The pod coffee machine remains one of the most popular machines for many reasons. It is very easy to use, not to mention the intense taste of the coffee it prepares in a few minutes. With soft or hard pods, multi-drink, 1 or 2 cups, Senseo, Tassimo or Dolce Gusto, check out this selection of the best pod coffee machines!
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Our selection
"This Krups pod coffee machine provides automatic preparation and quick preheating. Its compact design does not prevent it from offering a wide range of functions."
"Looking for a quick coffee break? Treat yourself to the Philips HD6554/11 pod coffee machine. It is both reliable and practical, and the coffee volume…"
"The Latte Crema System is mainly aimed at demanding coffee consumers. The pod coffee machine is efficient, complete and of incomparable authenticity."
"With its sunny name, the Bosch Tassimo TAS3202 Suny is a coffee machine that can prepare more than 40 drinks of your choice. This model…"
This Krups pod coffee machine provides automatic preparation and quick preheating. Its compact design does not prevent it from offering a wide range of functions.
91,20 £ on AmazonThanks to its compactness, the Krups YY4127FD Pixie will easily find a good place on your worktop. Its industrial look fits in with a kitchen of the same style. It is a real concentrate of features that will seduce you. Equipped with a 19 bar pressure pump, it will allow you to take advantage of its 2 cup sizes, namely espresso and lungo, adjustable with the folding grid.
For preheating, you only need 25 seconds. When not in use, the Krups YY4127FD Pixie automatically shuts off after 9 minutes. Only 11 cm wide, this pod coffee machine comes in 2 different finishes, enough to satisfy your needs for a harmonized atmosphere.
Looking for a quick coffee break? Treat yourself to the Philips HD6554/11 pod coffee machine. It is both reliable and practical, and the coffee volume can be adjusted at will.
43,99 £ on AmazonWith the Philips HD6554/11, you can choose between 1 or 2 cups of coffee simultaneously. You can also adjust the length of your coffee manually and choose its strength with a single click. The machine is equipped with aroma booster technology that evenly distributes water over the coffee pod to bring out the intense flavor.
Crema Plus technology, on the other hand, ensures the smoothest and finest layer of crema over the coffee. The Philips HD6554/11 pod coffee machine is easy to use. In particular, you can enjoy a short, strong coffee with just 2 presses.
The Latte Crema System is mainly aimed at demanding coffee consumers. The pod coffee machine is efficient, complete and of incomparable authenticity.
192 £ on AmazonWith Spanish-style craftsmanship, the Nespresso Lattissima One pod coffee machine ensures a proper cup of latte macchiato. The innovative milk system makes it even easier to clean than to use. Its compact design makes it easy to integrate into the kitchen. In addition to the automatic coffee maker, you will receive a welcome set with a nice selection of Nespresso capsules.
The Nespresso EN500B is displayed with several pre-programmed recipes. You have to press one of its 3 buttons to obtain an espresso, a lungo or a milk drink. Moreover, its pump delivers a performance of 19 bars and you can heat the water in 25 seconds (15 seconds more are needed if you want to make a milk recipe).
With its sunny name, the Bosch Tassimo TAS3202 Suny is a coffee machine that can prepare more than 40 drinks of your choice. This model has an intelligent Intellibrew barcode recognition.
44,14 £ on AmazonThe Bosch Tassimo TAS3202 Suny is incredibly versatile. It is easy to use, especially since it is one of the quietest pod coffee machines available. It doesn't require much effort on your part to maintain. Multi-drink, the Suny is equipped with the SmartStart system which allows you to start your coffee by simply pressing the cup.
The Bosch Tassimo TAS3202 Suny pod coffee maker has a water tank capacity of 800 mL. The brand's patented T-Discs technology is a real plus. It allows you to automatically adjust the water volume, temperature and brewing time. In addition to coffees (espresso, café crème, latte macchiato, cappuccino...), this machine offers a wide range of drinks such as hot chocolate and tea.
Any specific needs?
The best pod coffee machine in 2021
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Enjoy the Tassimo T-Discs system
Your guide :
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| TOP OF THE LINE | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
9/10 |
7/10 |
9/10 |
8/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
Krups YY4127FD Pixie
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Philips HD6554/11
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Nespresso EN500B
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Bosch Tassimo TAS3202 Suny
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This Krups pod coffee machine provides automatic preparation and quick preheating. Its compact design does not prevent it from offering a wide range of functions.
