The Best Pod Coffee Machines
Pod coffee makers allow you to insert a capsule containing ground or roasted coffee beans into the. Then the coffee pours through for a set time period to create your drink.
Certain pod coffee makers offer various sizes of cups, a built-in filter, and milk ability to froth. The ideal pod maker for you will depend on your lifestyle and personal preferences.
1. Keurig K-Select
If you're looking to buy a basic Keurig coffee maker without all the bells and whistles that come with more expensive models, this one is a good choice. It's simple to use, has a great design and can be hidden into the corner of your kitchen when it's not in use.
One disadvantage of this machine is that it may be loud, but it isn't a major issue. It's also small enough to fit on a counter that is small. However, if you want a Keurig with a larger variety of sizes, or a carafe for traditional drip brewing, look at other alternatives.
Keurig K-Select is a single serve coffee maker that combines a sleek style with more user-friendly features. This lets you brew the perfect cup of coffee every time. Pick from a variety of delicious K-Cup pods, or make your own ground coffee using My-K-Cup's universal reusable coffee filter (sold separately). The Strong Brew feature kicks up the intensity and strength of your coffee, making it the best choice for coffee lovers who enjoy a bold cup.
This brewer is simple to use and has simple button controls. Simply put in the K-Cup pod, select the desired brew size and then press to brew. In less than a minute you'll have a fresh-tasting cup of coffee waiting for you to enjoy. The large 52-ounce water reservoir lets you brew up to five cups between refills, simplifying your morning routine.
The machine is simple to clean, and comes with an easily accessible reservoir for water and a lid that can be easily washed. But, you must descale your Keurig before cleaning it, and follow the directions in the user manual to ensure that the machine is performing optimally. This warranty covers all accessories and the brewer, except for normal wear, abuse or misuse and other external causes like power outages.
2. Tassimo My Way
If you're a coffee lover and are looking for an espresso machine that can produce more than just your daily cup of joe, this is the best option. It's designed to create a diverse range of drinks, including hot chocolate and tea. It has a large 1.3 Liter water tank that can make multiple cups at the same time. The machine can be heated within three seconds, and also includes a milk container that allows you to make latte or a cappuccino. It also features touchscreen that lets you adjust the intensity, temperature, and quantity of your drink.
The Tassimo My Way uses the brand's T Discs which contain everything you need for your desired drink. There are more than 70 varieties which include Kenco, Costa, Milka and Cadbury's. The machine has a range of T Discs, including those for tea and hot chocolate.
We discovered the coffee it produced to be of excellent quality, though slightly less than other pod machines we have reviewed in this round-up. It also produced a silky mouthfeel, and steam-cooked milk for caffe lattes in a short time. It is important to remember that the frothy T Disc milk contains sugar which, though not a major issue however, might not be to everyone's liking.
Tassimo My Way's removable parts, the drip tray and the water tank are all dishwasher-safe. There's a Brita filter that is included as well as a cleaning disc that can be used as well. A helpful indicator light will inform you when you need to descale. water tanks will help keep the limescale to a 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 machine was designed in collaboration with Sage by Lavazza is one of the most beautiful machines available. It's constructed with durable and attractive materials, has an elegantly adjustable steam wand to make lattes and cappuccinos, and an stainless milk jug made of steel. The machine will brew espresso, double espressos, lungos, gran lungos, mugs and altos, all with thick layers of frosting.
As with all pod machines you load the pod through an opening on top and drop it in place. The machine punctures the capsule and then seals it. When you press the lever, the pod will fall into a designated used Pod tray that is located beneath the drip tray.
It's not the fastest machine to brew in 30 seconds for a shot of espresso and about 90 seconds for a lungo - but the results are consistently impressive, with great crema and a rich, smooth taste. The machine also alerts you when the water tank or pod bin is in need of refilling.
A big selling point for this machine is that it can use it with any Lavazza-branded pod Seven pods are available in all, including ground roasted espresso (Qualita Rossa, Intenso, Passionale and Delizioso), two decaffeinated (Dek Cremoso) and two organic coffees (!Tierra! Bio). The pod coffee maker isn't expensive, but if you pair it with a pod delivery subscription the cost could be similar to a regular bean-to cup machine. The slim design of this machine allows it to fit in even the tiniest kitchens. The pods are compostable in a way that you can place them in your local food bins or garden compost.
4. Nespresso Vertuo Pod Machine
Nespresso machines are among the top pods coffee makers for those who are looking for a reliable, quick and consistently brewed cup. They heat quickly and are easy to use. Just insert a capsule and press a button and you're good to go. They also produce a rich crema that you can add to your drinks for added thickness and flavor. The official pods are not cheap and you will have to purchase them.
The Vertuo line utilizes an entirely different method of technology from OriginalLine machines that work with espresso capsules (and remain in operation). They scan each capsule's barcode, automatically adapting the brewing pod coffee makers parameters to create a perfect cup. They also include a centrifusion system that spins the capsule in order to extract the fullest flavors and thickest crema.
The machines aren't as intuitive as our other choices. For instance the lid is only opened when the machine is ready and it takes around 30 minutes 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 listed on this list, meaning you'll need an additional PS90 or so to buy an extra Aeroccino in order to make lattes and cappuccinos.
These machines also require more maintenance than other models, such as refilling the water tank, emptying pod containers that are used and descaling however they have an app that reminds you to complete these tasks and also provides tools like store locators and capsule recyclers. If you connect your device to an IntelliPort you can control it using voice commands. This is ideal if you are making coffee at 4am in the dark or are limited in strength.
5. SMEG Barista Pod Machine
This sleek pod machine is the result of a lovechild between a beloved Italian brand and a renowned company that makes kitchen appliances. It features all the retro, sleek curves that SMEG is famous for, along with the ability to make lungo and espresso drinks effortlessly. It also comes with a shot setting that is programmable and dual-height drip tray, and a removable pod bin.
This coffee maker makes it simple to make an instant cup of single-shot or double-shot espresso in the morning, or to make a lungo during your break at work. The simple control panel is sleek and doesn't interfere with its function. It comes with three different baskets for different capsule types. You can even use loose ground beans (although you'll need to own a separate grinder).
The SMEG Barista Pod Machine does not come with a milk pitcher. It does however have a Pannarello built-in milk frother that is able to froth soymilk and cow milk very nicely. It also comes with a 51mm portafilter which is smaller than the conventional commercial filter. It is pressurised which means that you won't get the stale, lingering taste. It comes with a tamper made of plastic that can also be used as a spoon.
The SMEG is one of the most expensive pod machines we've reviewed, but it's definitely worth it if you're a fan of the retro style or like the ability to whip up espresso-based drinks. It's also a great choice if you're new to the world of making coffee and don't want to have to deal with the hassle of grinding, measuring, and the process of tamping your own beans.