How to Choose the Best Coffee Pod Machine
A pod machine is an excellent option for those who want to have a quick and messy morning cup of coffee. What are the best ways to choose the best one?
With a nod to the retro design, this machine sports the SMEG and Lavazza branding across its front. It is more expensive and will take up a lot of space on your counter. It's nevertheless a top-performing pod coffee maker with an incredibly solid feel.
1. Nespresso Compatible
If you're a Nespresso fan, you'll want to choose the right coffee pod maker that is compatible with the capsules of the brand. You may want to choose a model which can also utilize other capsules, such as organic and Fairtrade, or specialty flavoured pods. These are often available for a similar price to the original ones, and some even include an integrated milk frother which allows you to make a cappuccino or latte.
Bruvi's entry into the pod machine industry in 2022 was greeted with excitement. The brightly-colored device promised range of beverages and a more satisfying cup of coffee than any other pod machine, and pods you could throw away without worrying about the environment.
It's a three-pronged winner. This compact pod coffee machine is affordable and produces an intense, rich espresso every time. It's also one of the most quiet models available, so you can prepare an espresso cup Joe before your alarm rings.
The Bruvi comes in two sizes and can be adjusted according to the type of beverage you are making. It comes with three settings for temperature and texture of the milk when making either a cappuccino, or latte. It can even make hot chocolate, which is perfect for adults or kids who just want to warm themselves and relax.
A sleep feature that is programmable is another plus. It will switch to standby mode after one hour without any use. It's also easy to clean and consumes only a small amount of water. If you want to keep your electricity costs low, consider opting for an appliance that has a removable capsule holder to make it easier to empty.
There are other accessories that you can add to your coffee pod like a milk froth (unless it's included with the model you buy). You may also want to consider an reusable coffee filter that can be used with capsules that can be reused. A thermometer or water kettle for precise temperature control is a great option.
2. Easy to Clean
A coffee pod machine is an easy way to begin your morning with a hot cup of coffee. Simply load a pod and switch it on and in just a few minutes you'll have a freshly-brewed drink. These machines are easy to clean and don't need regular maintenance. They only require the refill of the water tank and descaling approximately every six months.
Keurig's K-Cups have the widest variety of choices available including national brands and popular grocery store brands like Folgers, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, and Dunkin' Donuts. Even non-coffee drinks like tea and hot chocolate are available in K Cup forms from various brands. However, you don't have to use Keurig's K-Cups to make a great cup of coffee. you can also use reusable filter capsules made from paper or plastic that hold ground coffee or pre-loaded drip pods as well as loose coffee grounds.
A lot of the pod-based machines do not produce a rich strong brew that will stand up to the most discerning palate. In our tests, we discovered some pod coffee makers that produce watery or bitter cups of coffee. Some were so difficult to operate that they occupied a lot of space on your counter and tended to run loudly.
There are a few high-end coffee makers that provide the convenience and consistency of single-serve machines without the wasteful packaging and disappointing taste. Some include a built-in frother to froth and pour your cappuccino or latte, and some sell a separate frother which can be connected to the machine to create a deliciously foamy top to your drinks.
In addition to making the best coffee the newer pod coffee machines have taken steps to address the growing concerns about the environmental impact that come with using single-serve pods made from plastic. Keurig and Nespresso made their aluminum pods recyclable by replacing them with polypropylene. The latter also offers free capsule recycling bags that can drop off at any store or UPS store. A new competitor, Bruvi, uses its own pods that can only be used in its own brewer. The pods are designed to be able to break down quickly in landfills and leave no microplastics behind.
3. best budget espresso machine Brewing
A pod coffee maker is a lifesaver for those who do not want grind beans or boil kettles. These machines are foolproof and allow you to brew coffee, tea or espresso in a matter of minutes with no cleaning up. These machines create more waste than drip-style counterparts, however they are still much more simple to use than brewing whole beans in a French Press or Pour-Over.
In the latter half of 2022, an LA-based startup called Bruvi introduced its BV-01 coffee pod machine. It promised to produce a better tasting single-serve joe, offer more drink options than the vast majority of other pod-based machines, and also provide capsules that can be reused and used up without breaking into microplastics. While the Bruvi brewer will cost more than Keurig or Nespresso however, it is an excellent device all around that feels like a beginning of a new era in pod coffee.
One of the biggest things to take into consideration when buying a coffee maker is the serving size. Some models produce single-serve cups of varying sizes, ranging from large travel mugs to 2 ounce espresso shots. Certain machines can brew entire pots of coffee. Some even have milk frothers to make the creamy cappuccino, latte or latte.
Another important factor to consider is the design of a pod coffee maker. The color and the finish of the machine, as well as the placement and size of the reservoir and pod compartment will impact the way your machine appears on your counter. Some brands also offer various colored pods that allow you to change your drink to suit the season or your mood.
Pod coffee makers are typically designed to be compact and take up less space than traditional single-serve and drip brewers. While a smaller footprint is great but it's equally important to ensure your machine is able to brew multiple cups between refills. For the average home water tank, one that can hold at least 40 ounces will be adequate for most pod coffee makers.
4. Variety of drinks
Pod machines are surprisingly versatile and, based on the brand you choose they can create all kinds of drinks. Some brands, such as the popular Keurig system and Sage's Nespresso collaboration, can brew four different sizes of drinks, while others offer just one or two. Certain machines also make hot chocolate, and cold drinks.
Certain pod coffee machines have built-in milk frothers that can make lattes, cappuccinos and other drinks that are frothy. Some require an additional milk jug or an integrated one to accomplish this job. The top pod coffee makers for milk-frothing have the most precise control and user-friendliness as well as sleek designs that fit into any kitchen.
The Grind One is a great example. Its minimalist design is a far cry form the curves that are found on other pod coffee makers. It's smaller than many Keurigs, making it ideal for dorms and kitchens with small spaces. The water tank is simple to access and can hold up to 40 pounds. The machine automatically deposits used capsules in a container attached to the machine. Other than maintaining the reservoir and decaling it every six months, very little maintenance is required.
The machine is more expensive than some of the other models we've reviewed however, it provides a superior experience. The drip tray can be adjusted so that it can fit tall travel mugs, or shorter espresso cups. 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.
This is the most attractive coffee pod machine we've seen and offers a superb-tasting coffee, especially for an automatic. We didn't award this machine the top spot since it has limited milk-frothing abilities. The only option is to use dried skimmed milk capsules, which do not taste as good as freshly squeezed milk. We would have awarded this machine the top spot if it had an integrated milk frother.