The best coffee pod machine Coffee Pod Machine

This sleek, brushed-steel model offers the Sage distinctive quality and ease of operation. It heats up immediately after switching on and then brews a delicious espresso or a little longer lungo in 30 seconds.

Pod models are an excellent alternative to bean-to-cup machines. They take the messiest parts of coffee making off your hands, such as grinding and measuring grounds.

1. Fast

Pod machines can be set up and used faster than espresso machines. The majority of them can make a cup in just 30 minutes. But they do come at an expense as the pre-portioned pods of coffee used in these machines are generally more expensive than freshly roasted beans and they're not always recyclable (though certain companies now offer free recycling bags and pre-paid UPS labels to return them).

The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the most efficient pod machines that is available due to its in-built barcode reader that scans code of each compatible pod before making it. This makes it simple to make consistent high-quality, high-end coffee every time, with virtually no chances of a drink turning out horribly wrong. The machine is also one of the slimmest and lightest available that doesn't require an additional 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 reduce their environmental impact. The CitiZ isn't equipped with an automatic descaling feature. You will need to manually descale the machine every 300 cups for hard water and 1200 cups for soft water. You'll also have to put in a new filter cartridge when it runs out, which could be costly for certain users.

The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another quick machine that comes with a customisable button and the option of using ground coffee or ESE pods that are pre-dosed, tampered and compressed between filter paper. This model is B-Corp Certified. It is committed to decreasing the negative impact it has on the surroundings and its workforce. The only downside is the time it takes to heat up. Once it does, it can brew one cup in about 35 seconds.

If you're after an elegant, stylish machine that can handle a range of different drink sizes and styles then 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, stainless steel jug and a milk frother.

2. Removable parts

The simplicity of pod coffee makers is a major advantage. The best models are simple to use. Most machines rely on the same process to make your coffee the water is heated inside a reservoir, and then pushed through the capsules you choose and extracted to produce rich, hot java. The majority of brands offer a variety of drink sizes to suit different needs, and you can save custom settings for a variety of models to simplify the process even more.

Keurig's K-Cups and Nestle's Nespresso VertuoLine series are the two leading brands on the market, however each offers a wide selection of capsules from popular roasters and brands. Some pods can be used only once before they are discarded, while others can be used multiple times. In either case, you'll have to think about how you'll deal with the pods you've used up so that they do not end up in the garbage.

The SMEG we tested has a reservoir of water that is easy to fill. It also automatically dispenses an additional capsule coffee machine once the previous one cools down. It can be used to brew espresso and lungo drinks, and comes with eight different blends to provide you with a wide selection. This brewer is ideal for coffee drinkers who want to switch from drip coffee.

In our tests of the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design looks great on your counter, and it opens with just a touch to reveal the hidden compartment that holds empty pods. It also comes with the added benefit of a water filtration system, which is perfect for hard-water areas.

This machine is able to make an ordinary cup of coffee (240ml), as well as lungo and ristretto espresso-style drinks and is extremely fast. Its user-friendly controls are easy to use using the airplane-style toggles and a lever that retracts with a minimum of effort to reveal the space which allows you to drop your coffee maker. It does take a little effort to close, but our testers, including those who have weak hand and mobility were able to use it comfortably.

3. Size

The top coffee pod machines take the mess of making coffee out of your hands. You simply need to load a pod, hit an icon and make coffee. You'll still have to clean the machine from time to time, but not as frequently as you would with a bean-to-cup cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are smaller than their larger equivalents, and can be stored on the counter when not in use.

The best coffee machine for you will be determined by your preferences and what you wish to achieve. All pod machines are simple to use, but others offer more customization options. Be aware of the different coffee pods as well as brew sizes, milk and options for frothing when picking the best pod coffee machine machine.

Most people will think of pod-based machines as the likes of Nespresso and Keurig However, there are a few more recent competitors on the scene which are worth looking into. One is Bruvi, which uses an exclusive pod system called B-Pods that can only be used in conjunction with its machines. These pods are marked by a barcode which is read by the machine to adjust the brewing parameters automatically.

This method eliminates all the guesswork the process of making a cup, and ensures each drink is made perfectly every time. It can save your custom drinks to a button to allow you to create them using only one button.

Other machines, like Sage's My Way offer a more granular level of control over your coffee and allows you to select a specific temperature and size for each drink. It's more expensive than other models, however it comes with a polished stainless-steel construction and the excellent customer support synonymous with the brand. This is a great option for those wanting to get an extra bit of quality from their pod-based espresso maker.

While the majority of people will use a pod-based machine to make single-serve beverages There are some larger models that are able to brew longer shots, known as lungos, also. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, which is a excellent example, blends retro fifties styling from SMEG and Italian coffee brand Lavazza. It can be a little difficult to use due to its airplane-style toggles and manual lever, but it's incredibly easy and incredibly satisfying to operate - a lungo is brewed in only 30 seconds, and the pods that are used are placed in an internal bin with the click of the button.

4. Customization

One of the main reasons pod coffee makers might not be the right choice for you is its lack of customization. If you don't have an additional milk frother, then the only option to add flavor or creaminess is to make use of hot tea or chocolate option in your mug, or to manually add milk into your the coffee. This won't be an issue for most people, but could be an issue for those who like the convenience of a fully automated experience in the morning.

Bosch's Intellibrew utilizes barcode scanners to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wets and infuses, then dispensing the right amount of coffee to the specific kind of pod. It's a user-friendly hands-off device that does a great job but lacks options for customising drinks or altering the strength of brew. This may be a problem for some buyers but for others, the simple automation and variety of cup lengths (espresso lungo, espresso and mug) will provide precisely what they require.

This coffee maker is low maintenance. It is all you need to do is to fill up the water tank, and decaffeinate the reservoir every once in a while. It dispenses short espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs with ease and, as previously mentioned the pods that are used are ejected into a hidden receptacle that keeps your kitchen clean. It is also excellent at delivering full-bodied coffees with tops that are topped with crema.

This is a beautiful-looking machine and part of Smeg's fifties style range. It's easy to use via a simple panel of buttons, and it can handle ground coffee and ESE pods. The only issue is that it lacks 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 issue. You'll also have to purchase the brand's own 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 a great service at an affordable cost. For those who want a little more variety, a large selection of third-party capsules are available for this model. It's compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.