How to Choose the Best Coffee Pod Machine
If you love the idea of a quick, clean coffee fix in the morning, a pod maker is something you should consider. How do you choose the best one?
With a nod to retro design, this machine boasts the SMEG and Lavazza branding across its front. It needs a prominent spot on your countertop and is more expensive than other models. It's a high-performance pod coffee maker that feels sturdy.
1. Nespresso Compatible
If you're a Nespresso fan, you'll want to select a coffee pod maker that can work with the capsules of this brand. It's also possible to consider models that work with different types of capsules too, like organic and Fairtrade options or flavored pods with a special flavor. They're usually sold at a similar price to the originals, and some even include a built-in milk frother to make a cappuccino or latte.
Bruvi's entry into the pod machine market in 2022 was greeted with excitement. This vibrantly-coloured device promised three things: a more flavorful cup of coffee than other pod machines, a vast variety of drink options, and pods you could throw in the bin without worrying about the environmental impact.
It delivers on all three counts. The compact pod coffee machine is affordable and produces an intense, rich espresso every time. It's one of the quietest machines available on the market. You can make coffee Joe even before your alarm goes off.
The Bruvi comes in two sizes and can be adjusted based on the type of drink you are making. It has three settings to control the temperature and texture of the milk when brewing the cappuccino or lattes. It can even brew hot chocolate, which is perfect for adults and kids who want to warm themselves and wind down.
Another feature that's a big benefit is the programmable sleep mode, which goes to standby after an hour of no use. It's also easy to clean, and uses only a tiny amount of water. If you want to keep your energy costs low, consider using a machine that has a removable capsule holder to make it easier to empty.
You can also add a milk maker to your coffee pod (unless one is already included in the model you purchase). It is also possible to consider an reusable coffee filter that can be used with capsules that can be reused. A thermometer or water kettle to control temperature precisely is a great option.
2. Easy to Clean
The convenience of a coffee pod machine makes it easy to start your day with a quick and hot cup of coffee. Simply load best coffee pod machine Coffeee and switch it on and in only a couple of minutes you'll have a freshly-brewed drink. These machines are also easy to clean, and the majority of them don't require regular maintenance - just refilling the water tank and descaling every six months or more.
Keurig's K-Cups offer the widest selection on the market. They include national brands such as Folgers and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters as well as grocery store favorites Dunkin' Donuts and Dunkin' Donuts. There are even some alternatives that aren't coffee, like tea and hot cocoa, available in K-Cup forms from various brands. It's not necessary to make use of Keurig K-Cups to get a fantastic cup. You can also make it with filters that are reusable and made of paper or plastic and hold ground coffee, drippods that are pre-loaded, or loose grounds of coffee.
However, many pod-based machines aren't known for producing an intense, rich and robust brew that is able to satisfy the discerning palate. During our tests, we discovered that a few pod coffee makers produced watery or excessively bitter cups of Joe. Some were difficult to use as they took up valuable counter space and running loudly.
There are a few high-end coffee makers that offer the convenience and consistency of single-serve machines, without the wasteful packaging and disappointing taste. Some include a built-in frother that allows you to foam and pour your cappuccino or latte, while others have a separate frother you can plug into the machine to provide a deliciously foamy top to your drinks.
The newer pod machines don't only provide a delicious cup of coffee, but they also address the growing concern about environmental impact associated with single-serve pods made of plastic. Keurig and Nespresso made their aluminum pods recyclable, by replacing them with polypropylene. The latter provides free capsule recycling bags that can dropped off at any store or UPS location. A new competitor, Bruvi, uses its own pods that can be used in its own brewer. They have been designed to disintegrate quickly in landfills and without leaving microplastics behind.
3. Fast Brewing
For those who do not want to deal with the effort of grinding beans or boiling kettles, a pod coffee machine can be a real lifesaver. These devices are foolproof and can make your cup of coffee, espresso or tea in a matter of minutes, with no cleanup. While these machines generate more waste for the environment than their drip counterparts however, they're significantly less laborious than making whole beans in a French press or pour-over.
In the late 2022's, an LA-based startup known as Bruvi launched its BV-01 coffee pod machine. It promised to create superior single serve coffee that tastes better and offer a wider variety of drinks than pod-based machines and provide capsules that can be reused and thrown out without breaking down into tiny microplastics. While the Bruvi brewer costs more than Keurig or Nespresso but it is an excellent device in all aspects that feels like a dawning of a new era in pod coffee.
When you are buying a coffee pod machine the size of the serving is a major factor to take into account. Some models can sling single-serve cups in a wide variety of sizes, from large travel mugs all the way to 2-ounce espresso shots. Other machines can make entire pots of coffee, and some even have a milk frother so you can add a smooth cappuccino or latte to your morning cup of joe.
Another aspect to be considered is the design of a pod-based coffee machine. The color and the finish of the machine, as well as the placement and size of the reservoir and pod compartment will affect the way your machine appears on your kitchen counter. Certain brands provide different colored pods so that you can alter your drink to suit the mood or season.
Pod coffee makers are typically designed to be small and take up less space than traditional single-serve or drip brewers. While a compact footprint is nice, it's also important to ensure the machine has enough capacity to brew multiple cups between refills. For the average home the water tank that can hold at least 40 ounces will suffice for the majority of pod coffee makers.
4. Variety of drinks
Pod machines are surprisingly flexible and, depending on the brand you select, can make all manner of drinks. Some brands, like Keurig's popular Keurig systems as well as Sage's Nespresso collab, can make up to four different sizes of drink and others provide one or two options. Certain machines also can prepare hot cocoa, tea and cold drinks.
Certain pod coffee machines make frothy cappuccinos as well as lattes, courtesy of built-in milk frothers. Others, however, require an additional or conjoined jug for this task. 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 is a great example. It's minimalist design is a significant step away form the curves seen on other pod coffee machines. It's also smaller than most Keurigs, which makes it ideal for small kitchens and dorms. The water tank can hold up to 40 inches of water and is accessible. Used capsules are automatically stored in an attached container. Apart from maintaining the reservoir's capacity and descaling it every six months or therefore, the machine requires little maintenance.
This model is more expensive than many of the other models we've reviewed, but it delivers a premium experience. The brushed stainless steel finish is modern and sleek The drip tray can be adjusted to fit tall or short espresso cups as well as travel mugs. It can be used to brew five different drinks, due to a custom barcode scanner that scans each compatible pod and automatically adjusts its settings to create the perfect cup.
This is the most attractive machine we've examined. It also produces a great tasting brew - especially for an automatic. The only reason we didn't give it the top spot is because of its limited milk-frothing capabilities - its only real option is to use dried skimmed milk capsules that don't taste like fresh-squeezed milk. We would have awarded this machine top marks in the event that it had an integrated milk frother.