How To Survive Your Boss On Best Coffee Pod Machine
How To Survive Your Boss On Best Coffee Pod Machine
Blog Article
The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The most sleek pod machine we've ever seen, this brushed-steel model offers the signature Sage quality and ease of use. It warms up after switching on, and brews an aroma-packed espresso or a slightly longer lungo in just 30 minutes.
The pod models are an excellent 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 can be set up and operated faster than espresso machines. They can typically make a cup in just 30 minutes. However, they come with some cost in that the pre-portioned coffee pods used in these models are generally more expensive than freshly roasted beans. And many are also not recyclable (though certain companies now offer free recycling bags and pre-paid UPS labels for returning the pods).
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the fastest pod machines on the market, thanks to its in-built barcode reader that scans the code of each compatible pod prior to making it. This allows you to ensure consistent high-quality, high-end coffee every time, with next-to-no chances of a drink turning out badly wrong. The machine is also among the slimmest and lightest available that doesn't require an additional milk jug, and the smallest footprint, making it easy to fit in even the tiniest of kitchens.
The CitiZ isn't the best machine to reduce your 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 every 1200 cups for soft water. Once the filter cartridge runs out, you'll need replace it with a fresh one. This could be expensive for certain users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another speedy machine with customisable buttons and the option to use either ground coffee or ESE pods, which are pre-dosed and tampered with grounds squeezed between filter paper. The model is B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to decreasing its negative impact on the environment as well as its workforce. Its only minor drawback is the time it takes to warm up. Once it's done it, it can make one cup in about 35 seconds.
If you're looking for an elegant, sleek machine capable of handling a range of different sizes and styles, take a look at the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek beauty, created in collaboration with Sage and Sage, is not just quick and simple to operate but also comes with a milk frothing wand and a stainless steel jug.
2. Removable parts
The user-friendliness is a major selling point and the best models are a breeze to use. Most machines utilize the same method to make the perfect cup of coffee: water is heated inside reservoirs, then moved through capsules to make rich, hot java. The majority of brands offer various sizes of drinks to meet different requirements. You can also save custom settings to make the process more efficient.
Keurig K-Cups are among the top brands available on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also offer a large selection of capsules made by the most famous roasters. Some pods can be used once before being thrown away, while others can be used several times. Either way, you'll need to plan ahead for the way you'll dispose of the pods that are no longer being used so they don't end up in landfill.
The SMEG we tested comes with a removable reservoir of water that is easy to fill. It also automatically releases an additional capsule once the previous one cools down. It can be used to brew espresso and lungo drinks and has eight different blends to give you the variety. This brewer is ideal for coffee lovers who want to switch to drip coffee to drip.
In our tests we found that the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most satisfying to use. Its sleek design is a looker on your countertop, and it opens with a light touch to reveal a concealed compartment for your empty pods. The machine also has the added benefit of a water filtration system, which is great for areas with hard water.
This machine is quick and can make standard coffee (240ml) as well as ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. Its easy-to-use controls are a joy to use, thanks to airplane-style toggles and a lever that retracts with little effort to reveal the space which allows you to drop the pod. It requires a little effort to close, but our test subjects, even those with limited mobility and hand strength, found it comfortable.
3. Size
The top coffee pod machines remove all the mess from coffee making. All you have to do is put a pod in the machine, push a button and let it brew. It is still necessary to clean the machine from time to time however not as often as you would with a bean-to cup or espresso maker. Pod machines are also smaller than their counterparts that are larger and can be tucked away on the counter and be stored away from sight when not being used.
The right coffee pod machine for you will be determined by your preferences and the goals you'd like to achieve. All pod machines are simple to operate, however, some offer more customization options. Different pod types, brew sizes options and milk frothing capabilities are all important to determine the best coffee pod machine.
Most people will think of pod-based devices in the likes of Nespresso and Keurig, but there are a few newer competitors on the scene that are worth a look. Bruvi uses a bespoke system of pods known as B-Pods that can only be used in its machines. The pods are marked with a barcode that is scanned by the machine to adjust the brewing parameters automatically.
The machine will eliminate the guesswork out of it and ensure that each drink is perfect every time. It can even save customised drinks to a separate button so you can create them at the push of a single button.
Other machines, such as Sage's My Way offer a more precise level of control over your coffee that allows you to select the right temperature and size for each cup. It's a bit more expensive than many other models, but it has the polished stainless steel build and excellent customer service which is synonymous with the brand. It is a great option for those looking to get a bit more from their pod-based coffee maker.
Certain models are larger and can create lungos. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is a fantastic example of this, and it is a combination of the retro style of SMEG with Italian coffee brand, Lavazza. It's intimidating to use thanks to its airplane-style toggles and manual lever, but it's easy and incredibly satisfying to operate the lungo is made in just 30 seconds and the used pods are put into an internal bin at the push of the button.
4. Customization
The lack of customization is a major reason it might not be the best choice for you. If you don't have an additional milk frother, the only option to add flavor or creaminess is to use hot tea or chocolate option in your mug or to manually add milk to the coffee. This shouldn't be a problem for many people, but could be an issue for those who prefer the convenience of a fully automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's pod coffee makers Intellibrew technology uses a barcode reader to scan each capsule and automatically pre-wet, infuse and dispense the correct volume of coffee that is appropriate for the type of pod. It's a hands-free, easy-to-use machine that does the job flawlessly, but does not have any options for customised drinks or for varying the strength of the brew. Some buyers will be annoyed by this, but many will appreciate the ease of use and the variety of cup sizes (espressos and mugs, lungos and espressos) to be exactly what they're seeking.
Apart from filling the water tank and decaffeinating the reservoir on occasion, this coffee maker will not need a lot of maintenance. It is able to serve espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs effortlessly and, as we mentioned the pods that are used are ejected into a concealed container that keeps your kitchen clean. It also does a great job of providing full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.
This machine is part of Smeg's 1950s style range. It's user-friendly with simple buttons and can accommodate ground coffee as well as ESE pods. The only issue 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 a minor inconvenience. You also need to buy the capsules made by the company, which can be pricey. This is a great pod machine for anyone who wants a convenient and attractive appliance that can be used at a low cost. For those who want more variety, a large selection of third-party capsules is offered for this model, and it's also compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.