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The 11 Best Coffee Pod Machines of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Quick and easy brewers for any budget

Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee & Espresso Machine with Milk Frother

The Spruce Eats / Amelia Manley

Deal Alert! Several of our favorite coffee pod machines are on sale right now, including the Keurig K-Mini Plus and the Nespresso Vertuo Next.

The first wave of pod-based coffee came with Nespresso, the Swiss manufacturer that is still renowned for its well-built espresso makers. The second wave came with Keurig, which, of course, brought its single-serve spin on drip coffee to households across the world. Today, pod coffee makers are available in an array of prices, sizes, and varieties. We’ve rounded up our favorite options below, from simple and affordable devices to high-end machines that make lattes and cappuccinos.

Best Overall

Nespresso Vertuo and Milk Frother

Nespresso Vertuo and Milk Frother

Amazon

What We Like
  • Speedy drink preparation

  • High-quality coffee and espresso beverages

  • Beautiful, compact design

  • Includes 12 coffee capsules

What We Don't Like
  • Must use Vertuo coffee capsules

  • Coffee is on the stronger side

  • Makes only individual cups

Nespresso has been a preeminent manufacturer of pod-based coffee for decades, and the Vertuo stands out among the brand's wide array of machines because of its versatility and value. Not only does it brew the rich, crema-topped espresso the company is known for, but it also offers a total of five drink sizes, starting with a single espresso shot and working up to a 14-ounce cup of coffee. Thanks to Nespresso’s many bundle deals, you can pair this already dynamic machine with a separate Aeroccino milk frother, creating a home coffee station worthy of your local café.

The water tank is moderately sized and removable for easy filling and cleaning, and the machine can store up to 13 used capsules before the container needs to be emptied. The only downside is that Nespresso capsules are expensive. Prices vary, but you can expect them to cost more per pod than K-Cups. If that can be overlooked, the Vertuo has exactly what you want in a pod-based coffee maker: great taste and convenience.

Compatibility: Nespresso capsules | Frothing: Frother available in bundle deal | Water Reservoir: 40 ounces | Dimensions: 8.32 x 11.91 x 11.93 inches | Warranty: 1 year

Best Versatile

Keurig Single-Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker

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

Amazon

What We Like
  • Multiple drink options

  • Easy to use

  • Dishwasher-safe milk frother

What We Don't Like
  • Not "true" espresso

  • Takes up a lot of counter space

It's easy to get tired of the same old coffee every day, even with the endless array of K-Cup options. But the Keurig K-Café can break up the monotony thanks to the milk frother it comes with. Timeless and tasty beverages like lattes and cappuccinos are on the table. The milk frother is also dishwasher safe for effortless cleaning.

While the K-Café doesn’t make true espresso, there is a "strong brew" option to make extra-concentrated coffee, meant to replicate espresso. Drink sizes include 6, 8, 10, and 12 ounces.

Like most Keurig devices, this one is remarkably easy to use. The buttons are clearly labeled and kept to a minimum—quite the feat considering the number of drink options available. The water tank is sizable (60 ounces) and removable for added convenience. You can even take out the drip tray to accommodate those tall travel mugs.

Compatibility: K-Cups | Frothing: Yes | Water Reservoir: 60 ounces | Dimensions: 12.5 x 15.3 x 11.7 inches | Warranty: One-year limited

Best Budget

Chulux Single Serve Coffee Maker Brewer

Chulux Single Serve Coffee Maker Brewer

Amazon

What We Like
  • Space saver

  • Easy to use

What We Don't Like
  • Not the strongest coffee

  • Durability concerns

There are many affordable pod-based brewers on the market, but few come at a price as low as the Chulux Single Serve Coffee Maker. Even though it doesn't offer the performance and versatility of higher-priced machines, it delivers a single, straightforward cup of coffee with ease.

The device is compatible with K-Cups, so you'll have access to all your favorite kinds of coffee. Another major perk is its compact design. Smaller than most Keurigs, the Chulux Coffee Maker will fit in every kitchen, dorm room, and office. Its tiny stature unfortunately means the reservoir needs to be filled frequently, possibly before every use, since it only holds 12 ounces.

