How to Choose the Best Coffee Pod Machine
If you like the idea of a quick and easy coffee fix in the morning, a pod-based machine is a good option. But how do you select the best one?
This machine has a retro design and features the SMEG Lavazza logos on its front. It needs a prominent spot on your countertop and is more expensive than other models. It's a premium pod coffee maker that feels sturdy.
1. Nespresso Compatible
If you are a Nespresso lover, you'll want to select the right coffee maker that is compatible with capsules of this brand. It's possible to select a model which can also use other capsules, such as organic and Fairtrade or special flavoured pods. These are often available for an equivalent price to the originals and some include an integrated milk frother so you can make the perfect cappuccino or latte.
Bruvi's entry into pod machine market in 2022 was greeted with excitement. This brightly-coloured device promised a variety of drinks, a better cup of coffee than other pod machine, and pods that can be thrown away without worrying about the environmental impact.
It delivers on three counts. This pod coffee machine is small and inexpensive and yet produces an incredibly rich and robust cup of espresso every time. It's also among the most quiet models available, so you can make an espresso cup Joe before your morning alarm is set to sound.
The Bruvi comes with two sizes of cups and can be adjusted to fit the type of beverage you're making. If you're making a latte or cappuccino it comes with three textures and temperature settings for the milk, so you can enjoy your froth. It can also make hot cocoa, which is great for adults and kids who are looking to relax.
Another big plus is the programmable sleep mode that switches to standby after an hour of non-use. It is also easy to clean and requires only a tiny amount of water. Consider a machine with a removable capsule holder to make emptying it easier.
There are several additional accessories that you could add to your coffee maker such as a milk frother (unless it's part of the model you buy). It is also possible to consider a reusable coffee filter that can be used with reusable capsules. A thermometer or water kettle for precise temperature control is a great option.
2. Easy to Clean
The convenience of a coffee pod maker makes it easy to start your day with a quick and hot cup of joe. Just load a pod, switch it on, and within just a few minutes you'll have a freshly-brewed drink. They are simple to clean and don't need daily maintenance. They just require a water tank refill and a descaling every six months.
Keurig's K-Cups provide the largest selection on the market. They include national brands such as Folgers and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters as in addition to the grocery store staples Dunkin' Donuts and Dunkin' Donuts. Even non-coffee drinks such as tea and hot chocolate are available in K Cup form from different brands. It's not necessary to make use of Keurig K-Cups for a great cup. You can also make it with reusable filter capsules that are made of paper or plastic and can hold ground coffee, pre-loaded drippods or loose grounds of coffee.
A lot of these machines based on pods do not produce a rich, strong brew that can endure the most sophisticated palate. During our tests, we discovered that a few pod coffee makers made watery or overly bitter cups of coffee. Some were difficult to use and took up a lot of counter space and generating a loud noise.
There are a few high-end pod coffee makers that provide the convenience and consistency of a single-serve coffee maker without the unpleasant taste and wasteful packaging. Some come with a built-in milk frother for frothing and pouring your cappuccino or latte, while others have a separate frother which can be connected to the machine to provide a deliciously foamy top to your drinks.
In addition to making the best coffee, these newer pod coffee machines have also taken steps to address the growing environmental concerns caused by single-serve pods made from plastic. Keurig and Nespresso have made their aluminum pods recyclable by replacing them with polypropylene. The latter also offers free capsule recycling bags that can drop off at any retail or UPS store. A new competitor, Bruvi, uses its own pods that can be used in its own brewer and are designed to disintegrate quickly in landfills and without leaving microplastics behind.
3. Fast Brewing
For those who do not want to deal with the hassle of grinding beans or boiling a kettle, a pod coffee maker can be a real lifesaver. These fool-proof machines allow you to brew espresso, tea, or coffee in a matter of minutes with no cleaning up. Although these machines produce more environmental waste than their drip counterparts but they're a lot less time-consuming than brewing a batch of whole beans in a French press or pour-over.
In late 2022, an LA-based startup known as Bruvi introduced its BV-01 coffee pod machine. It promised to create more flavorful single serve coffee, offer more drinks options than the vast number of other pod-based machines, and also provide capsules that can be reused and thrown out without breaking down into tiny microplastics. The Bruvi brewer is more expensive than Keurig and Nespresso models but it's a great all-around device that feels like the dawn of a new age for pod coffee.
One of the most important things to think about when purchasing a coffee maker is serving size. Certain models can serve single-serve cups in a broad range of sizes, from large travel mugs all the way to 2-ounce espresso shots. Other machines can brew entire pots of coffee, and some come with a milk frother so you can add a creamy cappuccino or latte to your morning joe.
The design of a coffee machine is another important factor to consider. The color and finish of the machine along with the location and size of the reservoir and pod compartment will determine the appearance of your machine on your kitchen counter. Certain brands have different colored pods so that you can alter your drink according to the season or mood.
Pod coffee makers are generally designed to be small and take up less space than traditional single-serve or drip brewers. Although a small footprint may be desirable, it's essential that your machine can make multiple cups between refills. Most pod coffee makers should be equipped with a water tank of at 40 ounces at the minimum for an typical household.
4. Variety of Drinks
The pod machines are extremely versatile and, based on the brand you select they can create all kinds of drinks. Some brands, like the popular Keurig systems and Sage's Nespresso collab, can make up to four different drink sizes, while others offer just two or three options. Some machines can also brew tea, hot cocoa and cold drinks.
best value bean to cup coffee machine have built-in milk frothers that can make cappuccinos, lattes and other drinks that are frothy. Some require a separate milk jug, or a conjoined one to perform this function. The top milk-frothing coffee machines are simple to use and provide precise control. They also feature a sleek design that can be incorporated into any kitchen.
The Grind One makes a great illustration. Its minimalist design is a far cry from the curvature that is that are found on other pod coffee makers. It's smaller than the majority of Keurigs, making it ideal for dorms and kitchens with small spaces. The water tank is simple to access and can hold up to 40 ounces. which coffee pod machine is best will automatically place capsules used up into a container that is attached to the machine. Apart from maintaining the reservoir and descaling it every six months, very little maintenance is required.
This machine is more costly than other models we have reviewed, but offers a premium experience. The drip tray can be adjusted so that it can fit tall travel mugs, or shorter espresso cups. It can brew five different drinks, thanks to a bespoke barcode scanner that scans each compatible pod and then automatically adjusts its settings to create the perfect cup.
This is the most attractive coffee pod maker we've tested and offers a superb-tasting brew, particularly for an automatic. The only reason we didn't grant it the top spot is due to its limited milk-frothing capabilities - the only option available is to use dried skimmed milk capsules, which don't taste quite as good as freshly squeezed milk. If it had a built-in milk frother then we'd consider this pod machine to be the top spot.