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 ever seen, this brushed-steel model offers the renowned Sage quality and user-friendly. It warms up after switching on, and makes an espresso with aroma or a slightly longer lungo in 30 seconds.
Models for pods are an excellent alternative to bean-to cup machines. They take the clumsiest components of making coffee off your hands, like grinding and measuring grounds.
1. Rapid
Pod machines are typically quicker to install and use than espresso machines, with the majority able to make a cup of coffee in 30 seconds or less. However, they come with a cost: the pre-portioned coffee pods used in these models tend to be more expensive than freshly roasted beans. And many are also not recyclable (though some companies are now offering free recycling bags and pre-paid UPS labels for returning the pods).
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the fastest pod machines on the market, thanks to its in-built barcode reader that scans code of each compatible pod prior to making it. This ensures that you get consistently top-quality coffee every time. There is hardly any possibility of getting a poor beverage. The machine is among the tiniest and lightest on the market. It does not require an additional milk container and its compact size allows it to be easily incorporated into even the tiniest kitchens.
However, the CitiZ isn't the best machine for those looking to cut down on their environmental impact. It doesn't have an automatic descaling function, and you'll have to clean it yourself every 300 cups if you live in hard water or 1200 cups in soft water areas. Once the filter cartridge is out, you'll have to replace it with a fresh one. This could be expensive for some users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another quick machine that comes with a customisable button and the option to use ground coffee or ESE pods, which are pre-dosed and tampered grounds compressed between filter paper. This model is B-Corp Certified. It is committed to lessening the negative impact it has on the surroundings and its workforce. The only downside is the time it takes to heat up. Once it does, it can brew one cup in about 35 seconds.
Vertuo Creatista is a stylish, sleek machine that can create a variety of drinks in different sizes and styles. This glossy beauty, made in collaboration with Sage it is not only simple and quick to operate but also comes with a milk frothing wand and a stainless steel jug.
2. Removable parts
The ease of use of pod coffee makers is a major benefit. The most effective models are simple to use. The majority of machines employ the same mechanism to brew the cup of coffee you want: water is heated inside the reservoir, and then moved through capsules to make rich, hot java. Many brands offer a variety of drink sizes for different needs. You can also save your own settings to make the process more efficient.
Keurig's K-Cups and Nestle's Nespresso VertuoLine series are the two major players in the market, however both offer a variety of capsules from popular roasters and brands. Certain pods can be used just once before being thrown away however, others can be used multiple times. You'll need a plan to dispose of the pods you've used to avoid them from ending up in the garbage.
The sleek SMEG model we tested features an ejectable water tank that's easy to fill and the machine will automatically pour new capsules once the previous one has been chilled. It can brew espresso and lungo drinks, and comes with a set of eight different blends that provide plenty of options. This brewer is ideal for those who love coffee and want to switch from drip coffee.
In our tests, the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable one to use. Its sleek design looks stunning on your counter, and it opens with just a touch to coffee machine capsule reveal the hidden compartment that stores empty pods. The machine comes with a water filter system which is perfect for areas with hard water.
This machine is able to make an ordinary cup of coffee (240ml), as well as lungo and ristretto espresso-style drinks, and is surprisingly quick. The controls are simple to use, with the style of airplane toggles that can be easily retracted and a lever which retracts to reveal the opening to drop into your coffee maker. It requires some pressure to close, however most of our testers even those with weak hand strength and mobility, felt comfortable.
3. Size
The top coffee pod machines remove all the mess from coffee making - you just load a pod in the machine, push a button and let it brew. You'll still have to clean your machine occasionally, but not like 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 best coffee machine for you will be determined by your preferences and what you wish to achieve. All pod machines are simple to use, but certain models offer more customization options than others. Be aware of the different coffee pods, brew sizes and milk frothing options when choosing the best machine.
The most popular pod-based machines are Nespresso, Keurig and similar brands. However there are a few newer competitors that may be worth taking a look at. One is Bruvi which has its own pod system, known as B-Pods that can only be used by its machines. The pods are equipped with a barcode on the underside that the machine scans to automatically adjust the brewing settings.
The machine will eliminate the guesswork and make sure that each drink is perfect every time. It can save your custom drinks in a single button so that you can make them by pressing one button.
Other machines, such as Sage's My Way, offer greater control over your cup of coffee than the majority, letting you choose a specific size and temperature for each cup. It's more expensive than some models, but it has the polished stainless steel build and top-quality customer service that's synonymous with the brand and is a good option for those looking to get an extra level of quality from their pod-based coffee maker.
Some larger models can also create lungos. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, a perfect example, blends retro fifties styling from SMEG and Italian coffee brand Lavazza. It's a little intimidating initially due to the airplane-style toggles, but once you've gotten used to it, the machine is quick and easy to use. A lungo can be prepared in just 30 minutes.
4. Customization
One reason a pod coffee maker may not be the best choice for you is the limited flexibility to customize. 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 manually to your coffee. For most people, this shouldn't be a problem but it could be a nagging issue for those who prefer an automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew technology uses barcode scanners to scan each capsule and automatically pre-wet, infuse, and disperse the right amount of coffee for that particular type of pod. It's a simple and hands-off machine that does an excellent job, but lacks options for customising drinks or for varying the strength of brew. This might be frustrating for some customers but for others the hassle-free automation and variety of cup lengths (espresso lungo, espresso and mug) it gives precisely what they require.
The coffee maker is extremely low-maintenance. It is all you need to do is to refill the water tank and decaffeinate the reservoir each and every so often. It is able to serve espresso-style shots or tall travel mugs with ease. As mentioned, the used pods are ejected in an unnoticed container that keeps your kitchen tidy. It also excels at delivering full-bodied coffees with tops that are topped with crema.
This is a stunning machine that is part of Smeg's fifties style range. It's user-friendly with a simple interface and can accommodate ground coffee or ESE pods. The only drawback is the absence of a gauge that lets you know when it's time to descale, as well as the inability to set the maximum water level. You will also have to buy the brand's capsules which can be costly. But, it's a great pod coffee maker for anyone looking for a beautiful and functional appliance that will provide them with a great service at an affordable price. This model can be used with a variety of capsules from third-party manufacturers and works with the Nespresso Vertuo range.