be used to brew five different drinks thanks to a bespoke barcode system that scans every compatible pod and then automatically adjusts its settings to make the perfect cup.
This is the best-looking coffee pod machine we've tested and offers a superb-tasting coffee, especially for an automatic. We didn't award this machine the top spot due to the fact that it's limited in its ability to milk froth. The only option is to use dried skimmed milk capsules that don't taste as good as freshly squeezed milk. coffee machine best would have awarded this pod machine the top spot if it had an integrated milk frother.