10 Best Coffee Pod Machines in 2023 (Reviews) – CuppaBean (2024)

It is very convenient to wake up in the morning and just do three simple steps. Pick up a coffee capsule of your favorite flavor.

Put it in your single serve coffee maker and place a cup or mug for your coffee. Press the button and wait for the brewing to be done. Very easy!

But there’s a caveat to that convenience. Best Coffee Pod Machinesare expensive, with pricey capsules/pods.

But, if you are ready to invest in convenience rather than going through the messy process of grinding, tamping and frothing your coffee, then getting the best pod coffee maker should be on top of your list.

There are three common pod coffee makers and capsule manufacturers – Keurig, Nespresso, and Tassimo.

Keurig is for coffee lovers, Nespresso is for espresso-based drinkers and milk-based enthusiasts, while Tassimo has special pods for all kinds of coffee- or milk-based drinks.

Our choices for the best coffee pod machine may be varied, but we only select the best – that’s for sure.

Here Are the Best Coffee Pod Machines

• Breville CitiZ Espresso Machine
• Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker
• Nespresso Pixie Espresso Machine by De’Longhi
• Hamilton Beach FlexBrew
• Mueller Ultima Single Serve K-Cup
• Keurig K-Elite Pod Maker
• Cuisinart SS-10P1
• Nespresso Vertuo and Milk Frother
• Nescafe Dolce Gusta Genio 2 Coffee Machine
• Staresso Portable Espresso Machine

1. Breville CitiZ Espresso Machine – Our Top Pick

If you are looking for an impeccable single serve coffee maker, your search has finally come to an end. The Breville CitiZ Espresso Machine serves up a great coffee. With its patented extraction system and its 19-bar pressure pump, you can make great beverages.

It’s designed to reach the ideal brewing temperature in just 25 seconds. And, since this machine is automatic, you can brew your coffee in no time. You can choose your brewing cup size between espresso (1.35oz) and lungo (5oz). Adding ice to your beverages gives you iced coffee.

It features an Aeroccino 3 milk frother that aids in making great froth for your coffee drinks. This automatic milk frother is fast, which allows you to make texturing, hot or cold milk foaming without any noise.

Pros

• So lightweight you can move it around
• With an auto-off function, in case you forget to manually turn off
• Easy to clean because of its slim profile

Cons

• Might be a little noisy when operating
• Not that reliable milk froth

2. Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker – Runner Up

The Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker has everything you need in a single serve coffee maker that utilizes K-cup pods. You can brew three different sizes using 6, 8 and 10oz K-cup pod sizes. With the 6oz brew size, you can achieve a stronger brew to help you stay up all night.

It has a removable and easy-refillable 48 oz water tank. Since the water container is large enough, it’ll take some time before you consume all the water. You can enjoy more than 6 cups of coffee in one refill.

To brew your coffee, you just need to insert the pod, then select your desired brew. Brew it, and you’ll have freshly brewed coffee in less than a minute. Don’t forget, to keep the consistency of your coffee quality; you need to descale the machine according to standard stipulations. However, all Keurig brewers should be descaled at some point; make sure to know when exactly.

Pros

• Very convenient coffee machine
• You can choose from a wide variety of coffee flavors
• Accepts reusable pods so you can use freshly ground coffee

Cons

• • Might not get the kind of coffee flavor they expect from Keurig
  • Could be more expensive than other Keurig models

3. Nespresso Pixie Espresso Machine by De’Longhi – Most Energy Efficient

If you are looking for an energy-saving coffee machine, Nespresso Pixie Espresso Machine by De’Longhi is a great choice. It has a faster heating system that helps it achieve the ideal brewing temperature in just 25 seconds. It has a 19-bar, high-performance pressure pump that unlocks the delicate flavor in every coffee capsule.

Also Check: Nespresso VertuoPlus Review

Make your coffee and choose between espresso (1.35oz) and lungo (5oz), which can be easily programmed with just a touch of a button. The drip tray can be removed to accommodate travel mugs and other large single-serve cups. So, you can use your favorite mug for your latte or cappuccino.

