The Best Pod Coffee Machines
With pod coffee machines, you simply insert a sealed capsule filled 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 as well as a built-in filter and milk ability to froth. Choosing the best pod coffee maker depends on your personal preferences and your lifestyle.
1. Keurig K-Select
This machine is an excellent option if you're looking for an Keurig coffeemaker that isn't adorned with all the bells, whistles and features of more expensive models. It's easy to use, has a beautiful design and can be tucked into the corner of your kitchen when it's not being used.
The machine can be noisy however it's not a major issue. It's also compact and can be tucked away in tiny counter spaces. If you're looking for a Keurig with a larger variety of sizes or a carafe for traditional drip brewing, look at other options.
The Keurig K-Select single serve coffee maker is a blend of elegant design and efficient features to help make your perfect cup every time. Choose from hundreds delicious K-Cups, or brew your coffee using a universal My-K-Cup filter (sold separately). Strong Brew increases the intensity and the strength of your coffee, making it an ideal option for coffee lovers who prefer a strong cup.
This brewer is easy to use and has simple buttons. Place the K-Cup, select your desired size of brew, and press brew. In less than a minute, you'll have a fresh-tasting cup of coffee ready to enjoy. The large reservoir of 52 ounces lets you to brew five cups prior to refilling, making it easier to manage your morning routine.
This machine is easy to clean, thanks to the ability to remove the reservoir of water and lid which can be easily washed. To ensure that your Keurig is running at its peak, you must always descale it before cleaning. Follow the instructions in the user's guide. This warranty covers all original accessories and the brewer, excluding for normal wear misuse, abuse and other external causes such as power outages.
2. Tassimo My Way
If you're a coffee lover and are looking for a pod maker that can make more than just your daily cup of coffee This is the best option. It can make a variety of drinks such as tea and hot cocoa. The huge 1.3-litre water tank allows for multiple cups to be brewed at once. The machine can be warmed up within three seconds, and also has a built-in milk container that can be used to make latte or a cappuccino. It also has touchscreen that lets you to adjust the intensity, temperature and volume of your drink.
The Tassimo My Way uses the brand's T Discs which include everything you require for your desired drink. There are more than 70 kinds, including Kenco, Costa, Milka and Cadbury's. The machine also provides a selection of T Discs for tea and hot chocolate as well.
We discovered the coffee it produced to be of high quality, albeit just a little less than the other pod machines in this round-up. It also steamed the milk for an espresso fairly quickly and produced a creamy mouthfeel, but not too thick. It is important to note that the frothy T Disc milk has sugar that, while not a major problem it might not be for everyone's taste.
The Tassimo My Way is easy to clean, thanks to the drip tray, the removable parts of the brewing unit and the water tank being dishwasher-safe. A Brita filter is included, as well as a cleaning disk. A handy indicator light lets you know when it's time to clean and a water reservoir keeps the limescale at the minimum. The machine is Energy Star rated, which reduces the power consumption of up to 15%.
3. Lavazza Lungo Pod Machine
This Nespresso-compatible pod coffee maker from Lavazza created in collaboration with Sage, is one of the most attractive machines on the market. It's constructed with durable and attractive materials, it comes with a neat adjustable steam wand for making lattes and cappuccinos as well as a stainless milk jug made of steel. Pop in a pod and choose the cup size and the machine goes into action, making espresso, double espresso, lungo, gran lungo, alto and mug drinks with a thick layer of silky frosting.
As with most pod machines you load the pod via a hatch on the top and then drop it into the right spot. The machine penetrates the capsule, and then closes it in such a way that when you lift the lever, the pod is deposited into a empty pod tray underneath the drip tray.
The machine isn't the fastest machine to brew espresso. It takes about 30 seconds for a single shot and 90 seconds for the lungo. However, the results are always impressive with a smooth, rich taste and a delicious crema. The machine will also notify you when it is time to refill the tank of water or the pod bin.
One of the main selling points for this machine is that you can use it with any Lavazza-branded pod There are seven in all, including ground roasted espresso (Qualita Rossa, Intenso, Passionale and Delizioso) Two decaffeinated (Dek Cremoso) and two organic coffees (!Tierra! Bio). It's not cheap, but if you get the subscription deal that bundles this pod coffee maker with pod delivery, it can work out at a similar price to a regular bean-to cup machine. The slim design of this machine makes it possible to fit into even the tiniest kitchens. The pods are also industrially compostable, so you can put them in food waste bins for your council bins or garden compost.
4. Nespresso Vertuo Pod Machine
Nespresso machines are among the best pods coffee makers for those who are looking for a reliable, speedy and consistently brewed cup. They heat up quickly and are extremely simple to use--just insert a capsule, press a button and you're done. They create an extremely creamy, rich crema that can be added to drinks for more flavor and a thicker layer. The official pods aren't inexpensive and you'll have purchase them.
The Vertuo line is based on different technology than OriginalLine machines that work with espresso capsules (and remain in operation). The Vertuo line scans 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 get the best flavor and thickest crema.
The machines aren't quite as intuitive as our other choices. For instance, the lid only opens when the machine is ready, and it takes about 30 seconds to heat up enough to be able to fit into the capsule. And they don't come with milk frothers like the other pod coffee makers on this list, so you'll need an additional PS90 or so to purchase an additional Aeroccino if you want to make lattes and cappuccinos.
These machines also require more maintenance than other models - refilling the water best coffee pod machine tank, emptying the pod containers used for descaling however they come with an app that reminds you to do these tasks and also provides tools like capsule recyclers and store locators. If you connect your machine to an IntelliPort, you can even control it with voice commands, which is a nice feature if you're making coffee in the dark at 4am or have a weak hand.
5. SMEG Barista Pod Machine
This sleek pod coffee machine is the product of a cherished Italian brand and a renowned kitchen appliances company. It features all the sleek, retro curves that SMEG is famous for, as well as the ability to brew lungo and espresso drinks with ease. It also comes with an adjustable shot setting that can be programmed and dual-height drip tray, and a removable pod bin.
This coffee maker allows you to make one or two cups of espresso or lungo in the morning or during your work break. Its easy-to-use control panel makes it look elegant and doesn't take away from its function. It comes with three different baskets for different types of capsules. You can also use loose ground beans (although you'll need to own an additional grinder).
The SMEG Barista Pod Machine doesn't include a milk pitcher, however, it has a built-in Pannarello milk frother that can froth both cow and soymilk quite nicely. It also comes with an oversized portafilter of 51mm, which is smaller than a conventional commercial-style filter. It is pressurised so you won't get the taste of stale food that is left behind. It also comes with a Tamper which can also be used as scoop.
The SMEG is the most expensive machine we've reviewed. However, it's well worth it if you're looking for something retro or you like making espresso drinks fast. This is a great option for those who are new to making coffee and do not need to go through the difficulty of measuring, grinding and tamping beans by yourself.