5 Laws Everyone Working In Pod Coffee Machine Should Know

The Best Pod Coffee Machines

Pod coffee machines allow you to add a capsule with ground or roasted coffee beans into the machine. The coffee is then poured into the machine for a set amount of time.

Certain pod coffee machines come with different sizes of cups and frothing milk capabilities. Selecting the right pod coffee maker is based on your personal preferences and your lifestyle.

1. Keurig K-Select

If you're looking for a basic Keurig coffee maker without all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, this one is a great choice. It's simple to use and has a stunning look. When not in use, it can be easily tucked into a corner in the kitchen.

The machine can be loud however it's not a major problem. It is also fairly compact and can be tucked away in small counters. But, if you're looking for a Keurig with a larger range of sizes or a carafe that is suitable for traditional drip brewing, consider other options.

The Keurig K-Select single serve coffee maker comes with a sleek design with more efficient features to help brew your perfect cup every time. Select from a wide selection of K-Cups or brew coffee using a universal My-K-Cup filter (sold separate). The Strong Brew feature kicks up the strength and intensity of your coffee which makes it the ideal choice for those who love a strong cup.

The brewer is simple to operate using buttons. Simply insert the K-Cup and select your preferred brew size and press to brew. In less than one minute, you can enjoy a cup of fresh coffee. The large water reservoir of 52 ounces lets you to brew five cups prior to refilling, easing your morning routine.

The machine is simple to clean, thanks to the ability to remove the reservoir of water and lid which can be easily washed. However, it is recommended to remove the scale from your Keurig before cleaning, and follow the directions in the user's manual to ensure that your machine is operating at its peak. This warranty covers all original accessories and the brewer, with the exception of for normal wear or abuse and other external causes like power outages.

2. Tassimo My Way

This is the best option for coffee lovers looking for an appliance that can do more than just making your regular cup. It can make a variety drinks such as tea and hot cocoa. The huge 1.3-litre water tank can allow multiple cups to be brewed at once. The machine is warm in only three seconds and can make a latte or cappuccino using the built-in milk jug. It also features a touch-sensitive display which lets you adjust the temperature, intensity, and quantity of your preferred beverage.

Tassimo My Way uses T Discs that are a set of ingredients can be used to create your drink. There are over 70 different varieties, including Kenco, Costa, Milka, and Cadbury's. The machine also offers the option of T Discs for tea and hot chocolate as well.

We discovered the coffee it produced to be of high quality, albeit slightly less than that of some of the other pod machines in this round-up. It also steamed the milk for the caffe latte in a short time and produced a rich taste without being too thick. However, it is to be not forgotten that the frothy milk made from T Discs has sugar, which isn't a huge issue however, may not be to everyone's liking.

The Tassimo My Way is easy to clean, thanks to the drip tray, removable parts of the brewing unit as well as the water tank being dishwasher-safe. There's a Brita filter as well as a cleaning disc that can be used as well. A useful indicator light will let you know when to descale, and the water tank keeps limescale to an absolute minimum. The machine is classified as Energy Star, which helps reduce the amount of electricity it uses by up to 15%..

3. Lavazza Lungo Pod Machine

The Nespresso-compatible pod espresso machine from Lavazza, made in collaboration with Sage is among the most beautiful machines on the market. The machine is constructed of durable and attractive materials. It comes with a stylish steam wand that can be adjusted to make cappuccinos and lattes, as well as a stainless-steel milk jug. Put a pod in and choose the cup size and the machine goes into action, brewing espresso, lungo, double espresso, gran lungo, mug and alto drinks with a thick layer of silky frosting.

As with most pod machines you load the pod using an opening on top of the machine and then drop it in the appropriate spot. The machine punctures the capsule then seals it. When you pull the lever, the used pod will fall into a dedicated spent pod tray beneath the drip tray.

It's not the fastest machine for brewing in 30 seconds for an espresso shot and around 90 seconds for a lungo but the results are consistently impressive, with great crema and a rich, smooth taste. The machine will also notify you when the water tank or pod bin is in need of refilling.

A big selling point for this machine is the ability to use it with any Lavazza brand pod - there are seven in all, including espresso ground (Qualita Rossa, Intenso, Passionale and Delizioso) Two decaffeinated (Dek Cremoso) and two organic coffees (!Tierra! Bio). It's not cheap, but if you get the subscription deal that bundles this pod coffee maker with the delivery of pods it could come at a similar cost to a regular bean-to cup machine. Its slimline design allows it to be tucked away in the smallest kitchens. Additionally, the pods themselves are compostable, which means you can place them in your council food waste bins or own garden compost.

4. Nespresso Vertuo Pod Machine

Nespresso machines make some of the best pods coffee makers for those who are looking for a reliable, speedy and consistent brew. They heat up fast and are simple to use. Just insert a capsule and push a button and you're done. They also produce a rich crema that can be added to your drinks for added flavour and thickness. They're not cheap, though, and you have to buy their official pods.

The Vertuo line uses different technology than OriginalLine machines that use espresso capsules (and are still in existence). The Vertuo line scans the barcode on each capsule and adjusts the brewing parameters to create a perfect cup. And they include a centrifusion system that spins the capsule in order to extract the best flavors and the most dense crema.

That said, the machines aren't as user-friendly as our other choices. For instance, the lid only opens when the machine is in its final stages, and it takes about 30 seconds to heat up enough to be able to fit into a capsule. They don't include milk frothers as do other pod coffee makers on this list, so you'll have to shell out an additional PS90 or so to purchase a separate Aeroccino for those who want to make lattes and cappuccinos.

They also require more frequent maintenance than other models--refilling the water tank, emptying used pod containers, and best coffee machines with pods descaling. However, they do come with an app that reminds you of these duties and provides tools such as store locators and capsule recycling. And if you connect your machine to an IntelliPort it is possible to operate it using voice commands which is a nice feature if you're making coffee in the dark at 4am, or have limited hand strength.

5. SMEG Barista Pod Machine

This sleek pod coffee machine is the lovechild of a beloved Italian brand and a well-known kitchen appliance company. It features the retro, sleek curves that SMEG are renowned for, and can brew both espresso and lungo drinks. It comes with a programmable setting for the shot, dual-height dripping trays, and pod bins that are removable.

This coffee maker makes it easy to make one-shot or double-shot espresso in the morning, or to make a lungo in the break at work. The simple control panel looks sleek and doesn't distract you from the functionality. It has three interchangeable baskets for different types of capsules. You can even use loose ground beans (although you'll need to own a separate grinder).

The SMEG Barista Pod Machine doesn't have a milk pitcher, however, it has an inbuilt Pannarello milk frother that froths soymilk and cow milk quite beautifully. It also comes with the portafilter 51mm that is smaller than a typical commercial-style filter. It's pressurized, so it won't give off the stale, leftover taste. It comes with a tamper made of plastic that can also double as a spoon.

The SMEG is the most expensive machine we've reviewed. However, it's worth it if your style is retro or you love making espresso drinks fast. This is a great choice when you're new to the art of making coffee and don't need to go through the difficulty of measuring, grinding and tamping the beans yourself.