Ten Ways To Build Your Best Coffee Pod Machine Empire

How to Choose the best Espresso machine under 200 Coffee Pod Machine

If you love the idea of a quick, mess-free coffee fix early in the morning, a pod machine is a good option. How do you pick the right one?

With a nod to the retro design, this machine boasts the SMEG and Lavazza branding across its front. It needs a prominent spot on your counter, and is more expensive than other models. It's nevertheless an excellent pod coffee maker with the solid feel.

1. Nespresso Compatible

If you're a Nespresso lover, you'll need to choose the right coffee pod maker that is compatible with Nespresso's capsules. You may also want to consider one that is able to use other types of capsules, such as organic and Fairtrade choices or special flavoured pods. These models are priced similarly to the originals. Some even have built-in frothers that allow you to make a cappuccino, latte or other specialty flavoured pods.

The debut of Bruvi into the pod machine market in 2022 was greeted with awe. This vibrantly-coloured device promised three things: a more flavorful cup of coffee than other pod machines, a broad variety of drink options, and pods you could put in the trash without worrying about the environmental impact.

It is a winner on three counts. This compact pod coffee machine is best affordable coffee machine and makes an intense, rich espresso every time. It's also one of the quietest models on the market, so you can prepare your cup of Joe before your alarm clock is set to sound.

The Bruvi is available in two sizes and can be adjusted to the type of drink you are making. If you're brewing cappuccino or latte it comes with three different textures and temperature settings for milk so you can get your froth on. It also makes hot cocoa, which is ideal for kids and adults who want to relax.

Another big benefit is the programmable sleep mode that switches to standby after a period of one hour of inactivity. It is also easy to clean, and uses only a tiny amount of water. If you're looking to keep your electricity costs low, you should consider purchasing an appliance that has a removable capsule holder to make emptying easier.

You can also add a milk maker to your coffee pod (unless one is already included in the model you buy). Other things you might want to consider are an reusable filter that can be used with capsules that are reusable as well as a water kettle or thermometer to ensure precise temperature control and an insulated travel cup.

2. Easy to Clean

The convenience of a coffee pod machine allows you to get your day started with a quick, hot cup of joe. In just a few seconds you'll be enjoying an iced drink that has been freshly brewed. Just put a pod in and switch it on. They are simple to clean and don't require regular maintenance. They just require a water tank refill and a descaling every six months.

Keurig's K-Cups offer the most variety on the market. They include national brands like Folgers and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters as in addition to the grocery store staples Dunkin' Donuts and Dunkin' Donuts. There are even some alternatives to coffee, such as hot cocoa and tea available in K-Cups from various brands. But you're not limited to Keurig's K-Cups to make a delicious cup of coffee. In fact, you can also use reusable filter capsules made from plastic or paper that hold ground coffee or pre-loaded drip pods, as well as loose grounds of coffee.

However, many pod-based machines don't have the reputation of producing an intense, rich and robust brew that holds up to the discerning palate. Our tests discovered that a few pod coffee makers produced sloppy or overly bitter cups of joe. Some were difficult to use, taking up valuable counter space, and also running very loudly.

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

These modern pod machines not only make a great cup of coffee however, they also tackle the increasing concern about environmental impact associated with single-serve pods made of plastic. Both Keurig and Nespresso have made their aluminum pods recyclable by replacing them with polypropylene, and the latter also offers free bags for recycling capsules which 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 break down in landfills quickly, without leaving any microplastics behind.

3. Fast Brewing

If you don't want the grind of beans or boiling a kettle, a pod coffee machine can be a real lifesaver. These devices are foolproof and allow you to brew the perfect cup of espresso, coffee or tea in just minutes with no clean up. They produce more waste than their drip-style counterparts, but they are still much simpler to use than making whole beans in a French Press or Pour-Over.

In late 2022 an LA-based company known as Bruvi introduced its BV-01 coffee pod machine. It promised to create more flavorful single serve coffee, offer more drinks options than other pod-based machines, and also provide reusable capsules which could be removed without breaking down into tiny microplastics. While the Bruvi brewer will cost more than Keurig or best nespresso vertuo machine but it is a great device all around that feels like a dawning of a new age in pod coffee.

One of the most important aspects to take into consideration when buying a best value coffee machine maker is the serving size. Some models can produce single-serve cups in a variety of sizes, ranging from huge travel mugs, to 2-ounce espresso shots. Some machines can brew whole pots of coffee, and some include a milk froth so you can add a smooth cappuccino or latte to your morning cup of joe.

The design of a coffee machine is a different aspect to consider. The color, the finish and placement of the machine, as along with the size and position of the reservoir for water will impact how it looks on your counter. Certain brands have different colored pods so that you can alter your drink according to the mood or season.

Pod coffee makers tend to be small and take up less space than single-serve or drip brewers. While a smaller footprint might be desirable, it's crucial that your device can brew multiple cups between refills. Most pod coffee makers should be equipped with a water tank that is at 40 ounces at the minimum for an average household.

4. Variety of drinks

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

Some pod coffee machines come with built-in milk frothers that can make cappuccinos, lattes and other drinks that are frothy. Some require a separate milk jug or an integrated one to accomplish this function. The best latte machine milk-frothing machines are simple to operate and provide precise control. They also have a sleek design which fits into 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 the majority of Keurig models, making it ideal for kitchens with small spaces or dorm rooms. The water tank can hold up to 40 inches of water and is easy to access. The capsules that are used are deposited in an attached container. Other than keeping the reservoir filled and decaling every six months or so, the machine requires minimal maintenance.

This machine is more costly than other models we have reviewed, but offers a premium experience. The drip tray can be adjusted to ensure it will fit tall travel mugs or shorter espresso cups. It is able to make five different drinks thanks to a bespoke barcode scanner that scans each compatible pod and then automatically adjusts its settings to create the perfect cup.

This is the most attractive coffee pod maker we've tested and offers a superb-tasting coffee, especially for an automatic. We didn't give it the top spot since it has limited milk-frothing abilities. The only choice is to use dried, skimmed milk capsules that aren't as delicious as freshly squeezed milk. If it had a built-in milk maker then we'd give this machine the top spot.