This Nespresso coffee machine has a 24oz water tank with a backlight indicator when the reservoir needs refilling. All used Nespresso pods will be automatically ejected to the internal receptacle. Hence, cleaning this machine is easy and straightforward.

Pros

• Removable drip tray to accommodate taller travel mugs
• Small and compact design
• Delivers rich espresso with enough crema

Cons

• Smaller water reservoir than other models
• Basic model doesn’t have many bells and whistles

4. Hamilton Beach (49976) FlexBrew Single Serve – Most Versatile Brewing Option

The Hamilton Beach (49976) FlexBrew Single Serve Coffee Maker is among the most versatile pod coffee machines that serve full carafe brewing in addition to single-serve serving. Each brewer has its own dedicated water reservoir, which can be easily refilled from the top of the machine.

Depending on your mood, you can adjust the strength of your coffee (regular or bold). It has an ‘Auto Pause and Serve’ function that lets you steal a cup while the brewing process is still in progress. Both brewers can brew a maximum of 10 oz coffee pods or around 14 oz coffee grounds.

To fit a travel mug (at most 8 inches), you need quick adjustments on the cup rest.

Pros

• Easy to use and gives the best value
• Coffee is hotter and more delicious, especially on the single-serve side
• Full carafe serving makes 12oz of coffee

Cons

• If under the cabinet, you need to pull it out to refill the reservoir
• Inconsistent coffee taste, especially in large volumes
• Takes a while to fill one cup of coffee

5. Mueller Ultima Single Serve K-Cup – Offers More Flexibility

The Mueller Ultima Single Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker is another versatile pod coffee machine for a variety of compatible pods. It’s designed to fit all 1.0 and 2.0 K-cups and most pods available in the market. This gives you flexibility and freedom in customizing your drink options.

It features rapid brew technology that quickly brews your coffee at the ideal temperature. For the brewing sizes, you can program the machine to brew one of five pre-set options: 4, 6, 8, 10 & 12 oz cups.

It has a 45 oz water tank, which can be removed for easy refilling and cleaning. It has a large opening, so water refilling is not a problem. So, if you are looking for a pod coffee maker to be used at home, this is more than perfect.

Pros

• Rapid brew tech for faster heat up and brewing of your coffee
• Removable 45oz water reservoir, easy refill and cleaning
• Versatile and compatible with almost all kinds of pods

Cons

• Cannot fit standard travel mugs
• Not really an all-in-one type of coffee maker

6. Keurig K-Elite Single Serve K-Cup Pod Maker – Large Water Reservoir

Not all pod coffee makers make strong coffee as promised. However, the Keurig K-Elite Single Serve K-Cup Pod Maker makes you a strong brewed coffee just the way you like it. With its ‘Strong Brew’ button, creating a punchy coffee has never been this easy.

It has a large 75 oz water reservoir that gives you 8 cups of freshly brewed coffee before refilling. Like the Mueller Ultima, you can also choose from five different cup sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 oz. In addition, you can remove the drip tray to accommodate travel mugs that are 7.2 inches in height.

This machine is compatible with hundreds of K cup pod varieties out there. With a single touch of a button, you can make coffee, hot cocoa, and even tea in less than a minute. Cleaning this machine is a breeze, too.

Pros

• Fast brewing and produces great-tasting coffee
• Compact, lightweight and very portable
• Reliable ‘strong brew’ button

Cons

• Doesn’t remember settings well; need to set preferences again
• Water dispenses on its own and cannot be stopped

7. Cuisinart SS-10 Premium – Most Compatible

The Cuisinart SS-10 Premium Single-Serve Coffeemaker is a good pod coffee machine that makes one cup of coffee at a time. It’s compatible with any brand of single-serve pods, including K-cup pods. You can choose from 4-12 oz brew sizes.

With its 72 oz removable water reservoir, it’ll take a long time before the next refill. It features a hot water button in case you need hot water only. It also has a ‘rinse’ function that lets you clean the inside of the brew chamber without hassle.

It’s highly programmable with adjustable temperature control. It has an auto on/off function in case you are too busy to turn the machine off manually.

