Pod coffee makers are not just another trendy kitchen gadget. These machines let you brew a variety of coffees as extensive as you’ll find at any espresso shop. They also make the preparation as simple as possible, and cleanup is equally easy and quick. If you’re a person who is always on the go and needs a cup of coffee now, the pod is your friend. Likewise, it helps you eliminate any unnecessary activities when you’re bleary-eyed in the morning.

Unlike science fiction movie pods which invade human bodies, coffee pods are much more helpful. The pods are individual packets of ground coffee and function similarly to a tea bag. You place a pod in the machine, add water to it’s reservoir and turn it on.

The water is heated and then forced through the pod. Because the amount of water heated is small it reaches brewing temperature quickly and you have a hot cup of coffee in under a minute.

Of course having coffee almost instantly is of no value if you don’t like the flavor. This isn’t a problem with the pod machines. You have a choice of hundreds of grind varieties and brew strengths from all the popular coffee producers. And for a change of pace or for non-coffee drinkers, there are also tea and cocoa selections. Even some espresso machines are designed to work with pods.

Nothing beats freshly ground coffee beans for flavor, but pods may be close. Ground coffee stored in a container loses some of its freshness every time the container is opened and exposed to air. Unlike grounds in a container, pods remain sealed until just before they’re used, so they keep the coffee fresher. Plus, the precisely measured packets ensure a consistent cup of coffee.

Pods are sized to make a single serving which is perfect if you’re a light coffee drinker or you like to try different blends without making a whole pot.

The whole design of pod coffee makers is geared toward convenience and ease of use. Because the grounds are contained within the packet, there’s nothing to spill when you load them into the machine. And when you’re finished, you simply toss the pod in the trash.

Of course all of this convenience isn’t free. Pods cost more than coffee in a can. So what do you get for the extra cost? An automated system which has no measuring, no mess, a fast cup of coffee and easy cleanup. Which for many people makes it money well spent.

There are currently 30 refurbished coffee makers available on RefurbX.com.