Pod Coffee Machine: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Pod Coffee Machine: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Blog Article
The Best Pod Coffee Machines
With pod coffee makers, you just put a sealed capsule with roasted or ground beans into the machine. The coffee is then poured through for a specified time period to create your drink.
Some pod coffee makers come with multiple cup sizes, a built-in filter, and milk ability to froth. The best pod machine for you will depend on your lifestyle and your personal preferences.
1. Keurig K-Select
This machine is an excellent choice if you are seeking an Keurig coffeemaker that isn't adorned with all the bells, whistles, and features of the more expensive models. It's easy to operate and has a beautiful look. When not in use it can be tucked into a corner in the kitchen.
The machine can be loud however it's not a major issue. It's also small enough to fit on a small counter. If you prefer a Keurig with a wider range of sizes or a carafe that can drip-brew your coffee, you may think about other options.
Keurig K-Select is a single-serve coffee maker that combines a sleek style with more intuitive features. This allows you to make the perfect cup of coffee every time. Pick from a variety of delicious K-Cup pods, or make your own ground coffee with a My-K-Cup universal reusable coffee filter (sold separately). The Strong Brew feature kicks up the intensity and strength of your coffee and makes it the perfect choice for coffee lovers who love a strong cup.
This brewer is easy to use and has simple button controls. Simply insert a K-Cup pod, select the size of brew you want and press the brew button. In less than a minute you'll have a freshly-brewed cup of coffee waiting to enjoy. The large water reservoir of 52 ounces allows you to brew up to five cups between refills, easing your morning routine.
This machine is easy to clean, and comes with a removable water reservoir and lid which can be easily washed. To ensure that your Keurig is operating at its best it is essential to remove the scale prior to cleaning. Follow the instructions in the user's manual. The warranty covers the brewer and all accessories that came with it, except for normal wear and tear, damage caused by abuse or misuse, and any external causes of failure like power outages.
2. Tassimo My Way
If you're a coffee lover and are looking for an espresso machine that can make more than your typical cup of coffee, this is the best option. It can make a variety of drinks such as tea and hot cocoa. The large 1.3-litre water tank lets multiple cups to be brewed simultaneously. The machine warms up in just three seconds and can make the perfect cappuccino or latte using its built-in milk jug. It also comes with an LCD that can be touched to let you to alter the intensity, temperature, and volume of your drink.
The Tassimo My Way uses the brand's T Discs that contain everything you need for your desired drink. There are over 70 different varieties, including Kenco, Costa, Milka, and Cadbury's. The machine also provides a selection of T Discs for tea and hot chocolate as well.
The coffee that was produced by this machine was of excellent quality, although slightly lower than some of the other machines we reviewed. It also steamed the milk to make an espresso fairly quickly and produced a creamy mouthfeel without being overly thick. It is important to remember that the milk's frothy texture contains sugar, which, while not a major issue, may not be to everyone's liking.
Tassimo My Way's removable components including the drip tray, and the water tank are all dishwasher-safe. A Brita filter is included, as well as cleaning disk. A useful indicator light informs you when it's time to descale, and a reservoir of water keeps limescale to the minimum. The machine is certified Energy Star, which helps reduce the power consumption of up to 15%..
3. Lavazza Lungo Pod Machine
This Nespresso-compatible pod coffee machine from Lavazza which was developed in collaboration with Sage is among the best-looking machines on the market. It's built with durable and attractive materials, has a neat adjustable steam wand for making lattes and cappuccinos as well as a stainless steel milk jug. It can make espresso, double espressos, lungos, mugs, and altos using a thick layer foam.
Similar to most pod machines, you load a pod using a hatch at the capsule coffee machines top of the machine, and then drop it in place. The machine punctures the capsule then closes it. When you press the lever the used pod will fall into a dedicated used Pod tray that is located beneath the drip tray.
The machine isn't the fastest machine to brew espresso, it takes 30 seconds for a single shot and 90 seconds for the lungo. However, the results are always amazing with a rich, smooth taste and a delicious crema. The machine will also inform you when it is time to refill the water tank or pod bin.
The main selling point of this machine is that you can use it with any Lavazza-branded pod - there are seven in total including espresso ground (Qualita Rossa, Intenso, Passionale and Delizioso) Two decaffeinated (Dek Cremoso) and two organic coffees (!Tierra! Bio). It's not cheap, but with a subscription deal that combines this pod coffee machine with the delivery of pods it could come at a similar cost to a regular bean-to cup machine. The machine's slim design means it can be tucked away in the smallest kitchens, while the pods themselves are industrially compostable so you can pop them in your council food waste bins or your own garden compost.
4. Nespresso Vertuo Pod Machine
Nespresso machines are the best pods coffee makers for those looking for a reliable, quick and steady brew. They heat up fast and are simple to use. Simply place a capsule in and push a button and you're done. They create an intense, creamy crema that can be added to drinks for more flavor and thickness. The official pods aren't cheap and you will have to buy them.
The Vertuo line utilizes an entirely different method of technology from OriginalLine machines that work with espresso capsules (and remain in operation). The Vertuo line reads the barcode on each capsule and automatically adjusts the brewing parameters to produce a perfect cup. They also have a centrifusion device that spins the capsules to make the best flavor and the most thick crema.
The machines aren't quite as intuitive as the other options. The lid only opens when the machine is in its final stages and it takes about 30 seconds for the capsule to warm up. They don't include milk frothers like some of the other pod coffee makers on this list, so you'll need an additional PS90 or so to purchase a separate Aeroccino in order to make lattes or cappuccinos.
These machines also require more maintenance than other models - filling the water tank and emptying the pod containers used for descaling however they have an app that reminds you to perform these tasks, and provides tools such as store locators and capsule recyclers. And if you connect your machine to an IntelliPort you can control it with voice commands, which is a nice feature for those who make coffee in the dark at 4am, or have weak hands.
5. SMEG Barista Pod Machine
This sleek pod machine is the result of a lovechild between the adored Italian brand, and a renowned company that makes kitchen appliances. It comes with all the sleek, retro curves that SMEG is known for, as well as the ability to brew coffee and lungo drinks with ease. It has a programmable setting for the shot, dual-height dripping trays, and pod bins that are removable.
This coffee maker makes it simple to make a quick cup of single-shot or double-shot espresso in the morning, or for a lungo in the break at work. Its simple control panel looks sleek and doesn't interfere with its purpose. If you want to spruce your daily coffee even more, it comes with three different filter baskets that accommodate different types of capsules. You can use loose-ground beans (although an additional grinder is required).
The SMEG Barista Pod Machine doesn't include a milk pitcher however, it does come with an inbuilt Pannarello milk frother that froths both cow and soymilk quite beautifully. It also has a 51mm portafilter which is smaller than a typical commercial-style filter. It's pressurized, so it won't give off the taste of stale food that is left behind. It also comes with a tool that can also be used as a scoop.
The SMEG is among the most expensive pod machines we've reviewed, but it's definitely worth it if you're a fan of the retro style or like the ability to quickly whip up espresso-based drinks. It's also a great choice if you're new to the world of coffee making and don't want to have to deal with the hassles of measuring, grinding, and the process of tamping your own beans.