How to Choose the Best Coffee Pod Machine
If you love the idea of a quick and easy coffee fix in the morning, a pod-based machine is a good option. What are the best ways to choose the right one?
With a nod to retro design, this appliance sports the SMEG and Lavazza branding across its front. It's more expensive and requires a large space on your counter. It's a high-performance pod coffee maker that feels solid.
1. Nespresso Compatible
If you're a Nespresso lover, you'll need to select a coffee pod machine that's compatible with Nespresso's capsules. It's also possible to look for models that work with other capsules as well, like organic and Fairtrade choices or specialty flavoured pods. These models are available at a similar cost to the original ones. Some models even come with a built-in frother that allows you to make a cappuccino, lattes, or other flavoured pods.
Bruvi's entry into the pod machine market in 2022 was greeted with excitement. The vibrantly-colored machine promised three things: a better tasting cup of coffee than other pod machines, a vast selection of drinks, and pods you could put in the trash without worrying about environmental consequences.
It's a winner on every single point. This compact pod coffee maker is affordable and produces an intense, rich espresso every time. It's one of the quietest machines on the market. You can make a cup of Joe even before your alarm sounds.
The Bruvi is available in two sizes and can be adjusted based on the type of beverage that you are making. It comes with three settings for temperature and the texture of the milk while making a cappuccino or latte. It can also brew hot cocoa, which is great for kids and adults who are looking to relax.
Another feature that's a big benefit is the programmable sleep mode that switches to standby after a period of one hour of non-use. It's also easy to clean and consumes very little water. If you're looking to keep your electricity costs low, consider opting for one that comes with a removable capsule holder for easier emptying.
You can also add a milk frother to your coffee pod (unless one is already included in the model you buy). Other things to consider include the possibility of a reusable filter to use with reusable capsules, a water kettle or thermometer to ensure precise temperature control and an insulated travel cup.
2. Easy to Clean
The convenience of a coffee machine makes it easy to get your day started with a quick, hot cup of coffee. In just a few seconds, you can have freshly brewed coffee. Simply insert a pod and turn it on. These machines are simple to clean and don't require regular maintenance. They just require a water tank refill and a descaling every six months.
Keurig's K-Cups have the widest variety of choices available including national brands and grocery store favorites like Folgers, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, and Dunkin' Donuts. There are even some non-coffee options, such as hot cocoa and tea, 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 filter capsules that can be reused made of plastic or paper that hold ground coffee or pre-loaded drip pods and even loose coffee grounds.
But a lot pod-based machines don't have the reputation of producing an intense, rich and robust brew that holds up to the taste of discerning consumers. We discovered certain pod coffee makers to make watery or bitter cups of coffee. Some were difficult to use as they took up valuable counter space and generating a loud noise.
Fortunately, there are now some high-quality pod coffee makers that give the ease of use and consistency of a single-serve machine, without the unpleasant taste and wasteful packaging. Some models have an inbuilt frother to froth and pour your cappuccino or latte, while others come with an additional frother that can connect to the machine to create an amazing frothy topping to your drink.
In addition to producing an excellent cup of coffee and brewing great coffee, these modern pod coffee machines have taken steps to address the increasing concerns about the environmental impact caused by plastic-based single-serve pods. Keurig and Nespresso made their aluminum pods recyclable by replacing them with polypropylene. The latter provides free capsule recycling bags that are dropped off at any boutique or UPS facility. Bruvi is a brand new competitor, uses pods that are compatible with its own brewers and are designed to be able to break down quickly in landfills and not leave microplastics.
3. Fast Brewing
A pod coffee maker is a lifesaver for those who don't wish grind beans or boil a kettle. These nifty devices can make a cup of espresso, coffee or tea in a matter of minutes with no cleaning up. Although these machines generate more waste for the environment than drip machines, they're still significantly less fussy than brewing a batch of whole beans in a French press or pour-over.
A company based in LA named Bruvi launched its BV-01 pod machine at the end of 2022. It promised to produce better-tasting single serve coffee, offer more drinks options than the vast number of pod-based machines and provide capsules that can be reused and taken away without breaking into tiny microplastics. While the Bruvi brewer will cost more than Keurig or Nespresso however, it is a great device that is like the dawning of a new era in pod coffee.
When buying a coffee pod machine the size of the serving is an important factor to take into account. Some models can produce 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 models even come with milk frothers to make the creamy cappuccino, latte or latte.
best coffee machine to be considered is the design of a pod coffee machine. The color, finish, and placement of the machine as along with the size and position of the reservoir will impact how it looks on your counter. Some brands also offer various colored pods, allowing you to change up your beverage to suit the season or your mood.
Pod coffee makers are generally designed to be compact and take up less space than traditional single-serve and drip brewers. And while a small footprint is nice but it's equally important to ensure the machine has enough capacity to brew multiple cups between refills. For the average household, a water tank that is at least 40 ounces will suffice for the majority of pod coffee makers.
4. Variety of drinks
Pod machines can be surprisingly versatile, and based on the brand, they are able to create a variety of drinks. Certain brands, like Keurig's popular Keurig systems as well as Sage's Nespresso collab, can make up to four different sizes of drink while others only offer one or two options. Certain machines also make tea, hot chocolate, and cold drinks.
Certain pod coffee machines have built-in milk frothers which can make lattes, cappuccinos and other drinks with frothy froth. Others, however, need a separate or conjoined milk jug for this task. The best pod coffee makers for milk-frothing provide the most precise control and user-friendliness and also sleek designs that fit in with any kitchen.
The Grind One is a great example. It's a sleek design that's a far cry from the curves you find on other pod coffee makers and is smaller than the majority of Keurig models, making it ideal for kitchens with small spaces or dorm rooms. The water tank is easy to access and holds up to 40 grams. The machine automatically deposits capsules that are used into a container that is attached to the machine. Apart from maintaining the reservoir and descaling it every six months, minimal maintenance is required.
This model is more expensive than some of the other models we've reviewed however, it provides a superior experience. The drip tray can be adjusted to ensure
