The Best Coffee Pod Machine

This sleek, brushed-steel machine provides the Sage trademark quality and ease of operation. After turning on, it heats up and makes a delicious espresso or slightly longer lungo in about 30 seconds.

Unlike bean-to-cup machines, pod models take the most messed-up aspects of coffee making out of your hands - including grinding and dosing grounds.

1. Fast

Pod machines can be installed and used more quickly than espresso machines. Most of them can make a cup of coffee in 30 seconds. But they come at some cost in that the pre-portioned coffee pods used in these models are generally more expensive than freshly roasted beans. And they're not always recyclable (though some companies are now offering free recycling bags and prepaid UPS labels to return 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 makes it easy to ensure consistent high-quality, high-end coffee pods machines every time, with virtually no chance of the drink turning out badly wrong. The machine is one of the slimmest and lightest available. It doesn't require a separate milk container and its small footprint makes it easy to fit into even the tiniest kitchens.

However the CitiZ isn't the most efficient machine for those wanting to minimize their environmental impact. The CitiZ doesn't have an automatic descaling feature. You will 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 could be expensive for certain users.

The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another fast machine that has buttons that can be customized and the option to use either ground coffee or ESE pods that are pre-dosed, tampered and squeezed between filter paper. The model is B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to lessening its negative impact on the environment and its workforce. Its only minor drawback is the time it takes to warm up. Once it is heated, it can brew one cup in about 35 minutes.

If you're after a sleek, stylish machine that can handle a variety of different sizes and styles then you should look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This glossy beauty, made in collaboration with Sage and Sage, is not just simple and quick to operate but also comes with an ice cream frothing wand as well as a stainless steel Jug.

2. Removable parts

The ease of using a pod coffee maker is a major advantage. The top models are easy to operate. Most machines use the same basic mechanism to brew the perfect cup of coffee machines with pods the water is heated inside reservoirs, then it is pushed through capsules to produce rich hot, hot coffee. Most brands offer a range of sizes for drinks to meet different requirements, and you can save custom settings on many models to simplify the process even more.

Keurig K-Cups are the biggest players on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also offer a large selection of capsules by popular roasters. Certain pods can be used only once before being thrown away, while others can be used several times. Either way, you'll need to think about how you'll deal with your spent pods so they don't end up in landfill.

The SMEG we tested comes with a removable water reservoir that is easy to fill. It also automatically dispenses an additional capsule coffee maker once the previous one cools down. It can brew coffee and lungo drinks and comes with a set of eight different blends to provide plenty of options. This brewer is ideal for coffee drinkers who want to move away from drip coffee.

In our tests of the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable one to use. Its sleek design makes it an eye-catching addition to your countertop, and it can be opened with a gentle touch to reveal a hidden compartment for your empty pods. The machine also has the added benefit of an filtration system for water, which is ideal for areas with hard water.

The machine can brew the standard cup of coffee (240ml), as well as lungo and ristretto espresso-style drinks, and is surprisingly quick. The controls are easy to use, with the style of airplane toggles that can be retracted easily and a lever that retracts to reveal the opening to drop into the pod. It takes a bit of force to close, but our testers, including those who have weak hand and mobility, found it comfortable.

3. Size

The best coffee machines with capsules pod machines remove all the messes of making coffee out of your hands. You simply need to load a pod, hit the button, and then make coffee. You'll still have to clean the machine from time time, but not as frequently as you would with a coffee maker that is a bean-to cup or espresso maker. Pod machines are also smaller than their larger counterparts, so they can fit on the counter and be stored away from sight when not in use.

The right coffee pod machine for you will be determined by your preferences and what you wish to achieve. The majority of pod machines are easy to use, however some have more options for customization than others. Be aware of the different coffee pods, brew sizes and milk frothing options when choosing the right machine.

Many people associate pod-based machines with the likes of Nespresso and Keurig, but there are a few more recent rivals that are worth a look. One is Bruvi, which uses an exclusive pod system known as B-Pods that can only be used with its machines. These pods have an underside barcode that machines scan to automatically adjust the brewing settings.

This means that the machine removes all the guesswork of making a cup and ensures each drink is perfect every time. It can even save customized drinks to a separate button to allow you to 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, allowing you to choose a specific temperature and size for each beverage. It's more expensive than other models, but it comes with the polished stainless-steel build and excellent customer support synonymous with Sage's My Way. This is a good option for those wanting to get something more from their espresso maker that is based on pods.

While the majority of people are using pod-based machines to make single-serve drinks There are some larger models that can also create longer shots, also known as lungos, too. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is an excellent example of this, and it blends the retro-fifties style of SMEG with the retro-fifties design of SMEG Italian coffee brand, Lavazza. It's a little intimidating at first thanks to the airplane-style toggles but once you've gotten used to it, the machine is quick and easy to use. A lungo can be brewed in 30 seconds.

4. Customization

The lack of flexibility is one of the main reasons it's not the right choice for you. Unless you purchase an auxiliary milk frother, the only ways to add extra flavor or creaminess is to use an in-mug hot chocolate or tea option and to add milk to your coffee manually. This won't be an issue for many people, but could be an issue for those who like the convenience of a fully automated experience in the morning.

Bosch's Intellibrew technology uses barcode readers to scan each capsule and automatically pre-wet, infuse, and disperse the right amount of coffee required for that type of pod. It's a simple hands-off device that does a great job but lacks options for customising drinks or varying brew strength. Some customers might be disappointed by this, however others will appreciate the convenience and variety of cup sizes (espressos and lungos, as well as mugs) to be exactly what they are seeking.

Apart from filling the tank with water and decaffeinating the reservoir occasionally the coffee maker will not need a lot of maintenance. It dispenses short espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs easily and, as mentioned, used pods are ejected into a concealed receptacle that helps keep your kitchen clean. It is also great in delivering full-bodied coffees that have a crema-topped top.

This machine is part of Smeg’s 1950s-style range. It's simple to use with an easy-to-use panel of buttons and can accommodate ground coffee and ESE pods. It's only downside is the absence of a gauge that lets you know when to descale, and the inability to set the maximum level of water. You also need to buy the brand's capsules which can be expensive. This is a good pod machine for those who want an easy-to-use and stylish appliance that is able to serve at a reasonable price. If you're looking for a little more variety, a large selection of third-party capsules are available for this model. It's also compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo line.