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For many people, the morning starts with a cup of coffee. Preferably as stress-free and simple as possible. If you don't want to deal with emptying the coffee grounds container or error codes in the morning, a coffee pod machine is the optimal solution. The coffee pod machine is characterised by quick and easy operation. Moreover, it offers not only coffee, but also other hot drinks. With our coffee pod machine test 2021 we want to help you find the best coffee pod machine for you. We have compared different types of coffee pod machines and listed their advantages and disadvantages. This should make your purchase decision as well as your coffee drinking as easy as possible.
Contents
- 1 Weekly newsletter with the best personal finance tips
- 2 Summary
- 3 The Best Coffee Pod Machine: Our Picks
- 4 Coffee pod machine: buying and evaluation criteria
- 5 Coffee pod machine: frequently asked questions and answers
- 5.1 What is a coffee pod machine and how does it work?
- 5.2 What hot drinks can I make with a coffee pod machine?
- 5.3 What types of coffee pod machines are there?
- 5.4 What are the alternatives to a coffee pod machine?
- 5.5 Does every pad fit into every coffee pod machine?
- 5.6 What is a permament coffee pod?
- 5.7 How do I clean a coffee pod machine?
- 6 Conclusion
Summary
- Coffee pod machines belong to the category of single-serving coffee machines. Each pad is exactly one cup of coffee. This makes it very easy to determine consumption.
- Coffee pod machines are ideal for small coffee consumption. Small households and offices are perfect for this. However, if you want to produce coffee in large quantities, you would be better advised to invest in an alternative.
- Coffee pods are often more expensive and involve a lot of waste. But there is already a resource-saving and cost-effective solution.
The Best Coffee Pod Machine: Our Picks
Coffee pod machine: buying and evaluation criteria
In the following paragraphs, we will show you what you should pay particular attention to when buying a coffee pod machine. The aspects that help you compare the different coffee pod machines are:
If you pay particular attention to these 5 points, nothing will stand in the way of your next coffee break.
Capacity in litres
Probably the most important criteria are the capacity in litres and the speed of the machine. For a small household with moderate coffee needs, a water tank with 0.7 litres is sufficient. Lovers of fragrant coffee or households with many visitors should look for larger water tanks with a capacity of 1.2 litres, for example.
Cleaning
A big advantage of coffee pod machines is that they are particularly easy to clean. Since the coffee remains in the holder after brewing, no coffee grounds container is needed. This also eliminates the need for cleaning. Basically, all that remains is to clean the holder, the drip tray and the water tank. Cleaning is particularly easy when the individual parts can be removed. To prolong the life of your new machine, it is also important to descale it regularly. Make sure that your coffee machine has a descaling function.
Power in watts
Coffee pod machines are available in a wide range of wattages. This range is from 500 to 1500 watts and goes even further. However, more wattage does not always mean more power or higher pressure. One thing is certain, however: the more watts, the higher the power consumption.
Additional functions
For those who can spare a few more euros, manufacturers in the upper price segment also offer interesting additional features. These features include:
- Energy-saving mode
- Automatic switch-off
- external/internal milk container
- Descaling reminder
- adjustable water quantity
Of course, you can also enjoy your coffee without these functions, but they definitely make sense.
Coffee pod machine: frequently asked questions and answers
Still undecided when it comes to coffee pod machines? No problem! We've picked out the most frequently asked questions and answered them for you.
What is a coffee pod machine and how does it work?
(Image sources: Mike Kenneally / unsplash)
What hot drinks can I make with a coffee pod machine?
What types of coffee pod machines are there?
- Coffee pod machine without milk container
- Coffee pod machine with removable milk container
- Coffee pod machine with integrated milk container
- Coffee pod machine with switch function
You are unsure which variant to choose? We have thoroughly researched and compared the respective advantages and disadvantages.
| Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee pod machine without milk container | quick operation, easy cleaning, inexpensive purchase | no milk froth, limited coffee varieties |
| Coffee pod machine with removable milk container | preparation of milk coffee varieties | Accessories can get lost, time-consuming cleaning, expensive |
| Coffee pod machine with integrated milk container | independent cleaning, easy to use, preparation of milk coffee varieties | very high purchase costs |
| Coffee pod machine with switch function | larger quantity of coffee in one brewing process | no milk container can be connected |
Coffee pod machine without milk container
The cheapest solution is a coffee pod machine without a milk container. With no milk container, the coffee machine has a limited coffee selection, but is easier to clean. If you do feel the urge to foam your milk later, you can always buy an external milk foamer.
