11 Ways To Totally Block Your Best Coffee Pod Machine
11 Ways To Totally Block Your Best Coffee Pod Machine
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The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The most sleek pod machine we've ever seen, this brushed-steel model has the signature Sage quality and ease of use. It preheats after switch-on, and brews an aroma-packed espresso or slightly longer lungo in about 30 minutes.
Unlike bean-to-cup machines, pod models take the most messed-up aspects of coffee-making out of your hands - including grinding and dosing grounds.
1. Speedy
Pod machines are typically quicker to setup and use than espresso machines, with the majority able to make coffee in only 30 seconds or so. But they come at an expense as the pre-portioned pods of coffee used in these models tend to be more expensive than freshly roasted beans and they are not recycled. (though some companies are now offering recycling bags for free and UPS labels for returning the pods).
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the fastest pod machines on the market due to its in-built barcode reader that scans the code of each compatible pod prior to brewing it. This ensures you get consistently top-quality coffee every time. There is virtually no chance of having a bad beverage. This machine is among the lightest and slimmest available. It doesn't require an additional milk container, and its compact size allows it to be easily incorporated into the smallest kitchens.
The CitiZ isn't the best machine to reduce your environmental impact. The CitiZ does not 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 in a new filter cartridge when it runs out and could be expensive for some users.
Tassimo Vivy 2 is a speedy machine that has customisable buttons. It can be used with either ground coffee or ESE pods that are pre-dosed, tampered grounds compressed in between filter paper. This model is B-Corp Certified. It is committed to decreasing the negative impact it has on its surroundings and its workforce. Its only minor drawback is the time it takes to heat up. Once it does it will brew a cup in about 35 minutes.
If you're looking for an elegant, sleek machine capable of handling a range of different sizes and styles, take a look at the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek machine, created in collaboration with Sage is not just simple to use but also comes with an ice cream wand stainless steel jug and a milk frother.
2. Removable parts
The simplicity of pod coffee makers is a major selling point. The top models are simple to use. The majority of machines utilize the same general method to make your cup by heating water inside a reservoir, then pressured through the chosen capsules and extracted to create rich, hot coffee. The majority of brands offer various sizes of drinks for different needs. You can also save custom settings to speed up the process.
Keurig K-Cups are among the largest brands available on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also offer a large selection of capsules by popular roasters. Certain pods can be used once before they are discarded and others can be used a number of times. Whatever the case, you'll need to think about the way you'll dispose of the pods you've used up so that they aren't thrown away in the trash.
The SMEG we tested has a removable reservoir of water that is simple to fill. It also automatically dispenses another capsule after the previous one cools down. It can brew coffee and lungo drinks and comes with eight different blends to give you plenty of variety. This brewer is ideal for those who love coffee and want to move away from drip coffee.
In our tests of the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable one to use. Its sleek design is a looker on your countertop, and it can be opened with a gentle touch to reveal a hidden compartment for empty pods. It also comes with the added benefit of the water filtration system which is perfect for areas with hard water.
This machine is able to make the standard cup of coffee (240ml), as well as lungo and ristretto espresso-style drinks, and is surprisingly quick. The controls are easy to use, with the style of airplane toggles that can be retracted easily and a lever that retracts to reveal the opening to drop in the pod. It requires a bit of effort to close, but most of our testers, including those with limited hand strength and mobility, found it comfortable.
3. Size
The top coffee pod machines take the mess of coffee making out of your hands - you simply load in one of the pods, press an icon and make coffee. You'll still have to clean your machine from time to time, but not as often as a bean-to-cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are smaller than their larger counterparts which means they can be placed on the counter and be stored away from view when not in use.
The decision of whether a coffee machine is the best choice for you is based on your preferences and what you're hoping to gain from it. All pod machines are easy to use, however some offer more customisation options than others. Consider the coffee pod variety sizes, brew sizes and milk frothing options when choosing the right machine.
The most popular pod-based coffee machines are Nespresso, Keurig and similar brands. However there are a few newer competitors that may be worth taking a look at. One is Bruvi which has an exclusive pod system called B-Pods that can only be used by its machines. The pods are identified with a barcode that is scanned by the machine to adjust the brewing parameters automatically.
The machine will eliminate the guesswork out of it and ensure that every drink is perfect every time. It is even able to save custom drinks to a separate button, allowing you to create them at the touch of a button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way, offer more control over your cup of coffee than others, letting you choose a specific size and temperature for each cup. It's more expensive than other models, however it has the polished stainless-steel construction and the excellent customer service that is a hallmark of the Sage's My Way brand. This is a good option for those who want a bit more out of their pod-based espresso maker.
Some models with larger capacities can also create lungos. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, which is a perfect example, blends retro-fifties style from SMEG and Italian coffee brand Lavazza. It can be a little difficult to operate due to its airplane-style toggles and manual lever, but it's easy and incredibly satisfying to operate - a lungo is brewed in just 30 seconds and the pods that are used are deposited into an internal bin with the click of a button.
4. Customization
One big reason why a pod coffee maker may not be the right choice for you is its lack of customizability. If you don't have an alternative milk frother, then the only option to enhance flavor or creaminess is to use a hot chocolate or tea option in your mug or to manually add milk to your coffee. For most people, this won't be a problem however it could be a nagging issue for those who prefer a fully automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew technology makes use of barcode readers to scan each capsule, and automatically pre-wet, infuse, and dispense the correct volume of coffee that is appropriate for the kind of pod. It's a hands-free, easy-to-use machine that performs its job flawlessly, but does not have any options for customizing drinks or altering the strength of brew. This may be a problem for some buyers but for others the hassle-free automation and range of cup lengths (espresso, lungo and mug) it gives exactly what they need.
The coffee maker is extremely low maintenance. It is all you need to do is to refill the water tank, and decaffeinate the reservoir every so often. It is able to serve espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs with ease and, as previously mentioned the pods that are used are ejected into a concealed container capsule coffee maker that keeps your kitchen clean. It also does a fantastic job of delivering full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.
This machine is part of Smeg's 1950s-style range. It's easy to use via a simple panel of buttons and can accommodate both ground coffee and ESE pods. The only drawback is that it doesn't come with an indicator to let you know when it's time to descale, and the maximum water level cannot be set which is a minor issue. You'll also need to buy the capsules of the brand, which can be costly. But, it's an excellent pod coffee maker for anyone seeking a stylish and convenient appliance that will serve them well for an affordable price. This model can be used with a variety of capsules from third party manufacturers and works with the Nespresso Vertuo range.