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Looking for a quick coffee break? Treat yourself to the Philips HD6554/11 pod coffee machine. It is both reliable and practical, and the coffee volume can be adjusted at will.
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The Latte Crema System is mainly aimed at demanding coffee consumers. The pod coffee machine is efficient, complete and of incomparable authenticity.
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With its sunny name, the Bosch Tassimo TAS3202 Suny is a coffee machine that can prepare more than 40 drinks of your choice. This model has an intelligent Intellibrew barcode recognition.
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Power
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1260 W
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1,450 W
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1400 W
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1,300 W
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Heating time
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25 s
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30 s
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25 sec (+15 sec for milk recipes)
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-
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Tank capacity
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700 mL
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750 mL
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1 L
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800 mL
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Dimensions
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32.6 x 11.1 x 23.5 cm
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21.9 x 31.6 x 23.6 cm
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32 x 15.4 x 25.6 cm
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30.5 x 16.7 x 25.1 cm
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Weight
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3 kg
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1.69 kg
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4.3 kg
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2.4 kg
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Your future coffee pod machine will be installed in your kitchen during the year, so you might as well choose an aesthetically successful model. The choice will be based on your personal taste. Generally, this type of small appliance is available in several colors and designs. Make sure that its look matches your interior decoration and the atmosphere you want to create without impacting the capacity of the tank.
The best way to invest profitably in the long term is to be aware of the cost per coffee. Basically, soft pods are cheaper per unit than capsules and hard pods. To give you an idea of the price of a pod, you should know that at Senseo, the price goes from 0.16 to 0.20 €, Tassimo and Dolce Gusto produce pods of about 0.30 €. Nespresso, on the other hand, goes up to 0.40 €.
In the case of the biggest coffee lovers, the pod coffee machine will be used daily. In this sense, it is preferable to turn to an easy-to-use model. Put a premium on the brewing time, preheating time and the ability to choose the size of the cup. Consider the capacity of the reservoir.
Some pod coffee machines only make coffee. However, other models can make other hot drinks such as tea, milk drinks and hot chocolate. Choose models with the capacity to make your favorite beverage.
The type of coffee you choose depends on the quality you want in your cup. With this in mind, find vintages that can please your taste buds in the format that suits you. Even though today's manufacturers try to satisfy all profiles, don't hesitate to evaluate all the possibilities available to you before the final purchase of your coffee pod machine.
Beyond the difference in the type of pods they use, pod coffee machines have common features such as the water tank, the heating block, the pressure pump needed for extraction and the selection button. Sometimes they provide easy adjustment of the cup length. These small appliances are fully automated and represent a simple way to prepare a cup of coffee without the headache.
Flavor extraction
The extraction of the coffee's aroma is achieved through percolation or the force of pressure exerted by the pump, whether the coffee is packaged in a pod or capsule. The pump, just like the heating mechanism of the machine, is adjusted beforehand to ensure that it works properly every time it is used. Often, you can regulate the quantity of coffee served per cup according to the quality of the grind.
In the case of capsules, the pressure is built up within the packaging itself. The liquid then passes through the fixed filter. Note that the pump works in a discontinuous way to guarantee the oxygenation of the water and the release of a maximum of aromas.
The pod, on the other hand, works a little differently. In fact, it is trapped in a special chamber leaving a considerable contact surface with the device that brings the water. It is the pressure that extracts the flavor of the coffee and then performs the extraction, with the pod's packaging acting as a filter.
Difference between hard and soft pods
Switching on and heating up is the same. You just have to press a button and the rest is done automatically. However, depending on the type of pod you choose, there are slight differences:
This type of model requires the use of specific capsules with a size and technical characteristics adapted to the machine. No percolation chamber is provided. All the steps of pressurization take place essentially in the capsule. It incorporates a pump that is exactly adapted to its mode of operation as well as a system for the evacuation of each used pod. You can choose the strength of your coffee, the extraction being carried out according to the raw material used. The fact that it only allows one cup at a time is its only major drawback.