Pros

• Can use both K-pods and loose-ground coffee
• Large capacity reservoir for serving more coffee
• Rinse feature is great for cleaning the brew chamber

Cons

• Can’t control strength level
• Just single-serve brewing, no option for a full carafe
• Plastic, so it might not be that durable

8. Nespresso Vertuo and Milk Frother – Large Capsule Variety

The Nespresso Vertuo coffee and espresso machine by Breville is a machine plus Aeroccino. It is automated and allows users to create barista-grade coffee drinks with single serve coffee or espresso cups with just one touch of a button. This machine only operates with Nespresso Vertuo capsules only.

However, even with this small limitation, it is still considered a versatile coffee maker. Users can brew four different cup sizes: a 1.35-ounce espresso, a 2.7-ounce double espresso, a 5-ounce Gran Lungo, and a 7.7-ounce coffee. It can make coffees for every taste, from bold to hot to iced coffee varieties. Nespresso offers over 30 capsule options, so you can enjoy all their seasonal flavors and the limited edition coffees they come out with.

Thanks to its Nespresso Centrifusion technology that uses barcodes, it delivers the best results, including the perfect crema for the larger coffee size. The 40-ounce water tank is removable and easy to fill. The heat up time for this machine is fast and heats within 15 seconds.

Included with your Nespresso machine purchase is an Aeroccino milk frother for smooth hot or cold milk froth.

You may also like the Nespresso Vertuoplus.

Pros

• Its revolutionary brewing system provides users with a one-of-a-kind experience for a full taste and rich crema
• Offers a wide range of coffee and espresso drink options
• Easy and convenient one touch brewing system
• Capsules are fully recyclable through the free Nespresso recycling program

Cons

• Only compatible with Nespresso Vertuo capsules

9. Nescafe Dolce Gusta Genio 2 Coffee Machine – User-Friendly Interface

The Nescafe Dolce Gusta Genio 2 coffee machine allows you to make coffee house-inspired drinks in your own kitchen. The machine is coffee capsule based and offers 15 different flavor varieties, and you can choose from espresso, Americano, cappuccino, latte, and more.

The user-friendly interface of the Nescafe Dolce Gusto makes this capsule machine easy to operate. It has a toggle stick that can be used to adjust the LED display, where you can control the size, temperature, and strength of your brew. You can match the LED bars to the bars on your Dolce Gusto capsule and then position the toggle stick for a hot or cold brew.

It has a pressure-based system. The Genio 2 has 15 bars of pressure that allows for a higher level of extraction so you can achieve the best flavor, aroma, and body with more consistent results. It also has a used capsule bin for easy disposal of your used capsules.

Pros

• Professional grade machine for the best results
• Can create custom hot or cold specialty drinks
• Specially designed smart capsules lock in freshness for more consistent flavor

Cons

• The capsules are not recyclable
• Not as easy or quick startup as the previous Genio model

10. Staresso Portable Espresso Machine – Upgraded Model

The Staresso Portable Espresso Machine is the upgraded model that is now compatible with capsules and coffee powder. There is also no need to purchase any additional accessories. The 2023 model can hold up to 10 grams of coffee or 5-6 gram capsules. The water tank holds 60 to 80 ml of boiling water or ice water.

This capsule coffee machine is easy to operate and takes one to two minutes to make the coffee drink of your choice. It is suitable for coffee extraction and has 20 bars of adjustable pressure.

This mini espresso machine has a capsule sleeve and pressure regulator, making the extraction process easier and much more stable. Its movable pressure valve makes cleanup easier because all you have to do is push out the powder.

The Staresso portable espresso machine is made of high-quality stainless steel material and compact design, making it easily portable and more convenient to use. It is manually operated and does not require a power source or batteries, making it energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

You simply fill it with hot water, pump to pressurize the vessel and then push the water through the capsule or coffee grounds.

All parts of the espresso machine are washable, making clean up a breeze after each use.

