How to Choose the Best Coffee Pod Machine
A pod machine is a great option if you want to get a quick and mess-free morning coffee fix. What are the best ways to choose the right one?
This machine is retro in style and sports the SMEG Lavazza logo on its front. It needs a prominent spot on your counter and is pricier than others. But, it's a top-performing pod coffee maker with a sturdy feel.
1. Nespresso Compatible
If you're a Nespresso fan, you'll need to pick the right coffee pod maker that is compatible with Nespresso's capsules. It's also possible to look for models that work with other capsules as well, like organic and Fairtrade choices or special flavoured pods. These models are available at a price similar to the standard ones. Some even come with built-in frothers that allow you to make a cappuccino, Latte, or other flavored pods.
The debut of Bruvi into the pod machine market in 2022 was met with awe. The brightly-colored device promised a variety of drinks and a more satisfying cup of coffee than other pod machine, and pods that you could throw away without worrying about the environment.
It's a winner on every single point. This pod coffee machine is small and inexpensive and yet produces a rich and robust cup of espresso each time. It's among the quietest machines on the market. You can make your cup of Joe even before the alarm goes off.
The Bruvi is available in two sizes and can be adjusted based on the type of beverage you are making. If you're making a latte or cappuccino it comes with three different textures and temperature settings for the milk so you can get your froth on. It can even brew hot chocolate, which is great for adults or kids who just want to warm up and relax.
Another big benefit is the programmable sleep mode, which goes to standby after an hour of non-use. It's also easy to clean and requires only a small amount of water. If you're looking to keep your electricity costs low, consider opting for a machine that has an open capsule holder that is removable to make it easier to empty.
There are additional accessories that you could add to your coffee maker like a milk froth (unless it's included in the model you purchase). You might also want to consider a reusable coffee filter that can be used with capsules that are reusable. 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 begin your day with a hot cup coffee. In just a few seconds, you can have freshly brewed coffee. Simply put a pod in and turn it on. These machines are also very easy to clean, and most do not require any daily maintenance, just refilling the tank with water and decaling every six months or as often.
Keurig's K-Cups offer the most variety available. They include national brands such as Folgers and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters as in addition to the grocery store staples Dunkin' Donuts and Dunkin' Donuts. There are also some alternatives that aren't coffee, like tea and hot cocoa, available in K-Cups from several different brands. It's not necessary to make use of Keurig K-Cups for a great cup. You can also make it using filters that are reusable and made of paper or plastic and hold ground coffee, drippods that are pre-loaded, or loose grounds of coffee.
But many of these pod-based machines don't have the reputation of producing an intense, rich and robust brew that can stand up to the taste of discerning consumers. In our tests, we discovered that a few pod coffee makers produced sloppy or overly bitter cups of Joe. Some were difficult to use, taking up valuable counter space and running loudly.
Fortunately, there are now some high-quality pod coffee makers that provide the convenience and consistency of a single-serve machine without the disappointing taste and wasteful packaging. Some models come with an inbuilt frother to froth and pour your cappuccino or latte, while others come with an extra frother that can plug in to the machine to add a deliciously frothy top to your beverage.
In addition to producing a great brew the newer pod coffee machines have also taken steps to address the increasing concerns about environmental impact caused by single-serve pods made from plastic. Keurig and Nespresso have made their aluminum pods recyclable, by replacing them with polypropylene. The latter also offers free capsule recycling bags that can dropped off at any boutique or UPS location. A new competitor, Bruvi, uses its own pods, which can only be used in its own brewer. They are designed to be able to break down quickly in landfills and leave no microplastics behind.
3. Fast Brewing
For those who don't want the effort of grinding beans or boiling kettles, a pod coffee machine can be a lifesaver. These machines are foolproof and let you brew espresso, tea or coffee in minutes without any cleaning up. And while these machines do generate more waste for the environment than their drip counterparts but they're a lot less fussy than brewing a batch of whole beans in a French press or pour-over.
A company based in LA named Bruvi launched its BV-01 pod-based machine at the end of 2022. It promised to produce better-tasting single serve coffee and provide more drink options than the vast number of pod-based machines and provide capsules that can be reused and removed without breaking down into tiny microplastics. While the Bruvi brewer is more costly than Keurig and Nespresso models however, it's a fantastic all-round device that is like the beginning of a new age for pod coffee.
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing the coffee pod maker is the serving size. Some models produce single-serve cups in a variety of sizes, ranging from huge travel mugs, to 2-ounce espresso shots. Some machines can brew whole pots of coffee. Some models even come with a milk frother to add an incredibly creamy cappuccino or Latte.
Another factor to take into consideration is the design of a pod coffee maker. The color and finish of the machine and the placement and size of the reservoir and pod compartment will impact the appearance of your machine on your counter. best small coffee machine offer different colored pods so you can alter your drink according to the mood or season.
Pod coffee makers are usually designed to be compact and require less space than traditional single-serve or drip brewers. While a smaller footprint might be desirable, it is also important that your machine has the capacity to make multiple cups in between refills. The majority of pod coffee makers should work with a water tank that is at 40 ounces or more for the typical 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 drink sizes while others only offer two or three options. Some machines can also make tea, hot chocolate and cold drinks.
Some pod coffee machines can also make frothy cappuccinos and lattes thanks to built-in milk frothers. Others, however, need a separate or conjoined milk jug to accomplish this. The top milk-frothing coffee machines are easy to use and offer precise control. They also feature sleek designs that fits in any kitchen.
The Grind One is a great example. It's minimalist design is a significant step away from the curves that are found on other pod coffee makers. It's smaller than many Keurigs, making it ideal for small kitchens and dorms. The water tank can hold up to 40 inches of water and is easily accessible. Used capsules are automatically placed in a container. Apart from keeping the reservoir full and decaling every six months or therefore, the machine requires minimal upkeep.
This machine is more expensive than many of the other models we've reviewed however, it provides a superior experience. The brushed stainless steel look is sleek and modern The drip tray can be adjusted to accommodate tall or short espresso cups as well as travel mugs. It can be used to brew five different beverages, due to a custom barcode system that scans each compatible pod and then automatically adjusts its settings to create the perfect cup.
It's the most beautiful machine we have examined. It also produces a great tasting brew - especially for an automatic. We didn't give this machine the top spot because it has limited milk-frothing abilities. The only choice is to use dried, skimmed milk capsules that aren't as delicious as freshly squeezed milk. If it included a built-in milk froth then we'd probably consider this pod machine to be the top spot.