The Tassimo pod coffee machine stands out for its T-Discs. Thanks to its intelligent barcode recognition system, it will know the type of drink you want to get. The machine will conform to the activated program and adapt the preparation accordingly. What's the best part? This type of machine can make milk drinks, chocolate and, of course, coffee.
The ESE (Easy Serving Expresso) pods are particularly suitable for high-pressure coffee machines and are intended for the preparation of espresso. The pod's tight, firm and compact shell guarantees better preservation of the coffee's aromas since it acts as a filter in this case. You can use it on a manual espresso machine if it is equipped with a filter of the right size. Its only drawback is that there is no compartment for the evacuation of the pods.
Like the ESEs, this is a type of pod where the paper containing the ground coffee acts as a filter. The ground coffee, however, is less compacted, which is why it is more suitable for traditional coffee machines. This type of pod is intended for models with a low pressure water supply. It has a sealed compartment to ensure optimal pressure build-up and percolation.
A nomadic coffee maker, the portable pod coffee machine allows you to prepare a cup of espresso while on the go. Some are manually operated while others require a cigarette lighter connection. It is suitable for soft pods and Senseo pods and sometimes the coffee maker accepts Nespresso capsules.
Do you want to consume your coffee in the right dose? The pod coffee machine is specifically designed for you. There is no need to use a manual grinder because the coffee is directly packed in a capsule or filter paper. All you have to do is place it in the compartment provided for this purpose, fill the tank with water and turn on your machine. The pressure force varies from 15 to 19 bars. However, a few seconds are enough to prepare a good cup of hot coffee. It should be noted that in practice, the coffee pod machine is very energy consuming and the pods are not recyclable.
Very common, the filter coffee machine gives you the opportunity to concoct a large quantity of coffee in a single preparation. It has a water tank with a more than satisfactory capacity. It also has a fast heating time thanks to a resistance system at the base. Once the water boils, it instinctively flows to the top of the machine and through the filter filled with grounds. The flavor and intensity of the coffee obtained depends on the quality and quantity of ground coffee used. In most cases, the filter coffee maker can serve up to 12 cups simultaneously.
Those who are in a hurry will find their happiness in the coffee pod machine. It allows you to obtain a good dose of coffee in the blink of an eye. Apart from its ease of use, you have a multitude of choices as to the types of pods or capsules adapted. On the other hand, the filter coffee machine is very practical. It is ideal for preparing a considerable amount of coffee, up to 12 cups in one use. It is important to pay attention to the preparation time as it can take between 4 and 6 minutes.
Coffee lovers know that nothing beats a good cup of coffee to start the day. Flavored, frothy, strong... the choice of beverages is vast and they are waiting for you. Why should you buy a pod coffee machine but not another type of coffee maker? See all the benefits in the rest of this article.
A pod coffee machine is mainly chosen for the idea of portioned coffee. The cup is dosed perfectly, so you don't have to worry about a drink that's too strong or too light. All the flavors are better preserved thanks to the hermetic packaging of the capsules or pods. The coffee will not dry out.
The design of such an appliance has been studied in order to allow it to fit into any kitchen, regardless of its size. With a refined style, the machine will be a real added value in your decoration and will match with the working environment. It is also more aesthetic than the classic models. A good point more!
In less than a minute, you will get your cup of coffee, but not only that... the coffee pod machine offers you the opportunity to choose the type of beverage that suits you. Besides coffee (long coffee, espresso, latte macchiato, cappuccino, strong coffee, etc.), you can prepare milk drinks, tea and even hot chocolate without changing the machine. And you won't miss the choice of capsules!
The general average noise level is 60 dB. For the pod coffee machine, it is quite quiet compared to the automatic coffee maker which has a volume of 65 to 74 dB, the same as that of a coffee machine with grinder.
Its simplicity of use is reflected in the reduced number of steps in preparation and maintenance. In principle, this is due to the use of capsules and pods that are never in direct contact with the machine. In short, all you have to do is fill the water tank, activate the preheating, place the pod or capsule in its dedicated compartment and start the preparation.