Pros

• Portable and compact design that you can take on the go
• Made from durable materials for longevity and quality

Cons

• Some users reported the spike to break through the capsules doesn’t always do its job
• Not power operated, so you have to take the time to heat the chambers and glass yourself

Buying Guide for the Best Coffee Pod Machine

One big reason to choose the best coffee pod machine is the convenience and smart technology they offer when brewing a delicious cup of coffee. Here are a few things you want to keep in mind as you narrow your choices for the best coffee pod machines.

Bar Pressure

You should take this into serious consideration. Lower bar pressure is better and will make your coffee the perfect blend.

Reviews

Experience is the best teacher. So, look for people who have used the product you are eyeing on. Check the product reviews on Amazon or read reviews from reliable sources. This will help you immediately reject bad products, leaving you with good ones to choose from.

Drink Size

Most single serve coffee makers allow you to use different cup sizes. However, if you want to use travel mugs immediately, only a few accommodate this need. This aspect may affect your choice of the best pod coffee machine.

Pod Variety

Some of the more basic coffee pod varieties include K-cups and Nespresso capsules. Usually, the coffee pod machine you purchase will only be compatible with one type of pod or capsule. So, if you prefer a certain kind, then you want to narrow your buying options down to the best coffee pod machines compatible with them.

Versatility

Many pod coffee makers allow you to choose from different sizes; others offer multiple settings and can make various drinks. So, determine what features matter the most to you. For example, if you want to make lattes and cappuccinos at home, you want to find a machine with a milk frother.

Additionally, a programmable brewer is an option, but it may be more expensive but should have more premium features you will love.

This YouTube video gives you additional information about choosing the best pod coffee machines and other types of coffee machines.

Also Read:

10 Best Espresso Machines in 2023 (Reviews)

10 Best Coffee Makers in 2023 (Reviews)

FAQ

Do coffee pods or capsules expire?

Yes, coffee pods and capsules do expire. However, it takes a long time to get to that point. Most coffee pods are good for up to eight months to a year as long as they haven’t been punctured. Some last even longer than this.

Most brands will have a best by date on the box. This sets a standard of quality set by the brand. Past that date, the pods may begin to lose freshness and some of their flavor.

Are all coffee pods and capsules recyclable?

No. Unfortunately, not all of them are recyclable. You can find more detailed recycling and disposal information on the brand’s website. Keurig announced in 2020 that its K cups were 100% recyclable. Nespresso also states their aluminum capsules can also be recycled.

What accessories complement a coffee pod maker?

One of the biggest advantages of a pod coffee maker is the fact that you don’t have to buy a ton of complementary accessories like a coffee grinder or scale. However, a milk frother can up your coffee game, especially if you want to make a latte or cappuccino. A storage drawer for your pods and capsules is also a good accessory to keep everything together and organized.

What is the difference between coffee pods and K cups?

Coffee pods and K cups are not the same and are not interchangeable. A Keurig K cup is specifically designed for use with the Keurig single cup coffee maker. Recently, Keurig actually changed the name of their K cup to K cup pod but should not be confused with paper coffee pods.

How do you get the most out of your coffee pods?

Before we answer this, we want to mention that a single use coffee pod is only suitable for one use. You can try brewing double ristretto style if you want a more intense coffee. This means to use two capsules or coffee pods, brewing 2 x shots. A ristretto extracts less acidity, making the coffee sweeter and richer.

Is a coffee pod machine worth it?

If it comes down to instant coffee over coffee pods, the coffee pods will always taste fresher. However, some coffee purists may be a bit skeptical about the use of coffee pod machines for a great cup of coffee. But they are a more effortless way to make coffee at home, and the initial expense of your coffee pod machine will be worth the convenience you gain and the money you save on each cup.

Editor’s Choice

You’ve come to the end of this review, and now it’s time for us to reveal our best pick: the Breville CitiZ Espresso Machine. It’s versatile and very compact. It’s affordable and probably the best buy on the list.

It is compatible with almost all capsules, so you don’t worry much about the brand of the coffee pods. Instead, focus on how this machine can pull out a wonderful coffee.

With all the positives pushing all the negatives aside, we are proud to say that we highly recommend Breville CitiZ Espresso Machine for you and pod single serve coffee maker lovers out there.

_{This post may contain links that we earn a small commission from, at no cost to you, read more.}