Brewing is a little slow compared to other pod coffee makers, taking roughly three minutes each time, but you can count on a consistent cup of joe to get your day started.

Compatibility: K-Cups | Frothing: No | Water Reservoir: 12 ounces | Dimensions: 7.4 x 4.3 x 9.06 inches | Warranty: One year

Best Splurge

Nespresso Lattissima Pro

Nespresso Lattissima Pro by De’Longhi

Amazon

What We Like
  • Multiple functions for coffee and more

  • Nearly hands-off operation

  • Compact design

What We Don't Like
  • Small servings

The Nespresso Lattissima Pro is the type of product to utterly revamp your at-home coffee routine. Want a quick shot of espresso? No problem. Prefer a more intricate drink, like a latte or cappuccino? That’s easy, too, thanks to the machine’s integrated milk frother.

It has six drink options in total, all of which can be programmed with one touch of the digital interface. After testing the item, our reviewer commented on its ease of use, saying she “enjoyed the simplicity and the variety of coffees that are available in neat little pods.” She also praised its sleek, space-saving design, adding that her “first impression was that it was cute."

The main drawback is the cost, regarding both the item’s retail price and the added expense of Nespresso capsules. On top of that, there isn’t a drink option akin to drip coffee. Instead, a combination of espresso and hot water makes an Americano as a tasty replacement.

Compatibility: Nespresso capsules | Frothing: Yes | Water Reservoir: 44 ounces | Dimensions: 10.8 x 7.6 x 13 inches | Warranty: Two years

Best Design

Bruvi Brewer BV-01

Bruvi Brewer BV-01

Bruvi

What We Like
  • Strong, tasty coffee

  • More sustainable pods

  • Unique and stylish design

  • Versatile brewing options

What We Don't Like
  • B-Pods only sold online

  • No milk frother

Bruvi is an LA-based startup that was founded in 2018 with hopes of making waves in the single-serve coffee field, long dominated by Keurig. It took until 2022 for the brand to release the Bruvi BV-01—a pod coffee maker that stands out from the competition thanks to several unique details that we'll go through below. The author of this article received the brewer for testing purposes and gave it an extremely positive review after a few weeks of use.

Upon opening the box, the white design with wood accents was immediately distinct and cheery. The brewer, also sold in an all-black option, is equipped with an intuitive and highly responsive touchscreen. Users can download the Bruvi app to brew remotely or schedule brewing in advance, among other features. As far as the coffees goes, Bruvi says its signature B-Pods hold 40 percent more grounds than typical pods, which we did find to result in stronger, tastier coffee. B-Pods are also designed to break down faster than regular pods and not leave behind any microplastics.

The brewer is sold individually or as part of the Bruvi Bundle, which includes a variety pack of 20 B-Pods and a water filter kit. It's more expensive than most pod coffee makers, and there's an added difficulty because B-Pods aren't yet sold in stores, but it's an excellent all-around device that feels part of a new era for pod coffee.

Use code HOLIDEAL to get $120 of all Bruvi Brewers through Dec. 26th.

Compatibility: B-Pods | Frothing: Yes | Water Reservoir: 70 ounces | Dimensions: 12.6 x 10.2 x 11.5 inches | Warranty: One year

Best for Espresso

De'Longhi Dedica Pump Espresso Machine

De'Longhi Dedica Pump Espresso Machine

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Takes ground coffee and coffee pods

  • Integrated milk frother

  • Surprisingly compact

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

  • Occasional leaking

  • Potential learning curve

Nothing can replace the taste of genuine espresso. Add the convenience of coffee pods and you’ve got the De’Longhi Dedica. This machine isn't quite as quick and easy to use as Keurig or Nespresso options, but many customers prefer the coffee it makes.

