Pod Coffee Makers – What are they and how do they work?

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Pod coffee makers are coffee makers that use a pre-measured packet of coffee called a pod (think of a tea bag with coffee in it) to make coffee.  There are advantages and disadvantages to these coffee makers.

Pod coffee makers most commonly brew only a single serving.  They are very convenient because you don’t have to measure anything, just put the pod and water in and let the coffee maker do the rest.  Because it is only brewing a single cup, there’s hardly any wait time.  When finished, cleanup consists of throwing away the pod and rinsing the spout on the coffee maker.  This makes them ideal for use at the office or for the occasional coffee drinker. 

In consumer reviews, many pod coffee machines earned glowing reports.  The Tassimo coffee maker by Braun was reported to be simple to use with pods in a variety of flavors widely available.  The consumers felt that this coffee maker provided a full, rich cup of coffee. When you find a coffee pod that you like you'll enjoy the consistency of flavor from cup to cup since measuring the wrong amount of coffee isn't a problem with pod coffee.

The one cup serving size and the speed of brewing are definite advantages, and while the variety of coffees available may be limited, most companies are increasing their selection.  The price of the pods is still high compared to bulk coffee, sometimes as high as $24 a pound.

A variation on the pod coffee maker is Keurig K-cup coffee brewer.  It works in essentially the same way as a regular pod brewer, but uses small cups of ground coffee instead of the pod.

The cost of a pod machine runs anywhere from $40 to $190, depending on features available (will it also make espresso?).  The real cost of using a pod coffee maker, however, lies in having to purchase the pods. 

Also you aren't limited to the prepared coffee pods from your local store.  It is possible to make coffee pods at home using your favorite gourmet coffee, but it does take a little more time than simply popping a store-bought pod into your machine.

Pod coffee makers have evolved considerably in the past few years, and there is definitely a niche for it.  If convenience, consistent quality and flavor, and saving time are your priorities, a pod machine is for you.