In our opinion, the best brands of coffee pod machines in 2022 are :
Although the brand is active in various fields, it is best known to the general public for its Senseo flexible pod coffee machines, launched in 2001 with the support of the Maison du Café. It is one of the companies that have democratized this type of machine, as the cost of use is lower than that of its competitors. Its models stand out thanks to the quality of the coffee produced, its lightness, its concentrated aromas and its preserved flavors.
Nespresso is considered one of the leaders in the market when it comes to coffee pod machines. Authentic, you will find neither its coffee makers nor its capsules only in Nespresso boutiques or marketed by mail order. This is to ensure the quality of the items sold. Espresso coffee, long coffee, iced tea, iced cappuccino... In short, you'll get your money's worth.
The Italian brand generally designs home appliances including deep fryers, ice cream makers, electric ovens, air conditioners, purifiers or cordless vacuum cleaners. It also has a large market share in coffee machines. The pod model, on the other hand, benefits from an unbeatable price/quality ratio, reasonable capacity, high power and a choice between 1 or 2 cups.
The Dolce Gusto brand was born in 2006 and belongs exclusively to the Nestlé Group. All of its coffee makers, including pod models, are designed by Krups. Unlike Nespresso, its capsules (made of soft plastics, but not aluminum) can be found easily in stores. This is the model for you if you are particularly fond of gourmet cappuccino coffees.
A subsidiary of the Mondelēz International group, Tassimo was born in 2004. It is a reference in terms of coffee pod machines. The brand is characterized by its pods called T-Discs coming in an entire range of hot drinks. The Tassimo Intellibrew technology has been implemented in order to easily recognize the barcodes of the capsules and to adapt the preparation accordingly. They are only compatible with Tassimo coffee makers. Nevertheless, it gives you the choice between more than 40 drinks.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Maintain the reservoir regularly
Regardless of your coffee pod machine model, regular maintenance of the reservoir is always essential. If not properly maintained, this element will lead to the accumulation of deposits and algae over time. This can be avoided by cleaning once or twice a week. Remove it and run it under water before scrubbing it lightly with a sponge and soap.
Perform general maintenance every month
General maintenance is done monthly or at least once every 2 months. There are specific cleaning products on the market for coffee machines. To do this, fill the tank (about 500 mL of water). Put in descaling capsules such as those from Cunea or those specific to the Bosch brand. Press the buttons for one and two cups at the same time. The machine will continue to clean until the water in the tank is exhausted. In addition, the water will pass through the entire circuit, which will thoroughly clean your coffee maker.
Use a used pod when descaling
During the cleaning and descaling of the pod coffee machine, never forget to place a used pod or capsule in the compartment. It will serve to hold back the scale buildup that often tends to clog the drip system. Once this is done, throw away the pod and then restart the machine, this time with clear water.
Make home-made Nespresso capsules
More ecological and economical, you can also reuse your used Nespresso capsules. To do this, collect it, cut the aluminum cover and empty. Wash the inside well and once dry, fill it with ground coffee. Pack it all in. Place a square of aluminum foil on top and make sure to fold it around the capsule.
Use the service of a professional in case of electronic malfunction
Don't dare open your pod coffee machine if you notice any electronic malfunction. It is indeed very compact and 100% automatic, repairing it yourself would be risky. In this case, leave it to the professional. Besides, he can replace the potential faulty parts if needed.
You have a spillage problem if the amount of coffee you get is not what you expect. In this case, clean your pod coffee machine to get rid of excess scale. Also consider using filtered water. If this happens frequently, use a white vinegar-based preparation or a descaling capsule. Rinse several times with clean water.
The pod holder gets dirty with use. However, if you maintain the pod coffee machine regularly, there is little to no chance of this happening. In case you encounter this type of problem, remove the pod holder and soak it in a mixture of hot water and white vinegar. Let it soak for 1 hour, then rinse and clean with a sponge.
The longevity of your pod coffee machine 's life varies depending on various important factors such as brand, model, manufacturing materials, frequency of use and maintenance. On average, it is perfectly possible to keep such a machine for more than 10 years.
Senseo pods are fully compatible with other soft pod coffee makers. It is important to know that they have been specially designed to fit the machines of the same brand, their shape as well as their size are adjusted for optimal extraction of all flavors. The opposite, that is to say the use of another brand of pods on the Senseo pod coffee machine, would not be possible.
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