The Best Pod Coffee Machines
With pod coffee machines, you simply put a sealed capsule with roasted or ground beans into the machine. The coffee then flows through for a specified time period to create your beverage.
Some pod coffee makers come with different sizes of cups, a built-in filter, and milk frothing capabilities. Choosing the best pod coffee machine for you is based on your personal preferences and 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 is a great choice. It is easy to operate and has a beautiful design. When not in use it can be hidden away in the kitchen.
The machine can be noisy however it's not a major problem. It is also fairly small and will fit in tiny counter spaces. If you're looking for a Keurig with a wider range of sizes, or a carafe to drip-brew your coffee, you might want to consider other options.
The Keurig K-Select single serve coffee maker combines sleek design and more useful features to help you make your perfect cup every time. Choose from hundreds of delicious K-Cup pods, or make your own ground coffee using a My-K-Cup universal coffee filter that can be reused (sold separately). The Strong Brew feature kicks up your coffee's strength and intensity and makes it the perfect choice for those who love a strong cup.
The brewer comes with simple controls with buttons. Simply add the K-Cup pod, choose the desired brew size and press the brew button. In less than a minute, you'll have a fresh cup of coffee ready to enjoy. The large reservoir of 52 ounces lets you to brew five cups before refilling, easing your morning routine.
The Keurig is incredibly easy to clean. The water reservoir and lid can be cleaned and removed by hand. However, you should always clean your Keurig before cleaning, and follow the instructions in the user guide to ensure that your machine is performing optimally. This warranty covers all accessories and the brewer, except for normal wear misuse, abuse, and external causes like power outages.
2. Tassimo My Way
This is the best option for coffee lovers who want an appliance that can do more than just make your typical cup. It can create a variety of drinks including hot cocoa. The large 1.3-litre water tank lets multiple cups to be brewed at the same time. The machine can be heated in three seconds, and also includes a milk container that lets you to make latte or a cappuccino. It also features an LCD that can be touched to let 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 to make your desired drink. There are more than 70 different varieties to choose from, ranging from brands such as Kenco and Costa to Costa, Milka and Cadbury's. The machine also provides a selection of T Discs for tea and hot chocolate as well.
We discovered the coffee it produced to be of good quality, although just a little less than some of the other pod machines we have reviewed in this round-up. It also steamed the milk to make an espresso fairly quickly and produced a rich mouthfeel without being overly thick. It is important to note that the milk that is frothy has sugar which, though not a major issue however, might not be for everyone's taste.
The Tassimo My Way is easy to clean, thanks to the drip tray, the removable components of the brewing unit and the water tank all being dishwasher-safe. There's a Brita filter included and a cleaning disc that can also be used. A useful indicator light will let you know when it's time to descale and the water reservoir helps keep the limescale at a minimum. The machine is rated Energy Star, which helps reduce the power consumption of up to 15%.
3. Lavazza Lungo Pod Machine
This Nespresso pod coffee machine was designed in collaboration with Sage by Lavazza is one of the most attractive machines on the market. It's made with tough and attractive materials, comes with an elegantly adjustable steam wand for making cappuccinos and lattes and a stainless milk jug in steel. Put a pod in and select the size of your cup and the machine will whir into action making espresso double espresso, lungo, gran lungo, mug and alto drinks with a thick layer of silky foam.
As with most pod machines you load the pod through an opening on the top and drop it in the right spot. The machine punctures the capsule then seals it. When coffee machines with pods pull the lever, the used pod will fall into a dedicated used Pod tray that is located beneath the drip tray.
The machine is not the fastest to brew espresso. It takes about 30 seconds for a single shot and 90 seconds for the lungo. However, the results are always spectacular with a smooth, rich flavor and a great crema. The machine will also alert you when it is time to refill the water tank or pod bin.
The main selling point of this machine is the ability to use it with any Lavazza-branded pod - there are seven in all, including ground roasted espresso (Qualita Rossa, Intenso, Passionale and Delizioso), two decaffeinated (Dek Cremoso) and two organic coffees (!Tierra! Bio). The pod coffee machine is not inexpensive, but if you combine it with a pod delivery subscription, the price can be similar to the cost of a regular bean-to cup machine. The slim design of this machine allows it to fit into even the smallest kitchens. The pods are also industrially compostable, so you can dispose of them in food waste bins for your council bins or garden compost.
4. Nespresso Vertuo Pod Machine
Nespresso machines are some of the top pod coffee makers for those who are looking for quick steady, reliable, and consistent brew. They heat quickly and are extremely simple to use--just insert a capsule, press a button, and you're done. They also create a rich crema that you can add to your drinks to add thickness and flavor. They're not cheap however, and you have to 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 to create the perfect cup. They also have a centrifusion device which spins the capsules to get the best flavor and thickest crema.
The machines aren't as intuitive as the other options. For instance, the lid only opens when the machine is in its final stages, and it takes about 30 minutes to heat up enough to put in the capsule. They don't include an milk frother, as do other pod coffee makers listed on this list, so you'll have to shell out an additional PS90 or so to buy an additional Aeroccino if you want to make lattes or cappuccinos.
They also require more maintenance than other models - filling the water tank, emptying the pod containers used for descaling - but they come with an app which reminds you to perform these tasks and also provides tools such as capsule recyclers and store locators. And if you pair your machine with an IntelliPort it is possible to operate it using voice commands, which is a nice touch if you're making coffee in the dark at 4am or have weak hands.
5. SMEG Barista Pod Machine
This sleek pod coffee machine is the product of a cherished Italian brand and a renowned kitchen appliance company. It features all the retro, sleek curves that SMEG is famous for, as well as the ability to make espresso and lungo drinks effortlessly. It also has a shot setting that is programmable as well as dual-height drip trays and a pod bin that can be removed.
This coffee maker allows you to make a quick cup or two of espresso or lungo in the morning or during your work break. Its simple control panel makes it look sleek and doesn't distract you from the functionality. If you're looking to dress your daily coffee even more, it has three filter baskets that can accommodate different types of capsules. You can also use ground beans that are loose (although you'll need an additional grinder).
The SMEG Barista Pod Machine doesn't include a milk pitcher, however, it has a built-in Pannarello milk frother that can froth both soymilk and cowmilk well. It also comes with a portafilter that measures 51mm, which is smaller than the conventional commercial filter. It's pressurized, which means that it won't give off the stale, leftover taste. It comes with a tamper made of plastic that also doubles as a spoon.
The SMEG is among the most expensive pod machines on our list however it's certainly worth it if you're a lover of the retro look or enjoy being able to make espresso-based drinks. This is a great choice for those who are new to coffee making and do not need to go through the burden of measuring, grinding, and tamping beans by yourself.