The Best Coffee Pod Machine

This sleek, brushed-steel appliance provides the Sage trademark quality and ease of use. It preheats after switch-on, and brews an aroma-packed espresso or a slightly longer lungo in just 30 minutes.

Pod models are a great alternative to bean-to-cup machines. They take the messiest aspects of making coffee off your hands, including grinding and measuring grounds.

1. Fast

Pod machines can be set up and used faster than espresso machines. Most of them can make a cup of coffee in 30 seconds. The pre-portioned pods that are used in these machines are generally more costly than freshly roasted coffee beans and a majority are not recyclable.

The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the most efficient pod machines available that you can find due to its built-in barcode reader that scans the code of each compatible pod prior to brewing it. This ensures consistently high-quality coffee, every time. There is virtually no possibility of getting a poor beverage. The machine is also among the tiniest and lightest available that doesn't require an additional milk jug or a small footprint making it a breeze to fit into even the tiniest kitchen.

However the CitiZ isn't the most efficient machine for those looking to cut down on their environmental impact. The CitiZ doesn't have an automatic descaling feature. You'll need to manually descale the machine every 300 cups for hard water and every 1200 cups for soft water. You'll also have to put the filter cartridge when it runs out, which could be costly for certain users.

The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another quick machine that comes with a customisable button and the option of using either ground coffee or ESE pods that are pre-dosed, tampered and packed between filter paper. This model is B-Corp Certified. It is committed to reducing the negative impact it has on its environment and its employees. The only downside is the time it takes to heat up. Once it does, it can brew one cup in just 35 seconds.

If you're looking for a sleek, stylish machine that can handle a range of different sizes and styles then you should look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek machine, designed in collaboration with Sage is not just easy to use, but it also comes with an ice cream wand stainless steel jug and milk frother.

2. Removable parts

The ease of use is a major draw and the best models are easy to use. Most machines utilize the same basic process to brew the cup of coffee you want: water is heated inside the reservoir, and then pushed through capsules to create rich, hot coffee. The majority of brands offer various drink sizes for different needs. You can also save custom settings to make the process more efficient.

Keurig's K-Cups and Nestle's Nespresso VertuoLine series are the two leading brands on the market, but each has a variety of capsules from the most popular roasters and brands. Some pods are made to be used just once and then discarded, while others are meant to be used for a variety of purposes. You'll need a plan for your old pods to prevent them from being thrown away.

The SMEG we tested comes with a removable water reservoir that is easy to fill. It also automatically releases another capsule after the previous one cools down. It can be used to brew lungo and espresso drinks and comes with eight different blends to give you variety. This brewer is a great choice for those who love coffee and want to move away from drip coffee.

In our testing of the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design looks stunning on your counter and can be opened with a single touch to reveal the compartment that stores your empty pods. The machine comes with a water filter system that is perfect for areas with hard water.

This machine brews the standard cup of coffee (240ml) and also serves as lungo and ristretto-style espresso drinks and is extremely fast. Its user-friendly controls are easy to navigate with the help of airplane-style toggles and a lever that retracts with a minimum of effort to reveal the space where you drop in your pod. It takes a bit of effort to close, but our testers, including those with weak hand and mobility felt comfortable.

3. Size

The top coffee pod machines eliminate all the mess that comes with coffee making. All you have to do is add a pod the machine, push a button and let it brew. You'll still have to clean your machine from time to time however not as often as a bean-to cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are smaller than their larger equivalents and can be stored on the counter when not in use.

The ideal coffee maker for you will be determined by your personal preferences and the goals you'd like to achieve. The majority of pod machines are easy to use, however some provide more options for customization. Be aware of the different coffee pods, brew sizes and milk options for frothing when picking the best machine.

The majority of people think of pod-based machines as the likes of Nespresso and Keurig However, there are a few more recent competitors on the scene that could be worth considering. One of them is Bruvi which makes use of its own pod system, called B-Pods, which can only be used by its machines. The pods are equipped with an underside barcode that machines scan to adjust the brewing settings automatically.

The machine will eliminate all the guesswork and make sure that every drink is perfect every time. It can save your customised drinks in a single button, so that you can create them with only one button.

Other machines, such as Sage's My Way, offer more control over your coffee than most, letting you choose the exact size and temperature for each cup. It's a bit more expensive than some models but it offers the polished stainless steel build and top-quality customer service that's which is synonymous with the brand. It is a solid option for those looking to get a bit more from their pod-based coffee maker.

Some larger models can also make lungos. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is a excellent example, blends retro style of the fifties from SMEG and Italian coffee brand Lavazza. It's not easy initially due to the toggles that look like airplanes, but once you've gotten used to it, the machine is quick and easy to use. A lungo can be brewed in just 30 seconds.

4. Customization

A pod coffee maker's limited flexibility is one of the main reasons it might not be the right choice for you. If you don't purchase an auxiliary milk frother, the only ways to add extra flavor or creaminess is to use an in-mug hot chocolate or tea option and to add milk to your cup manually. This won't be an issue for a lot of people, but could be a problem for those who prefer the convenience of a fully automated experience in the morning.

Bosch's Intellibrew utilizes a barcode scanner to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wets and infuses, then dispensing the correct amount of coffee to the specific kind of pod. It's a hassle-free, hands-off machine that does its job very well but lacks any options for customised drinks or altering the strength of brew. Some customers might be disappointed by this, however others will find the ease of use and variety of cup sizes (espressos and mugs, lungos and espressos) to be exactly what they're searching for.

This coffee maker is low maintenance. It only requires you to fill up the water tank and decaffeinate the reservoir each and every so often. It can dispense short espresso shots and tall travel mugs effortlessly and, as mentioned the pods that are used are ejected into a concealed container which keeps your kitchen spotless. It also does a great job of delivering full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.

This is a stunning machine and is part of Smeg's fifties-style range. It is easy to use with a simple panel and can take ground coffee or ESE pods. The only drawback is the lack of a gauge that will let you know when it's coffee machines with pods time to descale, as well as the inability to set the maximum water level. It is also necessary to purchase the brand's own capsules, which can be pricey. This is a great pod machine for anyone who wants an attractive and convenient appliance that will serve well at a low cost. If you're looking for more variety, a wide range of third-party capsules are available for this model. It's compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.