The Best Pod Coffee Machines

With pod coffee makers, you just place a sealed capsule with roasted or ground coffee into the machine. The coffee is then poured into the machine for a predetermined amount of time.

Some pod coffee machines have different sizes of cups and frothing milk capabilities. Selecting the right pod coffee machine for you depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle.

1. Keurig K-Select

If you're looking for a basic Keurig coffee maker that doesn't have all the bells and whistles that come with higher-end models, this one is a good choice. It is easy to operate and has a beautiful look. When not in use, it can be easily hidden away in the kitchen.

One drawback to this machine is that it may be noisy, but it isn't a major issue. It's also compact and can be tucked away in small counters. But, if you're looking for a Keurig that offers a wider variety of sizes or a carafe to use for traditional drip brewing, think about other alternatives.

The Keurig K-Select single serve coffee maker is a blend of sleek design with more intuitive features to help you make the perfect cup every time. Choose from hundreds of delicious K-Cup pods, or brew your own ground coffee using a My-K-Cup universal coffee filter that is reusable (sold separately). The Strong Brew feature kicks up the intensity and strength of your coffee which makes it the ideal choice for coffee lovers who enjoy a bold cup.

The brewer has simple controls with buttons. Simply add a K-Cup pod, select the brew size you'd like to use and then press brew. In less than a minute, you'll have a fresh-tasting cup of coffee waiting to enjoy. The large reservoir of 52 ounces allows you to brew five cups before refilling, easing your morning routine.

The Keurig is incredibly easy to clean. The water reservoir and lid can be removed and cleaned by hand. To ensure your Keurig is running at its peak, you must always remove the scale prior to cleaning. Follow the instructions in the user's manual. This warranty covers all original accessories and the brewer, except for normal wear or abuse and other external causes such as power outages.

2. Tassimo My Way

This is the best option for those who love coffee and want a machine that can do more than just make your typical cup. It's designed to create a diverse range of drinks, including tea and hot chocolate and comes with a huge 1.3 litre water tank that allows you to brew multiple cups at once. The machine can be heated in three seconds, and also has a built-in milk container that lets you to make latte or cappuccino. It also has a touch-sensitive display which lets you adjust the temperature, intensity, and volume of your chosen beverage.

The Tassimo My Way uses the brand's T Discs which contain everything you need for your preferred drink. There are more than 70 varieties to choose from, including brands such as Kenco and Costa to Costa, Milka and Cadbury's. The machine has a range of T discs, which include ones for hot and tea chocolate.

We found the coffee it made to be of a high quality, albeit just a little less than some of the other pod machines we have reviewed in this round-up. It also produced a creamy mouthfeel and steaming milk to make caffe lattes fast. However, it should be not forgotten that the frothy milk made from T Discs has sugar, which, while not a huge issue in itself but isn't for everyone's taste.

Tassimo Myway's removable parts including the drip tray, and the water tank are dishwasher-safe. A Brita filter is included, as is cleaning disk. A helpful indicator light will tell you when to descale, and water tanks will help keep the limescale to a minimum. The machine is Energy Star rated, which reduces the power consumption of up to 15%..

3. Lavazza Lungo Pod Machine

This Nespresso compatible pod coffee maker created in collaboration with Sage by Lavazza is among the most attractive machines on the market. It's made with tough and attractive materials, has a neat adjustable steam wand that can be used to make lattes and cappuccinos as well as an stainless steel milk jug. The machine can brew espresso double espressos, lungos, mugs, and altos using thick layers of frosting.

As with most pod machines you load a pod via an opening at the top of the machine, and then drop it into place. The machine punctures the capsule, then seals it. When you pull the lever, the used pod will fall into a dedicated spent pod tray beneath the drip tray.

It's not the fastest machine for brewing in 30 seconds for a shot of espresso and 90 seconds for a lungo however, coffee capsule machine the results are always impressive, with a great crema and a smooth, rich taste. The machine will also inform you when it is time to refill the tank of water or the pod bin.

One of the main selling points for this machine is that it can use it with any Lavazza brand pod There are seven in total including ground roasted espresso (Qualita Rossa, Intenso, Passionale and Delizioso), two decaffeinated (Dek Cremoso) and two organic coffees (!Tierra! Bio). It's not cheap, but with a subscription plan that combines the pod coffee machine with a pod delivery service, it can work out at a similar price to a regular bean-to-cup machine. This machine's slimline design means it can be easily incorporated into even the smallest kitchens, while the pods themselves are compostable, which means you can place them into your local food waste bins, or even your own garden compost.

4. Nespresso Vertuo Pod Machine

Nespresso machines are some of the best pod coffee makers for those looking for an efficient reliable, consistent, and reliable coffee. They are quick to heat up and are incredibly simple to use--just insert a capsule, push the button, and you're done. They also create a rich crema that you can add to your drinks for added thickness and flavor. The official pods are not inexpensive and you'll have to buy them.

The Vertuo line uses a different technology than OriginalLine machines that use espresso capsules (and still exist). The Vertuo line reads the barcode of each capsule and automatically adjusts the brewing parameters in order to make an ideal cup. They also have a centrifusion device that spins the capsules in order to get the best flavor and the thickest crema.

However they're not as intuitive as some of our other choices. The lid is only opened when the machine is ready and it takes about 30 seconds for the capsule to heat up. They don't include the milk frother like some of the other pod machines listed on this list. So you'll have to shell out an additional PS90 to purchase a separate Aeroccino to make cappuccinos and lattes.

These machines also require more maintenance than other models - filling the water tank and emptying pod containers that are used and descaling however they come with an app which reminds you to perform these tasks, and provides tools such as capsule recyclers and store locators. If you pair your machine to an IntelliPort you can control it with voice commands. This is great if you are making coffee at 4am in the dark or are limited in power.

5. SMEG Barista Pod Machine

This sleek pod coffee machine is the lovechild of a beloved Italian brand and a renowned kitchen appliance company. It features all the sleek, retro curves that SMEG is known for, and the ability to make espresso and lungo drinks with ease. It comes with a programmable setting for the shot, two-height drip tray, and a pod bins that can be removed.

This coffee maker makes it easy to whip up an instant cup of single-shot or double-shot espresso in the morning, or to make a lungo during breaks at work. Its easy-to-use control panel makes it appear sleek and doesn't detract from the functionality. It comes with three baskets that can be swapped for different types of capsules. You can even use loose ground beans (although you'll need to own a separate grinder).

The SMEG Barista Pod Machine does not include a milk pitcher. However, it does have a Pannarello built-in milk frother that can froth cow and soymilk nicely. It also has an oversized portafilter of 51mm that is smaller than a standard commercial-style filter. It's pressurized and this is a plus since it means you won't get the old, unfinished grind taste. It comes with a plastic tamper which can also double as spoon.

The SMEG is among the most expensive pod machines we've reviewed but it's well worth it if you're a fan of the retro look or enjoy being able to make espresso-based drinks. It's also a great option if you're new to the world of coffee and don't want to endure the hassles of measuring, grinding and making your own coffee.