(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/778/2794/bosch-tas1003-standing-fully-auto-pod-coffee-machine-0-7l-black-red-coffee-maker-tas1003-standing-pod-coffee-machine-0-7-l-ground-coffee-1400-w-black-red-2794.jpg)This sleek, brushed-steel machine offers the Sage brand's distinctive quality and ease of use. It heats up immediately after switching on and brews an aroma-packed espresso or a slightly longer lungo in 30 seconds.
In contrast to bean-to-cup machines models take the messiest 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 can make coffee in 30 seconds or so. However, they come with some cost in that the pre-portioned coffee pods that are used in these machines tend to be more expensive than freshly roasted beans, and they're not always recyclable (though some companies now offer free recycling bags and pre-paid UPS labels to return them).
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/778/2780/bosch-tas4502gb-coffee-maker-coffee-makers-freestanding-fully-auto-pod-coffee-machine-bosch-tassimo-coffee-pod-cappuccino-coffee-espresso-hot-chocolate-hot-water-latte-macchiato-tea-278.jpg)The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the fastest pod machines on the market due to its built-in barcode scanner that scans the code of each compatible pod before brewing it. This ensures you get consistently top-quality coffee every time. There is virtually no chance of getting a bad drink. It is also among the tiniest and lightest on the market that doesn't require an additional milk jug or a small footprint making it easy to fit into even the smallest of kitchens.
However, the CitiZ isn't the ideal machine for those who want to reduce their environmental impact. It doesn't have an automatic descaling function and you'll need to descale it yourself once every 300 cups if reside in hard water, or 1200 cups in soft water zones. Once the filter cartridge is out, you'll have to replace it with a new one. This can be costly for certain users.
Tassimo Vivy 2 is a fast machine that can be customized with buttons. It can be used with ground coffee or ESE pods which are pre-dosed and tampered grounds compressed between filter paper. The model is B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to decreasing its negative impact on the environment and its employees. Its only slight drawback is that it takes longer to heat up, but once that occurs, it can make one cup in just 35 minutes.
Vertuo Creatista is a stylish sleek machine that is able to create a variety of drinks with different sizes and styles. This sleek machine designed in collaboration with Sage is not just simple to use, but it also comes with an ice cream wand, stainless steel jug and a milk frother.
2. Removable parts
The ease of use is a major draw and the top models are easy to operate. Most machines use the same basic mechanism to brew the perfect cup of coffee the water is heated inside the reservoir, and then it is pushed through capsules to produce rich hot java. Many brands offer a variety of sizes for drinks to meet different requirements, and you can save your own settings on a number of models to simplify the process even more.
Keurig K-Cups are the biggest players on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also have a wide selection of capsules from popular roasters. Some pods coffee machine are made to be used only once before being discarded, while others are designed to be used for a variety of purposes. Either way, you'll need to think about how you'll handle your spent pods so they do not end up in the garbage.
The sleek SMEG model we tested features an ejectable water tank that's easy to fill and the machine automatically pours a fresh capsule once the previous one has been chilled. It can be used to brew lungo and espresso drinks and comes with eight different blends for the variety. This brewer is a great choice for coffee drinkers who want to switch from drip coffee.
In our tests we found that the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most satisfying to use. Its sleek design is an attractive addition to your counter and it opens with a light touch to reveal a concealed compartment for your empty pods. It also comes with the added benefit of a water filtration system, which is ideal for hard-water areas.
The machine is fast and can make regular coffee (240ml) as well as ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. Its intuitive controls are a joy to navigate with the help of airplane-style toggles and a lever that retracts without much effort to reveal the opening which allows you to drop the pod. It does take a little force to close but our testers, including those who have limited mobility and hand strength felt comfortable.
3. Size
The best capsule coffee machine coffee pod machines take all the messy parts of coffee making out of your hands. You simply put in a pod, hit an icon and make coffee. It is still necessary to clean the machine from time time however not as often as you would with a bean-to cup or espresso maker. pod capsule coffee machine machines are smaller than their larger counterparts and can be stored on the counter when not being used.
If a coffee pod machine is the best coffee machines with pods choice for you is based on your preferences and what you're looking to gain from it. All pod machines are simple to use, but others offer more customization options. Be aware of the different coffee pods sizes, brew sizes and milk options for frothing when picking the right machine.
Many people think of pod-based devices in the likes of Nespresso and Keurig however there are a few newer rivals that are worth a look. Bruvi utilizes a unique system of pods, called B-Pods, which can only be used in its machines. These pods are marked with a barcode, which is read by the machine to adjust the brewing settings automatically.
This method takes all the guesswork out of making a cup and ensures each drink comes out perfectly every time. It can even save customised drinks to a dedicated button so you can create them at the push of a button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way, offer more granular control over your cup of coffee than others machines, allowing you to choose the exact size and temperature for each cup. It's more expensive than other models, but it comes with a polished stainless-steel construction and the excellent customer service that is synonymous with the brand. This is a good option for those wanting to get a bit more out of their pod-based espresso maker.
Some larger models can also create lungos. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, a excellent example, blends retro-fifties style from SMEG and Italian coffee maker Lavazza. It's difficult to operate due to its airplane-style toggles as well as the manual lever, but it's quick and incredibly satisfying to operate - a lungo is brewed in only 30 seconds, and the used pods are placed in an internal bin at the touch of a button.
4. Customization
The lack of customization is a major reason it may not be the best choice for you. If you don't have an auxiliary milk frother, the only option to add flavor or creaminess is to use a hot chocolate or tea option in your mug, or to manually add milk to the coffee machines capsules. For most people, this shouldn't be a problem, but it could be a nagging issue for those who prefer an automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew technology utilizes barcode scanners to scan each capsule and automatically pre-wet, infuse and give the correct amount of coffee required for that kind of pod. It's a hassle-free, hands-off machine that does the job flawlessly, but does not have any options for customised drinks or altering the strength of brew. Some customers might be disappointed by this, but others will find the convenience and variety of cup sizes (espressos and mugs, lungos and espressos) to be exactly what they are seeking.
The coffee maker is extremely low maintenance. It's all you have to do is to fill up the water tank and decaffeinate it every time. It can make short espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs easily. As previously mentioned, used pods are ejected in a hidden container that helps keep your kitchen tidy. It is also great in delivering full-bodied coffees that have a crema-topped top.
This machine is part of Smeg’s 1950s-style range. It's user-friendly with a simple interface and can take ground coffee or ESE pods. The only downside is that it doesn't come with 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 also need to buy the brand's capsules, which can be pricey. This is a good pod machine for anyone looking for a convenient and attractive appliance that can be used at a low cost. If you're looking for more variety, a broad selection of third-party capsules is offered for this model and it's compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.