Are you looking for the best coffee pod machines? These machines have been established in the coffee market for some time. The Senseo models from Philips, which are produced in cooperation with the coffee producer Douwe Egberts, have been around since 2002.
Despite the large capsule competition, the pod machines still enjoy great popularity. A cup of fresh coffee is as essential to a proper morning as the sun is! What could be better than the smell of a cup of coffee as soon as you wake up?
On this occasion, the best coffee pod machines play to their strengths and prepares the hot drink of your choice in an uncomplicated manner and is, above all else, fast at doing so. The quick push of a button is enough to make the smell of freshly brewed coffee spoils your nose. Though, with the best coffee pod machines, there are some features and quality features that you should consider when buying.
Table of Contents
- 1 In a hurry? Take a quick look at the Best Selling Coffee Pod Machines in 2024!
- 2 The Best Coffee Pod Machines Guide in 2024!
- 3 1. Nespresso Pod Coffee Machine
- 4 2. DeLonghi Dolce Gusto Mini Me Pod Coffee Machine
- 5 3. Tassimo Happy Coffee Machine
- 6 4. Lakeland 2-in-1 Coffee Pod Machine
- 7 5. Nespresso Krups Pod Coffee Machine
- 8 Coffee Pod Machine FAQs
In a hurry? Take a quick look at the Best Selling Coffee Pod Machines in 2024!
Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Coffee Pod Machines Guide
- Our Pick
- Budget Choice
- Coffee Pod Machine FAQs
- Best Selling Pod Coffee Machines
- Advantages of Coffee Pod Machines
- Important Features
Take a look at our reviews below to get all the information that you need to make the right choice.
The Best Coffee Pod Machines Guide in 2024!
1. Nespresso Pod Coffee Machine
- EXCEPTIONAL COFFEE QUALITY – Works with Nespresso Vertuo capsules featuring over 30 varieties, including iced and flavoured, or indulge in our exclusive limited edition and seasonal coffees
- VERSATILE CUP SIZES - One coffee machine for 4 coffee cup sizes: espresso 40ml, double espresso 80ml, gran lungo 150ml, and large mug 230ml. Includes complimentary welcome set of 12 capsules
- ONE TOUCH OPERATION – Nespresso's innovative smart technology reads each individual unique capsule to brew your desired cup size with perfectly formed crema every time
- CONVENIENT COFFEE MAKER – Vertuo Plus heats up in 40 seconds and features electrical opening and closing, a moveable water tank, and automatic coffee pod ejection
Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This stylish option for the best coffee pod machines will make an excellent addition to your kitchen design, while also giving you some of the best coffee you’ll taste.
Key Features
- It comes in 3 colours.
- Works with different capsule sizes.
This machine comes in white, black, or titanium, so you can match it to your kitchen. While style is important, we also know that when it comes to a coffee machine, taste is the most important thing. This machine will brew you a fresh long-cup with naturally formed cream, as well as traditional espresso. It works with 3 different capsule sizes, you can have whatever option you’re after.
When you want your coffee in the morning, you want it fast. That’s why this Nespresso machine has a fast heat-up time of only 15-20 seconds. And for safety and energy efficiency, it’ll automatically shut off after 9 minutes of non-use. It’s very easy to use, with a simple one-touch brewing mechanism. It also automatically recognizes what blend you’re using, so you don’t have to put too much thought into your coffee.
What We Love
- It’s long-lasting.
- It makes a perfect coffee.
- It’s easy to clean.
What We Don’t Love
- The flavours that work with this machine are somewhat limited.
Everyone needs a nice coffee maker in their house. This Nespresso product would look great in your kitchen, or make the perfect gift for someone else.
2. DeLonghi Dolce Gusto Mini Me Pod Coffee Machine
- Compact automatic pod coffee machine - Mini Me machine is only 16 x 30.5 x 24 cm (WxHxD) with 0.8 Litre water tank
- Quality - Delivers professional quality coffees with a thick velvety crema, thanks to its maximum 15 bar pump pressure
- Variety - Over 50 hot and cold beverage varieties including NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto or STARBUCKS drinks
- Easy to Use - Automatically stops the water flow for easy coffee preparation in less than 1 minute
Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If variety is what you’re after when picking out the best coffee pod machines, then this DeLonghi product is the one for you.
Key Features
- 40 varieties of hot and cold drinks.
- Easily available pods.
Some pod machines are awesome, but the pods that work with them are either hard to find or not full of variety. Fortunately, this product not only has 40 different varieties of hot and cold beverages, but the pods are also available in supermarkets and online. So, you won’t have to worry about struggling to find your favourite flavour.
This product uses a high-pressure system with a maximum 15 bar pressure. This means that your coffee will have frothy, velvety tastes to it. All of the coffee grinds stay in the pod. So, you barely have to do any work or cleaning!
What We Love
- It’s budget-friendly.
