How to Choose the Best Coffee Pod Machine
A pod machine is a fantastic option for those who want to have a quick, clean morning coffee fix. What are the best ways to choose the right one?
In a nod towards retro design, this appliance sports the SMEG and Lavazza branding across its front. It is more expensive and will take up a lot of space on your counter. However, it's a top-performing pod coffee maker that has a sturdy feel.
1. Nespresso Compatible
If you're an avid Nespresso lover, you'll need to choose the right coffee maker that is compatible with the capsules of this brand. It's also possible to choose models that work with other types of capsules too, like organic and Fairtrade choices or flavored pods with a special flavor. These models are available at a price similar to the standard ones. Some even have built-in frothers that allow you to make a cappuccino lattes, or other flavoured pods.
Bruvi's entry into pod machine market in 2022 was greeted by excitement. The vibrantly-colored machine promised three things: a more flavorful cup of coffee than other pod machines, a broad selection of drinks and pods that you could put in the trash without worrying about the environmental impact.
It delivers on all three counts. The pod coffee maker is small and inexpensive yet it makes an incredibly rich and robust cup of espresso every time. It's also one of the most quiet models available, so you can prepare your cup of Joe before your alarm clock starts.
The Bruvi comes with two sizes of cups that can be adjusted to suit the type of drink you're making. It has three settings to control the temperature and the texture of the milk when making the cappuccino or lattes. It can even make hot chocolate, which is perfect for adults or kids who want to warm up and wind down.
A sleep feature that is programmable is another feature that's a plus. It switches to standby mode after a period of time without using. It's also easy to clean and requires very little water. You might want to consider a machine that has an open capsule holder that can be removed to make emptying the capsule easier.
You can also include a milk frother in your coffee pod machine (unless one is already included in the model you purchase). Other items you may want to look into include a reusable filter for use with capsules that can be reused as well as a water kettle or thermometer for precise temperature control, and the travel mug.
2. Easy to Clean
The convenience of a coffee pod maker allows you to get your day started with a quick, hot cup of joe. Simply load a pod, switch it on and in just a few minutes you'll have a freshly-brewed drink. They are simple to clean and don't need regular maintenance. They require only a water tank refill and descaling about every six months.
Keurig's K-Cups offer the widest selection available. They include national brands like Folgers and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters as along with grocery store favorites Dunkin' Donuts and Dunkin' Donuts. Even non-coffee drinks such as tea and hot chocolate are available in K Cup form from a variety of brands. You don't have to make use of Keurig K-Cups to get a fantastic cup. You can also make it using reusable filter capsules that are made of paper or plastic and hold ground coffee, drippods that are pre-loaded, or loose coffee grounds.
However, many of these machines aren't known for delivering an intense, rich cup that can stand up to the taste of discerning consumers. We found certain pod coffee makers to make watery or bitter cups of coffee. Some were difficult to use and took up a lot of counter space, and also running very loudly.
There are high-end coffee makers that have the convenience and consistency of single-serve machines, without the flimsy packaging or sour taste. Some models have an inbuilt frother to make a froth and pour your cappuccino or latte while others have an extra frother that can connect to the machine to provide the perfect frothy topping to your beverage.
These newer pod machines not just make a great cup of coffee, but they also address the growing concern about the environmental impact of single-serve pods made from plastic. Both Keurig and Nespresso have made their aluminum pods recyclable by replacing them with polypropylene, and the latter is now offering free capsule-recycling bags that can be picked up at any of its boutiques or UPS locations. A recently launched competitor, Bruvi, uses its own pods that can only be used in its own brewer. The pods have been designed to break down in landfills quickly and without leaving microplastics behind.
3. Fast Brewing
A pod coffee maker can be a lifesaver for people who don't wish grind beans or boil a kettle. These reliable machines allow you to brew espresso, tea, or coffee in just a few minutes, without having to clean up. While these machines generate more waste for the environment than their drip counterparts however, they're significantly less laborious than making a batch of whole beans in a French press or pour-over.
A company based in LA known as Bruvi has launched its BV-01 pod machine towards the end of 2022. It promised to produce better-tasting single serve coffee and provide more drink options than other pod-based machines, and also provide recyclable capsules that could be taken away without breaking into tiny microplastics. While the Brewer Bruvi is more expensive than Keurig and Nespresso models but it's a great all-around device that feels like the dawn of a new era in pod coffee.
When you are buying a coffee pod machine, the size of the serving is an important factor to take into account. Certain models can serve single-serve cups in a broad range of sizes, ranging from huge travel mugs to 2-ounce espresso shots. Some machines can brew whole pots of coffee, and some have a milk frother so you can make a delicious cappuccino or latte into your morning cup of joe.
Another factor to take into consideration is the design of a pod coffee machine. The color, finish, and the location of the machine, as well as the size and location of the reservoir will affect how it looks on your counter. Some brands offer different colored pods, so you can change your drink to suit the mood or season.
Pod coffee makers tend to be compact and occupy less space than single-serve or drip brewers. And while a small footprint is great but it's equally crucial to make sure your machine has enough capacity to brew multiple cups between refills. The majority of pod coffee makers should work with a water tank that is at 40 ounces at the minimum for an typical household.
4. Variety of drinks
Pod machines are surprisingly versatile and, based on the brand you choose, can make all manner of drinks. Some brands, like Keurig's popular Keurig systems as well as Sage's Nespresso collab, can make up to four different drink sizes while others only offer two or three options. Some machines can also make hot cocoa, tea and cold drinks.
Certain pod coffee machines have built-in milk frothers that can create cappuccinos, lattes and other frothy drinks. Some require an additional milk jug or a conjoined one for this job. which coffee pod machine is best -frothing coffee machines are easy to operate and provide precise control. They also have a sleek design that fits in any kitchen.
The Grind One makes a great model. It's minimalist design is a significant step away from the curvature that is that are found on other pod coffee machines. It's smaller than many Keurigs, making it ideal for small kitchens and dorms. The water tank is simple to access and holds up to 40 grams. The machine automatically deposits capsules used up in a container which is attached to the machine. In addition to maintaining the reservoir and decaling it every six months, no maintenance is required.
This machine is more costly than other models we've reviewed, however, it offers a superior experience. The stainless steel finish brushed is modern and sleek, while the drip tray can be adjusted to fit tall or short espresso cups as well as travel mugs. It is able to make five different drinks, due to a custom barcode system that scans every compatible pod and automatically adjusts its settings to make the perfect cup.
This is the best-looking machine we have tested. It also makes an excellent tasting brew, especially for an automatic. The only reason we didn't give it the top spot is because of its limited milk-frothing capabilities - the only option is to make use of dried skimmed milk capsules that don't taste as good as freshly squeezed milk. If it had a built-in milk maker then we'd be inclined to give this machine the top spot.