How to Choose the Best Coffee Pod Machine
A pod machine is a fantastic option for those looking to have a quick, mess-free morning coffee fix. How do you choose the right one?
With a nod to the retro design, this machine boasts the SMEG and Lavazza branding across its front. It is more expensive and requires a large space on your counter. It's a high-performance pod coffee maker that feels sturdy.
1. Nespresso Compatible
If you're a Nespresso fan, you'll want to choose the best coffee pod machine compatible with the brand's capsules. You may also want to look for one that is able to use other capsules, such as organic and Fairtrade varieties or flavored pods with a special flavor. They are usually available for a similar price to the originals and some come with an inbuilt milk frother, which allows you to make an espresso or cappuccino.
Bruvi's entry into pod machine market in 2022 was met with excitement. This brightly-coloured device promised a variety of drink choices as well as a better cup of coffee than other pod machine, and pods that can be thrown away without worrying about the environment.
It's a winner on all three counts. The pod coffee machine is compact and affordable, yet it produces an intense and rich cup of espresso every time. It's also among the quietest models on the market and you can make a cup of Joe before your alarm starts.
The Bruvi is available in two sizes and can be adjusted based on the type of beverage you're making. It has three settings to control the temperature and the texture of the milk when brewing either a cappuccino, or latte. It can even make hot chocolate, which is perfect for adults and kids who need to warm up and wind down.
A programmable sleep function is another plus. It will switch to standby mode after one hour without any use. It's also easy to clean and uses very little water. Think about a machine with an open capsule holder that can be removed to make emptying it easier.
There are a few other accessories that you can add to your coffee pod, including a milk frother (unless it's included with the model you purchase). Other items you may want to look into include an reusable filter that can be used with capsules that can be reused, a water kettle or thermometer for precise temperature control, and the travel cup.
2. Easy to Clean
The convenience of a coffee pod machine makes it easy to get your day started with a quick, hot cup of coffee. In just a few minutes, you can have a freshly-brewed drink. Simply insert a pod and turn it on. These machines are also very easy to clean, and most of them don't require daily maintenance - just filling up the tank with water and decaling every six months or more.
Keurig's K-Cups offer the largest selection of choices on the market including national brands and popular grocery store brands such as Folgers, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and Dunkin' Donuts. Even non-coffee drinks like tea and hot chocolate are available in K Cup form from different brands. You don't have to make use of Keurig K-Cups for a great cup. You can also make it with filters that are reusable and made of paper or plastic and can hold ground coffee, pre-loaded drippods, or loose coffee grounds.
Many of these pod-based machines do not produce a rich, strong brew that can stand up to the most discerning taste. We found certain pod coffee makers to produce watery or bitter cups of coffee. Some were difficult to use, taking up valuable counter space and running loudly.
There are some high-quality coffee makers that provide the convenience and consistency of single-serve machines but without the wasteful packaging and disappointing taste. Some models come with an integrated frother that can froth and pour your cappuccino or latte while others have a separate frother that you can plug in to the machine to create a deliciously frothy top to your drink.
These newer pod machines not only make a great cup of coffee however, they also address the growing concern about environmental impact associated with single-serve pods that are made of plastic. Both Keurig and Nespresso have made their aluminum pods more recyclable by replacing them with polypropylene, and the latter now offers free capsule-recycling bags that can be dropped off at any of its stores or UPS stores. A recently launched competitor, Bruvi, uses its own pods, which can only be used in its own brewer. They have been designed to disintegrate quickly in landfills and without leaving microplastics behind.
3. Fast Brewing
A pod coffee maker is a lifesaver for those who do not want to grind beans or boil the kettle. These reliable machines can make espresso, tea or coffee in just a few minutes, without having to clean up. Although these machines generate more waste for the environment than their drip counterparts, they're still significantly less laborious than making a batch of whole beans in a French press or pour-over.
A startup based in LA named Bruvi has launched its BV-01 pod machine towards the end of 2022. It promised to produce better-tasting single serve coffee and provide more drink options than other pod-based machine and deliver capsules that can be reused and removed without breaking down into tiny microplastics. Although the Bruvi brewer is more than Keurig or Nespresso however, it is a fantastic device all around that feels like a dawning of a new era in pod coffee.
One of the biggest things to consider when purchasing a coffee pod maker is the size of the serving. Some models can sling single-serve cups in a broad range of sizes, ranging from giant travel mugs down to 2-ounce espresso shots. Certain machines can brew entire pots of coffee. Some even have milk frothers to make a creamy cappuccino, latte or Latte.
Another aspect to take into consideration is the design of a pod-based coffee machine. The color, the finish and the location of the machine as well as the size and location of the reservoir will determine how it appears on your counter. Some brands even offer various colored pods that allow you to change your drink to match the season or your mood.
Pod coffee makers are typically small and take up less space than drip or single-serve brewers. While a smaller footprint might be desirable, it's also important that your machine has the capacity to make multiple cups between refills. Most pod coffee makers should work with a water tank that is at 40 ounces or more for the average household.
4. Variety of drinks
The pod machines are extremely versatile and, depending on the brand you select they can create all kinds of drinks. Some brands, like Keurig's popular Keurig systems as well as Sage's Nespresso collab, are able to brew up to four different sizes of drinks, while others offer just one or two options. Certain machines can also brew tea, hot cocoa and cold drinks.
Some pod coffee machines can make frothy cappuccinos as well as lattes, thanks to built-in milk frothers. Some require a separate milk jug, or an integrated one to accomplish this job. The best pod coffee makers that milk froth offer precise control and user-friendliness, and a sleek design that fits in with any kitchen.
The Grind One is a great example. Its minimalist design is a step away form the curves that are found on other pod coffee makers. It's smaller than the majority of Keurigs, making it perfect for small kitchens and dorms. The water tank is simple to access and can hold up to 40 ounces. The capsules that are used are deposited in an attached container. Apart from keeping the reservoir filled and descaling it every six months or this means that the machine needs minimal upkeep.
This machine is more costly than other models we've reviewed, but offers a premium experience. The brushed stainless steel finish is modern and sleek, while the drip tray can be adjusted to fit shorter espresso cups or tall travel cups. best bean to cup coffee machine 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 best-looking coffee pod machine we've seen and has a great tasting beverage, particularly for an automatic. We didn't give this machine the top spot since it has limited milk-frothing abilities. The only option is to use dried, skimmed milk capsules, which don't taste as good as freshly squeezed milk. We would have awarded this machine the top spot if it had an integrated milk frother.