How to Choose the Best Coffee Pod Machine

If you are a fan of a quick and easy coffee fix first thing in the morning, a pod-based machine is a good option. How do you pick the right one?

In a nod towards retro design, this machine sports the SMEG and Lavazza branding across its front. It requires a dominant space on your counter, and is more expensive than other models. It's nevertheless the best barista coffee machine pod coffee maker that has an incredibly solid feel.

1. Nespresso Compatible

If you're a Nespresso lover, you'll need to choose the best commercial coffee machine coffee pod machine compatible with the brand's capsules. You might also want to look for a model that can use other capsules too, like organic and Fairtrade options or special flavoured pods. They're usually sold at an equivalent price to the originals and some include an inbuilt milk frother, which allows you to make a cappuccino or latte.

Bruvi's entry into the pod machine industry in 2022 was greeted with excitement. The vibrantly-colored machine promised three things: a more flavorful cup of coffee than other pod machines, a wide selection of drinks and pods you can throw in the bin without worrying about environmental consequences.

It is a winner on three counts. This compact pod coffee maker is affordable and produces an intense, rich espresso every time. It's among the quietest machines available on the market. You can make coffee Joe even before your alarm sounds.

The Bruvi comes with two sizes of cups and can be adjusted to match the type of drink you're making. It has three settings to control the temperature and texture of the milk while making the cappuccino or Latte. It can also make hot chocolate, which is great for kids or adults who just need to warm up and relax.

Another feature that's a big benefit is the programmable sleep mode, which goes to standby after an hour of non-use. It's also easy to clean and uses a minimal amount of water. Consider a machine with the option of a capsule holder that is removable to make emptying it easier.

You can also add a milk frother to your coffee pod (unless one is already included in the model you buy). Other things to consider are the possibility of a reusable filter to use with reusable capsules, a water kettle or thermometer to ensure precise temperature control and a travel cup.

2. Easy to Clean

The convenience of a coffee pod machine allows you to get your day started with a quick and hot cup of coffee. Just load a pod, switch it on and in just a few minutes you'll have a freshly-brewed drink. These machines are simple to clean and don't need daily maintenance. They only require an annual refill of the water tank, and descaling about every six months.

Keurig's K-Cups have the widest variety of choices available including national brands and supermarket favorites such as Folgers, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, and Dunkin' Donuts. Even non-coffee beverages like tea and hot chocolate are available in K Cup form from a variety of brands. It's not necessary to make use of Keurig K-Cups for a great cup. You can also make it with filters that are reusable and made of plastic or paper and hold ground coffee, drippods that are pre-loaded, or loose coffee grounds.

But many pod-based machines don't have the reputation of producing an intense, rich cup that holds up to the most discerning palate. During our testing, we found certain pod coffee makers to make watery or bitter cups of coffee. Some were difficult to use and took up a lot of counter space, and also running very loudly.

There are high-end coffee makers that have the convenience and consistency of single-serve machines but without the flimsy packaging or sour taste. Some models come with an integrated frother that can froth and pour your latte or cappuccino, while others have a separate frother that you can connect to the machine to create an amazing frothy topping to your drink.

The newer pod machines don't only provide a delicious cup of coffee, but they also tackle the increasing concern about environmental impact associated with single-serve pods made of plastic. Keurig and Nespresso have made their aluminum pods recyclable by replacing them with polypropylene. The latter also offers free capsule recycling bags that are dropped off at any retail or UPS facility. Bruvi is a new competitor, utilizes pods that can only be used with its own brewers. They are designed to be able to break down quickly in landfills, leaving no microplastics.

3. Fast Brewing

A pod coffee machine is a lifesaver for those who don't wish grind beans or boil the kettle. These idiot-proof appliances allow you to brew your cup of espresso, coffee or tea in mere minutes, with no cleanup. These machines create more waste than drip-style counterparts, but they are still much easier to use than brewing whole beans in a French Press or Pour-Over.

A startup based in LA named Bruvi launched its BV-01 pod machine towards the end of 2022. It promised to make better-tasting single-serve joes, provide more beverage options than the majority of other pod-based machines, and also provide recyclable capsules that can be recycled without breaking into microplastics. Although the Bruvi brewer is more than Keurig or Nespresso but it is a fantastic device in all aspects that is like the dawning of a new era in pod coffee.

One of the biggest things to think about when purchasing a coffee pod maker is the size of the serving. Some models can sling single-serve cups in a broad variety of sizes, from huge travel mugs to 2-ounce espresso shots. Some machines can brew whole pots of coffee. Some models even come with milk frothers that can be added to create the creamy cappuccino, latte or Latte.

The design of a coffee pod machine is another important factor to consider. The color, finish, and location of the machine as well as the size and location of the reservoir for water will determine how it appears on your counter. Some brands also provide a variety of colored pods that allow you to change up your beverage to suit the season or your mood.

Pod coffee makers are generally designed to be small and require less space than traditional single-serve or drip brewers. While a smaller footprint might be desirable, it's also important that your machine has the capacity to brew multiple cups between refills. The majority of pod coffee makers must have a tank of water that is at 40 ounces at the minimum for an typical household.

4. Variety of Drinks

Pod machines are surprisingly versatile, and depending on the brand, they can make a variety. Some brands, such as Keurig, which is a well-known system and Sage's Nespresso collaboration, can brew four different sizes of drinks, while others offer only two or three. Some machines can also make tea, hot chocolate, and cold drinks.

Some pod coffee machines come with built-in milk frothers which can create cappuccinos, lattes and other frothy drinks. Some require a separate milk jug, or an integrated one to accomplish this task. The best coffee machine bean to cup milk-frothing coffee machines are easy to use and offer precise control. They also feature a sleek design which fits into any kitchen.

The Grind One is a great example. It has a minimalist design that's a step away from the curves you find on other pod coffee makers and is smaller than most Keurig models, making it ideal for kitchens with small spaces or dorm rooms. The water tank can hold up to 40 inches of water and is accessible. The machine automatically deposits capsules used up into a container that is attached to the machine. Other than maintaining the reservoir and decaling it every six months, no maintenance is required.

This model is more expensive than many of the other models we've reviewed but it offers a premium experience. The brushed stainless steel finish is sleek and modern, while the drip tray can be adjusted to accommodate shorter espresso cups or tall travel mugs. It is able to make five different beverages, thanks to a bespoke barcode system that scans each compatible pod and automatically adjusts its settings to create the perfect cup.

This is the best-looking coffee pod machine we've tested and produces a delicious brew, particularly for an automatic. We didn't give this machine the top spot because it's limited in its ability to milk froth. The only choice is to use dried skimmed milk capsules, which do not taste as good as freshly squeezed milk. If it had a built-in milk maker then we'd give this machine the top spot.