The Best Pod Coffee Machines
Pod coffee makers allow you to add a capsule with ground or roast coffee beans into the machine. The coffee is then poured into the machine for a specified amount of time.
Some pod coffee makers come with various sizes of cups, a built-in filter, and milk frothing capabilities. The best pod coffee maker depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle.
1. Keurig K-Select
If you're looking for a basic Keurig coffee maker that doesn't have all the bells and whistles that come with higher-end models, this machine is a good option. It's simple to use, has a beautiful design, and can be easily hidden away in a corner of the kitchen when not being used.
One downside to this machine is that it can be loud, but it isn't an issue. It's also compact and can be tucked away in tiny counter spaces. But, if you're looking for a Keurig with a larger variety of sizes or a carafe that is suitable for traditional drip brewing, look at other alternatives.
Keurig K-Select is a single-serve coffee maker that blends a sleek design with more intuitive features. This lets you make the perfect cup of coffee every time. Choose from a wide selection 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). The Strong Brew feature kicks up the intensity and strength of your coffee which makes it the ideal option for those who love a strong cup.
The brewer has simple controls with buttons. Simply put in a K-Cup pod, choose the desired brew size and then press the brew button. In less than a minute, you'll have a freshly-brewed cup of coffee waiting for you to enjoy. The large 52-ounce water reservoir allows you to brew up to five cups between refills, simplifying your morning routine.
The Keurig is easy to clean. The water reservoir and lid can be removed and cleaned by hand. To ensure your Keurig is running at its peak, you must always descale it before cleaning. Follow the steps in the user's manual. This warranty covers all original accessories and the brewer, excluding for normal wear misuse, abuse and other external causes like power outages.
2. Tassimo My Way
This is the best choice for those who love coffee and want a machine that can do more than just making your regular cup. It can make a variety of drinks such as tea and hot cocoa. The huge 1.3-litre water tank can allow multiple cups to be brewed simultaneously. The machine is warm in only three seconds and can produce a latte or cappuccino using the built-in milk jug. It also comes with an LCD that can be touched to let you to alter the temperature, intensity, and the volume of your beverage.
The Tassimo My Way uses the brand's T Discs which include everything you need for your favorite drink. There are more than 70 flavors to choose from, ranging from brands like Kenco and Costa to Costa, Milka and Cadbury's. The machine comes with a selection of T discs, which include those for hot tea and chocolate.
We found the coffee it produced to be of a excellent quality, though just a little less than the other pod machines featured in this round-up. It also gave a smooth mouthfeel and steamed milk for caffe lattes quickly. It is important to remember that the milk's frothy texture has sugar in it that, while not a major issue it might not be a favorite for everyone.
Tassimo My Way's removable components such as the drip tray and the water tank are dishwasher-safe. There's an Brita filter as well as a cleaning disc that can be used. A helpful indicator light lets you know when it's time to descale and a reservoir of water keeps limescale to an absolute minimum. The machine is rated Energy Star, which helps reduce its electricity consumption by up to 15%..
3. Lavazza Lungo Pod coffee pod machines Machine
The Nespresso-compatible pod espresso machine from Lavazza, made in collaboration with Sage is among the most beautiful machines on the market. The machine is made of durable and attractive materials. It comes with a stylish steam wand that can be adjusted to make cappuccinos or lattes, and a stainless steel milk jug. Pop in a pod, select your cup size and the machine whirs into action - brewing espresso lungo, double espresso, gran lungo, alto and mug drinks with a thick layer of silky froth.
As with all pod machines you load the pod through an opening on the top and then drop it into the right spot. The machine then pierces the capsule, and then closes it so that when you lift the lever, the pod falls into a dedicated empty pod tray underneath the drip tray.
It's not the fastest way to make 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 great crema. The machine will also notify you when the water tank or pod bin is in need of refilling.
A big selling point for this machine is that it can use it with any Lavazza brand pod There are seven in all, including ground roasted espresso (Qualita Rossa, Intenso, Passionale and Delizioso), two decaffeinated (Dek Cremoso) and two organic coffees (!Tierra! Bio). It's not cheap, but with a subscription plan that combines the pod coffee machine with a pod delivery service that can come at a similar cost to a traditional bean-to-cup machine. The compact design of this machine allows it to fit into the smallest kitchens. The pods are also industrially compostable, so you can place them in your local food bins or garden compost.
4. Nespresso Vertuo Pod Machine
Nespresso machines are among the best pods coffee makers for those who are looking for a reliable, speedy and consistently brewed cup. They are quick to heat up and are easy to use. Simply insert a capsule and press a button and you're ready to go. They also create a delicious crema that you can add to your drinks for added flavour and thickness. They're not cheap however they are expensive, and you need to buy their official pods.
The Vertuo line utilizes an entirely different method of technology from OriginalLine machines that work with espresso capsules (and still exist). The Vertuo line is able to read the barcode on each capsule, and then automatically adjusts the brewing parameters in order to make a perfect cup. They also have a centrifusion device that spins the capsules to extract the most flavor and the thickest crema.
The machines aren't quite as intuitive as our other choices. For instance the lid opens only when the machine is ready, and it takes about 30 minutes to heat up enough to be able to fit into the capsule. They don't include milk frothers, as do some of the other pod machines in this list. So you'll have to shell out an additional PS90 to purchase a separate Aeroccino to make cappuccinos and lattes.
They also require more maintenance than other models - refilling the water tank, emptying pod containers that are used and descaling however they come with an app which reminds you to do these tasks, and offers tools such as store locators and capsule recyclers. If you pair your machine with an IntelliPort you can control it with voice commands, which is a nice feature for those who make coffee in the dark at 4am or have weak hands.
5. SMEG Barista Pod Machine
This sleek pod machine is the product of the adored Italian brand, and a renowned manufacturer of kitchen appliances. It features the modern, sleek curves SMEG are known for, and it can brew both espresso and lungo drinks. It comes with a programable setting for the shot, dual-height dripping trays, and pod bins that are removable.
This coffee maker allows you to make one or two cups of lungo or espresso in the morning or during your break at work. The simple control panel makes it look sleek and doesn't distract you from its function. It has three interchangeable baskets for different types of capsules. You can also use loose ground beans (although you'll need to own an additional grinder).
The SMEG Barista Pod Machine doesn't include a milk pitcher however, it has a built-in Pannarello milk frother that froths both soymilk and cowmilk beautifully. It also comes with a portafilter that measures 51mm, which is smaller than the typical commercial filter. It's pressurised, so you won't have the taste of stale food that is left behind. It comes with a plastic tamper that can also double as spoon.
The SMEG is the most expensive machine on our list. However, it's well worth it if you're looking for something retro or you love making espresso drinks quickly. It's also a great option for those who are new to the world of coffee and don't want to go through the hassle of grinding, measuring, and making your own coffee.