One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have an undeserved reputation for being the watery, weak drinks. Fortunately, the best ones can offer much more than that.
The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods, made from treated polypropylene cups that are supposed to degrade in landfill (rather than the notorious K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also offers a range of capsule options and easy customization.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the best pod coffee makers on the market, this combination single-serve and drip models offer the best blend of features we tested. It has an insulated 12-cup carafe that brews grounds in the traditional way and one-serve that will accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe side has an adjustable timer and an "strong" setting that gives more flavor than the normal settings. It comes with an adjustable frother that folds away and is integrated into the carafe to serve lattes and capspuccinos.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time using any size K-Cup or the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cups (a separate reservoir for water is also included). It uses Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system and scans the barcode of each pod to adjust machine's settings to make a perfect cup every time. It's more efficient than a top Keurig model when it comes to brewing a full pot thanks to its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced features like a 24 hour brew start, brew strength controls and auto shutoff.
The device is easy to use despite the fact it has two operating modes. It also cleans easily. The pod adapter that is reusable, needles, and mesh filter can be easily removed for cleaning. The machine is heavy and heavy for counter space, but it's an excellent option for those who want the convenience of pods, or the flexibility of coffee ground.
This simple cold brew maker is a budget pick that provides an incredibly smooth and delicious cup. It can make 12 cups at a time and features a programmable timer and a milk frother that is integrated as well as an coffee filter that can be reused. It also comes with a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe to serve hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great option to consider if you're already a fan of the pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's newest espresso machine is sleek, fast and can make five different drinks on one sleek, compact machine. It's currently on sale which makes it a great choice for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine is then able to heat up quickly and is easy to use, using an adjustable button that automatically adjusts to the type capsule you're using. It makes use of patented Nespresso capsules with an identifier on them which tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, making sure you get the right temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The pods also spin fast when brewing, creating an exquisite layer of foam, referred to as crema, that is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine are that it's a bit more loud than other pod machines and that you aren't able to reuse the capsules you've used. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules is recyclable, so you can recycle them at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website.
The machine is pricey when contrasted with other pod machines particularly when you add the cost of the pods. If you've already a believer in the benefits of pod coffee, it's a low cost to get consistent results that resemble baristas. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for cappuccinos and lattes. You can also purchase it in bundles, which contain some samples of Nespresso pods as well as a frother. This will help you save money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines have the same brewing process: you insert a capsule and press a button, and the coffee pours out. However, every now and then there is a machine that is a complete blow to the water, like is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It uses a unique system for capsules that lock them into the portafilter handle. This allows the machine to create an espresso that's as good as you'd get at a cafe, but without all of the fuss and mess of a traditional espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE capsules which are made from premium coffee beans of the highest quality. Each capsule contains a precise amount of espresso ground that is brewed using a two-stage process. This creates a rich crema. The extraction is done entirely inside the capsule. This means that the machine and the coffee are never in contact. Clean-up is also easy.
This coffee pod machine also comes with a Pannarello steam wand for making milky drinks like cappuccino and macchiato latte. The distinctive design of this machine, created by famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a design statement in your home. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons inspired by classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly merging modern technology.
One drawback of this machine is that it requires a little more attention than other models, especially when you use the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can sometimes hinder the flow of hot water, which can prevent the machine from working properly. If this happens, you'll have to wait a couple of minutes before making another cup of coffee to allow the air to be released.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most well-known pod coffee machines available on the market. The small size, attractive pricing and user-friendly are major selling points. Does this tiny machine meet the high standards set by its parent company's standards? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is among the most simple pod coffee machines that are available however it doesn't compromise on performance. It can make drinks with a single press of a button. It reads an image of a barcode on the DISC to determine which drink to make. It also automatically sets the proper amount of water and froth for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to ensure the best results every time.
It is very simple to use - simply insert the desired T DISC and choose the size of your drink. There are 40 drinks to choose from and the Vivy comes with a milk jug for making cappuccinos or lattes. It takes just three seconds to warm and automatically shuts off after five minutes to conserve coffee pod machine energy.
The descaler is cleverly designed to slot into the side of the machine. There are separate directions for this, but the process is easy and quick.
If you register your Vivy, you will receive a discount for your first order of T-DISCs, as well as customized offers, tips and recommendations. You can also monitor the progress of your machine and see how much it has used. Registering your machine is also an excellent idea when you purchase it.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe, a leader in the world of coffee and an iconic heritage brand, is a world leader. Established in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is still run by his descendants and spans across the world. The family-owned and operated business has a long history of embracing innovation within the field, and is renowned for its high quality espresso, which is made from 9 different varieties of Arabica beans.
The company is committed to sustainability, and has implemented a number initiatives to help preserve the environment. They also ensure that their products are as eco-friendly as possible. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions and utilizing renewable energies. They have also promoted regenerative farming and are focused on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, illycaffe is also determined to help their employees thrive. They have invested in training programs for their employees, and have created an "university" of coffee to educate professionals and consumers alike on how to make the best cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company that has earned an B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies that are committed to ethics and have a mission. The company has also launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods. They have also been named one of the world's most ethical companies over the last seven years. The company is committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment as well as people. They believe that everyone has a part to take on.