How to Choose the Best Coffee Pod Machine
If you love the idea of a quick and easy coffee fix in the morning, a pod-based machine is a good option. But how do you choose the most efficient one?
With a nod to the retro design, this machine sports the SMEG and Lavazza branding across its front. It requires a dominant space on your counter, and is more expensive than other. It's a premium pod coffee maker that is solid.
1. Nespresso Compatible
If you are an avid Nespresso fan, you'll want to select a coffee pod maker that is compatible with the capsules made by this brand. You may want to choose one that can use other capsules, including organic and Fairtrade or special flavoured pods. They're usually sold at a similar price to the original ones and some include a built-in milk frother so you can make an espresso or cappuccino.
Bruvi's entry into the pod machine market in 2022 was greeted with excitement. The brightly-colored device promised range of beverages and a more satisfying coffee experience than any other pod machine, and pods you could throw away without a thought about the environment.
It is a success on all three counts. This compact pod coffee machine is affordable and makes an extremely rich, robust espresso every time. It's also among the most silent models available and you can make a cup of Joe before your alarm clock starts.
The Bruvi is available in two sizes and can be adjusted according to the type of beverage that you're making. If best ground coffee for espresso machine making cappuccino or latte it comes with three textures and temperature settings for the milk, so you can make your froth. It can even brew hot chocolate, which is perfect for adults or kids who need to warm up and wind down.
A sleep feature that is programmable is another plus. It goes into standby mode after an hour without use. It's also simple to clean, and uses very little water. Think about a machine with a removable capsule holder to make emptying easier.
You can also add a milk maker to your coffee pod (unless one is already included in the model you buy). Other things to consider are the possibility of a reusable filter to use with capsules that are reusable as well as a water kettle or thermometer for precise temperature control, and a travel cup.
2. Easy to Clean
A coffee pod machine is a great way to begin your day with a hot cup of coffee. Simply load a pod and switch on and in just a few minutes you have a freshly brewed drink. These machines are also very easy to clean, and the majority of them don't require regular maintenance -- simply refilling the tank with water and decaling every six months or more.
Keurig's K-Cups have the widest variety of choices available including national brands as well as supermarket favorites such as Folgers, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and Dunkin' Donuts. There are also some non-coffee options, such as hot cocoa and tea available in K-Cup form from various brands. However, you don't have to use Keurig's K-Cups to make a fantastic cup of coffee. In fact, you can also make use of reusable filter capsules made from paper or plastic that hold ground coffee or pre-loaded drip pods and even loose coffee grounds.
A lot of these machines based on pods don't produce a rich, strong brew that can be able to stand up to the most discriminating palate. In our tests, we discovered that some pod coffee makers to produce bitter or watery cups of coffee. Some were difficult to use, taking up valuable counter space and generating a loud noise.
There are some high-quality coffee makers that have the convenience and consistency of single-serve machines, without the flimsy packaging and sour taste. Some models have a built-in frother to foam and pour your cappuccino or latte while others have an extra frother that can plug in to the machine to add an amazing frothy topping to your drink.
In addition to producing an excellent cup of coffee the newer pod coffee machines have taken steps to address the increasing concerns about environmental impact that come with using single-serve pods made of plastic. Both Keurig and Nespresso have made their aluminum pods more recyclable by replacing them with polypropylene, and the latter now offers free capsule-recycling bags that can be dropped off at any of its stores or UPS stores. A competitor that was recently launched, Bruvi, uses its own pods that can be used in its own brewer. They have been designed to be able to break down quickly in landfills, without leaving any microplastics behind.
3. Fast Brewing
A pod coffee machine is a lifesaver for those who don't want grind beans or boil the kettle. These devices are foolproof and let you brew a cup of espresso, coffee or tea in mere minutes with no cleaning up. They produce more waste than drip-style counterparts, but they are still much simpler to use than brewing whole beans in a French Press or Pour-Over.
A company based out of LA known as Bruvi released its BV-01 pod-based machine at the end of 2022. It promised to make superior single serve coffee that tastes better and provide more drink options than the vast number of other pod-based machines, and also provide recyclable capsules that could be thrown out without breaking down into tiny microplastics. While the Bruvi brewer costs more than Keurig or Nespresso however, it is an excellent device all around that feels like a beginning of a new era in pod coffee.
One of the most important things to think about when purchasing a coffee pod maker is the size of the serving. Certain models allow single-serve cups in a broad variety of sizes, from giant travel mugs down to 2-ounce espresso shots. Some machines can make whole pots of coffee. Some even have a milk frother to add a creamy cappuccino, latte or Latte.
Another important factor to consider is the design of a pod coffee maker. The color and finish of the machine and the placement and size of the water reservoir and pod compartment will affect the appearance of your machine on your counter. Some brands also provide various colored pods, allowing you to change up your drink to match the season or your mood.
Pod coffee makers are typically designed to be small, taking up less space than traditional single-serve and drip brewers. While a small footprint may be desirable, it's essential that your machine can make multiple cups in between refills. Most pod coffee makers should be equipped with a water tank that is at 40 ounces or more for the average household.
4. Variety of drinks
Pod machines are surprisingly versatile, and based on the brand, they are able to make a variety of drinks. Certain brands, like Keurig's popular Keurig system as well as Sage's Nespresso collaboration, can brew four different sizes of drinks, while others only offer two or one. Certain machines also can prepare hot cocoa, tea and cold drinks.
Certain pod coffee machines can also make frothy cappuccinos or lattes thanks to built-in milk frothers. Others, however, need an additional or conjoined jug for this task. The top milk-frothing coffee machines are easy to operate and provide precise control. They also feature sleek designs that fits in any kitchen.
The Grind One is a great example. It has a minimalist design that is a step back from the curvatures you see on other pod coffee makers and is smaller than the majority of Keurig models, making it ideal for kitchens with small spaces or dorm rooms. The water tank can hold up to 40 inches of water and is accessible. The capsules that are used are deposited in an attached container and, other than keeping the reservoir filled and decaling every six months or so, the machine requires minimal maintenance.
This model is more expensive than many of the other models we've reviewed, however, it provides a superior 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 beverages, thanks to a unique barcode system that scans each compatible pod and then automatically adjusts its settings to make the perfect cup.
This is the best-looking machine we've examined. It also makes an excellent tasting brew, especially for an automatic. We didn't give this machine the top spot because it's not able to milk froth. The only option is to use dried skimmed milk capsules, which don't taste as good as freshly squeezed milk. If it had a built-in milk frother then we'd give this machine the top spot.