How to Choose the Best Coffee Pod Machine
A pod machine is an excellent option for those looking to have a quick, clean morning cup of coffee. What are the best ways to choose the right one?
This machine has a retro design and has the SMEG Lavazza logo on its front. It needs a large space on your counter and is pricier than others. However, it's a top-performing pod coffee maker with the solid feel.
1. Nespresso Compatible
If you're a Nespresso lover, you will want to select a coffee maker that is compatible with the capsules of this brand. You may want to choose a model which can also utilize other capsules, like organic and Fairtrade, or specialty flavoured pods. These models are available at a price similar to the standard ones. Some even come with an integrated frother that lets you to make a cappuccino, latte or other specialty flavoured pods.
The entry of Bruvi into the pod machine industry in 2022 was met with excitement. The brightly-colored device promised three things: a better tasting cup of coffee than other pod machines, a wide range of beverage options, and pods you could throw in the bin without worrying about environmental consequences.
It's a three-pronged winner. This compact pod coffee maker is affordable and makes a rich, robust espresso every time. It's also among the quietest models on the market which means you can make an espresso cup Joe before your morning alarm starts.
The Bruvi is available in two sizes and can be adjusted according to the type of beverage that you are making. If you're brewing cappuccino or latte, it has three texture and temperature settings for the milk, so you can get your froth on. It can even brew hot chocolate, which is great for adults and kids who need to warm up and wind down.
Another big plus is the programable sleep mode, which goes to standby after an hour of no use. It's also simple to clean and requires very little water. Think about a machine with the option of a capsule holder that is removable to make emptying it easier.
There are a few additional accessories that you could add to your coffee pod machine such as a milk frother (unless it's included in the model you purchase). You might also want to think about a coffee filter that is reusable and can be used with capsules that are reusable. A thermometer or water kettle to control temperature precisely is another option.
2. Easy to Clean
Best coffee machine pod is an easy way to begin your morning with a hot cup of coffee. In a few minutes, you can have an iced drink that has been freshly brewed. Simply put a pod in and switch it on. They are simple to clean and don't need daily maintenance. They require only the refill of the water tank and descaling about every six months.
Keurig's K-Cups offer the widest selection available. They include national brands like Folgers and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters as in addition to the grocery store staples Dunkin' Donuts and Dunkin' Donuts. Even non-coffee drinks like hot chocolate and tea are available in K Cup forms from various brands. It's not necessary to use Keurig K-Cups to enjoy a great cup. You can also make it with filters that are reusable and made of plastic or paper and can hold ground coffee, pre-loaded drippods, or loose grounds of coffee.
A lot of the pod-based machines don't make a deep, strong brew that can stand up to the most discriminating palate. Our tests discovered that a few pod coffee makers produced watery or overly bitter cups of Joe. Others were so difficult to operate that they occupied a lot of space on your counter, and they were also likely to run loudly.
Fortunately, there are now a few high-end pod coffee makers that offer the ease of operation and consistency of a single-serve machine without the disappointing taste and wasteful packaging. Some have a built-in milk frother that allows you to foam and pour your cappuccino or latte and some sell a separate frother which you can connect to the machine to provide an amazing foamy top to your drinks.
In addition to producing an excellent cup of coffee the newer pod coffee machines have taken steps to address the growing concerns about the environmental impact caused by single-serve pods made of plastic. Both Keurig and Nespresso have made their aluminum pods recyclable by replacing them with polypropylene and the latter also offers free capsule recycling bags that can be picked up at any of its stores or UPS locations. Bruvi is a new competitor, uses pods that are compatible with its own brewers and are designed to be able to break down quickly in landfills without leaving microplastics.
3. Fast Brewing
For those who do not want the effort of grinding beans or boiling a kettle the pod coffee machine is a great time saver. These devices are foolproof and let you brew a cup of espresso, coffee or tea in just minutes with no cleaning up. These machines produce more waste than drip-style counterparts but are still much easier to use than brewing whole beans in a French Press or Pour-Over.
In the late 2022's an LA-based company named Bruvi launched its BV-01 coffee pod machine. It promised to create a more flavorful single-serve joes, provide more options for drinks than other pod-based machines and deliver reusable capsules that could be used up without breaking into microplastics. The Brewer Bruvi is more expensive than Keurig and Nespresso models, it's an excellent all-around device that smacks of the dawn of a new era for pod coffee.
One of the biggest things to consider when purchasing a coffee maker is the size of the serving. Certain models allow single-serve cups in a wide range of sizes, from large travel mugs all the way to 2-ounce espresso shots. Some machines can brew whole pots of coffee. Some models even come with a milk frother to add a creamy cappuccino, latte or latte.
The design of a coffee pod maker is a further factor to consider. The color, finish and location of the machine as along with the size and position of the reservoir for water will affect how it looks on your counter. Some brands also provide various colored pods, allowing you to change your drink to suit the season or your mood.
Pod coffee makers tend to be small and take up less space than drip or single-serve brewers. While a compact footprint is nice but it's equally crucial to make sure your machine is able to brew several cups in between refills. Most pod coffee makers should have a tank of water of at 40 ounces at the minimum for an typical household.
4. Variety of drinks
The pod machines are versatile, and based on the brand, they are able to create a variety of drinks. Certain brands, like Keurig, which is a well-known system and Sage's Nespresso collaboration, can make four different sizes of drinks, whereas others offer just one or two. Certain machines also make hot chocolate and cold drinks.
Certain pod coffee machines have built-in milk frothers which can create cappuccinos, lattes and other drinks that are frothy. Some require a separate milk jug or a conjoined one to perform this function. The best milk-frothing machines are easy to operate and provide precise control. They also have a sleek design which fits into any kitchen.
The Grind One makes a great model. It's a sleek design that is a step back from the curves you find on other pod coffee makers. It is smaller than the majority of Keurig models which makes it perfect for those who have small kitchens or dorm rooms. The water tank can hold up to 40 ounces and is easily accessible. The capsules that are used are placed in a container. Apart from maintaining the reservoir's capacity and decaling every six months or therefore, the machine requires minimal upkeep.
This machine is more expensive than some of the other models we've reviewed but it offers a premium experience. The drip tray can be adjusted so it will fit tall travel mugs, or shorter espresso cups. It can brew five different drinks due to a custom barcode system that scans each compatible pod and automatically adjusts its settings to make the perfect cup.
This is the best-looking coffee pod machine we've tested and produces a delicious beverage, particularly for an automatic. We didn't award this machine the top spot since it's not able to milk froth. Its only option is to use dried skimmed milk capsules that aren't as delicious as freshly squeezed milk. We would have awarded this machine the top spot with an integrated milk frother.