It should also be noted that the Dedica is not compatible with K-Cups or Nespresso capsules. Instead, you can use ground coffee or E.S.E. pods; standing for “Easy Serving Espresso,” the slim paper packets were invented in the 1970s by Illy and can be found in most coffee aisles.

The Dedica can make a single or double espresso, and it has an integrated milk frother for lattes and cappuccinos. Its design is surprisingly compact, measuring roughly 6 inches wide. Some customers noted leakage issues with the portafilter, but aside from that, the majority of online reviews are five stars.

Compatibility: E.S.E. pods | Frothing: Yes | Water Reservoir: 35 ounces | Dimensions: 13 x 5.9 x 12 inches | Warranty: Two-year limited

Best Dual Brewer

Hamilton Beach FlexBrew 2-Way Coffee Maker

Hamilton Beach FlexBrew 2-Way Coffee Maker

Amazon

What We Like
  • Versatile

  • Programmable up to 24 hours

  • Takes K-Cups and ground coffee

What We Don't Like
  • Two separate water reservoirs

  • Slow brew time

One downside to pod-based coffee machines is that they usually only make one cup at a time. If you want to make coffee for several people at once or multiple cups for yourself, single-serve capabilities won’t always cut it. That’s why the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Coffee Maker is a wonderful alternative option.

On one side of the machine, you can use K-Cups to brew a single cup of coffee; on the other, you have a 12-cup carafe that uses ground coffee for a traditional drip brew. The layout is clean and intuitive, and the machine has several nice features, like 24-hour programmability and a setting for bolder coffee. Despite its dual capabilities, the item comes at a price that's right around the same as most pod-based machines.

Compatibility: K-Cups | Frothing: No | Water Reservoir: 12 cups on carafe side and 14 ounces on single-serve side | Dimensions: 11.4 x 12.2 x 13.7 inches | Warranty: One-year limited

Best Tech

Keurig K-Café SMART

Keurig K-Café SMART Single Serve Coffee Maker

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Highly versatile

  • Equipped with BrewId technology

  • More compact than standard K-Café

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

Keurig took all of the features we love about the original K-Café and added BrewID, a program that recommends unique brew settings based on the K-Cup being used, to create the K-Café SMART. BrewID not only provides a better user experience for Keurig owners, it also addresses a long-standing shortcoming of pod-based coffee: some K-Cups taste better when brewed at 6 ounces, others taste better when brewed at 12 ounces, and so on. Now users can know the ideal size, strength, and temperature settings for over 900 K-Cup varieties. Recommendations appear on the machine's top-facing display or your smart phone via the Keurig app.

There are four cup sizes, five brew strengths, and six temperatures to choose from. And the versatility doesn't end there. The K-Café SMART comes with a removable milk frother that allows users to make lattes, cappuccinos, and more. Die-hard iced coffee drinkers will be pleased to know that the brewer has a setting to make extra-strong coffee that can then be poured over ice without tasting diluted. While the K-Café SMART is fairly expensive for a pod-based brewer, it's not radically more than the original K-Café. So if the added features appeal to you, we think it's well worth the price.

Compatibility: K-Cups | Frothing: Yes | Water Reservoir: 60 ounces | Dimensions: 12.1 x 11 x 12.7 inches | Warranty: One-year limited

Best Space Saver

Keurig K-Mini Plus Single Serve Coffee Maker

Keurig K-Mini Plus Single Serve Coffee Maker

Amazon

What We Like
  • Compact design

  • Surprising versatility

  • K-cup storage

What We Don't Like
  • Must fill water before every use

  • Coffee could be hotter

At less than 5 inches wide, the Keurig K-Mini Plus is made for those who dream of an uncluttered countertop. Despite its diminutive size, the item is surprisingly versatile and equipped with several convenient features. The water tank is removable. The drip tray can be adjusted to fit travel mugs up to 7 inches tall. And one of the most unique features is its built-in storage area for extra K-Cups, as well as a storage area for the power cord. A minor inconvenience is that you have to refill the water tank before each use, but this is a consequence of its unbelievably compact (and adorable) design.

