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Best Pod Coffee Makers 2024

    Updated on January 2, 2024

    Nespresso BNV420BLK VertuoPlus Deluxe Espresso Machine by Breville

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    Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville,8 Ounces, Black
    • Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all...
    • SINGLE SERVE COFFEE and ESPRESSO MACHINE: Single serve coffee or espresso at the touch of a button....
    • COFFEE FOR EVERY OCCASION: Brew better coffee at home with Nespresso's coffee espresso machine....

    The Nespresso VertuoPlus by Breville, our obvious winner, provides everything we want in a single-serve pod coffee machine. Our coffee came out with fluffy crema on top thanks to the VertuoLine centrifusion brewing process, making it a very exquisite experience. A machine head penetrates the capsules in the center and around the edges, allowing water to enter through the center opening and push through the 20 edge holes, enhancing ground coffee interaction and pressure. It can also brew espresso, double espresso, and ordinary coffee using espresso capsules.

    The compact design of the Nespresso VertuoPlus by Breville, unlike most of the other pod brewers we tried, makes it easy to keep on your countertop or store when space is limited. It has a 40-ounce water tank that swivels out for easy access. Unlike regular Keurig machines, which often require a strong push and hence increase the risk of wear and tear, the motorized head opens with a simple lift.

    The machine can also automatically eject spent coffee pods into a secret container, sparing you the trouble of manually removing the pods and burning your fingers. The capsules can also be dropped off at various collection sites and boutique retail establishments, where they will be recycled by the manufacturer. If you want a latte or steamed milk in your coffee, there’s also an extra milk frother included with the bundles, which won top place in our best milk frother roundup.

    Breville BNV250BLK Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine Nespresso Vertuo and Milk Frother

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    Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville, 5 Cups, Black
    • Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing...
    • SINGLE SERVE COFFEE and ESPRESSO MACHINE: Single serve coffee or espresso at the touch of a button....
    • COFFEE FOR EVERY OCCASION: Brew better coffee at home with Nespresso's coffee espresso machine....

    For decades, Nespresso has been the premier maker of pod-based coffee machines, and the Vertuo stands out from the crowd due to its versatility and pricing. It not only brews the company’s signature rich, crema-topped espresso, but it also comes in five different sizes, starting with a single espresso shot and working up to a 14-ounce cup of coffee. You can couple this already active machine with a separate Aeroccino milk frother, producing a home coffee station worthy of your local café, thanks to Nespresso’s many bundle discounts.

    The machine can keep up to 13 spent capsules before the container needs to be emptied, and the water tank is modestly sized and removable for easy filling and cleaning. The only drawback is the high cost of Nespresso capsules. Prices vary, but they should be more expensive per pod than K-Cups. If you can get over that, the Vertuo has everything you’re looking for in a pod-based coffee maker: outstanding taste and ease.

    Keurig K-Cafe Single-Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker

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    Keurig K-Cafe Single-Serve K-Cup Coffee, Latte and Cappuccino Maker
    • Ergonomics: Designed to create a rich full-flavored coffee
    • Functionality: Brews coffee and makes delicious lattes and cappuccinos
    • Smooth Operation: Removable reservoir makes refilling easy

    The Keurig K-Café is a good option to our top overall pick because it has a similar drink selection and costs around the same. A separate, dishwasher-safe milk frother is included, which is ideal for making speciality drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. There is a strong brew option for a few extra-concentrated ounces of coffee, albeit it does not make genuine espresso (which needs pumping hot water through fine grounds with appropriate pressure). 6 ounces, 8 ounces, 10 ounces, and 12 ounces are the different drink sizes.

    The K-Café is incredibly simple to use. The buttons are well labeled and kept to a minimum, which is quite an achievement given the variety of drinks offered. For added convenience, the water tank is large (60 ounces) and removable. To accommodate those large travel cups, you can even remove the drip tray.

