The Best Coffee Pod Machine

The sleekest pod machine we've seen, this brushed-steel model has the trademark Sage quality and is easy to use. It warms up after switching on, and brews an aroma-packed espresso or slightly longer lungo in about 30 seconds.

Pod models are a great alternative to bean-to-cup machines. They take the clumsiest parts of coffee making off your hands, including grinding and measuring grounds.

1. Fast

Pod machines are generally easier to install and use than espresso machines, with the majority capable of making coffee in just 30 seconds or less. However, they come with an expense: the pre-portioned coffee pods used in these models tend to be more expensive than freshly roasted beans. And many are also not recyclable (though some companies are now offering free recycling bags and prepaid UPS labels for returning them).

The Nespresso CitiZ has one of the fastest pod machines available, thanks to the barcode scanner which scans each compatible pod's code prior to making coffee. This allows you to get consistent high-quality, high-end coffee every time, and there is virtually no chance of a drink coming out badly wrong. It's also one of the slimmest and lightest available that doesn't require an additional milk jug, and the smallest footprint, making it a breeze to fit into even the tiniest kitchen.

However, the CitiZ isn't the most efficient machine for those looking to cut down on their environmental impact. The CitiZ doesn't have an automatic descaling feature. You will need to manually descale the machine every 300 cups for hard water, and 1200 cups for soft water. When the filter cartridge wears out, you'll have to replace it with a new one. This can be costly for some users.

Tassimo Vivy 2 is a speedy machine that has customisable buttons. It can be used with either ground coffee or ESE pods which are pre-dosed and tampered grounds compressed in between filter paper. The model is B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to lessening its negative impact on the environment and its workforce. Its only slight drawback is that it takes a little longer to heat up, but once this occurs, it can make the cup in about 35 seconds.

Vertuo Creatista is a stylish, sleek machine that can create a variety of drinks in different sizes and styles. This gorgeous, glossy machine, developed in collaboration with Sage it is not only easy to use and quick to start, but also comes with an ice-cream frothing wand, as well as an stainless steel Jug.

2. Removable parts

The user-friendliness is a major selling point and the best models are simple to operate. Most machines utilize the same basic mechanism to brew the perfect cup of coffee that is, heated water is placed in a reservoir, then it is pushed through capsules to produce rich hot, hot coffee. The majority of brands offer a variety of sizes for drinks to meet different requirements, and you can save custom settings for a variety of models to speed up the process even further.

Keurig's K-Cups and Nestle's Nespresso VertuoLine series are the two biggest players in the market, but each offers a wide selection of capsules from top roasters and brands. Some pods are able to be used once before being thrown away however, others can be used a number of times. Whatever the case, you'll need to plan ahead for the way you'll dispose of your spent pods so they don't end up in landfill.

The sleek SMEG model we tested comes with a removable water tank that's easy to fill and the machine will automatically pour fresh capsules after the previous one has cooled. It can be used to brew espresso and lungo drinks, and comes with a set of eight different blends to provide you with a wide selection. This brewer is ideal for those who love coffee and want to switch to drip coffee.

In our tests, the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable one to use. Its sleek design looks great on your counter and opens with just a touch to reveal the hidden compartment that stores your empty pods. The machine also has the added benefit of a water filtration system, which is great for areas with hard water.

This machine is easy to use and can brew regular coffee (240ml), ristretto, and lungo espresso drinks. The controls are easy to use, with switches that resemble airplanes, which can be retracted easily and a lever which retracts to reveal the opening to drop in your coffee maker. It requires a bit of effort to close, but the majority of our test subjects even those with limited hand strength and mobility, were able to use it comfortably.

3. Size

The top coffee pod makers take the mess of coffee making out of your hands - you simply load in the pod, press the button, and then brew. You'll still have to clean your machine occasionally but not like a bean-to-cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are smaller than their bigger counterparts, and can be stored on the counter when not being used.

Whether a coffee pod machine is the best choice for you depends on your preferences and what you're hoping to gain from it. All pod machines are easy to use, however some have more options for customization than others. Pod variety, brew size options, and milk frothing features must be taken into consideration to determine the best coffee pod machine.

Many people associate pod-based machines with the likes of Nespresso and Keurig however there are some newer competitors that are worth a look. Bruvi uses a bespoke system of pods called B-Pods that can only be used in its machines. These pods have an underside barcode that machines scan to adjust the brewing settings automatically.

The machine will eliminate all the guesswork out of it and ensure that every drink is perfect every time. It can even save customized drinks to a separate button so you can create them at the touch of a single button.

Other machines, like Sage's My Way offer a more granular level of control over your coffee that allows you to select a specific temperature and size for each beverage. It's more expensive than other models, however it comes with the polished stainless-steel construction and the excellent customer service that is a hallmark of the Sage's My Way brand. This is a great option for those wanting to get a bit more out of their pod-based espresso maker.

Some models with larger capacities can also make lungos. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, which is a excellent example, blends retro style of the fifties from SMEG and Italian coffee maker pod and bean coffee machine Lavazza. It's a bit difficult to operate due to its toggles that resemble airplanes and a manual lever, but it's incredibly easy and incredibly satisfying to operate the lungo is made in only 30 seconds, and the used pods are placed in an internal bin at the push of the button.

4. Customization

One of the main reasons the pod coffee maker might not be right for you is the limited flexibility to customize. If you don't have an auxiliary milk frother, the only way to add more flavor or creaminess is to use a hot chocolate or tea option in your mug, or to manually add milk to your coffee. For most people, this shouldn't be a problem but it could be a problem for those who prefer a fully automated experience in the morning.

Bosch's Intellibrew technology makes use of barcode scanners to scan each capsule and automatically pre-wet, infuse, and dispense the correct volume of coffee for that particular type of pod. It's a hands-free, easy-to-use machine that does the job very well but lacks any options for customised drinks or altering the strength of brew. This may be a problem for some buyers but for others, the simple automation and range of cup lengths (espresso, lungo and mug) it provides exactly what they need.

This coffee maker is low-maintenance. It's all you have to do is to refill the tank with water, and decaffeinate it every once in a while. It dispenses short espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs easily and, as mentioned, used pods are ejected into a concealed container which keeps your kitchen spotless. It also does a fantastic job of delivering full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.

This is a stunning machine that is part of Smeg's fifties-style range. It's simple to use with an easy-to-use panel of buttons and can accommodate both ground coffee and ESE pods. The only drawback is the absence of a display that tells you when it's time to descale, as well as the inability to set a maximum water level. It is also necessary to buy the brand's capsules which can be expensive. Nevertheless, this is a great pod coffee maker for those seeking a stylish and practical appliance that can provide them with a great service at a reasonable price. This model can be used with a variety of capsules from third-party manufacturers and works with the Nespresso Vertuo range.