The Top 5 Reasons People Thrive In The Best Coffee Pod Machine Industry
The Top 5 Reasons People Thrive In The Best Coffee Pod Machine Industry
Blog Article
The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The sleekest pod machine we've seen, this brushed-steel model offers the signature Sage quality and is easy to use. It preheats after switch-on, and makes an espresso with aroma or a little longer lungo in about 30 seconds.
Unlike bean-to-cup machines, pod models take the most messed-up aspects of coffee-making out of your hands, such as grinding and dosing grounds.
1. Fast
Pod machines are generally quicker to set up and use than espresso machines, with many capable of making coffee in 30 seconds or less. But they do come at an expense in that 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 recycling bags for free and UPS labels to return the pods).
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the fastest pod machines that you can find due to its in-built barcode reader that scans the code of each compatible pod prior to brewing it. This ensures consistently high-quality coffee, every time. There is almost no chance of having a bad drink. The machine is one of the tiniest and lightest available. It doesn't require a separate milk container and its compact size allows it to be easily incorporated into the smallest kitchens.
However, the CitiZ isn't the most efficient machine for those looking to cut down on their environmental impact. It doesn't have an automated descaling function, and you'll have to do it yourself every 300 cups if you reside in hard water areas or 1200 cups in soft water areas. You'll also need to swap in a new filter cartridge once this runs out and can be expensive for some users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another quick machine that comes with a customisable button and the option to use either ground coffee or ESE pods that are pre-dosed and tampered with grounds packed between filter paper. The model is B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to reducing its negative impact on the environment as well as its employees. Its only minor drawback is the time it takes to warm up. Once it is heated it will brew a cup in just 35 minutes.
If you're looking for an elegant, sleek machine that can handle a range of different drink sizes and styles then take a look at the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek machine designed in collaboration with Sage is not just simple to use, but it also comes with an ice cream wand, a stainless steel jug, and milk frother.
2. Removable parts
The ease of use is a big selling point, and the best models are simple to use. The majority of machines employ the same basic mechanism to brew the cup of coffee you want: water is heated inside a reservoir, then pushed through capsules to create rich hot java. Many brands offer a variety of drink sizes to suit different requirements, and you can save your own settings on a number of models to streamline the process further.
Keurig K-Cups are among the top player on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also have a wide selection of capsules from popular roasters. Certain pods can be used just once before they are discarded, while others can be used several times. Whatever the case, you'll need to plan out how you'll handle the pods you've used up so that they aren't thrown away in the trash.
The sleek SMEG model we tested has an ejectable water tank that's easy to fill and the machine automatically dispenses fresh capsules after the previous one has been chilled. It can make espresso and lungo drinks, and comes with eight different blends to offer variety. This brewer is ideal for coffee drinkers who wish to move away from drip coffee to drip.
In our tests in our tests, the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design is a looker on your counter and opens with a light touch to reveal a concealed compartment for your empty pods. It has an integrated water filter which is perfect for areas that have hard water.
This machine brews the standard cup of coffee (240ml), as well as lungo and ristretto-style espresso drinks and is extremely fast. The controls are easy to operate, with airplane-style toggles that can be retracted easily and a lever which retracts to reveal the opening for dropping in your coffee maker. It takes a bit of pressure to close, however most of our testers who have limited 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, press a button, and let it make coffee. You'll still need 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 ideal coffee maker for you will depend on your personal preferences and what you wish to achieve. All pod machines are simple to operate, however, some provide more options for customization. Take into consideration the variety of coffee pods, brew sizes and milk options for frothing when picking the right machine.
Many people associate pod-based machines with the likes of Nespresso and Keurig however there are some newer competitors on the scene that are worth a look. One of them is Bruvi which makes use of a bespoke pod system called B-Pods that can only be used with its machines. These pods have a barcode on the underside that the machine scans to automatically adjust the brewing settings.
The machine will eliminate all the guesswork and ensure that every drink is perfect every time. It can even save customised drinks to a specific button so you can create them at the push of a single button.
Other machines, such as Sage's My Way, offer more granular control over your cup of coffee than the majority machines, allowing you to choose the exact size and temperature for each cup. It's more expensive than other models, however it comes with a polished stainless-steel construction and the 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.
While the majority of people will use the pod-based machine to create single-serve drinks, there are some larger models that can also create longer shots, also known as lungos. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is a great example of this, and it combines the retro fifties styling of SMEG with Italian coffee maker, Lavazza. It's a little intimidating initially due to the toggles that look like airplanes, but once you get used to it, the machine is quick and satisfying to use. A lungo can be brewed in 30 minutes.
4. Customization
One reason the pod coffee maker might pod and bean coffee machine not be the right choice for you is the limited flexibility to customize. If you don't have an auxiliary milk frother then the only way to add flavor or creaminess is to use hot tea or chocolate option in your mug or to manually add milk to the coffee. For most people, this shouldn't be a problem however it could be a nagging issue for those who prefer an automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew makes use of a barcode scanner to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wets and infuses the right amount of coffee to the particular type of pod. It's a simple, hands-off machine which does a great job but isn't able to customize drinks or altering the strength of brew. Some customers might be disappointed by this, but others will find the convenience and variety of cup sizes (espressos and mugs, lungos and espressos) to be exactly what they're searching for.
Aside from filling up the water tank and decaffeinating it occasionally, this coffee maker will not require a lot of maintenance. It can dispense short espresso-style shots or tall travel mugs effortlessly. As previously mentioned, used pods are then ejected from a container hidden from view that keeps your kitchen tidy. It also excels at delivering full-bodied espressos with a crema-topped top.
This machine is part Smeg's 1950s-style range. It is easy to use with a simple control panel and can accommodate ground coffee or ESE pods. It's only downside is the lack of a gauge that lets you know when it's time to descale, as well as the inability to set the maximum level of water. You'll also have to purchase the brand's capsules, which can be pricey. This is a good pod machine for anyone who wants a convenient and attractive appliance that is able to serve at a reasonable cost. This model is compatible with a variety of third-party capsules and also is compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo range.