How To Outsmart Your Boss On Pod Coffee Machine
How To Outsmart Your Boss On Pod Coffee Machine
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The Best Pod Coffee Machines
With pod coffee makers, you just put a sealed capsule with roasted or ground coffee into the machine. The coffee then flows through for a set time period to create your beverage.
Some pod coffee makers have various sizes of cups and a built-in filter and milk that froths. The best pod machine for you will depend on your lifestyle and personal preferences.
1. Keurig K-Select
This machine is a great choice if you are seeking an Keurig coffee maker that doesn't come with all the bells, whistles and features of more expensive models. It's simple to use and has a great appearance. When not in use it can be tucked into a corner in the kitchen.
The machine is noisy but that's not a major issue. It is also fairly small and will fit on tiny counter spaces. If you're looking for a Keurig that offers a wider variety of sizes, or a carafe that is suitable for traditional drip brewing, you should consider other alternatives.
The Keurig K-Select single serve coffee maker combines elegant design and efficient features to help make the perfect cup every time. Pick from a variety of delicious K-Cups or brew coffee using the universal filter for coffee My-K-Cup (sold separately). The Strong Brew feature kicks up the strength and intensity of your coffee, making it the best choice for coffee lovers who love a strong cup.
The brewer comes with simple controls using buttons. Simply insert the K-Cup, select your desired size of brew, and press to brew. In less than a minute, you can enjoy a cup of fresh coffee. The large water reservoir of 52 ounces allows you to make five cups before refilling, easing your morning routine.
This machine is very easy to clean. The reservoir for water and lid can be removed and washed by hand. But, you must clean your Keurig before cleaning it, and follow the instructions in the user manual to ensure that your machine is operating at its peak. The warranty covers the brewer and the original accessories, with the exception of for normal wear and tear, damage caused by misuse or abuse or any other external cause of failure, such as power outages.
2. Tassimo My Way
This is the ideal choice for coffee lovers who want a machine that does more than just making your regular cup. It can create a variety of drinks such as tea and hot cocoa. The large 1.3-litre water tank allows for multiple cups to be brewed simultaneously. The machine is warm in just three seconds and can produce an espresso or latte with the built-in milk jug. It also has a touch-sensitive LCD that allows you to set the intensity, temperature and quantity of your preferred beverage.
The Tassimo My Way uses the brand's T Discs which include everything you need for your preferred drink. There are more than 70 varieties to select from, from brands such as Kenco and Costa to Costa, Milka and Cadbury's. The machine has a range of T Discs, including those for hot tea and chocolate.
The coffee made by this machine was of high quality, though it was a bit lower than some of the other machines we have reviewed. It also gave a smooth mouthfeel and steaming milk for a caffe lattes fast. It is important to remember that the milk that is frothy contains sugar, which, while not a major problem, may not be for everyone's taste.
Tassimo Myway's removable parts, the drip tray and the water tank are all dishwasher-safe. A Brita filter is included, as is a cleaning disk. A helpful indicator light will let you know when it's time to descale, and water tanks will help keep limescale at an absolute minimum. The machine is rated Energy Star, which helps reduce the amount of electricity it uses by up to 15%.
3. Lavazza Lungo Pod Machine
This Nespresso compatible pod coffee machine, designed in collaboration with Sage by Lavazza is among the most beautiful machines available. It is constructed of tough and attractive materials. It has a neat steam wand that can be adjusted to make cappuccinos and lattes, and a stainless steel milk jug. Pop in a pod, select your cup size and the machine will whir into action, brewing espresso double espresso, lungo, gran lungo, alto and mug drinks with a thick layer of silky foam.
As with most pod machines you load the pod via an opening on the top and drop it in the appropriate spot. The machine punctures the capsule, then closes it. When you press the lever the used pod will fall into a dedicated used Pod tray that is located beneath the drip tray.
It's not the fastest machine to brew, taking 30 seconds for a shot of espresso and around 90 seconds for a lungo however, the results are always impressive, with a great crema and a smooth, rich taste. The machine will also alert you when it's time to refill the tank of water or the pod bin.
One of the main selling points for this machine is that you can use it with any Lavazza brand pod - there are seven in all, including espresso ground (Qualita Rossa, Intenso, Passionale and Delizioso) and two decaffeinated (Dek Cremoso) and two organic coffees (!Tierra! Bio). The pod coffee machine is not cheap but if you combine it with pod delivery services it can cost similar to an ordinary bean-to-cup machine. The slim design of this machine makes it possible to fit into the tiniest kitchens. The pods are also compostable in a way that you can put them in your council food bins or garden compost.
4. Nespresso Vertuo Pod Machine
Nespresso machines are the top pods coffee makers for those who are looking for a reliable, fast and consistent brew. They are quick to heat up and are incredibly simple to use. Simply insert a capsule, press the button, and you're done. They also produce a rich crema that you can add to your drinks to add thickness and flavor. They're not cheap, however they are expensive, and you need to buy their official pods.
The Vertuo line is a different model from the OriginalLine machines, which use espresso capsules. The Vertuo line scans the barcode of each capsule, and then automatically adjusts the brewing parameters in order to make a perfect cup. They also feature a centrifusion mechanism that spins the capsule to extract the fullest flavors and pod coffee makers most dense crema.
The machines aren't quite as intuitive as our other choices. The lid only opens when the machine is in its final stages and it takes about 30 seconds for the capsule to heat up. And they don't come with a milk frother like the other pod coffee makers listed on this list, so you'll have to shell out an additional PS90 or so to purchase a separate Aeroccino if you want to make lattes and cappuccinos.
They also require more frequent maintenance than other models--refilling the water tank, emptying the pod containers, and decaling. However, they do come with an application that reminds you of these chores and includes tools such as store locators and capsule recycling. And if you connect your machine to an IntelliPort, you can even operate it using voice commands, which is a nice feature if you're making coffee in the dark at 4am, or have limited hand strength.
5. SMEG Barista Pod Machine
This sleek pod machine is the product of a beloved Italian brand and a renowned company that makes kitchen appliances. It features the modern, sleek curves SMEG are renowned for, and it can brew the espresso and lungo drinks. It also has a programmable shot setting as well as dual-height drip trays and a pod bin that can be removed.
This coffee maker makes it simple to whip up one-shot or double-shot espresso in the morning, or to make a lungo during breaks at work. Its simple control panel keeps it looking sleek and doesn't interfere with its function. If you're looking to dress your morning joe more, it comes with three filter baskets that can allow for different capsule types. You can also use ground beans that are loose (although you'll need an additional grinder).
The SMEG Barista Pod Machine does not come with a milk pitcher. It does however have a Pannarello built-in milk frother that can froth cow and soymilk efficiently. It also comes with a portafilter that measures 51mm, which is smaller than the standard commercial style filter. It is pressurised which means you won't get the stale, lingering taste. It comes with a plastic tamper that also doubles as spoon.
The SMEG is the most expensive machine we've reviewed. It's a good investment it if you're retro or you like making espresso drinks fast. It's also a great option when you're just beginning to learn about the world of making coffee and don't want to endure the hassles of grinding, measuring, and tamping your own beans.