15 Gifts For The Best Coffee Pod Machine Lover In Your Life
15 Gifts For The Best Coffee Pod Machine Lover In Your Life
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The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The most elegant pod machine we've seen this model with brushed-steel features the renowned Sage quality and ease of use. It heats up immediately after switching on and then brews a delicious espresso or a little longer lungo in about 30 seconds.
The pod models are an excellent alternative to bean-to-cup machines. They take the messiest parts of coffee making off your hands, such as grinding and measuring grounds.
1. Fast
Pod machines are generally easier to install and use than espresso machines, with most can make a cup of coffee in 30 seconds or less. But they come at an expense: the pre-portioned coffee pods used in these machines are generally more expensive than freshly roasted beans and they are not recycled. (though some companies are now offering free recycling bags and pre-paid UPS labels for returning the pods).
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the most efficient pod machines available that you can find, thanks to its in-built barcode reader that scans code of each compatible pod before making it. This ensures consistently top-quality coffee every time. There is hardly any chance of having a bad drink. The machine is also among the slimmest and lightest available that doesn't require an additional milk jug, and a small footprint making it a breeze to fit into even the tiniest kitchen.
However the CitiZ isn't the most efficient machine for those looking to cut down on their environmental impact. It doesn't have an automatic descaling function, and you'll have to clean it yourself every 300 cups if reside in hard water, or 1200 cups in soft water zones. When the filter cartridge wears out, you'll need to replace it with a fresh one. This can be costly 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 packed between filter paper. This model is also B-Corp Certified, which means it is committed to decreasing 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 will brew a cup in about 35 minutes.
If you're after an elegant, sleek machine that can handle a range of different sizes and styles then look no further than the Vertuo Creatista from Nespresso. This sleek beauty, created in collaboration with Sage, is not only easy to use and quick to start, but also comes with an ice-cream frothing wand, as well as an stainless steel jug.
2. Removable parts
The ease of use of a pod coffee maker is a major benefit. The most effective models are easy to operate. Most machines rely on the same mechanism to brew your cup by heating water inside a reservoir, then pressured through the capsules you choose and extracted to produce rich, hot coffee. Many brands offer a variety of sizes of drinks to meet various needs. You can save custom settings on many models to speed up the process even more.
Keurig's K-Cups and Nestle's Nespresso VertuoLine series are the two major players on the market, but both offer a variety of capsules from the most popular roasters and brands. Some pods are designed to be used only once before being be thrown away, while others are meant to be used multiple times. You'll need a strategy for your old pods to prevent them ending up in landfill.
The SMEG we tested has a removable water reservoir that is easy to fill. It also automatically dispensates an additional capsule once the previous one cools down. It brews lungo and espresso drinks, and comes with a set of eight different blends that provide you with a wide selection. This brewer is ideal for coffee lovers who are looking to move away from drip coffee.
In our tests, the Tassimo My Way 2 proved to be the most enjoyable one to use. Its sleek design is beautiful on your counter, and it can be opened in a matter of seconds to reveal the compartment that stores your empty pods. It also comes with the added benefit of an filtration system for water, which is perfect for hard-water areas.
This machine is quick and brews standard coffee (240ml), ristretto, and lungo espresso drinks. The controls are simple to operate, with switches that resemble airplanes, which can be easily retracted and a lever which retracts to reveal the opening for dropping into the pod. It requires a little force to close but our testers, even those with weak hand and mobility, found it comfortable.
3. Size
The top coffee pod makers take the mess of coffee making out of your hands - you simply put in a pod, hit the button, and then prepare to brew. It is still necessary to clean your machine every now and then, but not as often as a bean-to-cup or espresso maker. Pod machines are smaller than their larger counterparts and can be stacked on the counter when not in use.
The ideal coffee maker for you will be determined by your preferences and what you want to achieve. All pod machines are easy to use, however some have more options for customization than others. Consider the coffee pod variety, brew sizes and milk options for frothing when selecting the right machine.
Most people will think of pod-based devices in the likes of Nespresso and Keurig, but there are a few more recent rivals which are worth looking into. One is Bruvi which has an exclusive pod system called B-Pods, which can only be used in conjunction with its machines. These pods are marked with a barcode, which is read by the machine to adjust the brewing settings automatically.
The machine will take all the guesswork and ensure that every drink is perfect every time. It can even save customized drinks to a separate button so you can create them at the push of a button.
Other machines, like Sage's My Way offer a greater degree of control over your coffee that allows you to select the right temperature and size for each beverage. It's a bit more expensive than other models, but it has the polished stainless steel design and excellent customer service associated with the brand. It is a solid choice for those who need an extra level of quality from their pod-based coffee maker.
While most people are using the pod-based machine to create single-serve beverages, there are some larger models that can create longer shots, also known as lungos, also. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is an excellent example of this and combines the retro fifties styling of SMEG with the classic design of Italian coffee brand, Lavazza. It's not easy initially due to the toggles that look like airplanes, however once you've become accustomed to it, it is quick and easy to use. A lungo can be made in 30 minutes.
4. Customization
One reason the pod coffee maker might not be the best choice for you is its lack of customizability. If you don't have an alternative milk frother then the only option to enhance flavor or creaminess is to use a hot chocolate or tea option in your mug, or to manually add milk to your coffee. This won't be an issue for many people, but it could be a problem for those who like an entirely automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew technology makes use of barcode readers to scan each capsule and automatically pre-wet, infuse and give the correct amount of coffee that is appropriate for the type of pod. It's a hassle-free, hands-off machine that does its job well, but it doesn't have any options for customised drinks or for varying the strength of brew. This might be frustrating for some customers however for others, the easy automation and range of cup lengths (espresso lungo, espresso and mug) will provide exactly what they need.
This coffee maker is low maintenance. It's all you have to do is to fill up the water tank, and decaffeinate the reservoir every time. It dispenses short espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs with ease and, as previously mentioned the pods that are used are ejected into a concealed container which keeps your kitchen spotless. It also does a great job of providing full-bodied, crema-topped coffees.
This is a stunning machine and coffee machine and pods part of Smeg's fifties-style range. It's simple to use with simple buttons and can accommodate ground coffee and ESE pods. It's only downside is the lack of a gauge that will let you know when you should descale, and the inability to set the maximum level of water. You will also have to buy the brand's capsules which can be expensive. This is a great pod machine for those who want an attractive and convenient appliance that will serve well at a reasonable cost. This model is compatible with a variety of third-party capsules and also is compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo range.