Don't Buy Into These "Trends" Concerning Best Coffee Pod Machine
Don't Buy Into These "Trends" Concerning Best Coffee Pod Machine
Blog Article
The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The sleekest pod machine we've ever seen, this brushed-steel model offers the trademark Sage quality and is easy to use. After switching on, it preheats and makes a delicious espresso or a slightly longer lungo in about 30 minutes.
As opposed to bean-to-cup machines, pod models take the messiest aspects of coffee making out of your hands - including grinding and dosing grounds.
1. Speedy
Pod machines are typically quicker to install and use than espresso machines, with many capable of making a cup of coffee in only 30 seconds or less. However, they come with some cost: the pre-portioned coffee pods that are used in these machines tend to be more expensive than freshly roasted beans and they're not always recyclable (though some companies now offer free recycling bags and pre-paid UPS labels to return them).
The Nespresso CitiZ has one of the most efficient pod machines available, thanks to the barcode scanner that scans every compatible pod's code prior to brewing. This makes it simple to get consistent quality, high-end coffee each time, and there is virtually no chance of the drink turning out badly wrong. It's also among the slimmest and lightest available and does not require an additional milk jug or its small footprint making it easy to fit into even the tiniest of kitchens.
However the CitiZ isn't the most efficient machine for those who want to reduce their environmental impact. The CitiZ does not have an automatic descaling feature. You'll have to manually descale the machine every 300 cups for hard water, and every 1200 cups for soft water. Once the filter cartridge is out, you'll need replace it with a new one. This can be costly for certain users.
Tassimo Vivy 2 is a fast machine that can be customized with buttons. It can be used with either ground coffee or ESE pods, which are pre-dosed, tampered ground that are compressed between filter paper. It is also B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to lessening its negative impact on the environment and its employees. The only downside is the time it takes to heat up. Once it is heated it will brew a cup in about 35 seconds.
Vertuo Creatista is a stylish sleek machine that can create a variety of drinks in different sizes and styles. This glossy beauty, made in collaboration with Sage it is not only quick and simple to operate but also comes with a milk frothing wand and an stainless steel jug.
2. Removable parts
The ease of use is a major selling point and the best models are easy to operate. Most machines rely on the same process to make your coffee: water is heated inside a reservoir, then pumped through the chosen capsules and extracted to create rich hot java. The majority of brands offer various sizes of drinks to meet different requirements. You can also save custom settings to streamline the process.
Keurig's K-Cups and Nestle's Nespresso VertuoLine series are the two leading brands on the market, but both offer a variety of capsules from top roasters and brands. Some pods can be used just once before being thrown away and others can be used several times. You'll need a plan for the pods you've used to avoid them from ending up in the garbage.
The SMEG we tested comes with a removable reservoir of water that is easy to fill. It also automatically releases an additional capsule once the previous one cools down. It can brew lungo and espresso drinks and comes with eight different blends to offer various options. This brewer is ideal for those who love coffee and want to switch to drip coffee.
In our testing, the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design is an eye-catching addition to your counter, and it opens with a simple touch to reveal a concealed compartment for empty pods. The machine comes with a water filter system that is ideal for areas with hard water.
This machine is quick and can make standard coffee (240ml), ristretto, and lungo espresso drinks. The controls are easy to operate, using switches that resemble airplanes, which can be easily retracted and a lever which retracts to reveal the opening to drop in the pod. It does take a little force to close, but our testers, including those with limited mobility and hand strength, found it comfortable.
3. Size
The best coffee pod makers eliminate all the mess that comes with coffee making - you just put a pod in the machine, push a button and let it be brewed. You'll still need to clean your machine occasionally however not like a bean-to-cup or espresso maker. Pod pod-making machines machines are also smaller than their larger counterparts which means they can be placed on the counter and be stored away from view when not in use.
The ideal coffee maker for you will be determined by your preferences and what you wish to achieve. All pod machines are simple to use, however some provide more options for customization. The variety of pods, brew size options and milk frothing capabilities must be taken into consideration to find the ideal coffee pod machine for you.
The majority of people think of pod-based machines as the likes of Nespresso and Keurig however there are some newer competitors on the scene which are worth looking into. Bruvi has a custom-designed system of pods, called B-Pods that can only be used in its machines. These pods have a barcode on the underside that machines scan to automatically adjust the brewing settings.
The machine will take all the guesswork and ensure that each drink is perfect every time. It is able to save your customized drinks on a button to allow you to make them by pressing only one button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way offer a greater degree of control over your coffee that allows you to select a specific temperature and size for each cup. It's a little more expensive than many other models, but it has the polished stainless steel construction and top-quality customer service that's associated with the brand. It is a great choice for those who want something more from their pod-based coffee maker.
Some larger models can also create 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 Italian coffee brand, Lavazza. It's a bit intimidating initially due to the toggles that look like airplanes, but once you get used to it, the machine is easy and enjoyable to use. A lungo can be brewed in 30 seconds.
4. Customization
The lack of flexibility is one of the main reasons it's not the right choice for you. If you don't have an alternative milk frother, then the only way to add flavor or creaminess is to use hot chocolate or tea option in your mug or to manually add milk into your the coffee. For most people, this won't be a problem however it could be a nagging issue for those who prefer a fully automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew technology makes use of barcode scanners to scan each capsule and automatically pre-wet, infuse and give the correct amount of coffee for that particular type of pod. It's a simple, hands-off machine which does a great job however it isn't equipped with options for customizing drinks or for varying the strength of brew. Some customers might be disappointed by this, but many will find the convenience and variety of cup sizes (espressos and mugs, lungos and espressos) to be exactly what they are looking for.
In addition to filling up the water tank and decaffeinating the reservoir on occasion This coffee maker does not require much maintenance. It is able to serve espresso-style shots or tall travel mugs with ease. As previously mentioned, used pods are ejected into a container hidden from view that keeps your kitchen tidy. It also does a great job of providing full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.
This machine is part of Smeg's 1950s-style collection. It's user-friendly with an easy-to-use panel of buttons, and it can handle ground coffee as well as ESE pods. The only drawback is that it lacks an indicator to let you know when it's time for descale. Also, the maximum water level cannot be set which is an inconvenience. You'll also need to buy the brand's capsules which can be costly. This is a great pod machine for anyone who wants a convenient and attractive appliance that is able to serve at a reasonable price. For those who want a little more variety, a broad selection of third-party capsules is available for this model, and it's compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.