Pod Coffee Makers

The pod coffee maker is a relatively new innovation in brewing convenience. Pod coffee makers use sealed packets of ground coffee known as pods to make a single cup of coffee at a time rather than multiple cups using loose grounds in an open filter. The process is quick and easy with minimal cleanup.

How Pod Coffee Makers Work Most automated coffee makers use the drip brewing method. But pod coffee makers use a brewing method similar to espresso machines, in which a burst of pressure pushes water through ground coffee. With espresso machines, this yields a highly concentrated and quickly brewed drink. Pod coffee makers use a lower level of pressure than espresso machines, producing a single cup of coffee in 30 to 60 seconds. The coffee pod is simply placed inside the brewer and discarded when you're done. A pod coffee maker is not an espresso machine, though the pressure brewing process can create an espresso-like layer of crema on your coffee.

Pod coffee makers have several advantages over traditional drip brewers. The single cup brewing method prevents waste due to stale or scorched coffee. With pod coffee makers, there's also no need to wait every morning for your drip brewer to produce that essential first cup of morning coffee. Pod coffee makers are small enough to fit an office desk or cubicle. And for those who enjoy different coffee strengths and flavors, the pod brewing method lets you change roasts from one cup to the next.

Choosing a Pod Coffee Maker
The Senseo pod coffee maker was first introduced in Europe in 2001, and Senseo has remained an industry leader. Melitta is another leading brand for single cup coffee makers. If you're looking for additional features, try a pod coffee maker that can also make tea, or that has a multi-cup water reservoir.