The Espresso Machine, Pod Style: Yeah, Baby!

Coffee lovers are finding even more to be excited about with the recent development of the new breed of espresso machines. Pod espresso machines are the equivalent of tea bags. Instead of putting ground coffee into an automatic coffee maker, everything you need for a smooth rich espresso is contained all in one pod (individual package. One pod equals one espresso). In the last few years, the price of the particular espresso machine, pods, and replacement filters have dropped. Not only that, but this kind of espresso machine, pods and replacement filters are more and more available all over the country. You don’t have to shop at specialty coffee stores anymore for this espresso machine, pod and replacements. You can now go to your favorite department store in person or online.

Is It Any Good?

Great espresso is not just the beans –- it’s also about the “crema”, which can be difficult to reproduce at home. Until the arrival of the espresso machine, pods and filter in a portable unit, you had no choice but go out in order to get an espresso.

Everyone’s tastes are different, so before you buy and espresso machine, pods and any replacement filters, be sure to check out the company or stores return policies. Also check to see what kind of warranty your new toy comes with.

This kind of espresso machine, pods and replacement filters are selling so well for years that if they were making remarkably inferior coffee, there would have been loud complaints by now! This writer once worked at a Macy’s in 2005 which stocked a couple of brands of espresso machine, pods and replacement parts. They would not stay on the shelves.

How Much?

These machines cost in the hundreds of dollars for home use. Expect to pay about $300-$500. Yes, they are far more expensive than a typical coffee maker. But they don’t make the typical brew. You are not only paying for the espresso, but for the espresso to be done right.

But how much do you pay for an espresso at your favorite coffee stand or shop per drink? The average espresso is about $4. If you buy one a day for a year, that’s $1460! So, in the long run, the purchase of an espresso machine, pods and replacement parts are much cheaper than having someone else’s espresso machine make your drinks.

Make note of the brand of pod espresso machine you buy, because you might have to get that brand’s pods and filters.