The Best Coffee Pod Machine

The sleekest pod machine we've seen this brushed-steel model offers the signature Sage quality and user-friendly. It heats up immediately after switching on and makes an espresso with aroma or a little longer lungo in just 30 seconds.

Unlike bean-to-cup machines, pod models take the most messed-up aspects of coffee making off your hands, such as grinding and dosing grounds.

1. Speedy

Pod machines are generally easier to install and use than espresso machines, with the majority can make a cup of coffee in only 30 seconds or so. The pre-portioned pods that are used in these machines are generally more costly than freshly roasted coffee beans and a lot of them are not recyclable.

The Nespresso CitiZ has one of the most efficient pod machines available, thanks to the barcode scanner which scans each compatible pod's code prior to making coffee machine for pods. This makes it easy to ensure consistent high-quality, high-end coffee every time, with next-to-no chance of a drink coming out horribly wrong. The machine is one of the slimmest and lightest on the market. It doesn't require a separate milk container and its compact size makes it easy to fit into the tiniest kitchens.

However, the CitiZ isn't the most efficient machine for those who want to reduce their environmental impact. The CitiZ doesn't have an automatic descaling feature. You will need to manually descale the machine every 300 cups for hard water and 1200 cups for soft water. When the filter cartridge wears out, you'll need replace it with a new. This can be costly for certain users.

The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another fast machine that has buttons that can be customized and the option of using ground coffee or ESE pods that are pre-dosed, tampered and packed between filter paper. The model is B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to lessening its negative impact on the environment and its workforce. The only drawback is the time it takes to heat up. Once it is heated it, it can make one cup in about 35 minutes.

If you're after a sleek, stylish machine that can handle a range of different drink sizes and styles, you should look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek beauty, created in collaboration with Sage and Sage, is not just simple and quick to operate but also comes with an ice-cream frothing wand, as well as a stainless steel jug.

2. Removable parts

The ease of using pod coffee makers is a major benefit. The best models are simple to use. Most machines utilize the same basic process to brew a cup of coffee: water is heated inside reservoirs, then moved through capsules to make rich hot, hot java. Many brands offer a variety of drink sizes to suit different requirements, and you can save your own settings for a variety of models to streamline the process even further.

Keurig K-Cups are among the top players on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also have a wide selection of capsules from famous roasters. Some pods are made to be used only once before being be thrown away, while others are meant for multiple uses. Either way, you'll need to plan out the way you'll dispose of the pods you've used up so that they aren't thrown away in the trash.

The sleek SMEG model we tested features a water tank that is removable and easy to fill and the machine will automatically pour fresh capsules after the previous one has been chilled. It can be used to brew lungo and espresso drinks and has eight different blends for various options. This brewer is a great choice for coffee lovers who are looking to move away from drip coffee.

In our testing of the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most satisfying to use. Its sleek design is beautiful on your counter and opens with just a touch to reveal the compartment that stores empty pods. The machine also has the added benefit of an filtration system for water, which is great for areas with hard water.

This machine brews a standard cup of coffee (240ml), as well as ristretto and lungo espresso-style drinks and is extremely fast. Its easy-to-use controls are easy to use with the help of switches that resemble airplanes and a lever that retracts with little effort to reveal the space which allows you to drop your pod. It requires some effort to close, but the majority of our testers even those with weak hand strength and mobility, found it comfortable.

3. Size

The best coffee pod machines take the mess of coffee making out of your hands - you simply put in a pod making machines, hit an icon and make coffee. You'll still have to clean the machine from time to time however not as often as you would with a bean-to-cup cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are smaller than their counterparts that are larger, so they can fit on the countertop and be kept out of view when not being used.

The best coffee machine for you will depend on your personal preferences and what you want to achieve. All pod machines are simple to use, however some provide more options for customization. The variety of pods, brew size options and milk frothing capabilities are all important to help find the perfect coffee pod machine for you.

Many people think of pod-based machines as the likes of Nespresso and Keurig, but there are some newer competitors on the scene which are worth looking into. Bruvi uses a bespoke system of pods known as B-Pods, which can only be used in its machines. The pods have a barcode on the underside that machines scan to automatically adjust brewing settings.

The machine will eliminate all the guesswork out of it and ensure that every drink is perfect every time. It is even able to save custom drinks to a specific button, allowing you to make them with the press of a button.

Other machines, like Sage's My Way, offer more control over your cup of coffee than most, letting you choose a specific size and temperature for each beverage. It's more expensive than other models, but it comes with a polished stainless steel construction and superior customer service that is synonymous with the brand. This is a great option for those who want something more from their espresso maker that is based on pods.

Certain models are larger and can create lungos. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is a great example of this. It blends the retro-fifties style of SMEG with the retro-fifties design of SMEG Italian coffee brand, Lavazza. It can be a little difficult to operate due to its toggles that resemble airplanes and a manual lever, but it's easy and incredibly satisfying to operate the lungo is made in only 30 seconds, and the pods that are used are put into an internal bin with the click of the button.

4. Customization

A pod coffee maker's limited customization is a major reason it might not be the best choice for you. Unless you purchase an additional milk frother, the only ways to add flavor or creaminess is to make use of an in-mug hot chocolate or tea option and to add milk to your cup manually. For many people this won't be a problem but it could be a nagging issue for those who prefer an automated experience in the morning.

Bosch's Intellibrew uses a barcode scanner to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wets and infuses, then dispensing the right amount of coffee for the specific kind of pod. It's a hands-free, easy-to-use machine that does its job well, but it doesn't have any options for customised drinks or varying the strength of brew. Some customers will be irritated by this, but many will find the convenience and variety of cup sizes (espressos and lungos, as well as mugs) to be exactly what they are searching for.

Apart from filling the tank with water and decaffeinating the reservoir on occasion, this coffee maker will not require much maintenance. It is able to serve espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs with ease. As mentioned, the used pods are ejected into a container hidden from view that helps keep your kitchen tidy. It is also excellent at delivering full-bodied coffees with crema-topped tops.

This is a stunning machine and is part of the Smeg fifties range. It's easy to use via a simple panel of buttons and can accommodate both ground coffee and ESE pods. It's only downside is the absence of a gauge that will let you know when it's time to descale, as well as the inability to set the maximum water level. It is also necessary to purchase the capsules made by the company, which can be pricey. This is a good pod machine for those who want an attractive and convenient appliance that will serve well at a reasonable price. If you're looking for a little more variety, a broad selection of third-party capsules are available for this model. It's compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.