If you are familiar with tea bags, then you should have a rough idea of what a coffee pod looks likes. Also, like a teabag, the ground coffee is enclosed in a paper filter, and if you infuse it with water, you can make a caffeinated beverage. However, brewing coffee by heating water and pouring it through a coffee-filled filter may not be everybody’s cup of tea. This is because a lot of people are used to using coffee machines and so the alternative seems like a tiring process. Nonetheless, coffee pod machines exist for just this purpose. They are more or less like espresso makers; however, these work only with coffee pods.
If you fancy a machine like this, there are a few different companies that manufacture them. Consequently, you will notice that while functions are similar, a lot of the features are different. They include the type of interface each device uses, how long it takes to brew a cup of coffee, how big or small the water tank is, and the kind of pods it can take up. Once you have these features nailed down, you will find it much easier to select one from the many.
Top 7 Coffee Pod Machines Review 2020
However, before you can narrow down a few of the best coffee pod machine, you need to not only look at the many options from manufacturer’s sites but also compare them to each other. This way, you know which option has which feature and what that means for the overall productivity of the gadget. As we have already done that the resulting table, product reviews, and buying guide highlighted below makes this process a whole lot easier.
Best of kind capsule coffee maker from Keurig with less than a minute brew time of wide range of coffee beverages
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A fully programmable K-Cup compatible brewer with 72-ounce water reservoir, charcoal water filter and adjustabel tenperature control
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A versatile automatic coffee pod machine with 5 different beverage sizes available. Features large 54-ounce water tank, capsule container, and a complimentary gift of a range of Vertuo capsules
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Another coffee pod machine from Keurig with 3 available brew sizes, 48-ounce water tank and simple interface
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A two-way coffee brewer from Sboly will let you make both K-Cup and traditional way coffee
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A single-serve coffee maker from Hamilton Beach is the most durable coffee maker on the market
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A budget-friendly capsule coffee maker from CHULUX fits most of coffee capsules. Perfect pick for traveling
Read Our ReviewKeurig K-Elite Coffee Maker – Editor’s Choice
- Water Reservoir: 75 oz.
- Brewing time: less than 1 minute
- Dimensions: 13.1 x 9.9 x 16.5 inches
- Weight: 6.6 lbs.
- Material: plastic
Keurig features another device which despite having a more extensive water reservoir tank is lighter in weight than the K-Classic Coffee Maker. The water tank stands at a capacity of 75 oz., which should be more than enough to brew a few cups of coffee. However given that the device uses coffee pods, you should know that this coffee maker can only brew a cup at a time. The drip tray will allow you to fill up mugs roughly 7.2 inches in size. Also, the device will enable one to use multiple K-cup pod sizes inclusive of the 4,6,8,10, and 12-ounce packs.
Despite the construction being plastic, the device comes in several different finishes. These include silver and gold options. Where maintenance is required, the device has a self-diagnostic feature that will allow it to alert you when there is a need to descale the appliance. This is part and parcel of the process of ensuring that the coffee produced by the machine is of the highest quality and flavor.
The Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker also features a host of programmable features including auto-on and temperature control. Other key features include the iced setting that enables users to make iced coffee and the “strong brew option,” which should increase the strength and taste of your beverage. This model is also one of the select few that alerts you whenever you need to descale your coffee maker.
- Alerts users to descale device
- Short brew time
- Strong brew coffee option
- Large water tank
- Expensive
Cuisinart SS-10 Premium Single-Serve Coffeemaker – Best Plastic Coffee Pod Machine
- Water Reservoir: 72 oz.
- Brewing time: 3 minutes
- Dimensions: 11.03 x 9.33 x 12.13 in
- Weight: 9.5 lbs.
- Material: plastic
If you want a machine that is compatible with all k-cup pods, then this is the one for you. The set up on the front right side of the device includes a total of six buttons in addition to an LCD screen. The water reservoir capacity stands at 72 Oz., and as such, when the machine is filled up, it can be a bit heavy. However, with the body being made entirely of plastic, the device can be extremely light when empty.
You can select from an array of up to five coffee beverage sizes. Also, there is a hot water button that allows you to enjoy other types of beverages, including tea, hot cocoa, and instant coffee. In addition to this, there is a rinse feature that cleans the inside of the device. Where the water tank is concerned, you can remove it from the contraption, take it to the sink and fill it up before you return it to its rightful position.
