10 Things We All Hate About Best Coffee Pod Machine
10 Things We All Hate About Best Coffee Pod Machine
Blog Article
The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The sleekest pod machine we've seen this brushed-steel model offers the trademark Sage quality and is easy to use. It preheats after switch-on, and makes an espresso with aroma or slightly longer lungo in about 30 seconds.
Unlike bean-to-cup machines, pod models take the most messed-up aspects of coffee-making out of your hands, such as 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 minutes. However, they come with a cost as the pre-portioned pods of coffee used in these machines are generally 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 is one of the most efficient pod machines that you can find due to its in-built barcode scanner that scans the code of each compatible pod prior to brewing it. This ensures consistently top-quality coffee every time. There is hardly any chance of getting a bad beverage. It's also one of the slimmest and lightest available, with no need for an additional milk jug, and a small footprint making it easy to fit in even the tiniest kitchen.
The CitiZ isn't the most efficient machine to minimize the environmental impact. It doesn't have an automatic descaling function, and you'll have to do it yourself every 300 cups if reside in hard water, or 1200 cups in soft water areas. Once the filter cartridge runs out, you'll need to replace it with a new one. This could be expensive for some users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another quick machine that comes with a customisable button and the option to use ground coffee or ESE pods that are pre-dosed, tampered and squeezed between filter paper. It is also B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to reducing its negative impact on the environment as well as its workforce. The only drawback is the time it takes to heat up. Once it does, it can brew one cup in around 35 minutes.
If you're after a sleek, stylish machine capable of handling a range of different sizes and styles, look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This glossy beauty, made in collaboration with Sage and Sage, is not just simple and quick to operate but also comes with a milk frothing wand and an stainless steel Jug.
2. Removable parts
The simplicity of a pod coffee maker is a major benefit. The top models are simple to use. Most machines utilize the same process to brew the perfect cup of coffee that is, heated water is placed in the reservoir, and then it is pushed through capsules to produce rich hot java. The majority of brands offer a variety of sizes for drinks to meet different needs, and you can save custom settings on many models to simplify the process even further.
Keurig K-Cups are among the top player on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also come with a variety of capsules made by the most well-known roasters. Some pods are made to be used only once before being get thrown away, whereas others are intended to be used for a variety of purposes. You'll need a plan to dispose of the pods you've used to avoid them from ending up in the garbage.
The sleek SMEG model we tested comes with a removable water tank that's easy to fill, and the machine will automatically pour new capsules once the previous one has been cooled. It can make espresso and lungo drinks and comes with eight different blends for the variety. This brewer will appeal to coffee lovers who are looking to move away from drip coffee.
In our tests we found that the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most satisfying to use. Its sleek design looks stunning on your counter and opens with just a touch to reveal the hidden compartment that houses your empty pods. The machine comes with an integrated water filter which is perfect for areas that have hard water.
This machine is easy to use and can make standard coffee (240ml) and ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. The controls are easy to operate, with switches that resemble airplanes, which can be retracted easily and a lever that retracts to reveal the opening for dropping into your coffee maker. It takes a bit of force to close, but our test subjects, even those who have limitations in hand strength and mobility, found it comfortable.
3. Size
The best coffee pod makers take away all the mess from coffee making. All you have to do is load a pod in the machine, push a button and let it be brewed. It is still necessary to clean your machine occasionally however not as often as a bean-to-cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are smaller than their larger counterparts, and can be stored on the counter when not being used.
If a coffee pod machine is the right option for you depends on your preferences and what you want to gain from it. The majority of pod machines are easy to use, however some offer more customisation options than others. Consider the coffee pod variety, brew sizes and milk options for frothing when selecting the right machine.
Many people think of pod-based devices in the likes of Nespresso and Keurig, but there are a few more recent competitors on the scene which are worth looking into. One of them is Bruvi which makes use of its own pod system, called B-Pods that can only be used with its machines. The pods have a barcode on the underside that machines scan to automatically adjust brewing settings.
This method eliminates all the guesswork the process of making a cup, and ensures each drink comes out perfectly every time. It can save your custom drinks to a button, so that you can create them with 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 size and temperature for each drink. It's more expensive than other models, however it comes with the polished stainless-steel construction and the excellent customer service that is synonymous with Sage's My Way. This is a good choice for those looking for something more from their espresso maker that is based on pods.
While the majority of people will use a pod-based machine to make single-serve drinks, there are some larger models that can also make longer shots, referred to as lungos. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is a fantastic example of this, and it combines the retro fifties styling of SMEG with the classic design of Italian coffee brand, Lavazza. It's a little intimidating initially due 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 30 minutes.
4. Customization
One of the main reasons pod coffee makers might not be right for you is its lack of flexibility to customize. If you don't have an auxiliary milk frother, the only way to add more flavor or creaminess is to use a hot tea or chocolate option in your mug, or to manually add milk into your the coffee. For most people, this shouldn't be a problem, but it could be a problem for those who prefer an automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew makes use of barcode scanners to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wets and infuses, then dispensing the correct amount of coffee for the particular type of pod. It's a hassle-free, hands-off machine that does its job very well but lacks any options for customised drinks or varying the strength of brew. Some customers might be disappointed by this, however others will appreciate the convenience and variety of cup sizes (espressos and lungos, as well as mugs) to be exactly what they are looking for.
Apart from filling the tank with water and decaffeinating it occasionally This coffee maker does not need a lot of maintenance. It is able to serve espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs with ease and, as previously mentioned, used pods are ejected to a hidden receptacle which keeps your kitchen spotless. It is also great in delivering pod-making machines full-bodied coffees that have tops that are topped with crema.
This machine is part Smeg's 1950s style range. It's simple to use with simple buttons and can accommodate ground coffee and ESE pods. The only drawback is the absence of a display that will let you know when to descale, and the inability to set a maximum water level. You'll also need to purchase the brand's capsules which can be expensive. However, this is a great pod coffee maker for anyone seeking a stylish and functional appliance that will provide them with quality coffee at a reasonable cost. For those who want more variety, a large selection of third-party capsules is available for this model and it's also compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.