We Tested Nespressos, Keurigs, and Other Coffee Pod Machines To Find the Best Ones

How We Tested Coffee Pod Machines

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 the 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 takes 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 brew 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 coffee pod 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.

Long-Term Testing Takeaways

Over the years, we've continued to use many of the coffee pod machines after our initial testing process. The long-term use has yielded numerous insights about pod-based brewers compared to others that use loose grounds. Here's what we've learned:

• You can't beat convenience: Convenience is the biggest benefit of a coffee pod machine. Brewing and cleaning are both so easy that it actually induces us to drink more coffee. In contrast, when a drip coffee maker's pot is empty, we often debate whether it's worth the hassle to brew another batch. As a result, coffee pod machines save time and effort and make it easier to hop out of bed in the morning.
• Monotony is a battle: Even if you use different pods, the coffee tends to taste similar after a while. High-end coffee pod machines elicit more nuanced flavors, but most don't. It's easier to get burnt out on pod coffee than ground or whole-bean.
• Look for customization: To overcome the monotony of pod coffee, we recommend buying a machine that offers more drink options and settings. That might include something as simple as a stronger brew setting or, more elevated, the ability to make milk-based drinks. Nespresso machines, particularly in the VertuoLine, do a better job of this than most Keurig coffee makers.
• Waste adds up: After using multiple coffee pods every day, we became more attuned to the waste they create. Eco-friendly pods are becoming more common, but in general it's much less sustainable than whole-bean coffee.
• Quality is improving: Pod machines are relatively new in the grand scheme of coffee makers. Subsequently, we see consistent improvements in both machines and pods. The coffee is becoming fresher and higher in quality. Machines are getting more powerful and versatile. So, if you have a decade-old coffee pod machine, it may be worth switching to a new one.
  

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 of 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 Coffee Pod Machine

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 coffee pod 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 coffee pod maker?

One benefit of purchasing a coffee pod 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 or pod holder 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.