How to Choose the Best Coffee Pod Machine

If you love the idea of a quick, mess-free coffee fix first thing in the morning, a pod-based machine is something you should consider. But how do you select the best automatic bean to cup coffee machine one?

This machine is retro in design and features the SMEG Lavazza logos on its front. It's more expensive and requires a large space on your counter. It's a high-performance pod coffee maker that feels solid.

1. Nespresso Compatible

If you're a Nespresso lover, you'll need to select the best affordable coffee machine coffee pod machine compatible with Nespresso's capsules. You might also want to look for one that is able to use other types of capsules, such as organic and Fairtrade choices or flavored pods with a special flavor. They are usually available for the same price as the originals and some come with a built-in milk frother which allows you to make the perfect cappuccino or latte.

Bruvi's debut into the pod machine market in 2022 was met with awe. The brightly-colored device promised three things: a better tasting cup of coffee than other pod machines, a wide range of beverage options and pods you can toss in the garbage without worrying about the environmental impact.

It delivers on all three counts. This compact pod coffee machine is affordable and produces an extremely rich, robust espresso every time. It's one of the quietest machines on market. You can make your cup of Joe even before your alarm sounds.

The Bruvi comes in two sizes and can be adjusted based on the type of beverage that you're making. If you're brewing a latte or cappuccino, it has three texture and temperature settings for milk so you can get your froth on. It can even make hot chocolate, which is perfect for kids or adults who want 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 one hour without any use. It's also simple to clean, and uses only a tiny amount of water. You might want to consider a machine that has an open capsule holder that can be removed to make emptying the capsule easier.

There are other accessories you can add to your coffee pod machine such as a milk frother (unless it's included in the model you buy). You may also want to think about a reusable coffee filter that can be used with capsules that can be reused. A thermometer or water kettle for precise temperature control is a great option.

2. Easy to Clean

The convenience of a coffee pod maker makes it easy to get your day started with a quick and hot cup of coffee. In just a few seconds you'll be enjoying freshly brewed coffee. Just insert a pod and switch it on. These machines are simple to clean and don't require regular maintenance. They just require the refill of the water tank and a descaling every six months.

Keurig's K-Cups come with the broadest selection of options available including national brands and popular grocery store brands like Folgers, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and Dunkin' Donuts. Even non-coffee beverages like hot chocolate and tea are available in K Cup form from different brands. You don't have to make use of Keurig K-Cups to enjoy a great cup. You can also make it using reusable filter capsules that are made of plastic or paper and hold ground coffee, drippods that are pre-loaded, or loose coffee grounds.

Many of these pod-based machines don't make a deep, strong brew that can stand up to the most discerning palate. During our testing, we found some pod coffee makers that make watery or bitter cups of coffee. Others were so difficult operate that they took up valuable space on your counter and tended to run loudly.

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

In addition to producing an excellent cup of coffee, these newer pod coffee machines have taken steps to address the growing concerns about the environmental impact that comes with single-serve pods made from plastic. Keurig and Nespresso made their aluminum pods recyclable by replacing them polypropylene. The latter provides free capsule recycling bags that can drop off at any store or UPS location. A competitor that was recently launched, Bruvi, uses its own pods that can only be used in its own brewer and have been designed to break down in landfills quickly, without leaving any microplastics behind.

3. Fast Brewing

For those who don't want the effort of grinding beans or boiling kettles, a pod coffee machine can be a lifesaver. These idiot-proof appliances let you brew the perfect cup of coffee, espresso or tea in mere minutes, with no cleanup. They produce more waste than their drip-style counterparts, however they are still much simpler to use than making whole beans in a French Press or Pour-Over.

In the late 2022's an LA-based company known as Bruvi launched its BV-01 coffee pod machine. It promised to make better-tasting single serve coffee and provide more drink options than the vast number of other pod-based machine and deliver reusable capsules which could be thrown out without breaking down into tiny microplastics. While the Bruvi brewer costs more than Keurig or Nespresso, it is a fantastic device that feels like a dawning of a new age in pod coffee.

When you are buying a coffee pod machine, the size of the serving is a major factor to take into account. Some models produce single-serve cups with different sizes, from large travel mugs to 2-ounce espresso shots. Certain machines can brew entire pots of coffee. Some even have milk frothers to make a creamy cappuccino, latte or Latte.

Another important factor to take into consideration is the design of a pod coffee machine. The color and the finish of the machine, as well as the placement and size of the reservoir for water and pod compartment will affect the way your machine appears on your counter. Certain brands provide different colored pods so you can change your drink according to the season or mood.

Pod coffee makers are typically compact and take up less space than single-serve or drip brewers. And while a small footprint is great but it's equally essential to ensure that the machine has enough capacity to brew several cups in between refills. The majority of pod coffee makers should be equipped with a water tank of at 40 ounces at the minimum for an typical household.

4. Variety of drinks

Pod machines can be surprisingly versatile, and based on the brand, they can make a variety. Certain brands, like Keurig's popular Keurig system as well as Sage's Nespresso collaboration, can make four different sizes of drinks, while others offer just one or two. Some machines can also make hot cocoa, tea and cold drinks.

Some pod coffee machines come with built-in milk frothers which can create cappuccinos, lattes and other drinks that are frothy. Some require a separate milk jug, or a conjoined one for this job. The best small espresso machine pod coffee makers for milk-frothing provide the most precise control and user-friendliness as well as a sleek design that fits in with any kitchen.

The Grind One is a great example. It's minimalist design is a far cry form the curves found on other pod coffee makers. It's smaller than the majority of Keurigs, making it ideal for small kitchens and dorms. The water tank is simple to access and holds up to 40 grams. The machine is able to automatically deposit capsules that are used in a container which is attached to the machine. Other than maintaining the reservoir and descaling it every six months, very little maintenance is required.

The machine is more expensive than many of the other models we've reviewed but it delivers a premium experience. The drip tray can be adjusted so that it fits either tall travel mugs, or shorter espresso cups. It can make up to five different drinks thanks to a barcode system which scans every compatible pod to automatically adjust its settings.

This is the best-looking machine we've ever test. It also makes a great tasting brew - especially for an automatic. We didn't give this machine the top spot because it's limited in its ability to milk froth. Its only option is to use dried skimmed milk capsules that aren't as delicious as freshly squeezed milk. We would have awarded this machine the top spot in the event that it had an integrated milk frother.