Distinguishing features
The pod machine is another automatic espresso machine. It was developed by Illy in 1999 to make espresso making more accessible for private people. It is very easy to use thanks to the small, pre-tamped little packages of ground coffee that you just put into the machine with a click. All the extra work with grinding, measuring, tamping and cleaning are brilliantly avoided with this type of espresso machine. The price per cup rises a little when you are using pods and many real coffee enthusiasts mean that a pod machine never can make as good an espresso as a machine where you grind your own beans, since the pods can never contain as fresh coffee. However, if you are ambitious, you will find a retailer who makes sure to keep fresh pods in his stock at all times. Otherwise, you will find what you need online.
Components
The construction of the pod machine is quite simple; it has a tank for the water and a place where you click in the coffee pod. In other, more advanced machines there is the possibility to use both portafilter and pods, depending on your mood and preference. A milk skimmer is normally attached to today’s machines as well.
Procedure
You fill the water tank with water and let it heat up to the designated temperature, then, as with all machines, you flush it with some of the heated water. Heat the espresso cup at the same time, to avoid cooling down your espresso. Put the pod in the machine and press start. After about 30 seconds the espresso should be ready. No dishes, no hustle and an espresso that is usually pretty decent and consequent in taste.
Size
The pod machine doesn’t take up much space, among the automatic machines, this is generally the smallest one.
Price
The price for a cheap pod machine usually starts at around 200 € and for a decent one at around 600 €.