The best capsule coffee machine 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. After turning on, it heats up and makes a scrumptious espresso or a slightly longer lungo in just 30 minutes.

As opposed to 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. Rapid

Pod machines can be set up and used faster than espresso machines. The majority of them can make a cup in 30 seconds. But they do come at an expense: the pre-portioned coffee pods used in these machines tend to be more expensive than freshly roasted beans and they're not always recyclable (though certain companies now offer recycling bags for free and UPS labels for returning the pods).

The Nespresso CitiZ has one of the fastest pod machines on the market due to the barcode scanner that scans every compatible pod's code prior to making coffee. This ensures consistently top-quality coffee every time. There is hardly any possibility of getting a poor drink. This machine is among the tiniest and lightest on the market. It doesn't require an additional milk container and its compact size allows it to be easily incorporated into even the tiniest kitchens.

However, the CitiZ isn't the most efficient machine for those wanting to cut down on their environmental impact. It doesn't have an automated descaling function and you'll need to clean it yourself every 300 cups if live in hard water or 1200 cups in soft water zones. You'll also need to swap in a new filter cartridge when it runs out and can be expensive for some users.

Tassimo Vivy 2 is a speedy machine that has customisable buttons. It can be used with ground coffee or ESE pods, which are pre-dosed, tampered ground that are compressed between filter paper. This model is B-Corp Certified. It is committed to reducing the negative impact it has on the surroundings and its workforce. Its only minor drawback is the time it takes to warm up. Once it does, it can brew one cup in around 35 seconds.

If you're looking for a sleek, stylish machine that can handle a variety of different sizes and styles, look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This gorgeous, glossy machine, developed in collaboration with Sage, 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 using pod coffee makers is a major selling point. The top models are easy to operate. Most machines use the same basic method to make the perfect cup of coffee that is, heated water is placed in a reservoir, then it is pushed through capsules to produce rich, hot coffee. Most brands offer a range of sizes of drinks to meet different requirements, and you can save custom settings on a number of models to speed up the process further.

Keurig's K-Cups and Nestle's Nespresso VertuoLine series are the two biggest brands on the market, but each offers a wide selection of capsules from popular roasters and brands. Some pods are designed to be used only once before being discarded, while others are meant for multiple uses. You'll need a plan for the pods you've used to avoid them ending up in landfill.

The SMEG we tested comes with a removable water reservoir that is easy to fill. It also automatically releases a new capsule after the previous one cools down. It can be used to brew coffee and lungo drinks and comes with eight different blends that give you plenty of variety. This brewer is perfect for coffee lovers who want to switch to drip coffee.

In our tests of the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most satisfying to use. Its sleek design looks stunning on your counter and can be opened with a single touch to reveal the compartment that stores empty pods. The machine also has the added benefit of a water filtration system, which is ideal 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 extremely fast. The controls are simple to operate, with airplane-style toggles that can be easily retracted and a lever that retracts to reveal the opening to drop into your coffee maker. It does take a little force to close, but our testers, even those with weak hand and mobility felt comfortable.

3. Size

The best coffee pod machines take all the messy parts of coffee making out of your hands. You simply load in the pod, press an icon and brew. You'll still need to clean your machine occasionally, but not as often as a bean-to cup or espresso maker. Pod machines are also smaller than their bigger counterparts and can be tucked away on the counter and be stored away from view when not in use.

The decision of whether a coffee machine is the right choice for you is based on your preferences and what you're hoping to gain from it. The majority of pod machines are easy to use, however some offer more customization options. The variety of pods, brew size options, and milk frothing capabilities are all important to determine the best coffee pod machine [Full Write-up].

The most popular pod-based machines are Nespresso, Keurig and similar brands. However there are newer competitors worth taking a look at. Bruvi utilizes a unique system of pods known as B-Pods, which can only be used in its machines. These pods are marked with a barcode that is read by the machine to adjust the brewing settings automatically.

The machine will eliminate the guesswork out of it and ensure that every drink is perfect every time. It can even save customized drinks to a dedicated button so you can make them with the press of a single button.

Other machines, like Sage's My Way, offer greater control over your cup of coffee than the majority, letting you choose the right size and temperature for each cup. It's a bit more expensive than some models, but it has the polished stainless steel design and excellent customer service synonymous with the brand and is a good option for those looking to get something more from their pod-based coffee maker.

While the majority of people are using pod-based machines to make single-serve beverages There are some larger models that are able to make longer shots, referred to as lungos. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, which is a great example, combines retro-fifties style from SMEG and Italian coffee brand Lavazza. It's a bit difficult to operate due to its toggles that resemble airplanes and a manual lever, but it's quick and extremely enjoyable to use and brews a lungo in less than 30 seconds and the pods that are used are deposited into an internal bin at the touch of the button.

4. Customization

One reason a pod coffee maker may not be the best choice for you is its limited customizability. If you don't have an auxiliary milk frother, the only option to add more flavor or creaminess is to make use of hot tea or chocolate option in your mug or to manually add milk to the coffee. This won't be an issue for most people, but could be an issue for those who like an entirely automated experience in the morning.

Bosch's Intellibrew technology utilizes a barcode reader to scan each capsule coffee maker, and automatically pre-wet, infuse and give the correct amount of coffee required for that type of pod. It's a simple, hands-off machine that does the job flawlessly, but does not have any options for making drinks that are customized or for varying the strength of brew. Some customers will be irritated by this, but others will appreciate the ease of use and variety of cup sizes (espressos and mugs, lungos and espressos) to be exactly what they are searching for.

The coffee maker is extremely low maintenance. It's all you have to do is to refill the water tank, and decaffeinate the reservoir every time. It can dispense short espresso shots and tall travel mugs effortlessly and, as we mentioned, used pods are ejected into a hidden receptacle which keeps your kitchen spotless. It is also excellent at delivering full-bodied espressos with a crema-topped top.

It's a gorgeous machine that is part of Smeg's fifties-style range. It's simple to use with simple buttons, and it can handle ground coffee and ESE pods. The only downside is that it doesn't come with an indicator to let you know when it's time for descale. Also, the maximum water level cannot be set which is an inconvenience. You'll also have to purchase the capsules made by the company, which can be pricey. But, it's an excellent pod coffee maker for those seeking a stylish and practical appliance that can provide them with a great service at a reasonable price. If you're looking for a little more variety, a broad selection of third-party capsules are available for this model and it's also compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.