How to Choose the Best Coffee Pod Machine
A pod machine is a fantastic option for those looking to have a quick and mess-free morning cup of coffee. But how do you select the best one?
This machine is retro in design and features the SMEG Lavazza logo on its front. It needs a prominent spot on your countertop and is pricier than others. However, it's a top-performing pod coffee maker that has an incredibly solid feel.
1. Nespresso Compatible
If you're a Nespresso lover, you will want to select the right coffee maker that can work with the capsules made by this brand. You might also want to choose a model that can use other capsules, such as organic and Fairtrade choices or special flavoured pods. These models are available at a price similar to the original ones. Some models even come with built-in frothers that allow you to make a cappuccino lattes, or other flavoured pods.
Bruvi's entry into the pod machine market in 2022 was greeted by excitement. The brightly-colored device promised a range of beverages and a more satisfying cup of coffee than other pod machine, and pods you could throw away without worrying about the environment.
It's a winner on all three counts. The pod coffee machine is compact and affordable yet it makes an incredibly rich and robust cup of espresso every time. It's also one of the most quiet models available and you can whip up a cup of Joe before your morning alarm starts.
The Bruvi comes with two sizes of cups that can be adjusted to suit the type of drink you're making. If you're brewing a latte or cappuccino, it has three texture and temperature settings for the milk so you can enjoy your froth. It also makes hot cocoa, which is great for both kids and adults who want to unwind.
Another feature that's a big benefit is the programmable sleep mode, which goes to standby after an hour of inactivity. It's also simple to clean and requires only a tiny amount of water. Think about a machine with the option of a capsule holder that is removable to make emptying easier.
There are a few other accessories you can add to your coffee pod machine like a milk froth (unless it's included with the model you purchase). Other things you might want to consider include an reusable filter that can be used with reusable capsules, a water kettle or thermometer to ensure precise temperature control and an insulated travel cup.
2. Easy to Clean
The convenience of a coffee machine allows you to start your day with a quick and hot cup of joe. Simply load a pod and switch it on and in a minute or two you'll have a freshly-brewed drink. These machines are also easy to clean, and most of them don't require daily maintenance -- simply refilling the water tank and descaling every six months or so.
Keurig's K-Cups offer the largest selection of options available, including national brands and supermarket favorites like Folgers, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, and Dunkin' Donuts. There are also some non-coffee options, such as tea and hot cocoa, available in K-Cup forms from a variety of brands. It's not necessary to use Keurig K-Cups for a great cup. You can also make it using filters that are reusable and made of paper or plastic and hold ground coffee, pre-loaded drippods or loose coffee grounds.
Many of these pod-based machines do not produce a rich strong, robust brew that can endure the most discerning taste. During our tests, we found that some of the pod coffee makers produced sloppy or excessively bitter cups of joe. Some were difficult to use, taking up valuable counter space, and also running very loudly.
There are some high-quality coffee makers that provide the convenience and consistency of single-serve machines but without the flimsy packaging and sour taste. Some include a built-in frother that allows you to foam and pour your latte or cappuccino, while others sell a separate frother you can plug into the machine to add 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 increasing environmental concerns caused by single-serve pods made from plastic. Both Keurig and Nespresso have made their aluminum pods more recyclable by replacing them with polypropylene and the latter now offers free bags for recycling capsules which can be picked up at any of its boutiques or UPS locations. Bruvi is a brand new competitor, utilizes pods that are compatible with its own brewers. They are designed to disintegrate quickly in landfills and not leave microplastics.
3. Fast Brewing
If you do not want to deal with the grind of beans or boiling the kettle, a pod coffee maker can be a lifesaver. These idiot-proof appliances let you brew the perfect cup of coffee, espresso or tea in mere minutes with no clean up. They produce more waste than drip-style counterparts, but they are still much easier to use than making whole beans in a French Press or Pour-Over.
In the late 2022's an LA-based company called Bruvi introduced its BV-01 coffee pod machine. It promised to produce better-tasting single serve coffee and provide more drink options than the vast number of other pod-based machines, and also provide reusable capsules which could be taken away without breaking into tiny microplastics. And while the Bruvi brewer is more expensive than Keurig and Nespresso models, it's an excellent all-around device that is like the beginning of a new age for pod coffee.
One of the most important aspects to think about when purchasing a coffee pod maker is serving size. Some models can sling single-serve cups in a broad range of sizes, ranging from large travel mugs all the way to 2-ounce espresso shots. Some machines can brew whole pots of coffee, and some come with a milk frother to allow you to add a creamy cappuccino or latte into your morning cup of joe.
Another aspect to be considered is the design of a pod-based coffee machine. The color and the finish of the machine, as well as the location and size of the water reservoir and pod compartment will determine the appearance of your machine on your kitchen counter. Some brands even offer different colored pods that allow you to change up your drink to match the season or your mood.
Pod coffee makers are typically small and take up less space than single-serve or drip brewers. While a compact footprint is great however, it's essential to ensure that the machine has enough capacity to brew multiple cups between refills. For the average household, a water tank that holds at least 40 ounces ought to be adequate for most pod coffee makers.
4. Variety of drinks
The pod machines are versatile, and depending on the manufacturer, they can create a variety of drinks. Certain brands, like Keurig's popular Keurig system as well as Sage's Nespresso collaboration, can brew four different sizes of drinks, while others offer only one or two. Certain machines can also brew tea, hot cocoa and cold drinks.
Certain pod coffee machines can make frothy cappuccinos as well as lattes, thanks to built-in milk frothers. Some, however, require a separate or conjoined milk jug for this purpose. The best milk-frothing coffee machines are simple to use and provide precise control. They also feature a sleek design that can be incorporated into any kitchen.
The Grind One makes a great model. It's sleek design that's a far cry from the curves that you see on other pod coffee makers. coffeee is smaller than the majority of Keurig models making it a great choice for those with small kitchens or dorm rooms. The water tank is easy to access and can hold up to 40 pounds. The machine is able to automatically deposit capsules used up in a container which is attached to the machine. Other than maintaining the reservoir and descaling it every six months, very little maintenance is required.
The machine is more expensive than the other models we've reviewed however, it offers a superior experience. The brushed stainless steel look is modern and sleek, while the drip tray can be adjusted to fit short espresso cups or tall travel mugs. It can brew up to five different drinks with the help of the barcode system that scans each compatible pod to automatically alter its settings.
This is the best-looking coffee pod maker we've tested and produces a delicious brew, particularly for an automatic. The reason we didn't award it the top spot is due to its limited milk-frothing capabilities - the only option is to make use of dried skimmed milk capsules that don't taste as good as fresh-squeezed milk. We would have awarded this pod machine high marks in the event that it had an integrated milk frother.