The item can even brew bold coffee—an option which some of the larger Keurigs don’t possess. The bold setting generally means "using more coffee grounds or less water," says Patrick Cotter of Seattle Coffee Gear. "It depends on the machine," he adds. "Some might use less water, some might brew at a different temperature, and some might pump at a lower pressure to increase extraction time."

Compatibility: K-Cups | Frothing: No | Water Reservoir: 12 ounces (refill every use) | Dimensions: 11.3 x 4.5 x 12.1 inches | Warranty: One-year limited

Best Portable

Staresso Portable Espresso Maker

Staresso Portable Espresso Maker

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Compact design

  • Fast brewing

  • Takes ground coffee and Nespresso capsules

What We Don't Like
  • Glass parts

  • Prone to squeaking

This coffee maker is the ultimate travel companion. Weighing about 1 pound and measuring less than 10 inches long, the Staresso Portable Espresso Maker is an efficient way to get your caffeine on the go. Camping trips, beach days, business trips. One of our favorite espresso/cappuccino machines, this portable model is easy to store in bags and suitcases, and it can be used with either ground coffee or Nespresso capsules.

One small hitch is that you’ll need access to hot water. However, many customers pour the coffee over ice for a delicious cold brew. Online reviews are glowing, with praise ranging from its ease of use to the shockingly rich crema this little brewer produces.

Compatibility: Nespresso capsules | Frothing: Yes (pump manually) | Water Reservoir: 3.5 ounces | Dimensions: 3.35 x 3.35 x 8.86 inches | Warranty: None

Best Eco-Friendly

Nespresso Vertuo Next

Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee & Espresso Machine with Milk Frother

Amazon

What We Like
  • Elegant matte finish

  • Made partially from recycled materials

  • Brews quality espresso and espresso-based drinks

  • Easy to use

What We Don't Like
  • Leans on the expensive side

  • Bulky with the milk frother

One of Nespresso's newest additions, this machine is compact, easy to use, and made from 54 percent recycled materials. Like with all Nespresso machines, you can also get free recycling for your used capsules. The Nespresso Vertuo Next is compatible with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which allows the machine to run updates without you having to lift a finger. Make sure to only use VertuoLine capsules with this product, not OriginalLine, and check out the bundle deal that includes an Aeroccino milk frother if you're interested in making lattes and cappuccinos at home.

Our tester said the machine really stands out for how quickly it brews coffee—you can make a delicious cappuccino in just a few minutes. It also received high ranks for "consistent, quality espresso-based drinks."

Espresso pouring from Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee & Espresso Machine with Milk Frother into glass mug

The Spruce / Cheyenne Elwell

Compatibility: Nespresso capsules | Frothing: Frother available in bundle deal | Water Reservoir: 37 ounces | Dimensions: 5.5 x 16.8 x 12.4 inches | Warranty: One year

Final Verdict

Our two top picks are quite similar as far as their value for money and the versatility they offer. The Nespresso Vertuo and Milk Frother wins out in the end because the coffee is generally considered to be tastier and of higher quality. But we all know taste buds vary, especially when it comes to coffee, so those who prefer Keurig can't go wrong with the K-Café.

How We Tested Pod Coffee Makers

We have tested dozens of pod coffee makers over the years, both in our Lab and at the homes of individual writers. To create this article, we looked at data from two large testing groups in particular: first, a Lab test of 20 Keurig coffee makers; second, a Lab test of 11 Nespresso machines. Other brands that appear on this list were directly recommended by members of our team who had a positive experience using the brewer at home.

We Observed

  • What drink options the coffee makers had: Many pod coffee makers only brew one type of coffee. For instance, the majority of Keurig machines we looked at solely brewed drip coffee, and the majority of Nespresso makers only made espresso. Some models were more versatile, though. In our testing process, we noted what types of coffee each machine made, as well as what other settings were available. Options included "strong" brew settings, multiple serving sizes, and adjustable temperatures.
  • The dimensions of each machine: We measured and weighed every coffee maker that we tested and then compared those figures to the manufacturer's specifications. Additionally, we observed water reservoir size and the number of used pods a machine could contain. This helped us get a full understanding of a machine's dimensions and design before we decided whether to include it in this article or not.
  • How long it took to brew a drink: Even though pod coffee makers typically work quickly, we measured the heat-up and brew time for every machine we tested. We found some variance in our time trials, though nothing too drastic. Simple drinks like drip coffee and espresso shots naturally brewed faster than a latte or iced coffee.

