Pod coffee machines have further popularized the global coffee drinking culture and have attracted many new consumers to the coffee community.
Pod coffee machines are loved worldwide for several different reasons. These coffee machines do not require any prior practice or skill to make a perfectly balanced cup of coffee in under a minute. Moreover, its commercial usage has significantly reduced the need for training or hiring baristas (in a commercial setting). Furthermore, its ability to maintain a cup of coffee’s standard delicious taste makes its purchase price worth every dollar spent.
However, their consumer-friendly design and easy usability are what make them such a favorite among coffee enthusiasts. These pod coffee machines are designed to add convenience to a consumer’s life by only requiring a few simple steps to make a perfect cup of coffee that would lift anyone’s mood. One can choose to read their company-provided instructions manual or watch a tutorial online.
Continue reading below to learn about the complete guide for using a pod coffee machine.
5 Step Guide for Using a Pod Coffee Machine
Step 1: Fill the Pod Coffee Machine’s Water Tank with Fresh Filtered Water
Most pod coffee machines have their easily detachable water tanks on their backs.
One should always remember to refill the pod coffee machines’ tanks every day with fresh, filtered water instead of tap water. This tip is often ignored; however, it is very important.
Tap water contains many dissolved substances, minerals, and salts. When the tank is filled with impure water, the salt and mineral deposits accumulate inside the pod coffee machine.
When this practice is repeated multiple times, the buildup of accumulated substances may block parts of the machine. As a result, the passage of water will be hindered, and it may start leaking.
Moreover, using filtered water helps make the cleaning process much easier and less time-consuming. Furthermore, without any salt or mineral buildup, the taste and quality of the coffee are maintained.
Step 2: Select a Coffee Pod of Your Choice
With the pod coffee machine’s rising global popularity, numerous brands have introduced a wide variety of coffee pod flavors into the consumer market. One can find a pod for a generic mild roast espresso or choose an exquisite pod flavor such as cinnamon, roasted vanilla, hazelnut, soft caramel, etc.
Coffee lovers can buy a single coffee pod or purchase a bulk pack that contains many different pod flavors.
Step 3: Select the Ideal Settings of the Pod Coffee Machine
A pod coffee machine is not complicated and requires only a few settings to create the ideal cup of coffee. One can set their preferred temperature and specify the cup size and level of brewing pressure.
These settings allow a consumer to enjoy a cup of coffee that is exactly designed according to their specific choices and preferences.
Step 4: Lift the Lid and Insert the Coffee Pod
One has to press a button to lift the lid off the pod coffee machine. The same button has to be pressed to shut the lid once the coffee pod is inserted.
Some coffee pods come with an outer packing that helps keep the pod’s contents fresh for longer periods. One has to peel off the packaging and insert the pod into the machine’s specified spot.
Some coffee pods come in two parts, with one pod containing milk and the other containing coffee. A few pod coffee machines do have the space for both pods at once. Otherwise, a consumer can insert one after the other.
Step 5: Place a Cup and Press Start
A standard-sized cup can perfectly fit under a pod coffee machine’s drip nozzle. One has to place their cup to collect the coffee drippings and press start.
Most pod coffee machines require 30 to 45 seconds to brew a delicious cup of coffee.
Step 6: Add Frothed Milk
This step is an option and completely depends on the consumer’s preference. While some coffee drinkers enjoy the raw bitter taste of coffee, some love adding milk. Some pod coffee machines come with a separate machine for frothing milk.
However, consumers can also use separate milk steaming wand to froth some milk in a cup. Adding the aerated milk to the prepared coffee will enhance its taste, reduce its bitterness, and boost the coffee’s richness.
Step 7: Clean/Wash the Pod Coffee Machine
Many consumers, unaware of the importance of this final step, usually ignore it and continue making coffee in a dirty machine the next day. However, doing this affects the machine’s performance and the quality, freshness, and taste of the coffee made in the long run.
Hence, one should always remember to clean out their pod coffee machines thoroughly at the end of each day. In order to do this, a consumer should:
- Use a cleaning pod. The cleaning pod is shaped like a regular coffee pod and contains an appropriate cleaning solution.
The consumer must fill the pod coffee machine’s water tank with fresh filtered water, insert the cleaning pod, and press start. Running the machine a few times before flushing it out can ensure a more thorough cleaning.
- Dip the milk steam want in a hot water and vinegar solution to prevent any milk from solidifying on the wand’s surface. Ignoring this will cause the milk to cake up on the wand, which will negatively affect the taste of the frothed milk and coffee.
Final Thoughts
Pod coffee machines have been designed to simplify the process of making a delicious cup of coffee. One simply has to insert the coffee pod of their choice, select their preferred settings, and hit start. This fantastic machine begins to drip mouth-watering delicious coffee into a cup in less than a minute.
