The Best Pod Coffee Machines
Pod coffee machines let you put a capsule that contains ground or roasted coffee beans into the. The coffee is poured through the machine for a predetermined amount of time.
Certain pod coffee makers offer multiple cup sizes as well as 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
This machine is a great option if you're seeking a Keurig coffeemaker that doesn't have all the bells and whistles and features of higher-end models. It's easy to use, has a beautiful design and can be stored into an area of the kitchen when not being used.
One drawback to this machine is that it can be a bit noisy, but this isn't a major issue. It's also small enough to fit on a small counter. But, if you're looking for a Keurig that offers a wider variety of sizes, or a carafe that is suitable for traditional drip brewing, look at other options.
The Keurig K-Select single serve coffee maker is a blend of elegant design and intuitive features to help you make the perfect cup every time. Select from a wide selection of K-Cups, or brew your coffee using a My-K-Cup universal coffee filter (sold separately). Strong Brew increases the intensity and strength of your coffee, making it a great choice for coffee enthusiasts who like strong cups.
The brewer comes with simple controls with buttons. Simply put in the K-Cup pod, choose the size of brew you want and press to brew. In less than one minute, you can enjoy freshly brewed coffee. The large water reservoir of 52 ounces lets you to brew five cups prior to refilling, simplifying your morning routine.
The machine is simple to clean, with the ability to remove the reservoir of water and lid which can be easily washed. However, it is recommended to remove the scale from your Keurig before cleaning it, and follow the guidelines in the user manual to ensure that your machine is performing optimally. This warranty covers all accessories and the brewer, with the exception of for normal wear misuse, abuse and other external causes such as power outages.
2. Tassimo My Way
This is the best choice for those who love coffee and want a machine that can do more than just make your typical cup. It can make a variety of drinks including hot cocoa. The large 1.3-litre water tank can allow multiple cups to be brewed at once. The machine is warm in just three seconds and can produce a latte or cappuccino using its built-in milk jug. It also comes with a touch-sensitive screen that allows you adjust the intensity, temperature and quantity of your drink.
Tassimo My Way uses T Discs, which are a set of ingredients can be used to create your drink. There are more than 70 varieties to select from, from brands such as Kenco and Costa to Costa, Milka and Cadbury's. The machine also offers a selection of T Discs for hot chocolate and tea as well.
The coffee made by this machine was of high quality, though it was a bit lower than other machines in our round-up. It also produced a creamy mouthfeel and steaming milk for caffe lattes quickly. However, it should be noted that the frothy milk made from T Discs contains sugar which, while not a huge issue in itself, isn't to everyone's taste.
The Tassimo My Way is easy to clean, thanks to the drip tray, the removable parts of the brewing unit and the water tank being dishwasher-safe. There's an Brita filter included and a cleaning disc that can also be used. A useful indicator light lets you know when it's time to descale and the water reservoir helps keep the limescale at an absolute minimum. The machine is Energy Star rated, which reduces the amount of electricity it uses by up to 15%..
3. Lavazza Lungo Pod Machine
This Nespresso-compatible pod coffee machine from Lavazza created in collaboration with Sage, is one of the most beautiful machines available. The machine is made of durable and attractive materials. It has a neat steam wand that can be adjusted to make cappuccinos or lattes, as well as a stainless-steel milk jug. The machine will brew espresso lungos, double espressos mugs, and altos using a thick layer frosting.
Like most pod machines, you load the pod through an opening on top and then drop it into place. The machine then pierces the capsule and then closes it in such a way that when you pull the lever, the used pod falls into a specially spent pod tray beneath the drip tray.
It's not the fastest machine to brew espresso, it coffee pod machines takes 30 seconds for a single shot and 90 seconds for the lungo. But the results are always impressive with a smooth, rich taste and a delicious crema. The machine will also inform you when it's time to refill the water tank or pod bin.
A big selling point for this machine is that you can use it with any Lavazza-branded pod There are seven in all, including ground roasted espresso (Qualita Rossa, Intenso, Passionale and Delizioso) Two decaffeinated (Dek Cremoso) and two organic coffees (!Tierra! Bio). It's not cheap, but if you get a subscription deal that combines the pod coffee machine with a pod delivery service it could come at a similar price to a traditional bean-to-cup machine. The compact design of this machine allows it to fit in even the tiniest kitchens. The pods are industrially compostable, so you can put them in food waste bins for your council bins or garden compost.
4. Nespresso Vertuo Pod Machine
Nespresso machines are the best pods coffee makers for those looking for a reliable, quick and consistent brew. They are quick to heat up and are easy to use. Simply place a capsule in and push a button and you're ready to go. They produce an intense, creamy crema that can be added to drinks to give more flavor and a thicker layer. The official pods aren't cheap and you will have to buy them.
The Vertuo line is a different model from the OriginalLine machines, which utilize espresso capsules. They read the barcode of each capsule, automatically adapting the brewing parameters to create the perfect cup. They also have a centrifusion device which spins the capsules to make the best flavor and thickest crema.
The machines aren't as intuitive as our other choices. For instance the lid opens only when the machine is ready and it takes 30 minutes to heat up enough to put in a capsule. The machine doesn't come with the milk frother like some of the other pod machines in this list. So you'll have spend an extra PS90 to buy an additional Aeroccino to make cappuccinos and lattes.
These machines also require more maintenance than other models - filling the water tank and emptying used pod containers and descaling - but they come with an app that reminds you to do these tasks, and provides tools like capsule recyclers and store locators. If you connect your machine to an IntelliPort it is possible to operate it using voice commands which is a great touch if you're making coffee in the dark at 4am, or have a weak hand.
5. SMEG Barista Pod Machine
The sleek and stylish pod machine is the product of the adored Italian brand and a renowned manufacturer of kitchen appliances. It features the retro, sleek curves that SMEG are famous for, and it can brew both lungo and espresso drinks. It also has a programmable shot setting and dual-height drip tray, and a pod bin that can be removed.
This coffee maker lets you make a quick cup or two of lungo or espresso in the morning or during breaks at work. The simple control panel makes it look sleek and doesn't detract from the functionality. It has three interchangeable baskets for different capsule types. You can use loose-ground beans (although an additional grinder is required).
The SMEG Barista Pod Machine does not come with a milk pitcher. However, it has a Pannarello built-in milk frother that can froth cow and soymilk nicely. It also comes with an oversized portafilter of 51mm that is smaller than a conventional commercial-style filter. It's pressurized, which is nice because it means you won't get the old, unfinished grind taste. It comes with a tamper made of plastic that also doubles as a spoon.
The SMEG is the most expensive machine we've reviewed. However, it's worth it if you're looking for something retro or you love making espresso drinks in a hurry. It's also a great option if you're new to the world of coffee making and don't want to have to go through the hassle of grinding, measuring, and tamping your own beans.