    This machine might be suitable for you if you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on an Italian-made espresso machine that can make cappuccino, latte, and macchiato but yet want a cup of nice coffee with milk foam. You may brew espresso shots or six to twelve ounces of normal coffee using the control pad. There’s also a “strong” button if you prefer your coffee with a stronger flavor. The large 60-ounce reservoir saves time that would otherwise be spent refilling the water.

    Another highlight is the machine’s dishwashable milk frother, which is conveniently located on the side. To make a latte, simply pour skim, whole, or almond milk into the frother and press the button. We like how it has a hands-free design and an easy-to-use control panel. Cleaning up is a breeze with a stainless steel drip tray.

    Hamilton Beach 49976 FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Single Serve Coffee Maker & Full 12c Pot

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    Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio 2-Way Coffee Maker, Compatible with K-Cup Pods or Grounds, Combo,...
    • THREE WAYS TO BREW. Brew 12 cups with ground coffee on the carafe side or brew a single serving with...
    • SINGLE-CUP COFFEE MAKER. Brew a cup with a K-Cup pod, another pod brand, or ground coffee. The...
    • BREW A FULL POT OF COFFEE: This programmable coffee maker has Easy-Touch programming for wake-up...

    The fact that most pod-based coffee machines only create one cup at a time is a disadvantage. Single-serve capabilities won’t always suffice if you want to make coffee for a large group or many cups for yourself. As a result, the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Coffee Maker is an excellent alternative.

    You can make a single cup of coffee using K-Cups on one side of the machine, and a 12-cup carafe with ground coffee for a typical drip brew on the other. The machine has several great features, including as 24-hour programmability and a preset for bolder coffee, and the UI is clear and intuitive. Despite its dual capabilities, the item is priced similarly to most pod-based machines.

    CHULUX Single Serve Coffee Maker Brewer for Single Cup Capsule with 12 Ounce Reservoir

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    CHULUX Single Serve Coffee Maker for K Capsule and Ground Coffee, Single Cup Coffee Machine, Black
    • 【SINGLE SERVE COFFEE MAKER-12OZ】CHULUX one cup coffee maker compatible with 1.0 and 2.0 pod...
    • 【ONE KEY SWITCH OPERATION】800W heating element with rapid brewing technology by blue indicator...
    • 【MINI SLIM COFFEE MAKER】The compact size is perfect for business trip or limited countertop. The...

    There are a lot of inexpensive pod-based brewers on the market, but few are as cheap as the Chulux Single Serve Coffee Maker. Despite the fact that it lacks the performance and adaptability of more expensive machines, it makes a single, uncomplicated cup of coffee with ease.

    Because the device works with K-Cups, you’ll be able to enjoy all of your favorite coffee flavors. Another significant advantage is its small size. The Chulux Coffee Maker is smaller than most Keurigs and will fit in any kitchen, dorm room, or office. Because of its small size, the reservoir must be filled regularly, maybe before each usage, because it only stores 12 ounces.

    Brewing takes a little longer than other pod coffee makers, about three minutes each time, but you can bet on a steady cup of coffee to start your day.

    De’Longhi Dedica 5-Bar Pump Espresso Machine

    De'Longhi Dedica 5-Bar Pump Espresso Machine, 35 Ounces, Black
    • Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing...
    • Sleek design takes up only 6 inches of counter space, while still having a 35oz water tank
    • The Cappuccino frothing system provides Barista quality foam; Cup warmer: Passive

    Nothing compares to the taste of freshly brewed espresso. You get the De’Longhi Dedica when you combine the convenience of coffee pods with the De’Longhi Dedica. Although this machine isn’t as quick or simple to use as Keurig or Nespresso, many consumers enjoy the coffee it produces.

    It’s also worth noting that the Dedica doesn’t work with K-Cups or Nespresso capsules. Instead, use ground coffee or E.S.E. pods (thin paper packets that stand for “Easy Serving Espresso”), which were introduced by Illy in the 1970s and can be found in most coffee aisles.

    The Dedica can create a single or double espresso, as well as lattes and cappuccinos, thanks to an integrated milk frother. Its design is rather small, with a width of about 6 inches. Although some consumers have reported leaking concerns with the portafilter, the majority of online evaluations are five stars.