- It’s easy to clean.
What We Don’t Love
- It’s smaller, so it doesn’t fit very big mugs.
Not every family needs a massive coffee machine to make dozens of cups at once. For the smaller family, this product will give you the perfect one glass at a time.
3. Tassimo Happy Coffee Machine
- GREAT VARIETY: Enjoy up to 50 drink specialties with one single-serve coffee machine
- AMAZING DRINK QUALIITY: Brew tasty hot drinks like a barista at home thanks to INTELLIBREW
- ONETOUCH OPERATION: Prepare your hot drink with the simple touch of a button
- SINGLE SERVE: TASSIMO lets you prepare a cup of coffee with ease, even after making a different drink, like hot chocolate
Last update on 2024-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sometimes when you go with a budget choice, you have to worry that you are missing out on some important features. With this Tassimo product, you get a budget price for high-end quality coffee!
Key Features
- Works with 40+ pods for different flavours and drinks.
- Has an adjustable cup stand.
Whether you want a massive mug or a small glass, this product is perfect for the unique drinker. It has an adjustable cup stand that is meant to work with all sizes of glasses, including travel mugs. The Intellibrew system also works to ensure that you’re getting a consistent and quality cup of coffee every time.
With a one-button functionality, you barely have to put any work into using this product. It also heats quickly, so you can make your coffee even when you’re in a rush. And the best part about this product? It comes in a variety of colours, and not just the basic ones that you’re used to seeing in kitchens. You can choose from black, cream, purple and white, red and black, or red and white.
What We Love
- It’s easy to use.
- It’s budget-friendly.
What We Don’t Love
- It doesn’t let you add extra water.
We can’t give this product enough stars. For such an affordable option, it’s easy to forget that you’re still getting above and beyond tasting drinks.
4. Lakeland 2-in-1 Coffee Pod Machine
Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This product may have a higher price tag, but all of the special functions make it worth considering for your kitchen.
Key Features
- You can return it within up to 3 years.
- Works with 7 different cup sizes.
The Lakeland coffee pod machine is compatible with both Nespresso and Dolce Gusto capsules. So, you’ll never have to worry about running out of options. It also uses one-touch controls, taking the difficulty and confusion out of your coffee preparation time. The best part about this machine is how fast it is – it’s ready in 20 seconds! You can’t beat that.
For using this machine, all that you have to do is put your coffee in and close the tray. There is an automatic puncturing system that does all of the work for you. It’s also very easy to clean, as you just need to remove the drip tray for easy access.
What We Love
- It’s easy to use and easy to clean.
- It works with 2 brands of pods.
What We Don’t Love
- It has a slightly higher price point than some of the other options on the market.
If you’re afraid of being limited by your choice in pods, this is the option for you.
5. Nespresso Krups Pod Coffee Machine
- Urban smart inspired by retro-modern design, CITES delivers Nespresso expertise in a fun and intuitive way, with a complete range for preparing your favourite coffees.
- 2 coffee sizes 2 buttons with automatic flow-stop: - espresso (40 ml) - lungo (110 ml) both programs can also be set to suit your taste.
- High-quality results 19-bar pressure insures espresso quality in every cup.
- Fast heat-up in just 25 seconds, CITES is ready to make high-quality espresso and lungo coffee.
Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This product may have a more limited option for pod choices, but it only works with the best of the best. So, you know that your coffee is the tastiest that there is.
Key Features
- 2 coffee sizes.
- Automatic off feature to save energy.
The Nespresso product in a stylish red colour seeks to add a fun feature in your kitchen while taking up only minimal space. Like with most pod coffee machines, this one is ridiculously easy to use and clean. It only takes 25 seconds to heat up, and will also use a 19-bar pressure for the highest quality espresso tasting drinks.
If you like to take your time in the mornings, you can choose a 30-minute timer. Though, unless chosen otherwise, you will be using the 9-minute automatic off feature. So, you won’t have to worry about forgetting to turn it off, or wasting extra energy!
What We Love
- It’s a stylish model.
- It produces amazing tasting coffee.
What We Don’t Love
- The coffee pod choice is more limited.
- It is a little pricier than other options.
For the drinker with high-quality taste, you can’t go wrong with the Nespresso.
Related:
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- Check out these coffee capsule machines for budget coffee.
Coffee Pod Machine FAQs
The functioning of the best coffee pod machines
The coffee pod machine uses so-called “pods” for the production of coffee. This pod consists of a filter paper pillow containing about seven grams of ground coffee (seven grams equals one cup of coffee). The coffee pods are available in numerous flavors, and the consumer is not limited to coffee. The potential with these machines now ranges from espresso to cappuccino to cocoa and various teas.
