How to Choose the
best espresso machine under 500 Coffee Pod Machine
A pod machine is an excellent option for those who want to have a quick, mess-free morning coffee fix. But how do you select the most efficient one?
In a nod towards retro design, this machine boasts the SMEG and Lavazza branding across its front. It is more expensive and requires a larger 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 choose the
best coffee pod machine compatible with the brand's capsules. You might want to select one that can utilize other capsules, like organic and Fairtrade or special flavored pods. They're usually sold at the same price as the originals and some come with an integrated 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. This brightly-coloured device promised a variety of drink choices, a better coffee experience than any other pod machine, and pods you could throw away without worrying about the environmental impact.
It's a winner on every single point. This pod coffee machine is small and inexpensive yet it makes an incredibly rich and robust cup of espresso each time. It's also one of the quietest models on the market which means you can whip up an espresso cup Joe before your alarm clock rings.
The Bruvi comes with two sizes of cups and can be adjusted to suit the kind of drink you're making. If you're brewing a latte or cappuccino, it has three texture and temperature settings for milk so you can make your froth. It can even brew hot chocolate, which is perfect for adults and kids who just want to warm up and relax.
Another big plus is the programmable sleep mode that switches to standby after an hour of non-use. It's also easy to clean and requires only a small amount of water. You might want to consider a machine that has an open capsule holder that can be removed to make emptying it easier.
You can also add a milk maker to your coffee pod machine (unless one is already included in the model you buy). Other things to consider are an reusable filter that can be used with reusable capsules and a water kettle, or thermometer to ensure precise temperature control and the travel cup.
2. Easy to Clean
The convenience of a coffee machine allows you to start your day with a quick and hot cup of joe. Simply load a pod and switch it on and in a minute or two you'll have a freshly-brewed beverage. They are also easy to clean, and most do not require any daily maintenance, just refilling the tank with water and decaling every six months or so.
Keurig's K-Cups come with the broadest selection of options available including national brands as well as popular grocery store brands such as Folgers, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, and Dunkin' Donuts. Even non-coffee drinks like hot chocolate and tea are available in K Cup forms from various brands. But you're not restricted to Keurig's K-Cups to make a great cup of coffee. In fact, you can also use filter capsules that can be reused made of paper or plastic that hold ground coffee or pre-loaded drip pods, and even loose coffee grounds.
Many of these pod-based machines do not produce a rich strong brew that will endure the most discriminating palate. In our tests, we found certain pod coffee makers to produce bitter or watery cups of coffee. Some were difficult to use and took up a lot of counter space and generating a loud noise.
There are some high-quality pod coffee makers that give the ease of use and consistency of a single-serve machine without the sour taste and flimsy packaging. Some include a built-in frother to froth and pour your cappuccino or latte, while others have an additional frother that you can plug into the machine to provide a deliciously foamy top to your drinks.
In addition to making the
best coffee machines for home coffee, these newer pod coffee machines have also taken steps to address the growing concerns about environmental impact that come with using single-serve pods made of plastic. Both Keurig and Nespresso have made their aluminum pods recyclable by replacing them with polypropylene and the latter now offers free bags for recycling capsules that can be dropped off at any of its boutiques or UPS stores. Bruvi, a newly launched competitor, uses pods that can only be used with its own brewers. They are designed to break down quickly in landfills and not leave microplastics.
3. Fast Brewing
For those who do not want to deal with the grind of beans or boiling kettles the pod coffee machine can be a real lifesaver. These reliable machines let you brew coffee, tea or espresso in just a few minutes, without having to clean up. And while these machines do produce more environmental waste than drip machines however, they're significantly less laborious than making whole beans in a French press or pour-over.
A company based in LA known as Bruvi has launched its BV-01 pod machine at the end of 2022. It promised to make better-tasting single-serve joe, offer more options for drinks than the majority of pod-based machines, and provide capsules that can be reused and recycled without breaking down into microplastics. And while the Bruvi brewer is more costly than Keurig and Nespresso models, it's an excellent all-around device that is like the beginning of a new era in pod coffee.
When purchasing a coffee pod maker, the size of the serving is a major factor to take into account. Certain models can make single-serve cups in a variety of sizes, from large travel mugs, to 2-ounce espresso shots. Other machines can brew entire pots of coffee, and some even come with a milk frother which allows you to add a creamy cappuccino or latte to your morning joe.
Another factor to be considered is the design of a pod coffee maker. The color, the finish and the location of the machine, as well as the size and location of the water reservoir will determine how it appears on your counter. Some brands also offer a variety of colored pods that allow you to change your beverage to suit the season or your mood.
Pod coffee makers tend to be small and take up less space than drip or single-serve brewers. While a smaller footprint is great however, it's important to ensure the machine has enough capacity to brew multiple cups between refills. For the average home water tank, one that is at least 40 ounces will suffice for most pod coffee makers.
4. Variety of Drinks
The pod machines are extremely versatile and, based on the brand you choose they can make a variety of drinks. 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 only two or three. Certain machines also can make hot cocoa, tea and cold drinks.
Certain pod coffee machines also make frothy cappuccinos or lattes, courtesy of built-in milk frothers. Some require a separate milk jug, or a conjoined one to perform this function. The top milk-frothing pod coffee machines have the most precise control and user-friendliness and an elegant design that can fit in with any kitchen.
The Grind One makes a great illustration. It's minimalist design is a far cry form the curves that are found on other pod coffee makers. It's also smaller than most Keurigs, making it ideal for dorms and kitchens with small spaces. The water tank is simple to access and holds up to 40 grams. The machine will automatically place capsules used up into a container that is attached to the machine. In addition to maintaining the reservoir and decaling it every six months, very little maintenance is required.
This model is more expensive than some of the other models we've reviewed, but it offers a premium experience.