The Best Pod Coffee Machines
With pod coffee machines, you simply put a sealed capsule with roasted or ground beans into the machine. The coffee is poured through the machine for a predetermined amount of time.
Certain pod coffee makers offer multiple cup sizes, a built-in filter, and milk frothing capabilities. The best pod machine for you will depend on your lifestyle and personal preferences.
1. Keurig K-Select
If you're looking to buy a basic Keurig coffee maker that doesn't have all the bells and whistles of higher-end models, this one is a good choice. It's easy to use, has a beautiful design and can be hidden away in an area of the kitchen when it's not in use.
The machine can be loud but it's not a huge issue. It's also quite small and will fit on tiny counter spaces. However, if you want a Keurig with a larger variety of sizes or a carafe that is suitable for traditional drip brewing, consider other alternatives.
Keurig K-Select is a single serve coffee maker that combines a sleek design with more user-friendly features. This allows you to make the perfect cup of coffee every time. Pick from a variety of delicious K-Cups, or brew your coffee using a universal My-K-Cup filter (sold separate). Strong Brew increases the intensity and strength of your coffee, making it an ideal option for coffee lovers who enjoy a strong cup.
The brewer has simple controls that are operated by buttons. Place the K-Cup and select your preferred size of brew and press to brew. In less than one minute, you can enjoy freshly brewed coffee. The large water reservoir of 52 ounces lets you brew up to five cups in between refills, easing your morning routine.
This machine is easy to clean, thanks to the ability to remove the reservoir of water and lid that can be easily washed. However, it is recommended to clean your Keurig before cleaning it, and follow the directions in the user's manual to ensure that your machine is operating at its peak. The warranty covers the brewer as well as the original accessories, with the exception of for normal wear and tear, damage caused by abuse or misuse, and any external causes of failure like power outages.
2. Tassimo My Way
This is the best option for coffee lovers who want a machine that does more than just make your daily cup. It's designed to create a wide range of drinks like hot chocolate and tea. coffee machine capsule comes with a huge 1.3 millilitre water tank that can brew multiple cups at the same time. The machine can be heated up in just three seconds and can produce the perfect cappuccino or latte using its milk jug built-in. It also has a touch-sensitive screen that allows you to adjust the intensity, temperature, and volume of your drink.
The Tassimo My Way uses the brand's T Discs that contain everything you require for your favorite drink. There are over 70 different kinds that include Kenco, Costa, Milka, and Cadbury's. The machine also offers a selection of T Discs for hot chocolate and tea as well.
The coffee that was produced by this machine was of high quality, though it was a bit lower than the other machines in our round-up. It also produced a creamy mouthfeel and steamed milk for a caffe lattes in a short time. However, it is to be not forgotten that the frothy milk made from T Discs has sugar, which isn't a huge issue, isn't to everyone's taste.
The Tassimo My Way is easy to clean, with the drip tray, the removable components of the brewing unit and the water tank all being dishwasher-safe. There's a Brita filter included and a cleaning disc that can be used. A handy indicator light informs you when it's time to descale and a reservoir of water keeps the limescale at the minimum. The machine is certified Energy Star, which helps reduce its electricity consumption by up to 15%..
3. Lavazza Lungo Pod Machine
The Nespresso-compatible pod espresso machine from Lavazza, made in collaboration with Sage is among the most beautiful machines available. The machine is made of sturdy and attractive materials. It has a neat steam wand that can be adjusted to make cappuccinos or lattes, and a stainless-steel milk jug. Place a pod into the machine and select the size of your cup and the machine whirs into action - brewing espresso, lungo, double espresso gran lungo, alto and mug drinks with a thick layer of silky frosting.
Like most pod machines, you load the pod via an opening on the top and drop it in the right spot. The machine pierces the capsule and then closes it so that when you press the lever, the used pod falls into a dedicated spent pod tray that is located beneath the drip tray.
It's not the fastest machine to make coffee, taking 30 seconds for an espresso shot and 90 seconds for a lungo however, the results are always impressive, with excellent crema and a smooth, rich taste. The machine also warns you when the water tank or pod bin is in need of refilling.
The main selling point of this machine is that it can use it with any Lavazza brand pod Seven pods are available in all, including ground roasted espresso (Qualita Rossa, Intenso, Passionale and Delizioso) Two decaffeinated (Dek Cremoso) and two organic coffees (!Tierra! Bio). The pod coffee maker isn't inexpensive, but if you combine it with pod delivery services the cost could be similar to the cost of a regular bean-to cup machine. The compact design of this machine allows it to fit into even the tiniest kitchens. The pods are recyclable, so you can put them in your local food bins or garden compost.
4. Nespresso Vertuo Pod Machine
Nespresso machines are among the top pods coffee makers for those looking for a reliable, fast and consistent brew. They heat up quickly and are incredibly simple to use--just insert a capsule, press a button and you're done. They also create a rich crema that you can add to your drinks for extra flavour and thickness. They're not cheap, though you must purchase their official pods.
The Vertuo line is a different machine than the OriginalLine machines, which still utilize espresso capsules. They read the barcode of each capsule, automatically adapting the brewing parameters to create a perfect cup. And they have a centrifusion system that spins the capsule in order to extract the most flavorful and most dense crema.
The machines aren't quite as intuitive as the other options. The lid is only opened when the machine is ready and it takes around 30 seconds for the capsule to get hot. It doesn't include a milk frother, like some of the other pod machines in this list. So you'll have spend an extra PS90 to buy a separate Aeroccino to make cappuccinos and lattes.
They also require more frequent maintenance than other models - refilling the water tank, emptying used pod containers, and decaling. However, they do come with an application that reminds you of these tasks and offers tools like store locators and capsule recycling. If you pair your machine to an IntelliPort you can control it with voice commands. This is ideal when you're making coffee at 4am in the dark or have limited power.
5. SMEG Barista Pod Machine
This sleek machine is the lovechild between the adored Italian brand, and a renowned company that makes kitchen appliances. It sports the retro, sleek curves that SMEG are known for, and can make the espresso and lungo drinks. It also comes with an adjustable shot setting that can be programmed, dual-height drip trays, and a pod bin that can be removed.
This coffee maker allows you to make a quick cup or two of espresso or lungo in the morning or during your work break. The simple control panel is sleek and doesn't interfere with its purpose. If you're looking to spice your morning joe more, it has three interchangeable filter baskets that accommodate different kinds of capsules. You can also use loose ground beans (although you'll need to own an additional grinder).
The SMEG Barista Pod Machine doesn't include a milk pitcher however, it has an inbuilt Pannarello milk frother that froths both cow and soymilk quite beautifully. It also comes with a 51mm portafilter which is smaller than the typical commercial filter. It is pressurised which means it won't give off the stale, lingering taste. It also comes with a plastic tamper that can also be used as a scoop.
The SMEG is the most expensive machine on our list. However, it's well worth it if your style is retro or you like making espresso drinks fast. This is a great choice when you're new to making coffee and do not want to tackle the burden of grinding, measuring and tamping beans yourself.