The Best Coffee Pod Machine

The most sleek pod machine we've seen this brushed-steel model has the trademark Sage quality and ease of use. After turning on, it preheats and makes a delicious espresso or a slightly longer lungo within 30 seconds.

As opposed to bean-to-cup machines, pod models take the most messed-up aspects of coffee making out of your hands, such as grinding and dosing grounds.

1. Speedy

Pod machines are generally easier to install and use than espresso machines, with many can make coffee in only 30 seconds or less. The pre-portioned pods that are used in these machines are generally more costly than freshly roasted coffee beans, and many of them aren't recyclable.

The Nespresso CitiZ has one of the fastest pod machines available due to the barcode scanner which scans each compatible pod's code before brewing. This allows you to make consistent quality, high-end coffee each time, with virtually no chance of a drink coming out badly wrong. The machine is one of the lightest and slimmest available. It does not require a separate milk container and its compact footprint allows it to be easily incorporated into the smallest kitchens.

The CitiZ isn't the most efficient device to reduce your environmental impact. It doesn't come with an automatic descaling function and you'll need to do it yourself every 300 cups if you reside in hard water, or 1200 cups in soft water zones. You'll also need to swap the filter cartridge when it runs out and can be expensive for some users.

Tassimo Vivy 2 is a speedy machine that has customisable buttons. It can be used with ground coffee or ESE pods, which are pre-dosed and tampered grounds compressed in between filter paper. It is also B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to reducing its negative impact on the environment as well as its workforce. The only downside is the time it takes to heat up. Once it does it, it can make one cup in about 35 minutes.

Vertuo Creatista is a stylish, sleek machine that can create a variety of drinks in different sizes and styles. This sleek machine, created in collaboration with Sage is not just simple to use but also comes with an ice cream wand a stainless steel jug, and a milk frother.

2. Removable parts

The simplicity of a pod coffee maker is a major selling point. The best models are easy to operate. Most machines utilize the same process to brew the cup of coffee you want that is, heated water is placed in the reservoir, and then it is pushed through capsules to produce rich hot java. The majority of brands offer a variety of sizes of drinks to meet different requirements, and you can save your own settings for a variety of models to simplify the process even further.

Keurig K-Cups are among the largest player on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also offer a large selection of capsules by popular roasters. Some pods can be used just once before being thrown away, while others can be used multiple times. Whatever the case, you'll need to think about the way you'll dispose of your spent pods so they don't end up in landfill.

The SMEG we tested has a removable water reservoir that is easy to fill. It also automatically dispensates an additional capsule once the previous one cools down. It can make espresso and lungo drinks, and has eight different blends for the variety. This brewer is perfect for those who love coffee and want to make the switch from drip coffee to drip.

In our tests, the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design is a looker on your counter and opens with a simple tap to reveal a hidden compartment for your empty pods. The machine has a water filter system that is ideal for areas that have hard water.

This machine is able to make the standard cup of coffee (240ml) and also serves as ristretto and lungo espresso-style drinks, and is surprisingly quick. The controls are simple to operate, using the style of airplane toggles that can be easily retracted and a lever that retracts to reveal the opening to drop in your coffee maker. It takes a bit of force to close but our testers, including those who have limitations in hand strength and mobility, found it comfortable.

3. Size

The top coffee pod machines eliminate all the mess that comes with coffee making - you just add a pod, press a button and let it be brewed. You'll still have to clean your machine from time to time, but not as often as a bean-to-cup or espresso maker. Pod machines are smaller than their bigger counterparts and can be stacked on the counter when not being used.

The decision of whether a coffee machine is the right choice for you depends on your preferences and what you're looking to get from it. All pod machines are easy to use, but certain models offer more customization options than others. Pod variety, brew size options and milk frothing capabilities should all be considered to find the ideal coffee pod machine for your needs.

Most people will think of pod-based devices in the likes of Nespresso and Keurig, but there are some newer rivals that could be worth considering. Bruvi has a custom-designed system of pods, called B-Pods that can only be used in its machines. These pods have an underside barcode that the machine scans to automatically adjust brewing settings.

This method takes all the guesswork out of brewing a cup and makes sure that each drink is perfect every time. It can save your custom drinks to a button so that you can make them by pressing one button.

Other machines, like Sage's My Way, offer greater control over your coffee than most, letting you choose the right size and temperature for each cup. It's more expensive than other models, but it comes with the polished stainless steel construction and superior customer support synonymous with Sage's My Way. This is a great option for those who want a bit more out of their espresso maker that is based on pods.

Some models with larger capacities can also create lungos. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, a excellent example, blends retro fifties styling from SMEG and Italian coffee brand Lavazza. It's not easy initially due to the airplane-style toggles, but once you've gotten used to it, the machine is easy and enjoyable to use. A lungo can be made in 30 seconds.

4. Customization

One reason a pod coffee maker may not be right for you is the limited customization. If you don't buy an auxiliary milk frother, the only ways to add extra flavor or creaminess is to make use of a hot chocolate in-mug or tea option and add milk to your cup manually. This won't be an issue for many people, but it could be a problem for those who prefer the convenience of a fully automated experience in the morning.

Bosch's Intellibrew technology utilizes a barcode reader to scan each capsule, and automatically pre-wet, infuse, and give the correct amount of coffee that is appropriate for the type of pod. It's a hassle-free, hands-off machine that does its job well, but it doesn't have any options for customizing drinks or varying the strength of the brew. This will irritate some buyers however for others, the easy automation and variety of cup lengths (espresso lungo, espresso and mug) it provides exactly what they need.

Aside from filling up the tank with water and decaffeinating the reservoir on occasion, this coffee maker will not need a lot capsule coffee makers of maintenance. It can make short espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs easily. As mentioned earlier, the used pods are ejected into a container hidden from view that keeps your kitchen tidy. It also excels in delivering full-bodied coffees that have a crema-topped top.

This machine is part of Smeg's 1950s style range. It's simple to use with simple buttons and can be used with ground coffee and ESE pods. The only drawback is that it lacks an indicator that lets you know when it's time for descale. Also, the maximum water level cannot be set, which is a minor issue. You also need to buy the brand's own capsules which can be expensive. This is a great pod machine for anyone looking for an easy-to-use and stylish appliance that can be used at a reasonable cost. This model is compatible with a range of capsules from third-party manufacturers and is compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo range.