Also, this device caters to your personal needs since it is programmable. As such, you can adjust the auto-off and auto-on as well as the temperature. The charcoal water filter embedded in the tank may be an added advantage to users.
- Programmable
- Includes a water filter in the tank
- Large water tank
- LCD screen
- Reusable filter cup
- Expensive
De'Longhi ENV135B Espresso Machine – Easy-to-use Coffee Pod Machine
- Water Reservoir: 54 oz.
- Brewing time: 3 minutes
- Dimensions: 9 x 12.2 x 12.3 inches
- Weight: 10.96 lbs.
- Material: plastic
Most single cup pod coffee machines require you take out the pods each time you make a cup. This one makes it more convenient by allowing you to stack up 17 coffee capsules before you have to get rid of them. With regards to heat up time, the machine takes about 15 seconds to start up. This is one of the quickest start-up times so far and thus would be ideal where you barely have time.
Also, where controls are concerned, this model will allow you to select your coffee type from five available options by pressing one or two buttons.
If you check out the dimensions and weight of the device, you will realize that this machine is one of the bulkier ones with regards to the entire line-up. You can input about 54 Oz. of water each time you resolve to fill the water tank. Nevertheless, the device is meant for single cup servings, which means that you can go at least a few cups before you are required to bring another jug of water to the coffee station.
Once you input a capsule into the provided slot, the coffee machine can read the barcode and recognize the blend. As such, the device can adjust parameters to produce the optimum results needed. This makes it easier on the user as they don’t have to change any settings.
- Easy to operate
- Large water reservoir
- Comes with a complementary set of coffee capsules
- Relatively pricy
- Most of the parts are not durable
Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker – Best Programmable Coffee Pod Machine
- Water Reservoir: 48 oz.
- Brewing time: 3 minutes
- Dimensions: 9.8 x 13.3 x 13 in
- Weight: 10 lbs.
- Material: plastic
This is a rather complicated design on a pod coffee machine. The exterior is sleek and black though you can also opt for the red version. Also, you will note that this particular device features a 48 Oz. water reservoir, which is the highest one so far although other machines feature even bigger water tanks. The device weighs a total of 10 pounds, which in itself is not much so you shouldn’t have a shortage of surfaces to place it on.
One exciting aspect of the machine is that you can brew using multiple k-cup pod sizes, including the 6, 8, and 10 Oz. ones. If you consider the brew time it is the most impressive one so far clocking in at under a minute from start to finish. However, this device doesn’t shut off immediately after making a cup. Instead, you may have to wait for two hours for the auto shut-off feature to kick in. Also, although there are multiple buttons in the setup, all one needs to do is touch a single one to select their preferred cup size and wait for the beverage to fill up.
This device is also capable of making a few other drinks such as tea, hot cocoa, and iced beverages. All you need is the knowhow to operate the device, and you are good to go.
- Large water reservoir
- Quick brew time
- Can be used for making other beverages apart from coffee
- Programmable auto shut-off
- Requires a lot of maintenance
Single-Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker from Sboly – Best Two-Way Coffee Maker
- Water Reservoir: 14 oz.
- Brewing time: 3 minutes
- Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.4 x 11.6 inches
- Weight: 2.53 lbs.
- Material: stainless steel
Coffee pod machines generally tend to be smaller and lighter than their espresso-making counterparts. One reason for this would be that lower water tank capacities can only brew at most two cups of coffee at a time. As such they are easier to fit on your kitchen counter or any tabletop you might think place them on. This particular device holds 14 Oz. of water and requires a maximum of three minutes to finish the coffee-making process.
On top of the gadget, a flap opens to show a coffee filter in which you can place your pods. Also, the interface is two-buttoned, and therefore, it shouldn’t be all that hard to figure out the controls of the device. One button will let you use a capsule for brewing while the next allows you to brew with ground coffee. Perhaps a critical difference between this and other barista level coffee machines is that the latter always features a frother while this aspect is almost always absent in a coffee pod machine. This may have a bearing on the overall size of the device.
