10 Things You Learned In Kindergarden That Will Aid You In Obtaining Best Coffee Pod Machine
The Best Coffee Pod Machine
This sleek, brushed-steel model comes with Sage trademark quality and ease of operation. It heats up immediately after switching on and makes an espresso with aroma or a little longer lungo in just 30 minutes.
Unlike bean-to-cup machines, pod models take the most messy aspects of coffee making off your hands - including grinding and dosing grounds.
1. Speedy
Pod machines are generally easier to set up and use than espresso machines, with the majority able to make a cup of coffee in only 30 seconds or less. But they do come at some cost as the pre-portioned pods of coffee that are used in these machines tend to be more expensive than freshly roasted beans. And they're not always recyclable (though some companies are now offering recycling bags for free and UPS labels to return them).
The Nespresso CitiZ has one of the most efficient pod machines available, thanks to the barcode scanner that scans each compatible pod's code before brewing. This makes it simple to make consistent high-quality, high-end coffee every time, and there is virtually no chance of a drink coming out badly wrong. It is also one of the slimmest and lightest available, with no need for an additional milk jug or a small footprint making it a breeze to fit into even the smallest of kitchens.
However, the CitiZ isn't the most efficient machine for those looking to reduce their environmental impact. It doesn't have an automatic descaling function, and you'll have to clean it yourself every 300 cups if reside in hard water, or 1200 cups in soft water areas. It is also necessary to put in a new filter cartridge after this expires and can be expensive for certain users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another speedy machine with customisable buttons and the option to use ground coffee or ESE pods that are pre-dosed and tampered grounds squeezed between filter paper. It is also B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to decreasing its negative impact on the environment as well as its workforce. The only drawback is that it takes a little longer to heat up, but once this happens it can brew a cup in around 35 minutes.
If you're after an elegant, sleek machine that can handle a range of different sizes and styles then take a look at the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This glossy beauty, made in collaboration with Sage, is not only easy to use and quick to start, but also comes with an ice cream frothing wand as well as an stainless steel jug.
2. Removable parts
The user-friendliness is a major draw, and the best models are simple to operate. Most machines use the same mechanism to brew the cup of coffee you want: water is heated inside a reservoir, then pushed through capsules to create rich, hot coffee. Most brands offer a range of sizes for drinks to meet different requirements, and you can save custom settings for a variety of models to simplify the process further.
Keurig K-Cups are the biggest player on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also offer a large selection of capsules by famous roasters. Some pods are made to be used only once before being get thrown away, whereas others are designed to be used multiple times. You'll need a plan to dispose of your old pods to prevent them from being thrown away.
The SMEG we tested has a reservoir of water that is easy to fill. It also automatically dispenses a new capsule after the previous one cools down. It can be used to brew espresso and lungo drinks, and has eight different blends to offer the variety. This brewer is perfect for coffee lovers who want to make the switch from drip coffee.
In our tests of the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most satisfying to use. Its sleek design looks great on your counter, and it can be opened with a single touch to reveal the compartment that holds empty pods. It has a water filter system that is perfect for areas with hard water.
This machine is easy to use and can brew regular coffee (240ml) and ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. Its user-friendly controls are a joy to navigate, thanks to switches that resemble airplanes and a lever that retracts with little effort to reveal the opening where you drop in your pod. It requires some effort to close, but the majority of our test subjects who have limitations in hand strength and mobility, felt comfortable.
3. Size
The top coffee pod machines remove all the messes of coffee making out of your hands - you simply put in a pod, hit an icon and brew. You'll still have to clean the machine from time time however not as often as you would with a bean-to cup or espresso maker. Pod machines are smaller than their bigger counterparts and can be stored on the counter when not being used.
The ideal coffee maker for you will be determined by your preferences and the goals you'd like to achieve. All pod machines are easy to use, but certain models offer more customization options than others. Pod variety, brew size options, and milk frothing features are all important to determine the best coffee pod machine .
The most popular pod-based coffee machines are Nespresso, Keurig and similar brands. However there are a few more recent competitors that are worth a look. Bruvi utilizes a unique system of pods known as B-Pods that can only be used in its machines. These pods have an underside barcode that the machine scans to adjust the brewing settings automatically.
This method eliminates all the guesswork of brewing a cup and ensures each drink comes out perfectly every time. It can even save customized drinks to a separate button, allowing you to create them at the push of a button.
Other machines, such as Sage's My Way offer a more granular level of control over your coffee that allows you to select the ideal size and temperature for each beverage. It's more expensive than other models, but it comes with a polished stainless-steel build and excellent customer support synonymous with the Sage's My Way brand. This is a good option for those wanting to get a bit more out of their espresso maker that is based on pods.
While the majority of people will be using pod-based machines to make single-serve drinks, there are some larger models that are able to brew longer shots, known as lungos, too. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is a great example of this and is a combination of the retro style of SMEG with the classic design of Italian coffee maker, Lavazza. It's a little intimidating at first thanks to the airplane-style toggles however once you've become accustomed to it, the machine is easy and enjoyable to use. A lungo can be brewed in just 30 minutes.
4. Customization
One reason a pod coffee maker may not be the right choice for you is its limited customizability. If you don't buy an additional milk frother, the only methods to add extra flavor or creaminess is to use an in-mug hot chocolate or tea option and add milk manually to your coffee. This won't be an issue for most people, but it could be an issue for those who like an entirely automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew uses a barcode scanner to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wets and infuses the right amount of coffee to the specific type of pod. It's a hassle-free, hands-off machine that performs its job well, but it doesn't have any options for customizing drinks or for varying the strength of the brew. Some buyers will be annoyed by this, but others will find the convenience and variety of cup sizes (espressos and mugs, lungos and espressos) to be exactly what they are searching for.
This coffee maker is low maintenance. It is all you need to do is to refill the tank with water, and decaffeinate the reservoir every once in a while. It can make short espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs with ease. As previously mentioned, used pods are then ejected from a hidden container that helps keep your kitchen tidy. It also does a great job of delivering full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.
It's a gorgeous machine and part of Smeg's fifties-style range. It's easy to use with a simple interface and can take ground coffee or ESE pods. The only drawback is the lack of a gauge that tells you when to descale, and the inability to set a maximum water level. It is also necessary to purchase the brand's capsules which can be expensive. This is a great pod machine for anyone who wants a convenient and attractive appliance that can be used at a reasonable price. This model can be used with a variety of capsules from third-party manufacturers and works with the Nespresso Vertuo range.