Coffee pod machine with removable milk container
With a coffee pod machine with a removable milk container, you can make delicious lattes such as latte macchiato and cappuccino. In terms of price, it is a lot more expensive. Cleaning the milk tube and the container is much more time-consuming. In addition, you can quickly lose the accessories.
Coffee pod machine with integrated milk container
A coffee pod machine with an integrated milk container is probably the dream of every coffee pod lover. Many different types of milk coffee can be prepared at the simple touch of a button. There is no need to worry about cleaning, as this is done automatically. However, this high standard of convenience is unfortunately accompanied by a hefty price tag.
Coffee pod machine with switch function
Pad machine for small needs or filter coffee for the extended family - why not both? Coffee pod machines with a switch function can be easily transformed into a filter coffee machine with an insulated jug. Perfect when the whole family is at the door all at once. The only disadvantage is the design, which does not allow for a milk container.
What are the alternatives to a coffee pod machine?
| Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Fully automatic coffee maker | more aromatic, prepares any type of latte, can brew several cups in one brewing process, cheaper in the long run | more complex cleaning, high purchase price |
| Screen coffee maker | more aromatic and full-bodied thanks to slow brewing process and very high pressure | complex operation, complex cleaning, very high purchase price |
| Filter coffee machine | more cups in one brewing process, cheaper in the short term and long term | no variation |
| Capsule machine | more aromatic because more pressure is used | capsules are much more expensive and more harmful to the environment |
As you can see, every coffee machine has its advantages and disadvantages. Fully automatic coffee machines and portafilter machines have a much fuller flavour but are also much more expensive to buy than a coffee pod machine. Filter coffee machines use a very similar brewing technique, but only make a lot of coffee. Capsule machines use more pressure for brewing, but are much more expensive and bad for the environment.
in Germany was 7,350 tonnes. In 2014, consumption was six times higher at 48,650 tonnes
(Image sources: John Schnobrich / unsplash)
Does every pad fit into every coffee pod machine?
What is a permament coffee pod?
This creates waste. To counteract this, you can get a permanent coffee pod for little money. This not only saves resources and allows you to choose your own coffee, but is also cheaper. 1 kilogram of pure coffee powder is much cheaper than the same amount in the form of coffee pods.
How do I clean a coffee pod machine?
- Descaling: Fill the tank with water and descaler according to the instructions on the packaging. Wait until the descaler has dissolved and then start the descaling process.
- Waiting: Place a collecting container under the nozzle and wait until the coffee pod machine has completely drained the mixture into the collecting container
- Rinse out: After the descaler has done its job, make sure you rinse out the water tank well. Fill the tank with fresh water and run it through the coffee pod machine again. Repeat this process 2-3 times.
- Clean: Now that you have cleaned the inside of the machine, loosen the removable parts and wash them carefully with warm water and detergent.
- Reassemble: After you have cleaned all the parts, reassemble the coffee pod machine and enjoy a good cup of coffee.
Conclusion
In summary, a coffee pod machine is a real asset for households with low coffee needs. Thanks to the pre-portioned coffee powder, no coffee is wasted and it does not lose its aroma. Thanks to its compact size, the machine finds a place in every kitchen. Thanks to the foolproof operation and easy cleaning, coffee can be brewed without any problems even on stressful mornings or when visitors arrive unannounced. Coffee pod machines used to be regarded as waste disposers, as one pod had to be used per cup. However, this is now history thanks to the reusable plastic pods. However, coffee pod machines are not suitable for large-scale consumption and are more expensive in the long run. However, if you only crave a cup of coffee now and then, you are more than served with a coffee pod machine. Picture source: piyato / 123rf
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