Single Serve Espresso Machine

If you would prefer a cup of coffee that is made just for you, a single serve espresso machine is a fantastic choice. You simply need to refill the water tank and then add the desired pods or capsules, and hit a button.

The top coffee pod machines offer convenience, speed and ease of use. Some offer additional options, such as hot chocolate or tea.

Precise Extraction

As the name suggests, espresso is made by pushing hot water through finely ground coffee under high pressure. This is a markedly different method than brewing drip coffee, in which the water is allowed to flow freely through the grounds. Espresso extraction requires three components that are dose, grind and tamp.

The first step to making an espresso shot that is good is heating your portafilter (the round metal part that holds the grounds of coffee). Vigil weighs her portafilters before she fills them with coffee to make sure that she is making use of the correct amount of beans. She then taps the grounds to make an even puck that's dense enough to release the flavor notes of her beans. She usually tamps using 30 pounds of force which is ideal for consistent, delicious espresso.

Keep an eye on the color and consistency of your espresso. The first few seconds of a well-extracted shot should be dark gold, then it should transition to a lighter gold as the 25-second mark approaches. This is called blonding. If the shot isn't blonding properly could have acidic or bitter notes.

A few of the machines we've tested in our tests, like the Keurig K-Supreme Smart and the Nespresso Vertuo Plus, let you set a brew duration to regulate the rate at which the coffee is extracted. This is a great feature, but it doesn't compensate if your beans aren't ground properly or roasting.

In a few other machines, such as the Gaggia semiautomatic machine, you can set the desired temperature of water to regulate the rate of extraction. This can make a significant difference in the flavor of espresso, but it is not a solution for a bad grind or roast.

Many of the machines we tested have built-in options for a steam wand or milk frother, making it easy to make espresso using steamed milk or frothed. This is especially useful for drinks like cappuccino or latte that are often served with steaming milk. Some machines, like the Nespresso Inissia and the Cuisinart on Demand also come with reusable pods that help reduce the amount of waste.

Variety of Drinks

Many drinks that are espresso-based require the use of frothed or steamed milk, and the best single serve espresso machines can perform the job effectively. A good machine can create rich creamy cappuccinos and lattes with just a touch of an electronic button or with programmable settings. Some even include an automatic milk maker, so you don't have to buy a separate device at the counter.

The top espresso makers also offer additional drinks, such as Iced drinks. Some are equipped with grinders that grind beans fresh and some use a carafe that holds multiple servings at a time. Some models have adjustable settings so you can select your preferred water temperature and strength. The most highly rated model in this category is the Nespresso Essenza Mini, can brew two or lungo shot as well as a range of drinks with just one press.

If you prefer a more sophisticated beverage, the Philips Breville Intuo XS makes it easy to make cappuccinos and lattes. It's simple and intuitive to use, providing the option of five popular drinks at the push of the button. The brewing process is fast and it makes great tasting espresso without effort on your part. The machine is also environmentally green, reducing the number of coffee pods that you'll need to purchase.

If you enjoy experimenting with your own ideas, then consider investing in a versatile espresso machine that can make double-shot and single-shot drinks. The best espresso and coffee makers feature an easy-to-use interface that allows you to customize the size, strength and brew times of your beverage with the touch of a single button. You can also choose from a wide variety of coffee beans, ranging from traditional to exotic varieties and blends. Some include a grinder that grinds fresh grounds. This gives you more control over the flavor of your coffee than pre-packaged pods.

Convenience

One of the main draws of reviews single serve coffee makers serve espresso machines is their ease of use. They are simple to use, don't require a lot of cleaning and don't need measuring coffee beans or ground coffee. They're made to only make one cup so that there aren't any leftovers.

Machines that use capsules and pods (like Keurig or Nespresso) that are pre-packaged with the appropriate amount of coffee for a single serve pod coffee maker cup, work using the same principles. All you have to do is choose the drink you want, then insert the pod into the machine, and then press the button. Some machines also allow you to make hot cocoa and tea as well as milk frothers that can make milk-based drinks.

These machines are useful however, they have a cost in terms of cost and impact on the environment. Pods tend to be more expensive than bean to cup coffee and, in many cases, they will be packaged in plastic, meaning you'll need to figure out ways to recycle them. Over time, this can become a factor to consider when you're considering buying a pod coffee maker for long-term use.

Other models are more flexible in terms of the size of the brewing and can be used with different kinds of grounds. These machines are sometimes called "ground-to cup" machines. The coffee is placed in an insulated filter basket that sits on top of the machine, or in the case of espresso-style machines and portafilters, you'll place it into a filter, that resembles an espresso machine filter, and is akin to the traditional coffee pot. These machines are closest to traditional barista's flavor, however they can be more expensive and complex than those that make use of pods or capsules.

There are also super-automatic machines as well as manual machines. They function exactly the same way as your typical coffee maker but with a higher degree of automation. They can be programmed to automatically serve beverages including coffee, and can also perform basic maintenance tasks such as decaffeinating and descaling. They generally received our top Lab scores for their ease of use and reliability. They can be difficult to keep in good condition.

Maintenance

You know as professional baristas that your equipment should be regularly cleaned and descaled in order to make excellent coffee. It's recommended to backflush the espresso group heads every night and wipe down your machine to get rid of any loose coffee grounds or milk residue. These tasks might seem unimportant, but they are vital to the longevity and quality your equipment.

Cleaning your single-serve espresso machine is essential, not only to ensure hygiene, but also to enhance the flavor of your espresso. In the absence of cleaning your machine, it can lead to the growth of impurities and bacteria that can affect the flavor and taste of your coffee. Fortunately, cleaning an espresso machine isn't as laborious as you may think. You can keep your machine in top shape for many years by taking only a few minutes each day cleaning it thoroughly every month.

You'll first have to empty the drip pan (this is a simple task that can usually be completed in just one step). Then, wipe down the machine's internal parts. Use mild soap and water using an abrasive to clean the machine, especially the portafilter and hot boiler. After cleaning you can use a clean towel or cloth to clean the inside and outside your machine.

The most important part of the maintenance process is cleaning your espresso machine on a regular basis. Backflushing and descalers will eliminate any hard-water residues from your machine that could negatively affect the flavor of your espresso. Descale your coffee maker each time you use it. 300 cups or once every week, depending on how often you use it.

To perform a backflush you will need to remove the steam wand, group head and other parts of your espresso machine. soak them in a solution made from water and espresso machine soap for at least 30 minutes. After the baskets and portafilters are clean and dry, you can run fresh water through them. You can also backflush the steam portafilter and scrub it using nylon brushes. Last but not least, clean the draining hose by using the solution of water and cleaner.