How to Choose the Best Coffee Pod Machine

If you are a fan of a quick and easy coffee fix early in the morning, a pod-based machine is something you should consider. But how do you pick the most effective one?

This machine features a retro design and features the SMEG Lavazza logo on its front. It requires a dominant space on your countertop and is more expensive than other models. It's nevertheless the best coffee machine pod coffee maker with the solid feel.

1. Nespresso Compatible

If you're a Nespresso lover, you'll need to select the right coffee pod maker that is compatible with the capsules of the brand. It's possible to select one that allows you to use other capsules, including organic and Fairtrade, or specialty flavored pods. They are usually available for a similar price to the original ones and some come with a built-in milk frother to make a cappuccino or latte.

Bruvi's debut into the pod machine market in 2022 was received with excitement. The vibrantly-colored machine promised three things: a more flavorful cup of coffee than other pod machines, a broad selection of drinks, and pods you could toss in the garbage without worry about the environmental impact.

It is a success on all three counts. This compact pod coffee machine is affordable and makes a rich, robust espresso every time. It's also among the most quiet models available and you can make a cup of Joe before your alarm clock starts.

The Bruvi comes with two sizes of cups and can be adjusted to match the type of drink you're making. If you're making cappuccino or latte it comes with three different textures and temperature settings for the milk, so you can enjoy your froth. It can also brew hot cocoa, which is ideal for kids and adults who want to unwind.

A programmable sleep function is another plus. It switches to standby mode after an hour without using. It's also easy to clean and requires only a small amount of water. If you're looking to keep your energy costs low, consider opting for a machine that has an able capsule holder that can be removed to make it easier to empty.

There are several additional accessories that you could add to your coffee pod such as a milk frother (unless it's included in the model you purchase). You may also want to think about a reusable coffee filter that can be used with capsules that can be reused. A thermometer or water kettle for precise temperature control is another alternative.

2. Easy to Clean

The convenience of a coffee pod maker allows you to start your day with a quick, hot cup of joe. Simply load a pod, switch it on and in a minute or two you'll have a freshly-brewed beverage. They are simple to clean and don't need regular maintenance. They require only a water tank refill and a descaling every six months.

Keurig's K-Cups provide the largest selection available. They include national brands such as Folgers and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters as well as grocery store favorites Dunkin' Donuts and Dunkin' Donuts. Even non-coffee beverages like tea and hot chocolate are available in K Cup form from different brands. It's not necessary to use Keurig K-Cups to get a fantastic cup. You can also make it with reusable filter capsules that are made of plastic or paper and hold ground coffee, pre-loaded drippods, or loose grounds of coffee.

Many of these pod-based machines don't produce a rich strong, robust brew that can stand up to the most discriminating palate. During our tests, we discovered that a few pod coffee makers produced sloppy or bitter cups of Joe. Some were so difficult to operate that they occupied valuable space on your counter, and they were also likely to run loudly.

Fortunately, there are now a few high-end pod coffee makers that provide the ease of operation and Best Coffee Machine Under £100 consistency of a single-serve machine without the unpleasant taste and wasteful packaging. Some models come with an integrated frother that can make a froth and pour your cappuccino or latte while others have an additional frother that can connect to the machine to add an amazing frothy topping to your drink.

In addition to making the best coffee the newer pod coffee machines have also taken steps to address the increasing concerns about the environmental impact that comes with single-serve pods made of plastic. Keurig and Nespresso have made their aluminum pods recyclable by replacing them with polypropylene. The latter offers free capsule recycling bags that can be dropped off at any boutique or UPS location. A new competitor, Bruvi, uses its own pods that can only be used in its own brewer. The pods have been designed to break down in landfills quickly and leave no microplastics behind.

3. Fast Brewing

For those who do not want to deal with the effort of grinding beans or boiling a kettle, a pod coffee machine can be a real lifesaver. These reliable machines allow you to brew espresso, tea, or coffee in a matter of minutes with no cleaning up. They produce more waste than their drip-style counterparts but are still much more simple to use than brewing whole beans in a French Press or Pour-Over.

In late 2022, an LA-based startup named Bruvi introduced its BV-01 coffee pod machine. It promised to create better-tasting single serve coffee and provide more drink options than the vast number of other pod-based machines, and also provide capsules that can be reused and removed without breaking down into tiny microplastics. While the Bruvi brewer will cost more than Keurig or Nespresso, it is a fantastic device all around that is like the beginning of a new era in pod coffee.

When buying a coffee pod machine the size of the serving is an important factor to consider. Certain models can serve single-serve cups in a wide range of sizes, ranging from giant travel mugs down to 2-ounce espresso shots. Some machines can brew whole pots of coffee. Some even have a milk frother to add the creamy cappuccino, latte or Latte.

The design of a coffee pod maker is a further factor to take into consideration. The color and the finish of the machine along with the location and size of the reservoir for water and pod compartment will determine the appearance of your machine on your counter. Certain brands provide different colored pods so you can alter your drink to suit the season or mood.

Pod coffee makers are usually designed to be compact and take up less space than traditional single-serve or drip brewers. While a smaller footprint might be desirable, it is essential that your machine can brew multiple cups between refills. For the average household water tank, one that can hold at least 40 ounces should suffice for most pod coffee makers.

4. Variety of Drinks

Pod machines can be surprisingly versatile, and based on the brand, they can make a variety of drinks. Certain brands, like the popular Keurig system and Sage's Nespresso collaboration, can brew four different sizes of drinks, whereas others offer only one or two. Certain machines also can brew tea, hot cocoa and cold drinks.

Some pod coffee machines have built-in milk frothers which can make cappuccinos, lattes and other drinks with frothy froth. Some require a separate milk jug or an integrated one to accomplish this function. The best coffee machine under £100 milk-frothing coffee machines are simple to use and provide precise control. They also feature sleek designs that can be incorporated into any kitchen.

The Grind One is a great example. Its minimalist design is a significant step away from the curvature that is seen on other pod coffee makers. It's smaller than the majority of Keurigs, making it ideal for dorms and kitchens with small spaces. The reservoir can hold up to 40 ounces and is easy to access. The machine is able to automatically deposit capsules that are used into a container that is attached to the machine. Apart from maintaining the reservoir and decaling it every six months, minimal maintenance is required.

This machine is more expensive than some of the other models we've reviewed, but it delivers a premium experience. The drip tray can be adjusted to ensure that it can fit tall travel mugs or shorter espresso cups. It can brew up to five different drinks with the help of a barcode system which scans each compatible pod and then automatically alter its settings.

This is the best-looking coffee pod machine we've tested and has a great tasting brew, particularly for an automatic. The reason we didn't award it the top spot is due to its limited milk-frothing capabilities - the only option available is to use dried skimmed milk capsules which don't taste as good as fresh-squeezed milk. If it included a built-in milk froth then we'd give this machine the top spot.