The Best Pod Coffee Machines
With pod coffee machines, you put a sealed capsule with ground or roasted beans into the machine. The coffee is then poured into the machine for a specified amount of time.
Some pod coffee machines have different sizes of cups and frothing milk capabilities. The best pod coffee machine (official statement) pod machine for you will depend on your lifestyle and your 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 higher-end models, this machine is a good option. It's easy to use and has a stunning appearance. When not in use it can be hidden away in the kitchen.
The machine can be loud however it's not a major problem. It's also quite compact and can be tucked away in tiny counter spaces. If you're looking for a Keurig with a larger range of sizes or a carafe that is suitable for traditional drip brewing, consider other alternatives.
The Keurig K-Select single serve coffee maker comes with a sleek design with more useful features to help you brew your perfect cup every time. Pick from a variety of delicious K-Cup pods, or make your own ground coffee using My-K-Cup's universal, coffee filter that can be reused (sold separately). Strong Brew increases the intensity and strength of your coffee machines for pods making it an ideal choice for coffee machine capsule enthusiasts who like strong coffee.
The brewer has simple controls that are operated by buttons. Just insert a K-Cup pod, choose the desired brew size and then press the brew button. In less than one minute, you can enjoy freshly brewed coffee. The large 52-ounce water reservoir lets you brew up to five cups in between refills, making it easier to manage your morning routine.
The Keurig is simple to clean, thanks to an easily accessible reservoir for water and a lid that can be easily hand washed. To ensure your Keurig is running at its peak it is essential to descale it before cleaning. Follow the guidelines in the user guide. This warranty covers all original accessories and the brewer, with the exception of for normal wear or abuse, and external causes such as power outages.
2. Tassimo My Way
If you're a coffee enthusiast and are in search of a pod machine capable of making more than just your regular cup of coffee, this is the best capsule coffee machine option. It's designed to make diverse range of drinks, including hot chocolate and tea. It features a large 1.3 millilitre water tank that can make multiple cups at a time. The machine is warm in just three seconds, and can create the perfect cappuccino or latte using the built-in milk jug. It also has an LCD that can be touched to let you to alter the temperature, intensity, and volume of your drink.
Tassimo My Way uses T Discs which are a set of ingredients you can use to make your drink. There are over 70 different kinds, including Kenco, Costa, Milka, and Cadbury's. The machine offers a variety of T Discs, including ones for hot and tea chocolate.
The coffee that was produced by this machine was of high quality, though it was a bit lower than the other machines we reviewed. It also produced a silky mouthfeel and steaming milk for caffe lattes quickly. However, it must be not forgotten that the frothy milk made from T Discs is a source of sugar that, while not a huge issue but isn't for everyone's taste.
The Tassimo My Way is easy to clean, with the drip tray, removable parts of the brewing unit as well as the water tank being dishwasher-safe. There's a Brita filter included and a cleaning disc that can also be used. A handy indicator light will let you know when you need to descale. the water tank keeps limescale to the minimum. The machine is certified Energy Star, which helps reduce its electricity consumption by up to 15%.
3. Lavazza Lungo Pod Machine
This Nespresso-compatible pod coffee maker from Lavazza which was developed in collaboration with Sage is among the best-looking machines on the market. The machine is made of sturdy and attractive materials. It has a sleek steam wand that can be adjusted to make cappuccinos or lattes, and a stainless steel milk jug. It can make espresso, lungos, double espressos gran lungos, mugs and altos using a thick layer froth.
As with most pod machines you load the pod through an opening on the top and drop it in the appropriate spot. The machine punctures the capsule, then seals it. When you lift the lever, the used pod will fall into a dedicated spent Pod tray underneath the drip tray.
The machine is not the fastest machine to brew espresso. It takes about 30 seconds for a single shot and 90 seconds for the lungo. However, the results are always spectacular with a smooth, rich flavor and a great crema. The machine will also alert you when it is time to refill the water tank or pod making machines bin.
A big selling point for this machine is the ability to use it with any Lavazza brand pod - there are seven in total including ground roasted espresso (Qualita Rossa, Intenso, Passionale and Delizioso) and two decaffeinated (Dek Cremoso) and two organic coffees (!Tierra! Bio). It's not cheap, but if you get a subscription deal that combines the pod coffee machine with pod delivery it could come for a comparable price to a regular bean-to-cup machine. The compact design of this machine allows it to fit into the smallest kitchens. The pods are compostable in a way that you can dispose of them in your local food bins or garden compost.
4. Nespresso Vertuo Pod Machine
Nespresso machines are the best pods coffee makers for those who are looking for a reliable, quick and steady brew. They heat up quickly and are extremely simple to use. Just insert a capsule, push a button and you're done. They produce an extremely creamy, rich crema that can be added to drinks for more flavor and a thicker layer. The official pods are not cheap and you will have to purchase them.
The Vertuo line is based on a different technology than OriginalLine machines that use espresso capsules (and are still in existence). The Vertuo line reads the barcode of each capsule and adjusts the brewing parameters to produce an ideal cup. And they include a centrifusion system that spins the capsule to get the fullest flavors and most thick crema.
However, the machines aren't as user-friendly as our other picks. For instance the lid opens only when the machine is ready and it takes 30 seconds to get hot enough to put in the capsule. And they don't come with a milk frother as do other pod coffee makers on this list, meaning you'll have to shell out an additional PS90 or so to buy a separate Aeroccino if you want to make lattes or cappuccinos.
They also require more maintenance than other models - refilling the water tank and emptying pod containers that are used and descaling - however, they come with an app which reminds you to perform these tasks, and provides tools like capsule recyclers and store locators. If you pair your machine with an IntelliPort you can use voice commands to control it, which is a nice feature if you're making coffee in the dark at 4am or have limited hand strength.
5. SMEG Barista Pod Machine
This sleek pod coffee machines for pods machine is the love child of a well-known Italian brand and a renowned kitchen appliances company. It has the retro, sleek curves that SMEG are renowned for, and it can brew both espresso and lungo drinks. It also has a shot setting that is programmable as well as dual-height drip trays and a pod bin that can be removed.
This coffee maker allows you to make one or two cups of lungo or espresso in the morning or during your break at work. Its simple control panel looks sleek and doesn't distract you from the functionality. It comes with three different baskets for different capsule types. You can use loose-ground beans (although a separate grinder is required).
The SMEG Barista Pod Machine does not come with a milk pitcher. However, it has a Pannarello built-in milk frother which is able to froth soymilk and cow milk very nicely. It also comes with the portafilter 51mm, which is smaller than a standard commercial-style filter. It is pressurised which means you won't get the stale, leftover taste. It also includes a plastic tamper which doubles as scoop.
The SMEG is the most expensive machine we've reviewed. However, it's well worth it if your style is retro or you enjoy making espresso drinks in a hurry. It's also a great option for those who are new to the world of making coffee and don't want to endure the hassles of measuring, grinding, and tamping your own beans.