We Rated

  • Brew Quality: We taste-tested multiple cups of coffee from each machine, using at least two different types of pods to ensure greater accuracy. Even though taste is subjective, we looked for key indicators of well-brewed coffee—e.g., a strong aroma and body, a complexity of flavor, and a suitable serving temperature. From there, we rated the overall brew quality on a scale of one to five, with five being the best.
  • Ease of Use: Another major category that we assessed and rated was a coffee maker's ease of use. This encompassed how intuitive a machine was, how long the brewing process took, and if it had convenient features like a removable water tank or lengthy extension cord. In general, the pod coffee makers that we tested were easier to use than other brewing devices, like a French press or espresso machine, for example.
  • Value: After thoroughly testing a machine, we decided if its performance lived up to its price tag. Some coffee makers performed well, but we felt they were still overpriced.

About Our Testers

  • Our Lab team has spent collective decades working in professional kitchens, developing recipes, and testing kitchen gear.
  • Derek Rose has been the coffee and tea expert for The Spruce Eats since 2019. He received a sample of the Bruvi Brewer for testing purposes and continues to use it. It's his favorite pod-based coffee maker that he's tried thus far.
  • Cheyenne Elwell is a freelance writer specializing in food and coffee. Her work has appeared in Business Insider, Insider, MSN, and her own coffee blog BakedBrewedBeautiful.com. Her positive review of the Nespresso Vertuo Next led us to test the item for a second time in our Lab.
  • Donna Currie is a freelance food writer who specializes in product reviews and recipes. Her work has appeared on Serious Eats, Fine Cooking, and her own recipe blog, Cookistry.com. She's also the author of "Make Ahead Bread," a cookbook meant to simplify the bread-baking process. She reviewed the Nespresso Lattissima Pro, which appears on this list.

Other Options We Tested

Keurig K-Elite: Our testing team concluded that the K-Elite doesn't offer the same value for money as other competitors or even other Keurig models. While it has a large 75-ounce water tank and a setting to brew iced coffee, the overall flavor didn't stand out.

Keurig K-Classic: This model is a viable option for customers who want simplicity in a pod-based coffee maker. It does the job but offers little customization. There's no setting for iced coffee or even a strong brew, which the majority of Keurigs offer. So even though the K-Classic doesn't have any glaring shortcomings, it didn't sway our testing team enough to include it on this list.

Keurig K-Mini: We experienced a couple design issues when testing the Keurig K-Mini. The lid proved finnicky as we had to open and close it multiple times for the machine to register that a pod had been inserted and begin brewing. A noticeable amount of coffee grounds also ended up in our cups.

Nespresso Pixie: The Pixie received a relatively high score when we tested it in our Lab. It's fast, compact, and the espresso is up to the brand's standard. However, we found superior brewing devices that fill the same space-saving niche as the Pixie, leaving it to fall just short of making this list.

What to Look for in a Pod Coffee Maker

Pod Variety

K-Cup, Nespresso capsule, E.S.E. pod. These are the basic coffee pod varieties, and the brewer you buy will likely only be compatible with one of them. If you're partial to a certain type of pod, whether it be for taste, price, or convenience, this a great place to start narrowing down your buying options.

Versatility

Some pod-based coffee makers only offer an option for different drink sizes, while others have multiple settings and can whip up an array of drinks. Consider what features are indispensable to you and which seem like frills. If you want to make lattes and cappuccinos at home, for example, look for machines that come with milk frothers. If you want a programmable brewer, maybe you need to open up your budget.

