How to Choose the Best Coffee Pod Machine
A pod machine is an excellent option if you want to have a quick, clean morning cup of coffee. How do you choose the best 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. It's a premium pod coffee maker that is solid.
1. Nespresso Compatible
If you are a Nespresso lover, you will be looking for a coffee pod maker that can work with the capsules made by this brand. You might also want to consider one that is able to use other types of capsules as well, like organic and Fairtrade varieties or flavored pods with a special flavor. They are usually available for the same price as the original ones, and some even include an integrated milk frother to make a cappuccino or latte.
The entry of Bruvi into the pod machine market in 2022 was greeted by excitement. The brightly-colored device promised a variety of drink choices, a better coffee experience than any other pod machine, and pods that you could throw away without worrying about the environmental impact.
It delivers on all three counts. The pod coffee machine is small and inexpensive, yet it produces a rich and robust cup of espresso every time. It's also among the quietest models on the market and you can prepare an espresso cup Joe before your morning alarm rings.
The Bruvi comes with two sizes of cups that can be adjusted to match the type of drink you're 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 also brew hot cocoa, which is great for adults and kids who want to unwind.
A programmable sleep function is another plus. It switches to standby mode after an hour without use. It is also easy to clean, and uses only a tiny amount of water. If you want to keep your energy bills low, consider opting for one that comes with a removable capsule holder to make it easier to empty.
You can also include a milk frother in your coffee pod machine (unless one is already included in the model you purchase). You may 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 another alternative.
2. Easy to Clean
A coffee pod machine is an easy way to start your morning with a hot cup coffee. Simply load a pod and switch on and in only a couple of minutes you have a freshly brewed beverage. These machines are also very easy to clean, and the majority do not require any daily maintenance - just filling up the water tank and descaling every six months or so.
Keurig's K-Cups offer the widest selection on the market. They include national brands like Folgers and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters as well as grocery store favorites Dunkin' Donuts and Dunkin' Donuts. There are even some alternatives to coffee, such as hot cocoa and tea, available in K-Cup form from a variety of brands. It's not necessary to make use of Keurig K-Cups for a great cup. You can also make it with reusable filter capsules that are made of plastic or paper and hold ground coffee, pre-loaded drippods or loose grounds of coffee.
A lot of these machines based on pods do not produce a rich, strong brew that can be able to stand up to the most discriminating taste. We discovered that certain pod coffee makers to produce bitter or watery cups of coffee. Some were difficult to use, taking up valuable counter space, and also running very loudly.
There are a few high-end coffee makers that provide the convenience and consistency of single-serve machines but without the wasteful packaging and disappointing taste. Some models have an inbuilt frother to make a froth and pour your latte or cappuccino, while others have an extra frother that can connect to the machine to create a deliciously frothy top to your drink.
These newer pod machines not just make a great cup of coffee however, they also tackle the increasing concern about environmental impact associated with single-serve pods that are made of plastic. Both Keurig and Nespresso have made their aluminum pods more recyclable by replacing them with polypropylene, and the latter also offers free bags for recycling capsules which can be picked up at any of its stores or UPS stores. A competitor that was recently launched, Bruvi, uses its own pods, which can only be used in its own brewer. They are designed to disintegrate quickly in landfills and without leaving microplastics behind.
3. Fast Brewing
If you don't want the grind of beans or boiling kettles the pod coffee machine can be a real lifesaver. These devices are foolproof and can make the perfect cup of coffee, espresso or tea in mere minutes, with no cleanup. Although these machines create more waste in the environment than drip machines however, they're significantly less time-consuming than brewing whole beans in a French press or pour-over.
In the late 2022's, an LA-based startup named Bruvi introduced its BV-01 coffee pod machine. It promised to produce a better tasting single-serve joes, provide more options for drinks than the majority of pod-based machines, and provide capsules that can be reused and used up without breaking into microplastics. And while the Bruvi brewer is more costly than Keurig and Nespresso models but it's a great all-around device that is like the beginning of a new era for pod coffee.
One of the most important aspects to think about when purchasing a coffee maker is serving size. coffeee.uk can make single-serve cups with different sizes, ranging from huge travel mugs, to 2-ounce espresso shots. Some machines can brew whole pots of coffee. Some even have a milk frother to add a creamy cappuccino, latte or Latte.
The design of a coffee pod machine is another important factor to take into consideration. The color and finish of the machine and the location and size of the reservoir for water and pod compartment will determine the way your machine appears on your kitchen counter. Some brands offer different colored pods, so you can change your drink to suit the mood or season.
Pod coffee makers are typically small and take up less space than single-serve or drip brewers. Although a small footprint may be desirable, it is essential that your machine has the capacity to make multiple cups 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
Pod machines can be surprisingly versatile, and based on the brand, they are able to make a variety of drinks. Some brands, such as Keurig, which is a well-known system and Sage's Nespresso collaboration, can make four different sizes of drinks, while others offer just one or two. Some machines can also brew tea, hot cocoa and cold drinks.
Some pod coffee machines come with built-in milk frothers that can create cappuccinos, lattes and other drinks that are frothy. Others, however, need an additional or conjoined jug for this purpose. The best milk-frothing machines are easy to operate and provide precise control. They also have a sleek design which fits into any kitchen.
The Grind One is a great example. It's a sleek design that's a step away from the curves that you see on other pod coffee makers and is smaller than most Keurig models making it a great choice for those who have small kitchens or dorm rooms. The water tank can hold up to 40 inches of water and is accessible. The used capsules are stored in an attached container and, other than keeping the reservoir full and decaling every six months or this means that the machine needs little maintenance.
This model is more expensive than some of the other models we've reviewed, however, it provides a superior experience. The brushed stainless steel finish is modern and sleek and the drip tray can be adjusted to fit short espresso cups or tall travel mugs. It can make up to five different drinks due to the barcode system that scans each compatible pod and then automatically adjust its settings.
This is the most attractive machine we've ever examined. It also makes a great tasting brew - especially for an automatic. We didn't give this machine the top spot because it's not able to milk froth. The only option is to use dried, skimmed milk capsules, which don't taste as good as freshly squeezed milk. If it had a built-in milk frother then we'd be inclined to give this machine the top spot.