The Most Underrated Companies To Keep An Eye On In The Pod Coffee Machine Industry
The Most Underrated Companies To Keep An Eye On In The Pod Coffee Machine Industry
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The Best Pod Coffee Machines
With pod coffee machines, you simply insert a sealed capsule filled with roasted or ground beans into the machine. The coffee is then poured into the machine for a set amount of time.
Some pod coffee makers come with various sizes of cups, a built-in filter, and milk frothing capabilities. Selecting the right pod coffee maker for you is based on your personal preferences and your lifestyle.
1. Keurig K-Select
If you're looking to buy a basic Keurig coffee maker without all the bells and whistles that come with higher-end models, this machine is a good choice. It's simple to use, has a stunning design, and can be easily tucked away in the corner of your kitchen when it's not being used.
One drawback to this machine is that it could be loud, but it isn't a big deal. It's also small enough to fit on a small counter. If you're looking for a Keurig that offers a wider variety of sizes, or a carafe for traditional drip brewing, you should look at other alternatives.
The Keurig K-Select single serve coffee maker combines elegant design and efficient features to help make your perfect cup every time. Choose from hundreds delicious K-Cups, or brew your coffee using a My-K-Cup universal coffee filter (sold separate). The Strong Brew feature kicks up the strength and intensity of your coffee which makes it the ideal option for those who enjoy a bold cup.
The brewer has simple controls with buttons. Simply insert the K-Cup pod, choose the desired brew size, and then press brew. In less than a minute, you'll have a fresh cup of coffee ready to drink. The large reservoir of 52 ounces allows you to brew five cups before refilling, easing your morning routine.
The Keurig is easy to clean. The water reservoir and lid can be cleaned and removed by hand. But, you must clean your Keurig before cleaning it, and follow the guidelines in the user's manual to ensure that the machine is performing optimally. This warranty covers all accessories and the brewer, with the exception of for normal wear, abuse or misuse and other external causes such as power outages.
2. Tassimo My Way
This is the ideal choice for coffee lovers who want a machine that does more than just make your typical cup. It's designed to create a wide variety of drinks including hot chocolate and tea, and has a large 1.3 millilitre water tank that can brew multiple cups at the same time. The machine can be heated in just three minutes, and comes with a built-in milk container that allows you to make latte and cappuccino. It also features a touch-sensitive screen that allows you to adjust the intensity, temperature, and quantity of your drink.
Tassimo My Way uses T Discs, which are an assortment of ingredients can be used to make your drink. There are more than 70 varieties to select from, from brands like Kenco and Costa to Costa, Milka and Cadbury's. The machine also provides a selection of T Discs for tea and hot chocolate as well.
The coffee that was produced by this machine was of good quality, but slightly less than other machines we reviewed. It also gave a smooth mouthfeel and steamed milk for a caffe lattes fast. It is important to remember that the frothy T Disc milk has sugar that, while not a major problem it might not be a favorite for everyone.
The Tassimo My Way is easy to clean, thanks to the drip tray, the removable components of the brewing unit, and the water tank being dishwasher-safe. There's a Brita filter as well as a cleaning disc that can also be used. A useful indicator light will let you know when it's time to descale, and the water reservoir helps keep limescale to a minimum. The machine is certified 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 created in collaboration with Sage, is one of the most beautiful machines available. It's made with tough and attractive materials, has an elegantly adjustable steam wand for making cappuccinos and lattes and a stainless milk jug made of steel. Put a pod in, select your cup size and the machine whirs into action making espresso lungo, double espresso gran lungo, mug and alto drinks with a thick layer of silky foam.
As with all pod machines you load the pod through an opening on the top and drop it in the right spot. The machine pierces the capsule, and then closes it so that when you press the lever, the used pod is deposited into a spent pod tray that is located beneath the drip tray.
It's not the fastest machine for brewing, taking 30 seconds for an espresso shot and about 90 seconds for a lungo - however, the results are always impressive, with great crema and a rich, smooth taste. The machine will also alert you when it is time to refill the water tank or pod bin.
The main selling point of this machine is the ability to use it with any Lavazza brand pod Seven pods are available in total including espresso ground (Qualita Rossa, Intenso, Passionale and Delizioso), coffee capsules machines two decaffeinated (Dek Cremoso) and two organic coffees (!Tierra! Bio). It's expensive, but with the subscription deal that bundles the pod coffee machine with the delivery of pods it could come at a similar cost to a regular bean-to cup machine. This machine's slimline design means it can be easily incorporated into even the smallest kitchens. Furthermore, the pods themselves are industrially compostable, which means you can place them into your local food waste bins or own garden compost.
4. Nespresso Vertuo Pod Machine
Nespresso machines are among the best pod coffee makers for those who are looking for a fast, reliable, and consistent brew. They heat up quickly and are incredibly simple to use--just insert a capsule, press the button, and you're done. They produce an intense, creamy crema that can be added to drinks for more flavor and thickness. The official pods are not inexpensive and you'll need to buy them.
The Vertuo line is based on an entirely different method of technology from OriginalLine machines that work with espresso capsules (and remain in operation). The Vertuo line reads the barcode on each capsule and automatically adjusts the brewing parameters in order to make the perfect cup. They also feature a centrifusion mechanism that spins the capsule to extract the fullest flavors and most dense crema.
The machines aren't as intuitive as our other choices. The lid only opens when the machine is ready, and it takes around 30 seconds for the capsule to get hot. It doesn't include milk frothers, as do some of the other pod machines in this list. So you'll have spend an extra PS90 to buy an additional Aeroccino to make cappuccinos and lattes.
They also require more frequent maintenance than other models - refilling the water tank, emptying the pod containers, and decaling. However, they have an application that reminds you of these duties and offers tools like store locators and capsule recycling. If you connect your machine to an IntelliPort you can control it with voice commands. This is ideal for those who make coffee at 4am in the dark or are limited in power.
5. SMEG Barista Pod Machine
The sleek and stylish pod machine is the product of a beloved Italian brand and a renowned manufacturer of kitchen appliances. It has all of the sleek, retro curves that SMEG is known for, as well as the ability to brew coffee and lungo drinks with ease. It has a programmable setting for the shot, dual-height drip trays, and pod bins that are removable.
This coffee maker allows you to make one or two cups of lungo or espresso in the morning or during breaks at work. The simple control panel makes it appear sleek and doesn't detract from the functionality. It comes with three baskets that can be swapped for different types of capsules. You can use loose-ground beans (although an additional grinder is required).
The SMEG Barista Pod Machine doesn't include a milk pitcher but it does have an inbuilt Pannarello milk frother that froths both cow and soymilk quite well. It also comes with a 51mm portafilter which is smaller than the standard commercial style filter. It's pressurised, so it won't give off the stale, lingering taste. It comes with a tamper made of plastic that can also double as spoon.
The SMEG is the most expensive machine we've reviewed. However, it's well worth it if your style is retro or you enjoy making espresso drinks quickly. It's also a great option if you're new to the world of coffee and don't want to deal with the hassles of grinding, measuring, and making your own coffee.