Size

Coffee makers stick around for a long time, and they typically take up a prominent space in your kitchen, so the amount of counter space you have might dictate the best machine for you. While there are many exceptions, slimmer machines are often cheaper but come with fewer features and drink options.

FAQs

Do coffee pods expire?

Coffee pods do expire, but it takes a long time before you need to worry about it. They are usually good for at least eight months to a year (as long as they aren’t punctured), and sometimes even longer than that. Brands should include a “best by” date either on the pods themselves or on the box you received them in. This is different from an expiration date, however, which denotes when food products should no longer be consumed. The “best by” date, on the other hand, reflects a standard of quality set by the brand, and coffee pods past that date may lose freshness and flavor but are not immediately harmful to consume.

Patrick Cotter, the Content Marketing Specialist for Seattle Coffee Gear, told us that, "Coffee pods use pre-ground coffee, and it's hard to know how fresh they are. As such, it will usually have a little less flavor than a pot brewed from freshly ground coffee in a high-quality drip brewer."

Can coffee pods be recycled?

Yes, most coffee pods are recyclable. Detailed recycling information is generally provided on brand websites, but we’ll briefly cover a few popular options here. First off, Keurig. In 2020, the company announced its K-Cups were 100 percent recyclable after it began producing them with polypropylene (#5 plastic). As for Nespresso, its aluminum coffee capsules can be recycled, too. The Swiss brand simplifies the process by offering free capsule-recycling bags that can be dropped off (also for free) at any UPS location or Nespresso boutique. The bags hold up to 200 OriginalLine capsules or 100 VertuoLine capsules. Finally, Nescafé uses a similar shipping process to recycle its Dolce Gusto pods.

What are “soft pods?”

Soft pods are small, paper-covered disks designed to brew one cup of coffee each. They are usually sealed in individual wrappers to keep them fresh. Many different brands manufacture soft pods, which means they are compatible with a variety of coffee makers, including ones made by Bunn, Hamilton Beach, Black & Decker, and more. Soft pods are similar to Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E.) Pods because of their size, shape, and material, but the two are not one in the same. Soft pods are used to brew drip coffee, while E.S.E. pods are used to brew espresso.

What size drinks can coffee pods make?

Coffee pods are surprisingly versatile and can make beverages in a number of sizes, so the answer largely depends on the specific coffee maker you own. Some Keurig devices, for example, can brew cups in four different sizes (6, 8, 10, and 12 ounces), all with the same kind of pod. Nespresso machines are no different. The brand’s Original machines usually have two cup size options and its Vertuo machines can make up to six different drink sizes. There are some pod coffee makers that only offer one size, but if versatility is a priority then you should easily be able to track down a machine with multiple cup sizes.

What accessories complement a pod coffee maker?

One benefit of purchasing a pod coffee maker is that you don’t have to pay for certain accessories like a coffee grinder, scale, or canister. That said, there a still a few tools available to elevate your coffee game. The primary accessory is a milk frother (unless your coffee maker already comes with one). Many pod machines can brew either espresso or a bold form of coffee, both of which can be used to make tasty lattes, cappuccinos, and more. Another idea is a special mug or travel mug. Some people pick mugs based on aesthetic; others who are always on the go may prefer a leakproof mug; and there are those who might enjoy the many tech options today, like a mug that can heat your coffee at a specific temperature. One final accessory to consider is a storage drawer to keep your favorite coffee pods fresh and organized.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

This piece was written by Derek Rose, the coffee and tea expert for The Spruce Eats. He researches a variety of coffee products, from measuring scoops to commercial espresso machines, and interviews field experts for their insight. He uses the Bialetti Moka Express at home, complementing it with a separate milk frother to make lattes and cappuccinos.

Sources

Patrick Cotter is the Content Marketing Specialist for Seattle Coffee Gear. He manages the company's blog, social media, and content pages. Founded in 2005, Seattle Coffee Gear is a retailer that focuses on coffee education.

Article Sources
The Spruce Eats uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service. Food Product Dating.

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