Given that the machine features stainless steel construction, it shouldn’t be so easy to damage. Cleaning the outside of the device should be easy enough and besides the drip tray is removable so you can reach the area below. Clean up of the inside is even more straightforward as all you need to do is press the two buttons together.
- Simple to use interface
- Easy-clean feature
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Brews even ground coffee
- You are required to use bottled or filtered water for your coffee
Hamilton Beach 49981A – Durable Coffee Pod Machine
- Water Reservoir: 14 oz.
- Brewing time: 8 oz. cup in less than 90 seconds
- Dimensions: 8.35 x 6.7 x 8.67
- Weight: 5.25 lbs.
- Material: stainless steel
As a first, the manufacturer prefers it if users run at least one cycle of pure water through the machine before you set out to make your first cup of coffee. Compared to the previous two models you can see from the features we have highlighted that this one has one of the smaller water reservoirs. Nonetheless, the 14 Oz. capacity will not hold you back from brewing a full cup. There are three detachable parts to this device, and you can put all of them in a dishwasher when you need them cleaned.
While you can use a few coffee pods with this device, you don’t have to. You can opt to use various coffee grinds, which gives you more options to work with. An added advantage that accrues from using this piece of equipment is you can adjust the boldness of the drink to suit how strong you need your coffee to be. Once you’ve set everything up, it takes a maximum of 90 seconds.
Due to the steel construction, you can expect the body to last a little longer than plastic counterparts. The component scoop filter for this device is marked with two measuring lines, and you should try not to overflow it. If you do the water may cause a mess on your counter. A final tip if you are using this device is you should adjust the cup rest, so the dispensing noz.zle is right above the cup. This will prevent spillages and a mess.
- 90 second brew time
- Adjustable coffee boldness
- Adjustable cup rest
- Durable construction
- Multiple trips to a water dispenser due to the small water tank
CHULUX Coffee Maker – Budget Pick
- Water Reservoir: 12 oz.
- Brewing time: 3 min
- Dimensions: 4.3 x 7.5 x 9.8 inches
- Weight: 2.2 lbs.
- Material: plastic
Second is the CHULUX Coffee Maker, which had to make it on our machine review list. At first glance, you will note the device features bold coloring on the outside. These pod coffee machines come in a blue, red, black, green, and orange cases featuring plastic construction. While this body may not be as strong and durable as a stainless steel one, it is still designed to hold its own. Also, the plastic is sufficiently heat proofed so it can support the brewing process, which involves boiling water. Of course, there are also a few metal components in the construction of the device.
You can use the machine with most coffee pods you find on the market, and it shouldn’t be a process that takes more than three minutes. Just like the many other single-serve pod coffee machines, you get to make a single cup of coffee every time you use the machine. Also, after the three minutes of brew time, the device shuts down on its own, which adds an extra layer of safety. This also gives you the freedom to tend to other chores while you brew.
Despite being a coffee pod machine, you are not limited to using only pods. You can opt to use ground coffee, and the device will allow you to do so. Among the detachable materials are the drip tray, which you can also throw into the dishwasher now and then. Also, you can use cups that are up to 5.3 inches tall by making adjustments to the drip tray.
- One year warranty
- Compact design
- Standard coffee brewing time
- Takes up even ground coffee in addition to pods
- Multiple color options
- Automatic shut off
- Machine is not as durable without a steel exterior
Buying Guide
As we mentioned before, we compiled this list based on merit, whereby we researched what makes an excellent single-cup pod coffee machine. We, of course, had a rather extensive list to start with, but we managed to narrow it down to the above options by checking which features resonated with most people and which ones were more appreciated. However, while this works for most people, it may not work for you, so in addition to considering what other people think you should have a concrete idea of what you want. You can only pull it off if you understand what the various features mean. As such, the below list is here to help you narrow down what aspects of a coffee pod machine will benefit you most. From there you can make your purchasing decision.
Water tank capacity
The water tank is there purely for convenience, and thus your individual needs matter when you consider what reservoir capacity to pick. Most machines of this caliber can handle brewing at least one cup of coffee depending on the size of the mug. Some can produce even five cups without needing a refill. However, with most of these gadgets, you still need to input pods or capsules whenever you want to make your beverage. It, therefore, falls on you to decide if you wish to make the extra trips. A product like the CHULUX Coffee Maker will make at most two mugs while Cuisinart SS-10 Premium Single-Serve Coffeemaker is capable of more.
