How to Choose the Best Coffee Pod Machine

A pod machine is a great option for those who want to have a quick and messy morning coffee fix. But how do you choose the best all in one coffee machine one?

With a nod to retro design, this machine boasts the SMEG and Lavazza branding across its front. It is more expensive and requires a larger space on your counter. It's a premium pod coffee maker that feels solid.

1. Nespresso Compatible

If you're a Nespresso fan, you'll need to pick the best coffee machine under £100 coffee pod machine compatible with the brand's capsules. You might also want to consider models that work with other types of capsules as well, like organic and Fairtrade choices or specialty flavoured pods. These are often available for an equivalent price to the original ones and some come with an integrated milk frother which allows you to make an espresso or cappuccino.

Bruvi's debut into the pod machine market in 2022 was received with awe. The brightly-colored device promised three things: a better tasting cup of coffee than other pod machines, a wide selection of drinks and pods you can put in the trash without worry about the environmental impact.

It delivers on three counts. This pod coffee machine is compact and affordable yet it makes a rich and robust cup of espresso each time. It's among the quietest machines on market. You can make your cup of Joe even before your alarm goes off.

The Bruvi comes with two sizes of cups that can be adjusted to match the type of beverage you're making. It comes with three settings for temperature and texture of the milk while making a cappuccino or lattes. It also makes hot cocoa, which is great for adults and kids who are looking to relax.

Another major benefit is the programmable sleep mode, which goes to standby after an hour of non-use. It's also easy to clean and uses a minimal amount of water. Consider a machine with an open capsule holder that can be removed to make emptying the capsule easier.

There are several additional accessories that you could add to your coffee pod machine such as a milk frother (unless it's part of the model you buy). Other things you might want to consider include the possibility of a reusable filter to use with capsules that can be reused as well as a water kettle or thermometer for precise temperature control, and the travel mug.

2. Easy to Clean

A coffee pod machine is an easy method to start your morning with a hot cup coffee. In just a few minutes you'll be enjoying an iced drink that has been freshly brewed. Simply insert a pod and switch it on. They are also easy to clean, and the majority of them don't require daily maintenance - just filling up the tank with water and decaling every six months or as often.

Keurig's K-Cups offer the widest selection available. They include national brands like Folgers and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters as along with grocery store favorites Dunkin' Donuts and Dunkin' Donuts. There are also some alternatives to coffee, such as hot cocoa and tea available in K-Cup forms from a variety of brands. It's not necessary to make use of Keurig K-Cups to enjoy a great cup. You can also make it with reusable filter capsules that are made of paper or plastic and hold ground coffee, pre-loaded drippods or loose coffee grounds.

But many pod-based machines don't have the reputation of producing an intense, rich cup that can stand up to the discerning palate. In our tests, we discovered that a few pod coffee makers produced watery or overly bitter cups of Joe. Others were so difficult to operate that they occupied valuable space on your counter and were prone to be noisy.

There are a few high-end coffee makers that offer the convenience and consistency of single-serve machines but without the flimsy packaging or sour taste. Some come with a built-in milk frother for frothing and pouring your latte or cappuccino, and some sell separate frothers that which can be connected to the machine to add a deliciously foamy top to your drinks.

These modern pod machines not just make a great cup of coffee, but they also address the growing concern about environmental impact associated with single-serve pods made from plastic. Both Keurig and Nespresso have made their aluminum pods recyclable by replacing them with polypropylene and the latter now offers free capsule-recycling bags that can be dropped off at any of its retail outlets or UPS locations. A new competitor, Bruvi, uses its own pods that can only be used in its own brewer and have been designed to disintegrate quickly in landfills and without leaving microplastics behind.

3. Fast Brewing

A pod coffee maker is a godsend for those who don't wish to grind beans or boil kettles. These reliable machines allow you to brew espresso, tea or coffee in a matter of minutes with no cleaning up. These machines produce more waste than their drip-style counterparts, however they are still much easier to use than making whole beans in a French Press or Pour-Over.

A company based out of LA named Bruvi launched its BV-01 pod machine towards the end of 2022. It promised to make superior single serve coffee that tastes better, offer more drinks options than the vast number of pod-based machines and provide capsules that can be reused and removed without breaking down into tiny microplastics. Although the Bruvi brewer is more than Keurig or Nespresso but it is a great device that is like the dawning of a new age in pod coffee.

When purchasing a coffee pod machine, the size of the serving is a key factor to consider. Some models produce single-serve cups with different sizes, ranging from huge travel mugs to 2 ounce espresso shots. Some machines can brew whole pots of coffee. Some even have a milk frother to add an incredibly creamy cappuccino or latte.

The design of a coffee pod maker is another important factor to consider. The color, finish, and placement of the machine, as along with the size and location of the reservoir for water will impact how it looks on your counter. Some brands also offer different colored pods, allowing you to alter your drink to suit the season or your mood.

Pod coffee makers are generally designed to be small and take up less space than traditional single-serve or drip brewers. Although a small footprint may be desirable, it is also important that your machine can make multiple cups between refills. Most pod coffee makers should be equipped with a water tank of at least 40 ounces for the typical household.

4. Variety of Drinks

Pod machines are surprisingly versatile and, depending on the brand you choose they can make a variety of drinks. Certain brands, such as the popular Keurig systems and Sage's Nespresso collab, are able to brew up to four different drink sizes and others provide two or one option. Certain machines can also brew tea, hot cocoa and cold drinks.

Certain pod coffee machines make frothy cappuccinos as well as lattes thanks to built-in milk frothers. Some require an additional milk jug or a conjoined one for this task. The best budget coffee machine milk-frothing coffee machines are simple to operate and provide precise control. They also feature sleek designs that fits in any kitchen.

The Grind One makes a great example. It has a minimalist design that's a far cry from the curves you find on other pod coffee makers. It is smaller than many Keurig models which makes it perfect for those who have small kitchens or dorm rooms. The water tank is simple to access and can hold up to 40 ounces. The machine will automatically place used capsules in a container which is attached to the machine. In addition to maintaining the reservoir and descaling it every six months, minimal maintenance is required.

This machine is more costly than other models we have reviewed, however, it offers a superior experience. The drip tray can be adjusted so it will fit tall travel mugs, or shorter espresso cups. It can brew up to five different drinks with the help of the barcode system that scans each compatible pod to automatically adjust its settings.

This is the most attractive coffee pod machine we've tested and offers a superb-tasting beverage, particularly for an automatic. The only reason we didn't give it the top spot is because of its lack of milk-frothing capabilities. the only option is to use dried milk capsules which don't taste as good as freshly squeezed milk. If it had a built-in milk frother then we'd be inclined to consider this pod machine to be the top spot.