10 Things We Do Not Like About Best Coffee Pod Machine
10 Things We Do Not Like About Best Coffee Pod Machine
Blog Article
The Best Coffee Pod Machine
This sleek, brushed-steel appliance provides the Sage trademark quality and ease of operation. It warms up after switching on, and makes an espresso with aroma or a little longer lungo in 30 seconds.
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. Fast
Pod machines are generally easier to setup and use than espresso machines, with many able to make coffee in 30 seconds or less. The pre-portioned pods used in these machines are typically more costly than freshly roasted coffee beans and a majority are not recyclable.
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the most efficient 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 makes it easy to get consistent high-quality, high-end coffee every time, with virtually no chance of the drink turning out horribly wrong. The machine is among the lightest and slimmest available. It does not require a separate milk container and its small footprint makes it easy to fit into even the smallest kitchens.
However, the CitiZ isn't the most efficient machine for those looking to reduce their environmental impact. It doesn't have an automatic descaling feature, and you'll have to do it yourself every 300 cups if reside in hard water, or 1200 cups in soft water zones. It is also necessary to put in a new filter cartridge once this runs out and could be expensive for some users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another speedy machine with customisable buttons and the option of using either ground coffee or ESE pods, which are pre-dosed and tampered with grounds compressed between filter paper. This model is also B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to reducing its negative impact on the environment as well as its employees. Its only downside is that it takes a little longer to warm up, but once that is done, it will be able to brew one cup in just 35 seconds.
If you're after a sleek, stylish machine that can handle a range of different sizes and styles, you should look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This glossy beauty, made in collaboration with Sage it is not only easy to use and quick to start, but also comes with an ice cream frothing wand as well as an stainless steel Jug.
2. Removable parts
The ease of use of a pod coffee maker is a major advantage. The most effective models are simple to use. Most machines utilize the same basic mechanism to brew the perfect cup of coffee that is, heated water is placed in the reservoir, and then pushed through capsules to create rich hot java. The majority of brands offer various drink sizes for different needs. You can also save your own settings to streamline the process.
Keurig K-Cups are among the top players on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also come with a variety of capsules made by the most popular roasters. Certain pods can be used only once before being thrown away however, others can be used several times. You'll need a strategy for your old pods to prevent them from ending up in the garbage.
The sleek SMEG model we tested features a removable water tank that's easy to fill, and the machine automatically pours new capsules once the previous one has cooled. It can be used to brew espresso and lungo drinks and has eight different blends for the variety. This brewer is ideal for coffee lovers who want to move away from drip coffee.
In our tests we found that the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design looks stunning on your counter, and it can be opened with a single touch to reveal the compartment that holds empty pods. The machine has an in-built water filter system which is perfect for areas with hard water.
This machine is quick and can make standard coffee (240ml) as well as ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. Its user-friendly controls are easy to navigate using the airplane-style toggles and a lever that retracts without much effort to reveal the opening where you drop in the pod. It requires a little force to close, but our testers, including those with limitations in hand strength and mobility felt comfortable.
3. Size
The best coffee pod makers eliminate all the mess that comes with coffee making. All you have to do is put a pod in, press a button and let it brew. You'll still have to clean the machine from time to time, but not as frequently as you would with a bean-to-cup cup or espresso maker. Pod machines are smaller than their larger counterparts and can be stacked on the counter when not in use.
The right coffee pod machine 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, but some offer more customisation options than others. Consider the coffee pod variety as well as brew sizes, milk and frothing options when choosing the best machine.
The most well-known pod-based machines are Nespresso, Keurig and similar brands. However there are more recent competitors that are worth a look. One is Bruvi which makes use of a bespoke pod system known as B-Pods that can only be used by its machines. The pods are identified with a barcode, which is scanned by the machine to adjust the brewing settings automatically.
This method eliminates all the guesswork of brewing a cup and ensures each drink comes out perfectly every time. It can even save customised drinks to a dedicated button, allowing you to create them at the touch of a button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way offer a greater degree of control over your coffee and allows you to select the right size and temperature for each beverage. It's more expensive than many other models, but it has the polished stainless steel design and excellent customer service associated with the brand. It is a good choice for those who want an extra level of quality from their pod-based coffee maker.
Some models with larger capacities can also brew lungos. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is a fantastic example of this. It blends the retro-fifties style of SMEG with the classic design of Italian coffee brand, Lavazza. It can be a little intimidating to use thanks to its airplane-style toggles and manual lever, but it's easy and extremely enjoyable to use - a lungo is brewed in just 30 seconds and the pods that are used are put into an internal bin at the push of the button.
4. Customization
The lack of customization is a major reason it's not the best choice for you. If you don't have an additional milk frother then the only way to add pod coffee machine more flavor or creaminess is to use a hot tea or chocolate option in your mug, or to manually add milk to the coffee. This shouldn't be a problem for many people, but could be a problem for those who prefer an entirely automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew utilizes barcode scanners to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wets, infuses and dispenses the right amount of coffee for the particular kind of pod. It's a hands-free, easy-to-use machine that performs its job very well but lacks any options for making drinks that are customized or altering the strength of the brew. Some customers will be irritated by this, but many will find the convenience and variety of cup sizes (espressos and mugs, lungos and espressos) to be exactly what they are seeking.
Aside from filling up the water tank and decaffeinating it occasionally the coffee maker will not need a lot of maintenance. It is able to serve espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs with ease. As mentioned earlier, the used pods are ejected in a hidden container which keeps your kitchen clean. It is also excellent at delivering full-bodied coffees with a crema-topped top.
This machine is part of Smeg’s 1950s-style range. It's user-friendly with an easy-to-use panel of buttons, and it can handle both ground coffee and ESE pods. The only downside is that it lacks an indicator that lets you know when it's time for descale. Also, the maximum water level can't be set which is an issue. You'll also need to purchase the brand's capsules which can be expensive. Nevertheless, this is a good pod coffee maker for anyone seeking a stylish and functional appliance that will provide them with a great service at a reasonable cost. This model can be used with a variety of third-party capsules and also works with the Nespresso Vertuo range.