The Best Pod Coffee Machines
Pod coffee makers allow you to put a capsule that contains ground or roasted coffee beans into the. The coffee is then poured into the machine for a set amount of time.
Certain pod coffee machines come with multiple cup sizes and frothing milk capabilities. Choosing the best pod coffee machine for you is dependent on your individual preferences and your lifestyle.
1. Keurig K-Select
If you're looking for a simple Keurig coffee maker without all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, this machine is a good option. It's simple to use, has a stunning design and is able to be hidden into a corner of the kitchen when it's not in use.
The machine can be loud but that's not a major problem. It's also quite small and will fit in tiny counter spaces. However, if you want a Keurig that has a larger range of sizes or a carafe that is suitable for traditional drip brewing, look at other options.
The Keurig K-Select single serve coffee maker is a blend of elegant design and efficient features to help brew your perfect cup every time. Choose from a wide selection of delicious K-Cup pods, or make your own ground coffee using My-K-Cup's universal coffee filter that is reusable (sold separately). The Strong Brew feature kicks up your coffee's strength and intensity and makes it the perfect option for those who appreciate a strong cup.
The brewer has simple controls using buttons. Just insert a K-Cup pod, select the brew size you'd like to use, and then press the brew button. In less than a minute, you'll have a fresh cup of coffee waiting for you to enjoy. The large reservoir of 52 ounces lets you to brew five cups before refilling, easing your morning routine.
The Keurig is easy to clean. coffee pods machine and lid can be removed and washed by hand. To ensure your Keurig is running at its peak it is essential to clean it by descaler. Follow the steps in the user's guide. This warranty covers all accessories and the brewer, except for normal wear misuse, abuse as well as external causes such as power outages.
2. Tassimo My Way
This is the best choice for those who love coffee and want a machine that does more than just make your daily cup. It's designed to create a wide variety of drinks including hot chocolate and tea, and features a large 1.3 Liter water tank that can brew multiple cups at a time. The machine can be heated up in three seconds, and it has a built-in milk container that allows you to make latte or cappuccino. It also has touchscreen that lets you to alter the temperature, intensity, and volume of your drink.
The Tassimo My Way uses the brand's T Discs which include everything you need for your favorite drink. There are over 70 different varieties that include Kenco, Costa, Milka, and Cadbury's. The machine offers a variety of T discs, which include those for hot tea and chocolate.
The coffee made by this machine was of good quality, although slightly lower than some of the other machines we reviewed. It also steamed the milk to make the caffe latte in a short time and produced a rich mouthfeel without being overly thick. However, it is to be noted that the frothy milk made from T Discs contains sugar which, while not a huge issue but isn't for everyone's taste.
Tassimo Myway's removable parts including the drip tray, and the water tank are all dishwasher-safe. There's an Brita filter as well as a cleaning disc that can be used as well. A handy indicator light informs you when it's time to descale, and a water reservoir keeps the limescale at an absolute minimum. The machine is rated Energy Star, which helps reduce the power consumption of up to 15%.
3. Lavazza Lungo Pod Machine
This Nespresso-compatible pod coffee maker from Lavazza, made in collaboration with Sage, is one of the best-looking machines available. It is constructed of tough and attractive materials. It comes with a stylish steam wand that can be adjusted to make cappuccinos or lattes, as well as a stainless-steel milk jug. Place a pod into the machine and select the size of your cup and the machine goes into action brewing espresso, lungo, double espresso gran lungo, mug and alto drinks with a thick layer of silky frosting.
As with most pod machines you load the pod through an opening on the top and drop it in the right spot. The machine pierces the capsule and then closes it so that when you lift the lever, the used pod falls into a dedicated spent pod tray beneath the drip tray.
It's not the fastest machine for brewing, taking 30 seconds for an espresso shot and 90 seconds for a lungo but the results are consistently impressive, with a great crema and a rich, smooth taste. The machine will also notify you when the water tank or pod bin is in need of refilling.
The main selling point of this machine is the ability to use it with any Lavazza brand pod Seven pods are available in all, including ground roasted espresso (Qualita Rossa, Intenso, Passionale and Delizioso) and two decaffeinated (Dek Cremoso) and two organic coffees (!Tierra! Bio). It's not cheap, but if you get a subscription deal that combines this pod coffee maker with pod delivery, it can work out at a similar price to a regular bean-to cup machine. The slim design of this machine allows it to fit in even the smallest kitchens. The pods are also compostable in a way that you can dispose of them in your local food bins or garden compost.
4. Nespresso Vertuo Pod Machine
Nespresso machines make some of the top pods coffee makers for those looking for a reliable, speedy and consistent brew. They heat quickly and are incredibly simple to use--just put a capsule in, push the button, and you're done. They create a rich, creamy crema that can be added to drinks to give more flavor and a thicker layer. They're not cheap, however you must buy their official pods.
The Vertuo line is a different machine than the OriginalLine machines, which still make use of espresso capsules. They scan each capsule's barcode and automatically adjust the brewing parameters for the perfect cup. They also feature a centrifusion mechanism that spins the capsule to get the fullest flavors and most thick crema.
That said that, the machines aren't as intuitive as our other picks. For instance the lid is only opened when the machine is in its final stages, and it takes around 30 seconds to get hot enough to allow it to be put into a capsule. They don't include milk frothers like the other pod coffee makers on this list, meaning you'll need an additional PS90 or so to buy a separate Aeroccino in order to make lattes or cappuccinos.
They also require more maintenance than other models - refilling the water tank and emptying used pod containers and descaling - but they come with an app that reminds you to perform these tasks, and provides tools such as store locators and capsule recyclers. And if you pair your machine with an IntelliPort you can use voice commands to control it which is a great touch if you're making coffee in the dark at 4am, or have limited hand strength.
5. SMEG Barista Pod Machine
This sleek pod coffee maker is the love child of a well-known Italian brand and a well-known kitchen appliance company. It sports the retro, sleek curves that SMEG are famous for, and it can brew both lungo and espresso drinks. It also comes with a programmable shot setting as well as dual-height drip trays and a removable pod bin.
This coffee maker lets you make an instant cup of espresso or lungo in the morning or during breaks at work. The simple control panel makes it look elegant and doesn't take away from the functionality. It comes with three different baskets for different capsule types. You can use loose-ground beans (although a separate grinder is required).
The SMEG Barista Pod Machine does not include a milk pitcher. However, it has a Pannarello built-in milk frother which froths cow and soymilk very efficiently. It also comes with a 51mm portafilter which is smaller than the typical commercial filter. It's pressurized which is great because it eliminates that stale, leftover grind taste. It comes with a plastic tamper which can also be used as a spoon.
The SMEG is one of the most expensive pod machines we've reviewed but it's well worth it if your a fan of the retro look or like the ability to whip up espresso-based drinks. It's also a great option if you're new to the world of making coffee and don't want to go through the hassles of measuring, grinding and the process of tamping your own beans.