How to Choose the Best Coffee Pod Machine
If you are a fan of a quick, clean coffee fix in the morning, a pod-based machine is something you should consider. How do you choose the right one?
With a nod to the retro design, this machine boasts the SMEG and Lavazza branding across its front. It needs a large space on your counter and is pricier than others. However, it's a top-performing pod coffee maker that has a sturdy feel.
1. Nespresso Compatible
If you are a Nespresso lover, you will want to select the right coffee maker that is compatible with the capsules from this brand. You may want to choose a model which can also use other capsules, such as organic and Fairtrade, or specialty flavored pods. They are usually available for the same price as the original ones and some include an inbuilt milk frother, so you can make the perfect cappuccino or latte.
Bruvi's entry into pod machine industry in 2022 was met with excitement. The vibrantly-colored machine promised three things: a more flavorful cup of coffee than other pod machines, a wide variety of drink options, and pods you could put in the trash without worry about the environmental impact.
It's a three-pronged winner. The compact pod coffee machine is affordable and produces a rich, robust espresso every time. It's among the quietest machines on the market. You can make a cup of Joe even before the alarm goes off.
The Bruvi comes with two sizes of cups that can be adjusted to fit the kind of drink you're making. It has three settings for temperature and the texture of the milk when making a cappuccino or latte. It can even brew hot chocolate, which is perfect for kids or adults who just want to warm up and wind down.
Another major plus is the programable sleep mode that switches to standby after an hour of non-use. It's also simple to clean and requires very little water. If you're looking to keep your energy costs low, consider opting for a machine that has a removable capsule holder to make it easier to empty.
You can also include a milk frother in your coffee pod (unless one is already included in the model you buy). You might also want to consider an reusable coffee filter that can be used with reusable capsules. A thermometer or water kettle to control temperature precisely is also a good option.
2. Easy to Clean
A coffee pod machine is a convenient way to start your morning with a hot cup of coffee. Simply load a pod and switch on and in just a few minutes you'll have a freshly brewed drink. These machines are also very easy to clean, and most of them don't require regular maintenance - just refilling the tank with water and decaling every six months or as often.
Keurig's K-Cups come with the broadest selection of choices on the market including national brands and popular grocery store brands such as Folgers, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and Dunkin' Donuts. There are also non-coffee options, such as hot cocoa and tea available in K-Cup forms from various brands. But you're not restricted to Keurig's K-Cups to make a fantastic cup of coffee. you can also make use of filter capsules that can be reused made of plastic or paper that hold ground coffee or pre-loaded drip pods as well as loose coffee grounds.
But many of these machines don't have the reputation of producing an intense, rich cup that holds up to the most discerning palate. In our tests, we found that some of the pod coffee makers produced watery or bitter cups of joe. Some were so difficult to operate that they occupied valuable space on your counter and were prone to be noisy.
There are some high-quality pod coffee makers that give the convenience and consistency of a single-serve machine without the disappointing taste and wasteful packaging. Some models come with an inbuilt frother to froth and pour your latte or cappuccino, while others come with an extra frother that can plug in to the machine to provide the perfect frothy topping to your beverage.
In addition to making the best coffee and brewing great coffee, these modern pod coffee machines have also taken steps to address the increasing environmental concerns that come with using single-serve pods made from plastic. Keurig and Nespresso made their aluminum pods recyclable by replacing them with polypropylene. The latter provides free capsule recycling bags that can be dropped off at any store or UPS location. A new competitor, Bruvi, uses its own pods that can be used in its own brewer. They are designed to disintegrate quickly in landfills, without leaving any microplastics behind.
3. Fast Brewing
A pod coffee maker is a lifesaver for those who don't wish grind beans or boil a kettle. These fool-proof machines can make espresso, tea or coffee in just a few minutes, without having to clean up. They 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 latter half of 2022 an LA-based company known as Bruvi introduced its BV-01 coffee pod machine. It promised to produce a better tasting single-serve joes, provide more options for drinks than pod-based machines, and provide capsules that can be reused and recycled without breaking into microplastics. The Bruvi brewer is more costly than Keurig and Nespresso models but it's a great all-around device that smacks of the dawn of a new era for pod coffee.
One of the biggest things to think about when purchasing the coffee pod maker is serving size. Certain models allow single-serve cups that come in a wide range of sizes, ranging from giant travel mugs down to 2-ounce espresso shots. Other machines can make entire pots of coffee, and some include a milk froth so you can add a creamy cappuccino or latte to your morning cup of joe.
The design of a coffee machine is another important factor to consider. The color and finish of the machine and the placement and size of the reservoir and pod compartment will impact how your machine looks on your counter. Some brands also offer different colored pods that allow you to alter your beverage to suit the season or your mood.
Pod coffee makers tend to be small and take up less space than single-serve or drip brewers. While a small footprint may be desirable, it is crucial that your device can brew multiple cups between refills. The majority of pod coffee makers must be equipped with a water tank of at 40 ounces at the minimum for an average household.
4. Variety of Drinks
The pod machines are versatile, and based on the brand, they are able to make a variety. Some brands, such as Keurig, which is a well-known system and Sage's Nespresso collaboration, can make four different sizes of drinks, while others only offer two or three. Certain machines also can brew tea, hot cocoa and cold drinks.
Certain pod coffee machines can also make frothy cappuccinos or lattes thanks to built-in milk frothers. best coffee machines with pods require an additional milk jug or a conjoined one for this job. The best milk-frothing coffee machines are easy to operate and provide precise control. They also feature a sleek design that can be incorporated into any kitchen.
The Grind One is a great example. It's minimalist design is a step away form the curves that are found on other pod coffee makers. It's also smaller than most Keurigs, making it ideal for small kitchens and dorms. The water tank is easy to access and can hold up to 40 ounces. The capsules that are used are stored in an attached container. Other than maintaining the reservoir's capacity and decaling every six months or therefore, the machine requires minimal upkeep.
The machine is more expensive than some other models we've reviewed, but it provides a high-quality experience. The drip tray can be adjusted to ensure it will fit tall travel mugs or short espresso cups. It can be used to make up to five different drinks due to a barcode system which scans each compatible pod to automatically adjust its settings.
This is the most attractive machine we have tested. It also makes delicious tasting brews - especially for an automatic. We didn't give it the top spot because it's limited in its ability to milk froth. The only choice is to use dried skimmed milk capsules that don't taste as good as freshly squeezed milk. If it had a built-in milk maker then we'd be inclined to consider this pod machine to be the top spot.