(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/778/2798/dolche-one-coffee-maker-for-american-coffee-pods-keurig-k-cups-2-0-and-compatible-capsules-black-uk-plug-2798.jpg)The Best Coffee Pod Machine

The most sleek pod machine we've ever seen, this model with brushed-steel features the renowned Sage quality and user-friendly. After turning on, it preheats and makes a scrumptious espresso or slightly longer lungo within 30 seconds.

Models for pods are a great alternative to bean-to cup machines. They take the clumsiest parts of coffee making off your hands, including grinding and measuring grounds.

1. Rapid

Pod machines can be set up and operated faster than espresso machines. Most of them can make a cup in just 30 seconds. But they come at a cost: the pre-portioned coffee machine with capsules pods used in these machines are generally more expensive than freshly roasted beans, and they're not always recyclable (though some companies are now offering recycling bags for free and UPS labels for returning them).

The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the most efficient pod machines that is available, thanks to its in-built barcode scanner that scans the code of each compatible pod prior to brewing it. This makes it easy to get consistent, high-quality coffee every time, with virtually no chances of a drink turning out horribly wrong. The machine is also among the tiniest and lightest available and does not require a separate milk jug and a small footprint making it easy to fit into even the tiniest of kitchens.

The CitiZ isn't the best machine to reduce your environmental impact. It doesn't come with an automatic descaling feature, and you'll have to descale it yourself once every 300 cups if you reside in hard water, or 1200 cups in soft water zones. Once the filter cartridge runs out, you'll need replace it with a fresh 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 of using either ground coffee or ESE pods that are pre-dosed and tampered grounds compressed between filter paper. It is also B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to reducing its negative impact on the environment and its workforce. Its only minor drawback is the time it takes to warm up. Once it's done it will brew a cup in just 35 seconds.

If you're after an elegant, sleek machine that can handle a range of different drink sizes and styles, you should look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek machine designed in collaboration with Sage is not only easy to use, but it also comes with an ice cream wand stainless steel jug and a milk frother.

2. Removable parts

The ease of use of a pod coffee maker is a major benefit. The best models are easy to operate. Most machines utilize 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 a range of sizes for drinks to meet different needs, and you can save custom settings for a variety of models to simplify the process even further.

Keurig's K-Cups and Nestle's Nespresso VertuoLine series are the two biggest players on the market, yet each offers a wide selection of capsules from the most popular roasters and brands. Some pods are designed to be used just once and then discarded, while others are intended to be used multiple times. You'll need a strategy for the pods you've used to avoid them from being thrown away.

The sleek SMEG model we tested has a water tank that is removable and easy to fill, and the machine will automatically pour a fresh capsule machine coffee once the previous one has been cooled. It can be used to brew coffee and lungo drinks and comes with a set of eight different blends to provide plenty of options. This brewer will appeal to coffee lovers who are looking to switch from drip coffee.

In our tests of the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable one to use. Its sleek design is a looker on your countertop, and it can be opened with a gentle touch to reveal a hidden compartment for your empty pods. It has an in-built water filter system that is ideal for areas with hard water.

This machine is quick and can brew regular coffee (240ml) as well as ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. Its user-friendly controls are a joy to use using the aircraft-style toggles as well as a lever that retracts without much effort to reveal the opening where you drop in your coffee maker. It requires some pressure to close, however the majority of our testers who have limitations in hand strength and mobility, found it comfortable.

3. Size

The best coffee machine for pods pod machines remove all the messes of making coffee out of your hands. You simply load in a pod and bean coffee machine, hit the button, and then brew. It is still necessary to clean your machine occasionally, but not as often as a bean-to cup or espresso maker. Pod machines are also smaller than their bigger counterparts which means they can be placed on the counter and be stored away from sight when not in use.

The best coffee machine for you will depend on your preferences and what you wish to achieve. The majority of pod machines are easy to operate, however, some provide more options for customization. The variety of pods, brew size options, and milk frothing capabilities should all be considered to determine the best coffee pod machine for you.

The most popular pod-based machines are Nespresso, Keurig and similar brands. However there are newer competitors that may be worth a look. One is Bruvi, which uses an exclusive pod system called B-Pods that can only be used with its machines. These pods have a barcode on the underside that the machine scans to automatically adjust the brewing settings.

The machine will eliminate the guesswork and make sure that every drink is perfect every time. It can save your custom drinks in a single button, so that you can make them by pressing one button.

Other machines, such as Sage's My Way offer a more granular level of control over your coffee that allows you to select a specific size and temperature for each beverage. It's more expensive than other models, however it comes with a polished stainless-steel construction and the excellent customer support synonymous with the Sage's My Way brand. This is a great option for those wanting to get an extra bit of quality from their pod-based espresso maker.

Some models with larger capacities can also make lungos. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is a great example of this and is a combination of the retro style of SMEG with Italian coffee maker, Lavazza. It's a little intimidating at first thanks to the airplane-style toggles however once you've become accustomed to it, it is quick and satisfying to use. A lungo can be prepared in 30 seconds.

4. Customization

The lack of customisation is a major reason it might not be the best option for you. Unless you purchase an auxiliary milk frother, the only options to add flavor or creaminess is to make use of a hot chocolate in-mug or tea option, and then add milk to your coffee manually. For most people, this shouldn't be a problem however it could be a nagging issue for those who prefer an automated experience in the morning.

Bosch's Intellibrew technology uses barcode scanners to scan each capsule and automatically pre-wet, infuse and give the correct amount of coffee for that particular kind of pod. It's a hands-free, easy-to-use machine that does its job very well but lacks any options for customizing drinks or varying the strength of the brew. This will irritate some buyers but for others, the simple automation and range of cup lengths (espresso lungo, espresso and mug) it provides exactly what they need.

This coffee maker is low-maintenance. It is all you need to do is to refill the tank with water, and decaffeinate the reservoir each and every once in a while. It is able to serve espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs effortlessly. As mentioned earlier, the used pods are ejected into an unnoticed container that keeps your kitchen tidy. It is also excellent at delivering full-bodied coffees with tops that are topped with crema.

This machine is part of Smeg’s 1950s-style collection. It's user-friendly with a simple panel and can accommodate ground coffee or ESE pods. The only drawback is the absence of a display that will let you know when you should descale, and the inability to set the maximum level of water. You also need to buy the brand's own capsules, which can be pricey. This is a great pod machine for anyone who wants an attractive and convenient appliance that will serve well at a reasonable price. This model is compatible with a variety of capsules from third-party manufacturers and works with the Nespresso Vertuo range.