Why You Should Forget About Enhancing Your Pod Coffee Machine
Why You Should Forget About Enhancing Your Pod Coffee Machine
Blog Article
The Best Pod Coffee Machines
Pod coffee makers allow you to add a capsule with ground or roasted coffee beans into the machine. The coffee then flows through for a specified amount of time to make your beverage.
Some pod coffee makers have multiple cup sizes as well as a built-in filter and milk that froths. The ideal pod maker for you will depend on your lifestyle and your personal preferences.
1. Keurig K-Select
This machine is a great choice if you are seeking a Keurig coffeemaker that isn't adorned with all the bells, whistles and features of more expensive models. It is easy to use and has a stunning look. When not in use it can be hidden away in the kitchen.
One downside to this machine is that it could be loud, but it isn't an issue. It is small enough to fit on a small counter. If you'd prefer a Keurig with a larger range of sizes or a carafe that can drip-brew your coffee, you might be interested in other alternatives.
The Keurig K-Select single serve coffee maker is a blend of sleek design and more intuitive features to help you make the perfect cup every time. Pick from a variety of delicious K-Cups and brew coffee with a My-K-Cup universal coffee filter (sold separately). The Strong Brew feature kicks up the strength and intensity of your coffee and makes it the perfect option for those who love a strong cup.
This brewer is simple to use, using simple buttons. Insert a K-Cup, select your desired size of brew, and press the brew button. In less than a minute you'll have a fresh-tasting cup of coffee ready to drink. The large 52-ounce water reservoir allows you to brew up to five cups in between refills, making it easier to manage your morning routine.
The Keurig is simple to clean, and comes with the ability to remove the reservoir of water and lid which can be easily washed. However, you should always clean your Keurig before cleaning, and follow the directions in the user guide to ensure that your machine is performing optimally. This warranty covers all original accessories and the brewer, with the exception of for normal wear or abuse and other external causes like power outages.
2. Tassimo My Way
This is the ideal choice for coffee lovers who want an appliance that can do more than just make your daily cup. It can make a variety of drinks, including tea and hot cocoa. The large 1.3-litre water tank allows for multiple cups to be brewed at once. The machine can be heated up in just three seconds, and can create a latte or cappuccino using the built-in milk jug. It also features a touch-sensitive display which lets you adjust the temperature, intensity, and quantity of your desired beverage.
Tassimo My Way uses T Discs, which are a set of ingredients that you can use to make your drink. There are more than 70 different varieties to choose from, including brands like Kenco and Costa to Costa, Milka and Cadbury's. The machine comes with a selection of T Discs, including those for hot tea and chocolate.
The coffee produced by this machine was of excellent quality, although slightly lower than some of the other machines we reviewed. It also steamed the milk to make an espresso fairly quickly and produced a creamy taste without being too thick. It is important to remember that the frothy T Disc milk has sugar in it, which, while not a major issue however, might not be to everyone's liking.
The Tassimo My Way is easy to clean, with the drip tray, the removable components of the brewing unit and the water tank being dishwasher-safe. A Brita filter is included, as well as a cleaning disk. A handy indicator light will let you know when it's time to clean and a water reservoir keeps the limescale at a minimum. The machine is classified as Energy Star, which helps reduce the power consumption of up to 15%.
3. Lavazza Lungo Pod Machine
This Nespresso compatible pod coffee machine was designed in collaboration with Sage by Lavazza is one of the most beautiful machines available. It's constructed with durable and attractive materials, it comes with an adjustable steam wand for making lattes and cappuccinos, and a stainless milk jug in steel. Pop in a pod and select the size of your cup and the machine will whir into action making espresso lungo, double espresso gran lungo, mug and alto drinks with a thick layer of silky froth.
Like most pod machines, you load a pod through an opening at the top of the machine, and then drop it in place. The machine then pierces the capsule, and then closes it in such a way that when you press the lever, the used pod falls into a dedicated empty pod tray underneath the drip tray.
The machine is not the fastest way to make espresso. It takes about 30 seconds for one shot and 90 seconds for the lungo. But the results are always amazing with a rich, smooth taste and a delicious crema. The machine will also inform you when it's time to refill the water tank or pod bin.
A big selling point for this machine is that you can use it with any Lavazza-branded pod There are seven in all, including ground roasted espresso (Qualita Rossa, Intenso, Passionale and Delizioso), two decaffeinated (Dek Cremoso) and two organic coffees (!Tierra! Bio). The pod coffee maker isn't expensive, but if you pair it with pod delivery services, the price can be similar to the cost of an ordinary bean-to-cup machine. The slim design of this machine allows it to fit into the smallest kitchens. The pods are also recyclable, so you can place them in your local food bins or garden compost.
4. Nespresso Vertuo Pod Machine
Nespresso machines are among the best pods coffee makers for those looking for a reliable, fast and steady brew. They are quick to heat up and are super easy to use. Simply put a capsule in, push a button and you're done. They produce an extremely creamy, rich crema that can be added to drinks for more flavor and thickness. They're not cheap however, and you have to buy their official pods.
The Vertuo line uses an entirely different method of technology from OriginalLine machines that work with espresso capsules (and are still in existence). The Vertuo line scans the barcode of each capsule, and then automatically adjusts the brewing parameters in order to make the perfect cup. They also have a centrifusion device which spins the capsules to extract the most flavor and the thickest crema.
The machines aren't as intuitive as the other options. The lid only opens when the machine is ready and it takes about 30 seconds for the capsule to heat up. And they don't come with an milk frother, as do other pod coffee makers on this list, meaning you'll need to spend an additional PS90 or so to buy an additional Aeroccino for those who want to make lattes and cappuccinos.
These machines also require more maintenance than other models - refilling the water tank and emptying used pod containers and descaling - however, they come with an app that reminds you to complete these tasks, and provides tools such as store locators and capsule recyclers. And if you connect your machine to an IntelliPort, you can even use voice commands to control it which is a nice feature if you're making coffee in the dark at 4am, or have limited hand strength.
5. SMEG Barista Pod Machine
The sleek and stylish pod machine is the result of a lovechild between an adored Italian brand and a renowned manufacturer of kitchen appliances. It has the retro, sleek curves that SMEG are known for, and can make both lungo and espresso drinks. It comes with a programable setting for the shot, two-height drip tray, and a removable pod bin.
This coffee maker allows you to make a quick cup or two of lungo or espresso in the morning or during your coffee machine with capsules break at work. Its easy-to-use control panel makes it appear sleek and doesn't detract from the functionality. If you're looking to spice your morning joe more, it comes with three filter baskets that can accommodate different kinds of capsules. You can use loose-ground beans (although a separate grinder is required).
The SMEG Barista Pod Machine does not include a milk pitcher. It does however have a Pannarello built-in milk frother that is able to froth soymilk and cow milk very well. It also has the portafilter 51mm which is smaller than a typical commercial-style filter. It's pressurized, so it won't give off the stale, leftover taste. It comes with a plastic tamper that also doubles as a spoon.
The SMEG is among the most expensive pod machines on our list but it's well worth it if you're a fan of the retro look or if you like being able to quickly whip up espresso-based drinks. It's also a great option for those who are new to the world of making coffee and don't want to deal with the hassles of measuring, grinding and making your own coffee.