17 Signs To Know If You Work With Best Coffee Pod Machine
17 Signs To Know If You Work With Best Coffee Pod Machine
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The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The most sleek pod machine we've seen this brushed-steel model offers the trademark Sage quality and user-friendly. It preheats after switch-on, and brews an aroma-packed espresso or a little longer lungo in about 30 minutes.
As opposed to bean-to-cup machines, pod models take the most messy aspects of coffee-making out of your hands, including grinding and dosing grounds.
1. Rapid
Pod machines can be installed and used more quickly than espresso machines. The majority of them can make a cup in 30 seconds. But they do come at a cost as the pre-portioned pods of coffee used in these machines are generally more expensive than freshly roasted beans, and many are also not recyclable (though some companies are now offering free recycling bags and prepaid UPS labels to return the pods).
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the most efficient pod machines available that is available due to its in-built barcode reader that scans code of each compatible pod prior to making it. This allows you to make consistent high-quality, high-end coffee every time, with virtually no chance of the drink turning out horribly wrong. The machine is among the tiniest and lightest available. It does not require an additional milk container, and its small footprint makes it easy to fit into even the tiniest kitchens.
However, the CitiZ isn't the ideal machine for those looking to cut down on their environmental impact. The CitiZ doesn't have an automatic descaling feature. You'll have to manually descale the machine every 300 cups for hard water, and 1200 cups for soft water. You'll also need to swap the filter cartridge once this runs out and can be expensive for some users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another quick machine that comes with a customisable button and the option of using ground coffee or ESE pods, which are pre-dosed and tampered with grounds packed between filter paper. It is also B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to decreasing its negative impact on the environment and its employees. Its only minor drawback is the time it takes to warm up. Once it does, it can brew one cup in around 35 minutes.
If you're after an elegant, sleek machine that can handle a range of different sizes and styles then look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek machine, created in collaboration with Sage is not just simple to use but also comes with an ice cream wand, a stainless steel jug, and milk frother.
2. Removable parts
The simplicity of a pod coffee maker is a major advantage. The most effective models are simple to use. The majority of machines employ the same basic mechanism to brew the cup of coffee you want: water is heated inside reservoirs, then it is pushed through capsules to produce rich hot java. The majority of brands offer various sizes of drinks for different needs. You can also save custom settings to make the process more efficient.
Keurig K-Cups are among the top players on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also come with a variety of capsules by well-known roasters. Some pods can be used once before they are discarded, while others can be used multiple times. You'll need a plan for your old pods to prevent them from being thrown away.
The SMEG we tested comes with a removable water reservoir that is easy to fill. It also automatically dispenses an additional capsule once the previous one cools down. It can brew lungo and espresso drinks and comes with eight different blends to give you various options. This brewer is ideal for those who love coffee and want to make the switch from drip coffee.
In our tests of the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design makes it an eye-catching addition to your countertop, and it can be opened with a gentle touch to reveal a concealed compartment to store your empty pods. The machine comes with an in-built water filter system that is ideal for areas with hard water.
The machine is fast and can make regular coffee (240ml), ristretto, and lungo espresso drinks. Its intuitive controls are easy to use, thanks to airplane-style toggles and a lever that retracts with a minimum of effort to reveal the area which allows you to drop your coffee maker. It requires a little effort to close, but our testers, including those with weak hand and mobility, found it comfortable.
3. Size
The top coffee pod makers remove all the messes of making coffee out of your hands. You simply load in one of the pods, press the button, and then prepare to brew. You'll still have to clean your machine occasionally, but not like a bean-to-cup or espresso maker. Pod machines are smaller than their larger counterparts and can be stacked on the counter when not being used.
The ideal coffee maker for you will be determined by your personal preferences and the goals you'd like to achieve. All pod machines are simple to use, however some offer more customisation options than others. The variety of pods, brew size options, and milk frothing features are all important to help find the perfect coffee pod machine for your needs.
The most popular pod-based coffee machines are Nespresso, Keurig and similar brands. However there are a few newer competitors that may be worth a look. Bruvi uses a bespoke system of pods, called B-Pods, which can only be used in its machines. The pods are marked by a barcode which is scanned by the machine to adjust the brewing settings automatically.
This means that the machine eliminates all the guesswork the process of making a cup, and makes sure that each drink is made perfectly every time. It is even able to save custom drinks to a separate button so you can create them at the push of a single button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way, offer more granular control over your coffee than the majority, letting you choose the exact size and temperature for each cup. It's more expensive than many other models, but it has the polished stainless steel build and excellent customer service which is synonymous with the brand. It is a good choice for those who want something more from their pod-based coffee maker.
Some larger models can also brew lungos. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is an excellent example of this, and it is a combination of the retro style of SMEG with the retro-fifties design of SMEG Italian coffee maker, Lavazza. It's a bit difficult to operate due to its airplane-style toggles as well as the manual lever, but it's quick and incredibly satisfying to operate - a lungo is brewed in just 30 seconds and the used pods are deposited into an internal bin at the touch of the button.
4. Customization
A pod coffee maker's limited customization is a major reason it may not be the best option for you. If you don't purchase an auxiliary milk frother, the only ways to add extra flavor or creaminess is to make use of an in-mug hot chocolate or tea option and add milk to your cup manually. For many people this won't be a problem but it coffee machine capsule could be a sticking point for those who prefer a fully automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew utilizes barcode scanners to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wettes and infuses, then dispensing the right amount of coffee for 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 altering the strength of brew. Some buyers will be annoyed by this, but many will appreciate the ease of use and variety of cup sizes (espressos, lungos and mugs) to be exactly what they are seeking.
Apart from filling the water tank and decaffeinating the reservoir on occasion This coffee maker does not require much maintenance. It can dispense short espresso shots and tall travel mugs with ease and, as we mentioned the pods that are used are ejected to a hidden receptacle that helps keep your kitchen clean. It also does an excellent job of serving full-bodied, crema-topped espressos.
This machine is part Smeg's 1950s-style range. It is easy to use with a simple interface and can accommodate ground coffee or ESE pods. The only drawback is that it doesn't come with an indicator to let you know when it's time to descale and the maximum water level cannot be set which is a minor inconvenience. You'll also have to purchase the brand's own capsules, which can be pricey. But, it's an excellent pod coffee maker for those looking for an attractive and functional appliance that will provide them with a great service at an affordable price. For those who want more variety, a broad selection of third-party capsules is available for this model. It's also compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.