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 elegant pod machine we've seen, this model with brushed-steel features the renowned Sage quality and is easy to use. It preheats after switch-on, and then brews a delicious espresso or slightly longer lungo in about 30 minutes.
Unlike bean-to-cup machines, pod models take the most messy aspects of coffee making out of your hands, including grinding and dosing grounds.
1. Fast
Pod machines can be set up and operated faster than espresso machines. Most of them can make a cup in 30 seconds. The pre-portioned pods that are used in these machines are generally more costly than freshly roasted coffee beans and a majority of them are not recyclable.
The Nespresso CitiZ has one of the most efficient pod machines available due to the barcode scanner which scans each compatible pod's code before brewing. This ensures you get consistently top-quality coffee every time. There is hardly any chance of having a bad beverage. The machine is among the tiniest and lightest on the market. It does not require a separate milk container and its compact footprint allows it to be easily incorporated into the tiniest kitchens.
However, the CitiZ isn't the ideal machine for those wanting to reduce their environmental impact. The CitiZ does not have an automatic descaling feature. You'll need to manually descale the machine every 300 cups for hard water and every 1200 cups for soft water. You'll also need to swap in a new filter cartridge once this runs out and can be expensive for certain users.
Tassimo Vivy 2 is a speedy machine that has customisable buttons. It can be used with ground coffee or ESE pods that are pre-dosed, tampered ground that are compressed between filter paper. This model is also B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to reducing its negative impact on the environment as well as its employees. The only downside is the time it takes to heat up. Once it is heated it will brew a cup in about 35 seconds.
If you're after an elegant, sleek machine capable of handling a range of different sizes and styles, take a look at the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This gorgeous, glossy machine, developed in collaboration with Sage it is not only quick and simple to operate but also comes with an ice cream frothing wand as well as a stainless steel jug.
2. Removable parts
A pod coffee maker's ease of use is a major draw and the best models are a breeze to operate. The majority of machines employ the same process to brew the perfect cup of coffee that is, heated water is placed in a reservoir, then moved through capsules to make rich hot java. Most brands offer different sizes of drinks to meet different requirements. You can also save your own settings to streamline the process.
Keurig's K-Cups and Nestle's Nespresso VertuoLine series are the two major brands on the market, but both offer a variety of capsules from popular roasters and brands. Certain pods can be used only once before they are discarded, while others can be used multiple times. Whatever the case, you'll need to think about the way you'll dispose of your spent pods so they don't end up in landfill.
The SMEG we tested has a removable reservoir of water that is easy to fill. It also automatically releases a new capsule after the previous one cools down. It can be used to brew lungo and espresso drinks and has eight different blends to offer the variety. This brewer is ideal for coffee drinkers who wish to move away from drip coffee.
In our tests, the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable one to use. Its sleek design makes it a looker on your counter, and it opens with a simple touch to reveal a concealed compartment for empty pods. The machine also has the added benefit of a water filtration system, which is ideal for areas with hard water.
This machine is able to make the standard cup of coffee (240ml) and also serves as lungo and ristretto-style espresso drinks and is surprisingly fast. The controls are easy to use, with the style of airplane toggles that can be easily pulled back and a lever that retracts to reveal the opening to drop in your pod. It takes a bit of force to close, but most of our testers even those with limitations in hand strength and mobility, felt comfortable.
3. Size
The top coffee pod machines take away all the mess from coffee making. You just put a pod in the machine, push a button and let it be brewed. You will still need to clean the machine from time time however not as often as you would with a bean-to-cup cup or espresso maker. Pod machines are smaller than their bigger counterparts and can be stored on the counter when not in use.
The best coffee machine for you will depend on your personal preferences and what you want to achieve. The majority of pod machines are easy to use, but some offer more customisation options than others. Take into consideration the variety of coffee pods sizes, brew sizes and milk options for frothing when picking the best machine.
The most popular pod-based coffee machines are Nespresso, Keurig and similar brands. However, there are some newer competitors that may be worth looking at. Bruvi uses a bespoke system of pods, called B-Pods that can only be used in its machines. These pods have a barcode on the underside that the machine scans to automatically adjust brewing settings.
This method takes all the guesswork out of making a cup and makes sure that 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 greater control over your coffee than the majority models, allowing you to select the exact size and temperature for each beverage. It's more expensive than other models, but it comes with the polished stainless-steel build and excellent customer service that is synonymous with Sage's My Way. This is a good choice for those looking for a bit more out of their pod-based espresso maker.
While the majority of people are using a pod-based machine to make single-serve beverages however, there are a few larger models that can make longer shots, referred to as lungos, too. Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg, a perfect example, blends retro fifties styling from SMEG and Italian coffee maker Lavazza. It's not easy initially due to the toggles that look like airplanes, but once you've gotten used to it, coffee capsules machines the machine is quick and satisfying to use. A lungo can be brewed in 30 minutes.
4. Customization
One reason a pod coffee maker may not be the right choice for you is its lack of customizability. Unless you purchase an auxiliary milk frother, the only methods to add extra flavor or creaminess is to make use of a hot chocolate in-mug or tea option, and then add milk manually to your coffee. For many people this won't be a problem however it could be a sticking point for those who prefer a fully automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew technology uses barcode scanners 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 an easy-to-use hands-off device that does a great job but isn't able to customize drinks or varying brew strength. This might be frustrating for some customers however for others, the easy automation and variety of cup lengths (espresso, lungo and mug) it provides exactly what they need.
The coffee maker is extremely low-maintenance. It's all you have to do is to refill the water tank and decaffeinate the reservoir each and every so often. It is able to serve espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs effortlessly. As previously mentioned, used pods are ejected into a hidden container that helps keep your kitchen tidy. It also does an excellent job of delivering full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.
This machine is part of Smeg’s 1950s-style range. It is easy to use with a simple interface and can accommodate ground coffee or ESE pods. Its only flaw is the lack of a gauge that tells you when it's time to descale, as well as the inability to set a maximum water level. You will also have to purchase the brand's capsules which can be costly. This is a great pod machine for anyone looking for a convenient and attractive appliance that can be used at a reasonable cost. This model can be used with a variety of capsules from third-party manufacturers and is compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo range.