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Testing Coffee Pod Machines 2024

There’s no better way to start your day than with a great cup of coffee. With a coffee pod machine, you can effortlessly brew delicious, high-quality coffee at home, ensuring a perfect start every morning.

We explore a variety of coffee pod machines (fromΒ Nespresso,Β Keurig, Ninja,Β Famiworths,Β Cuisinart, andΒ Tastyle) to meet your daily coffee needs, assessing their performance, ease of use, and versatility. Whether you prefer a bold espresso, a smooth latte, or a classic cup of coffee, our in-depth analysis will help you find the ideal coffee pod machine to suit your preferences and kickstart your day with energy and enjoyment.

Check out below the different coffee pod machines we’ve reviewed to help you decide which one best fits your needs!

The Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee Machine – $118,55

The Nespresso VertuoPlus machine definitely ranks among our best go-to coffee machines thanks to its versatility and the value it brings to mornings. Not only does it brew the rich, crema-topped espresso Nespresso is known for, but it also offers five different drink sizes. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick espresso shot or a 14-ounce cup of coffee, this machine has you covered. The water tank is a decent size and easy to remove for filling and cleaning, and it can hold up to 13 used capsules before needing to be emtpied.Β 

Downside? Nespresso capsulse cost more than K-Cups, but for us the better taste makes them worth it. Also, Nespresso machines are known for being reliable, high-quality pod-based coffee makers!

If you want to make your coffee even better, we suggest getting theΒ Nespresso Aeroccino 4 Milk FrotherΒ too… it elevates your coffee creations and makes it feel like you have your own little coffee shop right in your kitchen!

We Like:
We Don't Like:
Design
Expensive coffee capsules
Makes coffee quickly
Very high coffee quality

The Keurig K-Express Coffee Machine – $89,99

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The Keurig K-Express‘ compact size and sleek design fit perfectly on any small surface, such as a small counter space, or bar cart. While the flavor isn’t as rich as freshly brewed drip coffee, this machine is still one of the most affordable Keurigs.

We loved the simplicity of the controls, offering three cup sizes and a strong brew button. The machine is extremely consistent, easy to use, and brews quickly without needing to preheat the water, which is amazing for more rushed mornings!

There are no customization options but the machine remains a perfect choice for a quick, no-fuss coffee on busy days or when serving guests.Β 

Overall, the Keurig K-Express is definitely worth it, especially as a thoughtful gift for someone with limited space!

We Like:
We Don't Like:
Takes little space
No customization options
Easy to use
Value for money

The Ninja PB051 Coffee MachineΒ  – $79,95

The Ninja PB051 can revolutionize your coffee routine because it combines a drip coffee maker, pod coffee maker, and an espresso machine! Brewing both pods and grounds with four brewing options, including a strong coffee concentrate for lattes and an iced coffee setting, it really is a multi-purpose coffee machine.

Its compact design fits perfectly on small counter tops and all accessories are neatly integrated within the machine. Switching between pods and grounds is easy, and everything snaps back into place for convenience.

Whether you want a simple black coffee or a specialty shot, the flavors are rich and satisfying. The built-in milk frother is a delightful bonus, making it easy to create cafΓ©-style drinks at home.

The slim, space-saving design is perfect for small kitchens, and the coffee it brews is impressively strong, even with added milk. For a versatile, efficient, and space-saving coffee maker, the Ninja PB051 is a fantastic choice.

We Like:
We Don't Like:
Use it with pods or ground coffee
Milk frother does not heat milk
Compact
Multi-purpose machine

The Famiworths Hot and Cold Coffee Machine – $69,99

The Famiworths Hot and Cold machine does not fall under the category ‘fancy’. It’s a budget-friendly and straightforward option, with just a few moving parts.

There’s a spot in the back to pour water (up to 14oz), but no reservoir which means you have to fill it up for every use. You can use either ground coffee or pods and brewing options are either ‘warm’ or ‘cold’.Β  It’s very simple to use, as a simple push of the button starts the brewing process.Β 

We love the the simplicity and low price, but heat up time is a bit longer than with other models we tested. Also the brewing time is a bit longer, but that means you get a hotter coffee too!

For the person that likes their occasional cup of coffee, this Famiworths coffee maker is perfect. It meets basic needs well, and for the price, it’s hard to beat for a family!

We Like:
We Don't Like:
Simple to use
Refill tank after every use
Very good price
Longer heat up and brewing time

The Cuisinart SS-10 Coffee Machine – $149,95

The Cuisinart SS-10 impressed us with its versatility, since it allows brewing any K-Cup or grinding own coffee with the included reusable pod. The reusable pod also stores conveniently in a compartment on top of the machine, so you never lose it in the junk drawer.

You can also make use of the hot water button for instant coffee, tea, hot cocoa, oatmeal, or soup. Plus, the ‘Rinse’ feature ensures that your next drink doesn’t taste like the previous one.

Another standout feature is the blue backlit LCD control panel, which can be programmed and adjusted for automated brewing, auto on/off, different brewing temperatures, and different brew sizes.

It also have a large 72oz removable water reservoir, which provides enough water for many cups of coffee!

We Like:
We Don't Like:
Programmable interface
Brews slowly
Side storage for reusable pod
Large water tank

The Tastyle Hot and Cold Coffee Maker – $59,99

Though initially sceptical, the Tastyle Hot and Cold machine actually pleasantly surprised us. For people with limited counter space, this is a perfect fit and despite its small stature, it brews delicious coffee consistently and is easy to clean. Every aspect of this coffee maker exceeded our expectations.

First, the included coffee pod is larger than the usual ones, allowing for more grounds, enhancing the coffee’s flavor and intensity. Coffee strength and water levels are manually adjustable, meaning that you can freely choose how much coffee you want to drink. Second, also the iced coffee feature worked well and made lovely tasting coffee.

However, the water reservoir is designed for one-time use.and there are also no preset sizes. The machine itself also feels a bit flimsy so not sure about its longevity.

Given its small size, this coffee maker is also portable, and since the reservoir doesn’t detach, there’s no need to worry about losing parts. If you have limited counter space or need an affordable single-cup coffee maker, this is the one to get. In fact, I might recommend it to everyone regardless of their needs.

We Like:
We Don't Like:
Brews very good hot and iced coffee
Feels flimsy
Larger than usual coffee pod
Needs refilling after every use
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Jan and Anastasia

Kitchen Gadget Reviewers

We’re two passionate foodies who love exploring the culinary world. Our kitchen is our playground, and we believe the right gadgets can elevate your cooking experience.Β 

Join us on this delicious journey as we test, taste, and transform your culinary adventures!

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