10 Startups That Will Change The Best Coffee Pod Machine Industry For The Better
The Best Coffee Pod MachineThe most elegant pod machine we've seen, this brushed-steel model offers the signature Sage quality and user-friendly. It preheats after switch-on, and then brews a delicious espresso or a little longer lungo in just 30 seconds.
Pod models are a great alternative to bean-to cup machines. They take the clumsiest parts of coffee making off your hands, including grinding and measuring grounds.
1. Rapid
Pod machines are generally quicker to set up and use than espresso machines, with many capable of making a cup of coffee in 30 seconds or so. The pre-portioned pods that are used in these machines are typically more costly than freshly roasted coffee beans, and many are not recyclable.
The Nespresso CitiZ has one of the most efficient pod machines available, thanks to the barcode scanner which scans each compatible pod's code prior to brewing. This allows you to ensure consistent quality, high-end coffee each time, and there is virtually no chances of a drink turning out horribly wrong. It's also among the tiniest and lightest on the market that doesn't require a separate milk jug and a small footprint making it easy to fit into even the tiniest kitchen.
However, the CitiZ isn't the ideal machine for those who want to cut down on their environmental impact. The CitiZ doesn't have an automatic descaling feature. You'll need to manually descale the machine every 300 cups for hard water and 1200 cups for soft water. Once the filter cartridge is out, you'll have to replace it with a new one. This can be costly for some users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another quick machine that comes with a customisable button and the option of using either ground coffee or ESE pods, which are pre-dosed, tampered and compressed between filter paper. This model is also B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to lessening its negative impact on the environment and its workforce. The only drawback is that it takes longer to warm up, but once that occurs, it can make one cup in just 35 seconds.
If you're looking for a sleek, stylish machine that can handle a range of different drink sizes and styles then you should look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek machine, designed in collaboration with Sage is not only easy to use but also comes with an ice cream wand stainless steel jug and a milk frother.
2. Removable parts
A pod coffee maker's ease of use is a major selling point, and the best models are a breeze to use. The majority of machines use the same basic method to make your cup by heating water in an internal reservoir, then pressured through the capsules you choose and extracted to produce rich hot java. The majority of brands offer a variety of drink sizes to suit various needs. You can save your own settings on many models to speed up the process further.
Keurig K-Cups are among the top player on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also come with a variety of capsules from famous roasters. Some pods are designed to be used only once before being be thrown away, while others are meant for multiple uses. You'll need a plan for your old pods to prevent them from ending up in the garbage.
The SMEG we tested comes with a removable water reservoir that is easy to fill. It also automatically dispenses another capsule after the previous one cools down. It can brew coffee and lungo drinks and comes with eight different blends to provide you with a wide selection. This brewer is ideal for those who love coffee and want to move away from drip coffee.
In our tests, the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design looks stunning on your counter, and it can be opened in a matter of seconds to reveal the hidden compartment that houses empty pods. The machine has a water filter system which is perfect for areas that have hard water.
The machine is fast and can brew standard coffee (240ml) and ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. The controls are simple to operate, using switches that resemble airplanes, which can be retracted easily and a lever that retracts to reveal the opening to drop into your pod. It takes a bit of capsule coffee machine pressure to close, however most of our testers who have limitations in hand strength and mobility, were able to use it comfortably.
3. Size
The top coffee pod makers remove all the messes of making coffee out of your hands. You simply put in the pod, press an icon and make coffee. You'll still have to clean the machine from time time, but not as frequently as you would with a bean-to cup or espresso maker. Pod machines are smaller than their bigger counterparts, and can be stored on the counter when not in use.
The decision of whether a coffee machine is the best choice for you is based on your preferences and what you're looking to get from it. The majority of pod machines are easy to use, but others offer more customization options. Take into consideration the variety of coffee pods sizes, brew sizes and milk frothing options when choosing the best machine.
Most people will associate pod-based machines with the likes of Nespresso and Keurig, but there are a few newer competitors that could be worth considering. Bruvi uses a bespoke system of pods known as B-Pods, which can only be used in its machines. These pods are marked by a barcode which is scanned by the machine to adjust the brewing parameters automatically.
The machine will eliminate all the guesswork and make sure that each drink is perfect every time. It is able to save your customized drinks in a single button, so that you can create them with one button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way offer a more granular level of control over your coffee and allows you to select the right size and temperature for each beverage. It's more expensive than other models, however it comes with the polished stainless-steel construction and the excellent customer service that is synonymous with Sage's My Way. This is a good option for those wanting to get an extra bit of quality from their espresso maker that is based on pods.
Certain models are larger and can brew lungos. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is a great example of this. It is a combination of the retro style of SMEG with the retro-fifties design of SMEG Italian coffee maker, Lavazza. It's not easy initially due to the airplane-style toggles, but once you get used to it, it is quick and easy to use. A lungo can be brewed in only 30 minutes.
4. Customization
A pod coffee maker's limited customisation is a major reason it may not be the best choice for you. If you don't buy an additional milk frother, the only options to add extra flavor or creaminess are to make use of an in-mug hot chocolate or tea option, and then add milk manually to your coffee. For most people, this won't be a problem but it could be a sticking point for those who prefer an automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew utilizes barcode scanners to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wettes and infuses, then dispensing the right amount of coffee for the specific type of pod. It's a hassle-free, hands-off machine that does the job well, but it doesn't have any options for customised drinks or for varying the strength of brew. Some customers might be disappointed by this, however others will find the ease of use and the variety of cup sizes (espressos and mugs, lungos and espressos) to be exactly what they're seeking.
In addition to filling up the tank with water and decaffeinating the reservoir on occasion the coffee maker will not require much maintenance. It can dispense short espresso shots and tall travel mugs easily and, as previously mentioned the used pods are ejected into a concealed receptacle that keeps your kitchen clean. It is also excellent at delivering full-bodied espressos with crema-topped tops.
This machine is part of Smeg's 1950s-style collection. It is easy to use with a simple panel and can accommodate ground coffee or ESE pods. The only issue is that it lacks an indicator to let you know when it's time for descale. Also, the maximum water level cannot be set which is an issue. You'll also need to buy the capsules of the brand, which can be costly. Nevertheless, this is a good pod coffee maker for those looking for an attractive and practical appliance that can provide them with quality coffee at a reasonable cost. For those who want more variety, a wide range of third-party capsules are available for this model. It's also compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.