How to Choose the Best Coffee Pod Machine
If you love the idea of a quick and easy coffee fix early in the morning, a pod maker is something you should consider. What are the best ways to choose the best one?
With a nod to retro design, this machine boasts the SMEG and Lavazza branding across its front. It's more expensive and requires a larger space on your counter. But, navigate here 's an excellent pod coffee maker that has an incredibly solid feel.
1. Nespresso Compatible
If you are a Nespresso lover, you will be looking for a coffee pod maker that can work with the capsules from this brand. You may also want to consider models that work with other types of capsules, such as organic and Fairtrade options or flavored pods with a special flavor. They are usually available for a similar price to the original ones and some come with an integrated milk frother which allows you to make a cappuccino or latte.
The entry of Bruvi into the pod machine industry in 2022 was greeted by excitement. This vibrantly-coloured device promised three things: a better tasting cup of coffee than other pod machines, a wide selection of drinks and pods that you could throw in the bin without worrying about environmental consequences.
It is a winner on three counts. This compact pod coffee maker is affordable and makes an intense, rich espresso every time. It's one of the quietest machines available on the market. You can make coffee Joe even before your alarm goes off.
The Bruvi comes in two sizes and can be adjusted based on the type of beverage that you're making. It comes with three settings for temperature and the texture of the milk when making the cappuccino or lattes. It can also brew hot cocoa, which is perfect for kids and adults who want to unwind.
Another big plus is the programable sleep mode that switches to standby after a period of one hour of inactivity. It's also easy to clean and consumes a minimal amount of water. Consider a machine with the option of a capsule holder that is removable to make emptying easier.
There are other accessories that you can add to your coffee pod machine, including a milk frother (unless it's included in the model you purchase). Other items you may want to consider are a reusable filter for use with reusable capsules and a water kettle, or thermometer for precise temperature control and a travel mug.
2. Easy to Clean
The convenience of a coffee pod machine allows you to start your day with a quick, hot cup of coffee. In just a few seconds, you can have an iced drink that has been freshly brewed. Simply put a pod in and turn it on. These machines are simple to clean and don't need daily maintenance. They just require a water tank refill and descaling about every six months.
Keurig's K-Cups come with the broadest selection of choices on the market including national brands and supermarket favorites like Folgers, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and Dunkin' Donuts. There are even some alternatives to coffee, such as hot cocoa and tea available in K-Cups from several different brands. It's not necessary to make use of Keurig K-Cups to get a fantastic cup. You can also make it using disposable filter capsules that are made of plastic or paper and can hold ground coffee, pre-loaded drippods or loose grounds of coffee.
A lot of the pod-based machines don't produce a rich, strong brew that can be able to stand up to the most discerning taste. Our tests discovered that a few pod coffee makers produced sloppy or overly bitter cups of joe. Some were difficult to use and took up a lot of counter space and generating a loud noise.
There are several high-quality pod coffee makers that offer the ease of use and consistency of a single-serve machine without the sour taste and flimsy packaging. Some come with a built-in milk frother that allows you to foam and pour your cappuccino or latte, while others sell an additional frother that you can plug into the machine to create an amazing foamy top to your drinks.
These newer pod machines not just make a great cup of coffee but also solve the issue of the environmental impact of single-serve pods that are made of plastic. Keurig and Nespresso have made their aluminum pods recyclable by replacing them with polypropylene. The latter offers free capsule recycling bags that can be dropped off at any store or UPS facility. A recently launched competitor, Bruvi, uses its own pods, which can only be used in its own brewer and are designed to be able to break down quickly in landfills and leave no microplastics behind.
3. Fast Brewing
A pod coffee maker can be a lifesaver for people who do not want to grind beans or boil the kettle. These fool-proof machines let you brew coffee, tea or espresso in a matter of minutes with no cleaning up. They produce more waste than their drip-style counterparts but are still much more simple to use than making whole beans in a French Press or Pour-Over.
In late 2022, a startup based in Los Angeles known as Bruvi launched its BV-01 coffee pod machine. It promised to create better-tasting single serve coffee and offer a wider variety of drinks than the many pod-based machines and provide reusable capsules which could be taken away without breaking into tiny microplastics. And while the Bruvi brewer is more costly than Keurig and Nespresso models however, it's a fantastic all-round device that is like the beginning of a new era in pod coffee.
One of the most important aspects to take into consideration when buying a coffee pod maker is the serving size. Some models can sling single-serve cups in a wide range of sizes, from large travel mugs all the way to 2-ounce espresso shots. Other machines can brew entire pots of coffee, and some even come with a milk frother so you can add a smooth cappuccino or latte to your morning joe.
The design of a coffee pod machine is a further factor to take into consideration. The color and the finish of the machine along with the size and location of the reservoir for water and pod compartment will determine the way your machine appears on your counter. Certain brands provide different colored pods so that you can alter your drink according to the mood or season.
Pod coffee makers are typically compact and occupy less space than single-serve or drip brewers. And while a small footprint is nice but it's equally important to ensure the machine has enough capacity to brew several cups in between refills. For the average household, a water tank that holds at least 40 ounces ought to suffice for the majority of pod coffee makers.
4. Variety of Drinks
Pod machines are surprisingly versatile and, depending on the brand you select they can make a variety of drinks. Certain brands, such as Keurig's famous Keurig systems and Sage's Nespresso collab, can make up to four different drink sizes, while others offer just one or two options. Some machines can also brew tea, hot cocoa and cold drinks.
Some pod coffee machines can make frothy cappuccinos as well as lattes thanks to built-in milk frothers. Some, however, require a separate or conjoined milk jug for this task. The best milk-frothing pod coffee machines have the most precise control and user-friendliness and sleek designs that fit into any kitchen.
The Grind One is a great example. Its minimalist design is a step away form the curves found on other pod coffee makers. It's smaller than many Keurigs, making it perfect for small kitchens and dorms. The reservoir can hold up to 40 ounces and is easily accessible. The machine will automatically place capsules used up in a container which is attached to the machine. Other than maintaining the reservoir and decaling it every six months, no maintenance is required.
This machine is more expensive than some of the other models we've reviewed, but it offers a premium experience. The drip tray can be adjusted to ensure that it fits either tall travel mugs, or shorter espresso cups. It is able to make five different beverages, due to a custom barcode system that scans each compatible pod and then automatically adjusts its settings to produce the perfect cup.
This is the best-looking coffee pod machine we've seen and offers a superb-tasting brew, particularly for an automatic. The only reason we didn't give it the top spot is due to its limited milk-frothing capabilities - its only real option is to use dried milk capsules which don't taste as good as freshly squeezed milk. We would have awarded this machine top marks with an integrated milk frother.