The Best Coffee Pod Machine

This sleek, brushed-steel model comes with Sage trademark quality and ease of operation. It heats up immediately after switching on and then brews a delicious espresso or a slightly longer lungo in just 30 seconds.

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. Fast

Pod machines can be installed and used more quickly than espresso machines. Most of them can make a cup in just 30 minutes. However, they come with an expense: the pre-portioned coffee pods used in these machines are generally more expensive than freshly roasted beans. And many are also not recyclable (though some companies are now offering free recycling bags and prepaid UPS labels to return the pods).

The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the most efficient pod machines available that is available due to its in-built barcode reader that scans the code of each compatible pod before making it. This makes it easy to ensure consistent high-quality, high-end coffee every time, with virtually no chances of a drink turning out badly wrong. The machine is one of the slimmest and lightest available. It does not require an additional milk container and its small footprint makes it easy to fit into even the tiniest kitchens.

However, the CitiZ isn't the most efficient machine for those looking to reduce their environmental impact. The CitiZ does not have an automatic descaling feature. You will need to manually descale the machine every 300 cups for hard water and 1200 cups for soft water. Once the filter cartridge runs out, you'll have to replace it with a new one. This could be expensive for some users.

The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another speedy machine with customisable buttons and the option to use ground coffee or ESE pods that are pre-dosed and tampered grounds compressed between filter paper. It is also B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to reducing its negative impact on the environment and its workforce. The only drawback is that it takes a little longer to warm up, but once that occurs, it can make one cup in just 35 minutes.

If you're after a sleek, stylish machine that can handle a range of different sizes and styles, take a look at the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek machine designed in collaboration with Sage is not just easy to use, but it also comes with an ice cream wand an stainless steel jug and milk frother.

2. Removable parts

The ease of use is a big selling point and the best models are simple to use. The majority of machines use the same basic mechanism to brew your cup by heating water in an internal reservoir, then pressured through your chosen capsules and extracted to create rich, hot java. Most brands offer different sizes of drinks for different needs. You can also save custom settings to streamline the process.

Keurig K-Cups are the biggest player on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also offer a large selection of capsules made by the most well-known roasters. Certain pods can be used just once before being thrown away and others can be used multiple times. You'll need a plan for the pods you've used to avoid them from being thrown away.

The sleek SMEG model we tested has a water tank that is removable and easy to fill, and the machine automatically dispenses new capsules once the previous one has been chilled. It can brew lungo and espresso drinks, and comes with eight different blends that provide plenty of options. This brewer is ideal for coffee lovers who want to switch to drip coffee.

In our tests in our tests, the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable one to use. Its sleek design makes it a looker on your counter, and it can be opened with a gentle touch to reveal a concealed compartment for empty pods. The machine also has the added benefit of an filtration system for water, which is ideal for areas with hard water.

This machine is easy to use and can make regular coffee (240ml), ristretto, and lungo espresso drinks. The controls are simple to use, with airplane-style toggles that can be retracted easily and a lever which retracts to reveal the opening for dropping in the pod. It requires some force to close, but the majority of our testers even those with weak hand strength and mobility, felt comfortable.

3. Size

The top coffee pod machines take the mess of making coffee out of your hands - you simply load in the pod, press the button, and then brew. You'll still have to clean your machine every now and then, but not like a bean-to-cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are smaller than their larger equivalents and can be stacked on the counter when not in use.

The ideal coffee maker for you will depend on your preferences and the goals you'd like to achieve. The majority of pod machines are easy to operate, however, some provide more options for customization. Be aware of the different coffee pods sizes, brew sizes and milk frothing options when choosing the right machine.

Many people think of pod-based machines as the likes of Nespresso and Keurig however there are some newer rivals which are worth looking into. Bruvi has a custom-designed system of pods known as B-Pods that can only be used in its machines. The pods are marked by a barcode which is read by the machine to adjust the brewing parameters automatically.

The machine will eliminate the guesswork and ensure that each drink is perfect every time. It is even able to save custom drinks to a specific button so you can create them at the push 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 exact size and temperature for each beverage. It's more expensive than other models, however it comes with the polished stainless-steel build and excellent customer service that is synonymous with Sage's My Way. This is a good option for those wanting to get a bit more out of their espresso maker that is based on pods.

Certain models are larger and can brew lungos. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is a fantastic example of this and combines the retro fifties styling of SMEG with Italian coffee brand, Lavazza. It's a bit intimidating initially due to the toggles that look like airplanes, but once you've gotten used to it, the machine is easy and enjoyable to use. A lungo can be brewed in only 30 seconds.

4. Customization

The lack of customisation is a major reason it's not the best option for you. Unless you purchase an pod coffee makers additional milk frother, the only methods to add flavor or creaminess are to make use of an in-mug hot chocolate or tea option and to add milk to your coffee manually. For most people, this won't be a problem, but it could be a nagging issue for those who prefer an automated experience in the morning.

Bosch's Intellibrew makes use of barcode scanners to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wettes and infuses the correct amount of coffee to the specific kind of pod. It's a hassle-free, hands-off machine that performs its job very well but lacks any options for customised drinks or altering the strength of the brew. Some buyers will be annoyed by this, but others will find the ease of use and variety of cup sizes (espressos, lungos and mugs) to be exactly what they are looking for.

The coffee maker is extremely low maintenance. It is all you need to do is to refill the water tank, and decaffeinate the reservoir every once in a while. It is able to serve espresso shots or tall travel mugs easily. As previously mentioned, used pods are ejected into a hidden container which keeps your kitchen clean. It also does an excellent job of providing full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.

This machine is part of Smeg's 1950s-style range. It's easy to use with a simple interface and can take ground coffee or ESE pods. The only drawback is that it doesn't come with an indicator to let you know when it's time to descale and the maximum water level can't be set which is an inconvenience. You will also have to buy the brand's capsules which can be costly. However, this is an excellent pod coffee maker for those looking for an attractive and practical appliance that can provide them with quality coffee at a reasonable price. This model is compatible with a range of third-party capsules and also works with the Nespresso Vertuo range.