How to Choose the Best Coffee Pod Machine
If you love the idea of a quick, mess-free coffee fix first thing in the morning, a pod machine is something you should consider. How do you choose the right one?
This machine is retro in design and has the SMEG Lavazza logos on its front. It is more expensive and requires a large space on your counter. However, it's a top-performing pod coffee maker that has a sturdy feel.
1. Nespresso Compatible
If you're a Nespresso fan, you'll want to select a coffee maker that is compatible with the capsules made by this brand. You might also want to look for models that work with other capsules too, like organic and Fairtrade options or special flavoured pods. These are often available for the same price as the originals, and some even include an integrated milk frother to make the perfect cappuccino or latte.
Bruvi's entry into pod machine market in 2022 was greeted with excitement. This brightly-coloured device promised a variety of drinks, a better coffee experience than any other pod machine, and pods that you could throw away without worrying about the environmental impact.
It is a success on all three counts. The pod coffee maker is compact and affordable, yet it produces an intense and rich cup of espresso each time. It's one of the quietest machines on market. You can make coffee Joe even before your alarm sounds.
The Bruvi comes with two sizes of cups that can be adjusted to suit the type of drink you're making. It comes with three settings for temperature and the texture of the milk when brewing the cappuccino or Latte. It can even brew hot chocolate, which is great for kids or adults who just want to warm themselves and wind down.
Another feature that's a big plus is the programmable sleep mode, which switches to standby after a period of one hour of inactivity. It's also easy to clean and consumes only a small amount of water. You might want to consider a machine that has a removable capsule holder to make emptying the capsule easier.
You can also include a milk frother in 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 capsules that can be reused. A thermometer or water kettle to control temperature precisely is a great alternative.
2. Easy to Clean
A coffee pod machine is an easy way to start your morning with a hot cup coffee. In a few minutes you'll be enjoying freshly brewed coffee. Just put a pod in and turn it on. They are simple to clean and don't need regular maintenance. They require only the refill of the water tank and a descaling every six months.
Keurig's K-Cups have the widest variety of choices available including national brands and supermarket favorites such as Folgers, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and Dunkin' Donuts. Even non-coffee drinks like hot chocolate and tea are available in K Cup forms from various brands. You don't need to make use of Keurig K-Cups to enjoy a great cup. You can also make it with reusable filter capsules that are made of paper or plastic and hold ground coffee, drippods that are pre-loaded, or loose coffee grounds.
However, many pod-based machines aren't known for producing a strong, rich brew that is able to satisfy the most discerning palate. During our tests, we found that some of the pod coffee makers produced watery or overly bitter cups of joe. Others were so difficult operate that they took up valuable space on your counter and were prone to run noisily.
There are a few high-end coffee makers that provide the convenience and consistency of single-serve machines, without the wasteful packaging and disappointing taste. Some models come with an integrated frother that can make a froth and pour your latte or cappuccino, while others have an extra frother that can plug in to the machine to add a deliciously frothy top to your beverage.
The newer pod machines don't only make a great cup of coffee however, they also solve the issue of environmental impact associated with single-serve pods that are made of plastic. Keurig and Nespresso made their aluminum pods recyclable by replacing them with polypropylene. The latter also offers free capsule recycling bags that can drop off at any retail or UPS location. Bruvi is a new competitor, makes use of pods that are compatible with its own brewers and are designed to be able to break down quickly in landfills, leaving no microplastics.
3. Fast Brewing
A pod coffee machine can be a lifesaver for people who don't wish to grind beans or boil a kettle. These idiot-proof appliances can make your cup of espresso, coffee or tea in a matter of minutes with no cleaning up. They produce more waste than their drip-style counterparts but are still much more simple to use than making whole beans in a French Press or Pour-Over.
In the latter half of 2022, an LA-based startup called Bruvi introduced its BV-01 coffee pod machine. It promised to produce more flavorful single serve coffee, offer more drinks options than other pod-based machines, and also provide reusable capsules which could be taken away without breaking into tiny microplastics. The Bruvi brewer is more costly than Keurig and Nespresso models however, it's a fantastic all-round device that smacks of the dawn of a new era for pod coffee.
One of the biggest things to consider when purchasing a coffee pod maker is the serving size. Certain models can serve single-serve cups in a broad range of sizes, ranging from giant travel mugs down to 2-ounce espresso shots. Some machines can brew whole pots of coffee. Some even have milk frothers that can be added to create an incredibly creamy cappuccino or the latte.
The design of a coffee pod machine is a different aspect to consider. The color and finish of the machine, as well as the size and location of the water reservoir and pod compartment will determine how your machine looks on your kitchen counter. Certain brands have different colored pods, so you can change your drink to suit the season or mood.
Pod coffee makers are generally designed to be compact and take up less space than traditional single-serve or drip brewers. While a smaller footprint might be desirable, it's essential that your machine has the capacity to make multiple cups between refills. Most pod coffee makers should be equipped with a water tank of at 40 ounces at the minimum for an average household.
4. Variety of drinks
Pod machines are surprisingly flexible and, based on the brand you choose, can make all manner of drinks. Certain brands, such as Keurig's famous Keurig systems and Sage's Nespresso collab, can brew up to four different sizes of drinks, while others offer just two or one option. Certain machines can also brew tea, hot cocoa and cold drinks.
Certain pod coffee machines can also make frothy cappuccinos or lattes thanks to built-in milk frothers. Some require an additional milk jug or an integrated one to accomplish this task. The best milk-frothing coffee machines are easy to use and provide precise control. They also feature a sleek design that can be incorporated into any kitchen.
The Grind One is a great example. It has a minimalist design that is a step back from the curves that you see on other pod coffee makers and is smaller than the majority of Keurig models making it a great choice for those who have small kitchens or dorm rooms. The water tank is simple to access and can hold up to 40 ounces. The machine will automatically place capsules that are used into a container that is attached to the machine. Apart from maintaining the reservoir and descaling it every six months, minimal maintenance is required.
This model is more expensive than the other models we've reviewed, but offers a premium experience. The stainless steel finish brushed is sleek and modern The drip tray can be adjusted to fit short espresso cups or tall travel cups. It can brew up to five different drinks thanks to an RFID system that scans every compatible pod to automatically alter its settings.
This is the most attractive coffee pod machine we've tested and offers a superb-tasting brew, particularly for an automatic. best coffee machines didn't give it the top spot because it has limited milk-frothing abilities. The only option is to use dried, skimmed milk capsules that don't taste as good as freshly squeezed milk. We would have given this pod machine high marks with an integrated milk frother.
