How to Choose the Best Coffee Pod Machine

If you love the idea of a quick and easy coffee fix first thing in the morning, a pod maker is a good option. How do you choose the best one?

This machine features a retro style and sports the SMEG Lavazza logos on its front. It requires a dominant space on your counter and is more expensive than other models. It's a high-performance pod coffee maker that is solid.

1. Nespresso Compatible

If you're a Nespresso lover, you'll need to select the best coffee pod machine compatible with the capsules of the brand. You might also want to consider models that work with other capsules, such as organic and Fairtrade options or flavored pods with a special flavor. They're usually sold at the same price as the original ones and some include an inbuilt milk frother, so you can make a cappuccino or latte.

Bruvi's entry into pod machine industry in 2022 was greeted with excitement. The brightly-colored device promised a range of beverages, a better cup of coffee than any other pod machine, and pods you could throw away without worrying about the environment.

It's a three-pronged winner. The compact pod coffee machine is reasonably priced and produces a rich, robust espresso every time. It's among the quietest machines available on the market. You can make your cup of Joe even before your alarm sounds.

The Bruvi is available in two sizes and can be adjusted according to the type of beverage you are making. If you're brewing cappuccino or latte it comes with three textures and temperature settings for the milk so you can enjoy your froth. It can even brew hot chocolate, which is great for adults and kids who need to warm up and wind down.

Another feature that's a big benefit is the programmable sleep mode, which switches to standby after an hour of non-use. It is also easy to clean and requires very little water. Think about a machine with an open capsule holder that can be removed to make emptying easier.


There are best barista coffee machine that you could add to your coffee maker such as a milk frother (unless it's part of the model you purchase). Other items you may want to consider are the possibility of a reusable filter to use with capsules that are reusable as well as a water kettle or thermometer for precise temperature control and a travel cup.

2. Easy to Clean

A coffee pod machine is a convenient method to start your day with a hot cup coffee. Simply load a pod and switch it on and in only a couple of minutes you'll have a freshly-brewed beverage. They are simple to clean and don't require daily maintenance. They just require a water tank refill and descaling approximately every six months.

Keurig's K-Cups have the widest variety of options available including national brands and popular grocery store brands like Folgers, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and Dunkin' Donuts. There are also alternatives to coffee, such as hot cocoa and tea, available in K-Cup form from several different brands. You don't have to make use of Keurig K-Cups for a great cup. You can also make it using reusable filter capsules that are made of paper or plastic and can hold ground coffee, pre-loaded drippods or loose coffee grounds.

A lot of these machines based on pods do not produce a rich strong, robust brew that can endure the most sophisticated taste. During our testing, we discovered that some pod coffee makers that produce bitter or watery cups of coffee. Others were so difficult to operate that they took up valuable space on your counter and were prone to run noisily.

Fortunately, there are now several high-quality pod coffee makers that offer the ease of use and consistency of a single-serve machine without the sour taste and flimsy packaging. Some have a built-in milk frother that allows you to foam and pour your latte or cappuccino, while others have a separate frother which can be connected to the machine to create a deliciously foamy top to your drinks.

The newer pod machines don't only provide a delicious cup of coffee, but they also solve the issue of 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 is now offering free bags for recycling capsules that can be picked up at any of its boutiques or UPS locations. A new competitor, Bruvi, uses its own pods that can only be used in its own brewer. They are designed to be able to break down quickly in landfills, without leaving any microplastics behind.

3. Fast Brewing

A pod coffee maker is a lifesaver for those who don't want grind beans or boil the kettle. These devices are foolproof and let you brew a cup of coffee, espresso or tea in mere minutes with no clean up. These machines produce more waste than drip-style counterparts but are still much more simple to use than making whole beans in a French Press or Pour-Over.

In the latter half of 2022 an LA-based company called Bruvi launched its BV-01 coffee pod machine. It promised to make better-tasting single-serve joes, provide more beverage options than the majority of other pod-based machines, and also provide recyclable capsules that can be thrown away 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 feels like the dawn of a new era in pod coffee.

One of the most important aspects to think about when purchasing the coffee pod maker is the size of the serving. Some models can sling single-serve cups in a broad range of sizes, ranging from giant travel mugs down to 2-ounce espresso shots. Other machines can make entire pots of coffee, and some even have a milk frother so you can add a creamy cappuccino or latte to your morning cup of joe.

Another important factor to consider is the design of a pod coffee machine. The color and finish of the machine along with the location and size of the water reservoir and pod compartment will impact the appearance of your machine on your counter. Some brands offer different colored pods so that you can alter your drink according to mood or season.

Pod coffee makers tend to be compact and occupy less space than drip or single-serve brewers. While a smaller footprint might be desirable, it's also important that your machine can make multiple cups between refills. The majority of pod coffee makers must be equipped with a water tank of at 40 ounces or more for the typical household.

4. Variety of drinks

Pod machines can be surprisingly versatile, and based on the manufacturer, they can make a variety. Certain brands, like Keurig's famous Keurig systems and Sage's Nespresso collab, can make up to four different sizes of drinks while others only offer one or two options. Certain machines also make hot chocolate, and cold drinks.

Some pod coffee machines have built-in milk frothers which can create cappuccinos, lattes and other frothy drinks. Others, however, need a separate or conjoined jug to accomplish this. The best milk-frothing pod coffee machines offer precise control and user-friendliness, as well as a sleek design that fits in with any kitchen.

The Grind One makes a great model. It's minimalist design is a step away from the curves that are that are found on other pod coffee makers. It's smaller than the majority of Keurigs, making it perfect for small kitchens and dorms. The water tank is easy to access and can hold up to 40 ounces. The machine is able to automatically deposit capsules that are used in a container which is attached to the machine. Other than maintaining the reservoir and decaling it every six months, no maintenance is required.

This model is more expensive than some other models we've reviewed, but it provides a high-quality experience. The brushed stainless steel look is modern and sleek, while the drip tray can be adjusted to accommodate tall or short espresso cups as well as travel cups. It can be used to brew five different drinks, thanks to a bespoke barcode system that scans each compatible pod and then automatically adjusts its settings to produce the perfect cup.

This is the most attractive coffee pod maker we've tested and produces a delicious brew, particularly for an automatic. The reason we didn't award it the top spot is due to its limited milk-frothing capabilities - the only option available is to use dried milk capsules, which don't taste quite as good as fresh-squeezed milk. If it included a built-in milk froth then we'd probably consider this pod machine to be the top spot.