Hugo Dunbabin

How to Choose the Best Coffee Pod Machine

If you are a fan of a quick and easy coffee fix early in the morning, a pod maker is a good option. How do you pick the best bean to cup coffee machine under £200 one?

In a nod towards retro design, this machine boasts the SMEG and Lavazza branding across its front. It needs a large space on your countertop and is more expensive than other. However, it's a top-performing pod coffee maker that has the solid feel.

1. Nespresso Compatible

If you're a Nespresso lover, you'll need to select the best latte machine coffee pod machine compatible with the capsules of the brand. It's possible to select one that allows you to use other capsules, including organic and Fairtrade or special flavored pods. These models are available at a similar cost to the standard ones. Some models even come with an integrated frother that lets you to make a cappuccino Latte, or other flavored pods.

Bruvi's debut into the pod machine market in 2022 was met with excitement. The vibrantly-colored machine promised three things: a more flavorful cup of coffee than other pod machines, a wide range of beverage options and pods you can throw in the bin without worrying about the environmental impact.

It delivers on every single point. This compact pod coffee machine is affordable and makes an intense, rich espresso every time. It's one of the quietest machines available on the market. You can make a cup of Joe even before your alarm goes off.

The Bruvi comes in two sizes and can be adjusted to the type of beverage that you are making. If you're making a latte or cappuccino it comes with three textures and temperature settings for milk so you can get your froth on. It can also make hot chocolate, which is great for kids or adults who need to warm up and relax.

A sleep function that can be programmed is another feature that's a plus. It goes into standby mode after a period of time without any use. It's also easy to clean and uses a minimal amount of water. Consider a machine with an open capsule holder that can be removed to make emptying the capsule easier.

There are a few other accessories you can add to your coffee pod such as a milk frother (unless it's included in the model you purchase). You might also want to think about a coffee filter that is reusable and can be used with capsules that are reusable. A thermometer or water kettle to control temperature precisely is a great alternative.

2. Easy to Clean

The convenience of a coffee machine allows you to start your day with a quick and hot cup of joe. Just load a pod, switch on and in only a couple of minutes you'll have a freshly brewed beverage. They are also easy to clean, and the majority of them don't require daily maintenance, just refilling the tank with water and decaling every six months or as often.

Keurig's K-Cups offer the most variety on the market. They include national brands such as Folgers and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters as in addition to the grocery store staples Dunkin' Donuts and Dunkin' Donuts. Even non-coffee drinks such as hot chocolate and tea are available in K Cup form from a variety of brands. However, you don't have to use Keurig's K-Cups to make a fantastic cup of coffee, and you can also make use of filters that are reusable made of paper or plastic that hold ground coffee or pre-loaded drip pods and even loose coffee grounds.

But a lot of these pod-based machines don't have the reputation of producing an intense, rich cup that holds up to the taste of discerning consumers. During our tests, we discovered that a few pod best coffee pod machine uk makers produced sloppy or excessively bitter cups of joe. Some were difficult to use, taking up valuable counter space and running loudly.

There are high-end coffee makers that offer the convenience and consistency of single-serve machines without the wasteful packaging and disappointing taste. Some models have a built-in frother to froth and pour your latte or cappuccino, while others have an extra frother that can plug in to the machine to add the perfect frothy topping to your drink.

These modern pod machines not just make a great cup of coffee however, they also address the growing concern about environmental impact associated with single-serve pods that are made of plastic. Both Keurig and Nespresso have made their aluminum pods recyclable by replacing them with polypropylene, and the latter also offers free capsule recycling bags that can be picked up at any of its boutiques or UPS locations. A competitor that was recently launched, Bruvi, uses its own pods, which can only be used in its own brewer. The pods have been designed to disintegrate quickly in landfills, without leaving any microplastics behind.

3. Fast Brewing

If you do not want to deal with the hassle of grinding beans or boiling a kettle, a pod coffee machine can be a real lifesaver. These devices are foolproof and let you brew the perfect cup of coffee, espresso or tea in just minutes, with no cleanup. These machines produce more waste than their drip-style counterparts but are still much simpler to use than brewing whole beans in a French Press or Pour-Over.

A startup based in LA known as Bruvi launched its BV-01 pod machine at the end of 2022. It promised to create more flavorful single serve coffee and provide more drink options than other pod-based machines, and also provide reusable capsules which could be removed without breaking down into tiny microplastics. Although the Bruvi brewer is more than Keurig or Nespresso, it is a fantastic device in all aspects that feels like a dawning of a new era in pod coffee.

When you are buying a coffee pod machine, the size of the serving is a key aspect to take into consideration. Some models produce single-serve cups with different sizes, ranging 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 a creamy cappuccino, latte or the latte.

Another factor to consider is the design of a pod coffee maker. The color, the finish and placement of the machine as well as the size and location of the water reservoir will determine how it appears on your counter. Some brands even offer a variety of colored pods, which allows you to change up your drink to match the season or your mood.

Pod coffee makers are typically designed to be small, taking up less space than traditional single-serve or drip brewers. Although a small footprint may be desirable, it is crucial that your device is able to brew multiple cups between refills. The majority of pod coffee makers must be equipped with a water tank of at 40 ounces or more for the typical household.

4. Variety of Drinks

Pod machines are surprisingly flexible and, based on the brand you choose, can make all manner of drinks. Certain brands, like Keurig's famous Keurig systems and Sage's Nespresso collab, can make up to four different drink sizes and others provide two or three options. Certain machines also make hot chocolate and cold drinks.

Certain pod coffee machines have built-in milk frothers that can create cappuccinos, lattes and other drinks that are frothy. Others, however, need a separate or conjoined milk jug for this purpose. The best coffee beans for bean to cup machines milk-frothing machines are easy to use and provide precise control. They also feature sleek designs that fits in any kitchen.

The Grind One is a great example. It's sleek design that is a step back from the curvatures you see on other pod coffee makers and is smaller than most Keurig models making it a great choice for kitchens with small spaces or dorm rooms. The water tank is easy to access and holds up to 40 pounds. The machine will automatically place capsules that are used into a container that is attached to the machine. Apart from maintaining the reservoir and descaling it every six months, minimal maintenance is required.

This model is more expensive than many of the other models we've reviewed, however, it provides a superior experience. The drip tray can be adjusted to ensure that it can fit tall travel mugs, or shorter espresso cups. It can make up to five different drinks due to the barcode system that scans every compatible pod to automatically adjust its settings.

It's the most beautiful coffee pod maker we've tested and has a great tasting beverage, particularly for an automatic. We didn't give it the top spot due to the fact that it's not able to milk froth. Its only option is to use dried skimmed milk capsules which do not taste as good as freshly squeezed milk. We would have awarded this machine the top spot in the event that it had an integrated milk frother.