How to Choose the Best Coffee Pod Machine
If you like the idea of a quick and easy coffee fix first thing in the morning, a pod machine is something you should consider. What are the best ways to choose the best one?
This machine has a retro design and has the SMEG Lavazza logo on its front. It needs a prominent spot on your counter, and is more expensive than other models. It's a high-performance pod coffee maker that is solid.
1. Nespresso Compatible
If you are an avid Nespresso lover, you'll need to choose a coffee maker that is compatible with the capsules made by this brand. You might want to select a model which can also use other capsules, including organic and Fairtrade or specialty flavoured pods. They are usually available for an equivalent price to the originals and some come with a built-in milk frother which allows you to make the perfect cappuccino or latte.
Bruvi's entry into the pod machine market in 2022 was met with excitement. The vibrantly-colored machine promised three things: a more flavorful cup of coffee than other pod machines, a vast selection of drinks and pods that you could throw in the bin without worry about the environmental impact.
It is a winner on three counts. This compact pod coffee maker is affordable and produces an extremely rich, robust espresso every time. It's also one of the quietest models on the market and you can make a cup of Joe before your alarm clock rings.
The Bruvi comes in two sizes and can be adjusted to the type of beverage you're making. If you're making cappuccino or latte, it has three texture and temperature settings for milk so you can make your froth. It can even make hot chocolate, which is great for adults or kids who just want to warm up and wind down.
A programmable sleep function is another feature that's a plus. It goes into standby mode after one hour without any use. It's also easy to clean and consumes only a small amount of water. Think about a machine with the option of a capsule holder that is removable to make emptying the capsule easier.
You can also add a milk maker to your coffee pod machine (unless one is already included in the model you buy). You may also want to think about a reusable coffee filter that can be used with reusable capsules. A thermometer or water kettle to control temperature precisely is a great alternative.
2. Easy to Clean
The convenience of a coffee pod maker makes it easy to start your day with a quick and hot cup of joe. In just a few minutes you'll be enjoying a freshly-brewed drink. Just insert a pod and switch it on. These machines are also easy to clean and most of them don't require regular maintenance, just refilling the tank with water and decaling every six months or more.
Keurig's K-Cups come with the broadest selection of choices on the market including national brands and grocery store favorites like Folgers, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, and Dunkin' Donuts. There are even some non-coffee options, such as tea and hot cocoa, available in K-Cup forms from various brands. However, you don't have to use Keurig's K-Cups to make a great 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 grounds of coffee.
Many of these pod-based machines do not produce a rich strong brew that will be able to stand up to the most discriminating taste. During our tests, we found that some of the pod coffee makers produced sloppy or overly bitter cups of joe. Some were so difficult to operate that they took up valuable space on your counter and tended to run loudly.
There are some high-quality pod coffee makers that provide the ease of operation and consistency of a single-serve machine without the unpleasant taste and wasteful packaging. Some models have an inbuilt frother to froth and pour your latte or cappuccino, while others have an additional frother that can connect to the machine to create the perfect frothy topping to your beverage.
These modern pod machines not only make a great cup of coffee however, they also address the growing concern about environmental impact associated with single-serve pods made of plastic. Keurig and Nespresso made their aluminum pods recyclable by replacing them polypropylene. The latter provides free capsule recycling bags that can dropped off at any store or UPS store. Bruvi is a new competitor, uses pods that can only be used with its own brewers. They are designed to be able to break down quickly in landfills and not leave microplastics.
3. Fast Brewing
A pod coffee maker can be a lifesaver for people who don't wish to grind beans or boil kettles. These nifty devices can make the perfect cup of coffee, espresso or tea in mere minutes, with no cleanup. These machines produce more waste than drip-style counterparts but are still much simpler to use than brewing whole beans in a French Press or Pour-Over.
A company based in LA known as Bruvi has launched its BV-01 pod-based machine at the end of 2022. It promised to make better-tasting single-serve joes, offer more options for drinks than the vast majority of pod-based machines, and provide reusable capsules that could be recycled without breaking into microplastics. While the Bruvi brewer is more costly than Keurig and Nespresso models but it's a great all-around device that smacks of the dawn of a new era for pod coffee.
When purchasing a coffee pod machine, the size of the serving is a major factor to consider. Certain models can serve single-serve cups that come in a wide range of sizes, ranging from huge travel mugs to 2-ounce espresso shots. Some machines can brew whole pots of coffee. Some models even come with milk frothers that can be added to create the creamy cappuccino, latte or latte.
Another important factor to take into consideration is the design of a pod-based coffee machine. The color, finish, and location of the machine, as well as the size and position of the reservoir for water will impact how it looks on your counter. Certain brands provide different colored pods so that you can change your drink according to the season or mood.
Pod coffee makers are typically small and take up less space than drip or single-serve brewers. Although a small footprint may be desirable, it's essential that your machine is able to make multiple cups in between refills. Most pod coffee makers should work with a water tank of at least 40 ounces for the average household.
4. Variety of Drinks
The pod machines are extremely versatile and, depending on the brand you choose they can make a variety of drinks. Some brands, like the popular Keurig systems and Sage's Nespresso collab, are able to brew up to four different drink sizes and others provide one or two options. Some machines can also make hot chocolate and cold drinks.
Some pod coffee machines can also make frothy cappuccinos or lattes thanks to built-in milk frothers. Some require a separate milk jug, or a conjoined one to perform this job. The top milk-frothing coffee machines are simple to operate and provide precise control. They also feature a sleek design which fits into any kitchen.
The Grind One is a great example. It's a sleek design that's a far cry from the curvatures you see on other pod coffee makers and is smaller than most Keurig models, making it ideal for kitchens with small spaces or dorm rooms. The reservoir can hold up to 40 ounces and is easily accessible. Used capsules are automatically placed in a container. Other than keeping the reservoir full and descaling every six months or therefore, the machine requires minimal upkeep.
This model is more expensive than the other models we've reviewed, but offers a premium experience. The drip tray can be adjusted to ensure it will fit tall travel mugs or short espresso cups. Suggested Browsing is able to make five different drinks, thanks to a unique barcode system that scans every compatible pod and then automatically adjusts its settings to make the perfect cup.
This is the most attractive coffee pod machine we've tested and produces a delicious beverage, particularly for an automatic. The only reason we didn't grant it the top spot is because of its limited milk-frothing capabilities - its only real option is to use dried skimmed milk capsules, which don't taste quite like fresh-squeezed milk. If it had a built-in milk frother then we'd probably consider this pod machine to be the top spot.