Best Coffee Pod Machine It's Not As Hard As You Think
Best Coffee Pod Machine It's Not As Hard As You Think
Blog Article
The Best Coffee Pod Machine
This sleek, brushed-steel model offers the Sage trademark quality and ease of use. It warms up after switching on, and makes an espresso with aroma or slightly longer lungo in 30 minutes.
Unlike bean-to-cup machines, pod models take the messiest aspects of coffee making off your hands - including grinding and dosing grounds.
1. Speedy
Pod machines can be set up and used faster than espresso machines. Most of them can make a cup of coffee in 30 seconds. But they do come at a cost as the pre-portioned pods of coffee used in these models tend to be more expensive than freshly roasted beans. And they're not always recyclable (though some companies are now offering free recycling bags and prepaid UPS labels for returning the pods).
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the most efficient pod machines available on the market due to its in-built barcode reader that scans the code of each compatible pod prior to making it. This makes it easy to get consistent high-quality, high-end coffee every time, with virtually no chance of a drink coming out badly wrong. The machine is among the tiniest and lightest on the market. It does not require an additional milk container and its small footprint makes it easy to fit into the smallest kitchens.
However the CitiZ isn't the ideal machine for those wanting to minimize their environmental impact. The CitiZ doesn't have an automatic descaling feature. You will need to manually descale the machine every 300 cups for hard water, and every 1200 cups for soft water. You'll also need to swap in a new filter cartridge when it runs out and could be expensive for some users.
Tassimo Vivy 2 is a fast machine that can be customized with buttons. It can be used with either ground coffee or ESE pods, which are pre-dosed, tampered ground that are compressed between filter paper. It is also B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to lessening its negative impact on the environment and its workforce. The only drawback is that it takes a little longer to warm up, but once that happens it can brew the cup in about 35 minutes.
If you're looking for a sleek, stylish machine capable of handling a range of different drink sizes and styles then look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek machine, designed in collaboration with Sage is not just easy to use but also comes with an ice cream wand, stainless steel jug and a milk frother.
2. Removable parts
The ease of using pod coffee makers is a major benefit. The top models are easy to operate. Most machines utilize the same basic process to brew the cup of coffee you want the water is heated inside a reservoir, then it is pushed through capsules to produce rich hot, hot java. Many brands offer a variety of sizes of drinks to meet different needs, and you can save your own settings on many models to speed up the process even more.
Keurig K-Cups are among the largest player on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also come with a variety of capsules by well-known roasters. Some pods are designed to be used just once and then discarded, while others are designed to be used for a variety of purposes. You'll need a plan for your used pods to avoid them from ending up in the garbage.
The sleek SMEG model we tested features a removable water tank that's easy to fill and the machine automatically dispenses new capsules once the previous one has been cooled. It can be used to brew lungo and espresso drinks, and comes with eight different blends to give you plenty of variety. This brewer is perfect for those who love coffee and want to make the switch from drip coffee.
In our tests of the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable one to use. Its sleek design is beautiful on your counter and opens with just a touch to reveal the hidden compartment that stores empty pods. The machine also has the added benefit of an filtration system for water, which is great for hard-water areas.
This machine brews a standard cup of coffee (240ml), as well as lungo and ristretto espresso-style drinks and is extremely fast. Its easy-to-use controls are a joy to use, thanks to airplane-style toggles and a lever that retracts without much effort to reveal the opening where you drop in your pod. It requires a little force to close, but our test subjects, even those who have limited mobility and hand strength were able to use it comfortably.
3. Size
The top coffee pod makers take all the messy parts of coffee making out of your hands - you simply put in a pod, hit the button, and then make coffee. 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 counterparts that are larger which means they can be placed on the countertop and be kept out of sight when not in use.
If a coffee pod machine is the best choice for you is based on your preferences and what you want to get from it. The majority of pod machines are easy to use, however some provide more options for customization. Take into consideration the variety of coffee pods as well as brew sizes, milk and options for frothing when selecting the best machine.
Many people associate pod-based machines with the likes of Nespresso and Keurig However, there are a few newer competitors which are worth looking into. Bruvi utilizes a unique system of pods called B-Pods that can only be used in its machines. These pods are marked by a barcode which is read by the machine to adjust the brewing parameters automatically.
This approach means the machine removes all the guesswork of brewing a cup and ensures each drink is perfect every time. It can even save customized drinks to a specific button to allow you to create them at the push of a button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way, offer more granular control over your cup of coffee than others machines, allowing you to choose the exact size and temperature for each cup. It's a little more expensive than some models, but it comes with the polished stainless steel build and excellent customer service which is synonymous with the brand. It 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. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is a fantastic example of capsule coffee machine uk this and is a combination of the retro style of SMEG with Italian coffee maker, Lavazza. It's difficult to use due to its airplane-style toggles and manual lever, but it's quick and extremely enjoyable to use the lungo is made in only 30 seconds, and the pods that are used are deposited into an internal bin with the click of the button.
4. Customization
A pod coffee maker's limited customization is a major reason it's not the best option for you. If you don't have an auxiliary milk frother, then the only option to add flavor or creaminess is to make use of hot chocolate or tea option in your mug, or to manually add milk into your the coffee. For many people this won't be a problem but it could be a sticking point for those who prefer an automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew technology utilizes a barcode reader to scan each capsule, and automatically pre-wet, infuse and disperse the right amount of coffee required for that type of pod. It's a hassle-free, hands-off machine that does its job flawlessly, but does not have any options for customizing 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 and mug) it gives precisely what they require.
This coffee maker is very low-maintenance. It only requires you to refill the water tank, and decaffeinate it every so often. It is able to serve espresso-style shots or tall travel mugs effortlessly. As mentioned earlier, the used pods are ejected in an unnoticed container which keeps your kitchen clean. It also does a fantastic job of providing full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.
This machine is part of Smeg’s 1950s-style range. It's easy to use via simple buttons and can be used with ground coffee as well as ESE pods. Its only flaw is the lack of an indicator that will let you know when it's time to descale, as well as the inability to set a maximum water level. You'll also need to buy the capsules of the brand, which can be costly. This is a good pod machine for anyone who wants an attractive and convenient appliance that is able to serve at a reasonable cost. For those who want a little more variety, a broad selection of third-party capsules is available for this model and it's compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.