The coffee pods are inserted in the device. Thereafter, a precisely measured amount of water at just over 90 ° C is pressed through the inserted pod within about 40 seconds at a pressure of 1.4 bar. A major advantage of this system is the low contact time of the water with the coffee powder in the pod. In this way, the stimulus and bitter substances remain largely in the pod. After only a short warm-up time of the coffee pod machine and after inserting the new pod, the next cup can already be made. It can also be filled two cups at the same time, the machine must be equipped only with a double pod holder.
As far as handling is concerned, the pods offer a similar level of comfort as the very popular coffee capsule systems. The used coffee pods are much more environmentally friendly than the capsules packed in aluminium or plastic. Environmental concerns are basically only in the packaging of the coffee pods because these are also made of aluminium foil. This is so that flavourings remain in the coffee and so that they have a significantly better shelf life.
ESE vs. Senseo – The coffee pod systems in comparison
Numerous pod systems were offered on the international market; Meanwhile, two Pod systems have prevailed, probably the most well-known Senseo system and the ESE system. Senseo is the clear market leader in Germany. By contrast, the ESD system is much more popular in other countries, such as Italy.
The Senseo coffee pod system
The now market-leading Senseo system was developed by the Philips company together with the Dutch coffeemaker Douwe Egberts. Meanwhile, coffee pods with a diameter of about 70 millimetres are offered. These contain a variety of coffee and espresso roasts. The price for normal coffee pods is between 19 and 35 cents apiece.
The name “Senseo” and the brewing system have meanwhile been patented, which is why Senseo coffee pod machines are only offered by the manufacturer Philips. This does not mean that the best coffee pod machines from other manufacturers, such as WMF or Petra, are not compatible with pods in Senseo format. Classic coffeemakers such as Tchibo, Dallmayr or Jacobs also offer pods in Senseo format.
It should also be mentioned that the system works with a brewing pressure of only one bar, so Senseo machines basically do not produce espresso. However, the brewed pods provide a certain amount of crema and this foam crown reminds of these as on the espresso. On most machines, two pods can be placed in a larger pod holder to make stronger coffee.
The ESE coffee pod system
The second pod system is called ESE, an abbreviation for “Easy Serving Espresso”. It describes a standard for coffee pods with 44 mm diameter. This coffee pod system was developed by the Italian Istituto Nazionale Espresso in cooperation with the manufacturer Illy. Matching pods are offered by many coffee roasters, which are mainly found in online shops. In the ESE system, mainly espresso roasts are offered in different strengths. The prices for this system range between 20 and 45 cents per coffee pod.
The coffee machines in the ESE system are designed for the usual espresso preparation. Therefore, they work with a significantly higher brewing pressure than the Senseo system and thus achieve very high-quality results. Since espresso production requires not only the pump pressure but also the pressure actually present in the brewing chamber, the somewhat more expensive ESE machines also deliver tastier results.
Finally, however, it must be pointed out that the proportion of ESE machines in Germany is extremely low and the coffee machines are also considerably more expensive than the Senseo coffee machines. Beginner models are available here from about 140 euros. At the top, there are hardly any limits because higher-end models can cost as much as 300 euros and more.
Advantages over other types of coffee makers
- If you want to “just make a quick cup of coffee,” you’re better off with the coffee pod machine, as making a single cup is quicker than using a coffee machine.
- It’s easier to make the second cup. After a cup has been prepared, the water chamber of the coffee pod machine automatically heats up immediately. Now all you have to do is insert a new pod to get a new cup!
- The best coffee pod machines will automatically produce some foam. This is reminiscent of the “crema” Italian espresso and you feel like you’re drinking higher quality coffee, even if it’s not a real crema.
- Coffee pod machines can also be used as tea makers or to prepare cocoa drinks. The variety of variations is enormous compared to the other coffee systems.
- They have a footprint that is slightly more green compared tp capsule machines because they produce less waste and are easier to dispose of. The used coffee pods can easily be recycled in the compost.
- The price/performance ratio of a coffee pod machine is significantly better than that of a capsule machine or a coffee machine. The machines themselves are already available from 50 euros, the coffee pods from 19 cents apiece (capsules are available only from about 30 cents apiece).
Important features
Some of the best coffee pod machines can also produce popular coffee/milk specialities. More preferable are machines with a milk frother that use real milk instead of milk pods. Compared to devices with an integrated milk system, the machines with milk frother have an advantage: a separate milk frother is much easier to care for and clean than an integrated milk system.
When buying, pay attention to additional functions such as the ability to influence the coffee strength by the amount of water used. A height-adjustable spout should also be included as standard, especially if the device is used by several people. A removable and sufficiently large water tank facilitates handling, a pre-brewing function significantly improves the taste of the coffee.
There are so many contenders for the best coffee pod machines out there that it’s hard to just pick one. However, coffee is important to all of us for different reasons, and we all look for different qualities in our all-important morning cup. So, take a look at our reviews and make your pick for what belongs in your home. After all, there are no wrong decisions!
