How to Choose the Best Coffee Pod Machine

A pod machine is a fantastic option if you want to have a quick, clean morning cup of coffee. How do you pick the best one?

This machine is retro in design and features the SMEG Lavazza logo on its front. It's more expensive and will take up a lot of space on your counter. However, it's an excellent pod coffee maker that has the solid feel.

1. Nespresso Compatible

If you're a Nespresso lover, you'll need to pick the best coffee pod machine compatible with the capsules of the brand. You might want to select a model which can also utilize other capsules, like organic and Fairtrade, or specialty flavoured pods. These models are available at a similar cost to the standard ones. Some even have 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 met with excitement. This vibrantly-coloured device promised three things: a better tasting cup of coffee than other pod machines, a broad variety of drink options and pods you can toss in the garbage without worrying about environmental consequences.

It delivers on every single point. This compact pod coffee maker is reasonably priced and produces a rich, robust espresso every time. It's also among the quietest models on the market and you can make a cup of Joe before your morning alarm starts.

The Bruvi comes with two sizes of cups and can be adjusted to suit the kind of drink you're making. It has three settings to control the temperature and the texture of the milk while making either a cappuccino, or Latte. It can even brew hot chocolate, which is perfect for adults or kids who just want to warm themselves and wind down.

A programmable sleep function is another feature that's a plus. It goes into standby mode after one hour without any use. It's also easy to clean and requires only a tiny amount of water. Think about a machine with a removable capsule holder to make emptying easier.

You can also add a milk frother to your coffee pod (unless one is already included in the model you buy). 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 cup.

2. Easy to Clean

The convenience of a coffee pod maker allows you to get your day started with a quick and hot cup of coffee. In just a few seconds you'll have freshly brewed coffee. Just add a pod and then turn it on. These machines are simple to clean and don't require daily maintenance. They only require the refill of the water tank and descaling approximately every six months.

Keurig's K-Cups have the widest variety of choices on the market including national brands and supermarket favorites such as Folgers, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and Dunkin' Donuts. There are also some non-coffee options, such as hot cocoa and tea available in K-Cup form from several different brands. It's not necessary to use Keurig K-Cups to enjoy a great cup. You can also make it using disposable filter capsules that are made of plastic or paper and can hold ground coffee, drippods that are pre-loaded, or loose grounds of coffee.

But a lot pod-based machines aren't known for delivering an intense, rich cup that can stand up to the discerning palate. During our testing, we found some pod coffee makers to produce watery or bitter cups of coffee. Some were difficult to use, taking up valuable 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 models come with a built-in frother to make a froth and pour your latte or cappuccino, while others have an extra frother that can connect to the machine to provide a deliciously frothy top to your drink.

In addition to making a great brew, these newer pod coffee machines have taken steps to address the increasing concerns about the environmental impact caused by single-serve pods 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 capsule recycling bags which can be picked up at any of its retail outlets or UPS locations. Bruvi, a newly launched competitor, utilizes pods that are only compatible with its own brewers and are designed to break down quickly in landfills and not leave microplastics.

3. Fast Brewing

A pod coffee machine is a lifesaver for those who do not want to grind beans or boil the kettle. These machines are foolproof and allow you to brew coffee, tea or espresso in minutes without any cleaning up. These machines produce more waste than their drip-style counterparts, but they are still much easier to use than brewing whole beans in a French Press or Pour-Over.

In the late 2022's, a startup based in Los Angeles known as Bruvi introduced its BV-01 coffee pod machine. It promised to produce a better tasting single-serve joe, offer more beverage options than other pod-based machines, and also provide reusable capsules that could be thrown away without breaking into microplastics. While the Bruvi brewer costs more than Keurig or Nespresso but it is a fantastic device all around that feels like a dawning of a new era in pod coffee.

One of the most important things to think about when purchasing a coffee pod maker is the size of the serving. Certain models can serve single-serve cups in a broad range of sizes, from large travel mugs all the way to 2-ounce espresso shots. Other machines can make entire pots of coffee, and some have a milk frother to allow you to make a delicious cappuccino or lattes to your morning joe.

The design of a coffee pod machine is a different aspect to take into consideration. The color and finish of the machine along with the placement and size of the reservoir for water and pod compartment will affect how your machine looks on your kitchen counter. Some brands offer different colored pods so that you can change your drink according to season or mood.

Pod coffee makers are usually designed to be small and require less space than traditional single-serve and drip brewers. While a smaller footprint might be desirable, it's also important that your machine can make multiple cups between refills. Most pod coffee makers should work with a water tank of at least 40 ounces for the average household.

4. Variety of Drinks

Pod machines can be surprisingly versatile, and based on the brand, they can make a variety of drinks. Certain brands, such as Keurig's famous Keurig systems and Sage's Nespresso collab, are able to brew up to four different sizes of drink, while others offer just two or three options. Certain machines also make hot chocolate, and cold drinks.

Some pod coffee machines can also make frothy cappuccinos and lattes, courtesy of built-in milk frothers. Some require a separate milk jug or a conjoined one to perform this task. The best home espresso machine pod coffee makers for milk-frothing provide precise control and user-friendliness, and also an elegant design that can fit in with any kitchen.

The Grind One is a great example. It's minimalist design is a far cry from the curvature that is that are found on other pod coffee makers. It's smaller than the majority of Keurigs, making it perfect for small kitchens and dorms. The water tank is easy to access and can hold up to 40 grams. Used capsules are automatically placed in a container. Other than keeping the reservoir full and descaling every six months or therefore, the machine requires minimal maintenance.

This model is more expensive than some other models we've reviewed but offers a premium experience. The drip tray can be adjusted so that it can fit tall travel mugs or shorter espresso cups. It can make up to five different drinks with the help of a barcode system which scans each compatible pod and then automatically adjust its settings.

This is the most attractive coffee pod machine we've tested and has a great tasting beverage, particularly for an automatic. We didn't award this machine the top spot due to the fact that it's not able to milk froth. Its 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 maker then we'd be inclined to award this pod machine the top spot.