Brewing time
Brewing time also counts a lot. Where you want to make multiple cups of coffee, you have to consider that these types of tools can only produce one cup at a time. This is probably why they are nicknamed single-serve machines. As a result, a short brewing time may be necessary where you are waiting for the device to serve multiple cups of the beverage. Also, most of these pod coffee machines brew in less than three minutes. An example of short brewing time is exhibited by the Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker, which finishes the task in less than a minute.
Power supply
Being electrical devices, these units have to use electricity but as to how much power they take up is entirely different from model to model. Ideally, most people would pick those that don’t use much power, but that has some downsides with the example of long-brewing periods. Therefore it is essential to check the power ratings of each device, whether they are compatible with your sockets and if they impact other features such as brewing time negatively. Also, be sure to consider that the more power a device uses the higher your utility bill.
Dimensions
In the above list, each of the mentioned devices has its dimensions highlighted. You know the size of your kitchen and the size of your counter. You can therefore correctly gauge whether the product you buy will get space or you will need to move some stuff about. People with smaller kitchen spaces should consequently strive to choose smaller devices. In addition to that, you shouldn’t buy equipment that is only going to sit in your store. Wait till you have enough space then buy the product.
Price
The budgetary allocation will have the most say in the product that you buy. If you have 100 dollars, you can only buy products priced the same or lower. The prices vary from affordable to expensive. If you take the search seriously, you are likely to find the right device for you and one that you can comfortably pay for. If this is not the case, saving for a few weeks or months shouldn’t be a big issue. After all, you should want the best available quality.
FAQ
If you are going to clean the filter, you need to do it daily. Clean with warm soapy water and make sure you get all the leftover coffee particles out. This routine should hold well for a few weeks, but after that, you also need to switch it up a little. As an occasional alternative, you can soak the filter in distilled vinegar mixed with water before resuming your regular cleaning routine.
You should do this as often as possible. Most machines will allow for a few days to weeks of continued use before you need to descale the brewer. Some even feature alerts telling you that you should get on that particular chore. However, for you to get this feature, you need to spend more on getting the device in the first place. The Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker is one such device, and purchasing it will cost you upwards of 150 dollars.
This all depends on the make and model of the machine you bought. The Cuisinart SS-10 Premium Single-Serve Coffeemaker that features fifth on our list is a device that will allow you to adjust temperatures and therefore influence the final product. Other smaller and cheaper devices may not have the same capabilities. However, they all work within temperatures that allow for optimum extraction of the coffee flavor.
The design of the best and cheapest pod coffee machines include a slot for pods and K-cups. However, there are no rules against using the device without adding the pods. Consequently, the beverage that you get if you don’t add the coffee is hot water and you can then use it for other purposes such as making hot cocoa and tea. Nevertheless, there are coffee pod machines that have buttons specifically designed to allow for the boiling of hot water. If you need such a device, the Cuisinart SS-10 Premium Single-Serve Coffeemaker is one device that has such capabilities.
Our Verdict
If budgetary wise you are not doing too well you can pick the Single-Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker from Sboly. The device is solidly built into a stainless steel frame that can take a beating without showing signs of damage. Additionally, it comes with a self-cleaning feature which most users will appreciate. However, there are some downsides like the fact that it only has a 15 oz. water tank. Also, while the Single-Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker from Sboly is undoubtedly in the affordable range, it isn’t the cheapest brewer you can buy.
Another option likely to strike the fancy of many is the De'Longhi ENV135B Espresso Machine. If you want a machine that doesn’t require a lot of input from you every time you wish to get a beverage, you can get this one. It holds a 54 oz. water tank capacity and as such will qualify to give you a few cups of coffee. Also, the fact that you can add a coffee capsule before taking out the previous 16 you used may work to your advantage.
The Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker is also our editor’s choice for a reason. The device has the most straightforward coffee making set-up. All users need to do is familiarize themselves with the button layout, and the next time they make coffee, it will be a breeze. Now you can go to the store armed with the right information. As such picking out a coffee pod machine should be easy as pie.
