How to Choose the Best Coffee Pod Machine
If you love the idea of a quick and easy coffee fix first thing in the morning, a pod-based machine is something you should consider. How do you pick the best one?
This machine has a retro design and features the SMEG Lavazza logos on its front. It is more expensive and will take up a lot of space on your counter. But, it's the best pod coffee maker that has an incredibly solid feel.
1. Nespresso Compatible
If you are a Nespresso fan, you'll be looking for a coffee maker that is compatible with the capsules made by this brand. You may also want to look for one that is able to use other types of capsules as well, like organic and Fairtrade varieties or special flavoured pods. They are usually available for a similar price to the originals and some come with an integrated milk frother which allows you to make a cappuccino or latte.
Bruvi's debut into the pod machine market in 2022 was greeted with excitement. This vibrantly-coloured device promised three things: a better tasting cup of coffee than other pod machines, a vast selection of drinks and pods that you could toss in the garbage without worrying about the environmental impact.
It's a three-pronged winner. This compact pod coffee maker is reasonably priced and produces an intense, rich espresso every time. It's among the quietest machines available on the market. best cheap coffee machine can make your cup of Joe even before the alarm goes off.
The Bruvi comes in two sizes and can be adjusted to the type of beverage that you're making. It comes with three settings for temperature and the texture of the milk when brewing either a cappuccino, or lattes. It can also brew hot cocoa, which is great for adults and kids who are looking to relax.
Another big benefit is the programmable sleep mode, which switches to standby after an hour of no use. It's also easy to clean and consumes a minimal amount of water. Think about a machine with the option of a capsule holder that is removable to make emptying the capsule easier.
You can also add a milk frother to your coffee pod machine (unless one is already included in the model you buy). Other things to look into include a reusable filter for use with capsules that are reusable as well as a water kettle or thermometer for precise temperature control and a travel mug.
2. Easy to Clean
A coffee pod machine is a convenient method to start your day with a hot cup of coffee. In just a few minutes you'll be enjoying a freshly-brewed drink. Just insert a pod and switch it on. These machines are also very easy to clean and most of them don't require regular maintenance -- simply refilling the water tank and descaling every six months or more.
Keurig's K-Cups have the widest variety of choices available including national brands and grocery store favorites like Folgers, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, and Dunkin' Donuts. There are even some alternatives to coffee, such as hot cocoa and tea available in K-Cup form from a variety of brands. But you're not restricted to Keurig's K-Cups to make a great cup of coffee. In fact, you can also make use of filter capsules that can be reused made of plastic or paper that hold ground coffee or pre-loaded drip pods and even loose coffee grounds.
A lot of the pod-based machines don't produce a rich strong, robust brew that can be able to stand up to the most discerning palate. During our testing, we found some pod coffee makers that make watery or bitter cups of coffee. Some were difficult to use as they took up valuable counter space, and also running very loudly.
Fortunately, there are now several high-quality pod coffee makers that give the ease of use and consistency of a single-serve coffee maker without the sour taste and flimsy packaging. Some models come with an integrated frother that can foam and pour your cappuccino or latte while others come with an extra frother that can connect to the machine to add the perfect frothy topping to your beverage.
The newer pod machines don't just make a great cup of coffee, but they also address the growing concern about environmental impact associated with single-serve pods made from plastic. Both Keurig and Nespresso have made their aluminum pods more recyclable by replacing them with polypropylene and the latter now offers free bags for recycling capsules which can be picked up at any of its retail outlets or UPS stores. Bruvi, a newly launched competitor, utilizes pods that can only be used with its own brewers. They are designed to be able to break down quickly in landfills without leaving microplastics.
3. Fast Brewing
A pod coffee maker is a godsend for those who don't wish grind beans or boil kettles. These fool-proof machines let you brew espresso, tea or coffee in just a few minutes, without having to clean up. While these machines produce more environmental waste than their drip counterparts, they're still significantly less laborious than making whole beans in a French press or pour-over.
A company based out of LA known as Bruvi has launched its BV-01 pod machine towards the end of 2022. It promised to create a more flavorful single-serve joe, offer more drink options than pod-based machines, and provide capsules that can be reused and used up without breaking into microplastics. While the Bruvi brewer is more expensive than Keurig and Nespresso models, it's an excellent all-around device that is like the beginning of a new age for pod coffee.
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing the coffee pod maker is the serving size. Some models can sling single-serve cups that come in a wide variety of sizes, from giant travel mugs down to 2-ounce espresso shots. Some machines can brew whole pots of coffee. Some even have milk frothers to make an incredibly creamy cappuccino or latte.
The design of a coffee pod machine is a different aspect to consider. The color and finish of the machine along with the location and size of the water reservoir and pod compartment will determine how your machine looks on your kitchen counter. Some brands offer different colored pods so that you can alter your drink to suit the season or mood.
Pod coffee makers are generally designed to be small, taking up less space than traditional single-serve and drip brewers. While a smaller footprint is great however, it's crucial to make sure the machine has enough capacity to brew several cups in between refills. The majority of pod coffee makers should be equipped with a water tank that is at 40 ounces or more for the typical household.
4. Variety of drinks
The pod machines are versatile, and depending on the brand, they are able to make a variety of drinks. Certain brands, such as Keurig's famous Keurig systems and Sage's Nespresso collab, can make up to four different drink sizes while others only offer one or two options. Some machines can also make hot chocolate, and cold drinks.
Certain pod coffee machines have built-in milk frothers that can create cappuccinos, lattes and other drinks that are frothy. Others, however, need a separate or conjoined jug for this purpose. The best milk-frothing machines are easy to use and provide precise control. They also feature sleek designs which fits into any kitchen.
The Grind One makes a great model. It's minimalist design is a significant step away from the curves that are found on other pod coffee machines. It's also smaller than most Keurigs, making it ideal for small kitchens and dorms. The water tank can hold up to 40 inches of water and is easy to access. The machine will automatically place capsules used up in a container which is attached to the machine. Apart from maintaining the reservoir and descaling it every six months, no maintenance is required.
This model is more expensive than some other models we've reviewed but offers a premium experience. The drip tray can be adjusted so it will fit tall travel mugs, or shorter espresso cups. It can be used to brew five different drinks, thanks to a unique barcode scanner that scans each compatible pod and automatically adjusts its settings to make the perfect cup.
It's the most beautiful coffee pod machine we've seen and offers a superb-tasting coffee, especially for an automatic. We didn't give this machine the top spot because it's limited in its ability to milk froth. Its only option is to use dried, skimmed milk capsules, which aren't as delicious as freshly squeezed milk. We would have given this pod machine high marks with an integrated milk frother.