One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have a bit of an undeserved reputation for being the watery, weak drinks. The best pods are more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods, made from treated polypropylene cups that are supposed to break down in landfill (rather than the dreaded K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also comes with a variety of capsules and simple customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers available on the market, this combination single-serve and drip models offer the best combination of features that we have tested. It has a 12-cup carafe that makes grounds in the traditional manner and one-serve that will accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe comes with a programmable clock as well as a "strong setting" that produces more flavor. It also comes with an easy-to-folding frother that's built into the carafe to make capspuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces per hour using any size K-Cup, reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cups or ground coffee (a separate water tank is provided). It utilizes Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which reads the barcode on each pod to adjust machine's settings to ensure a perfect cup every time. It's more efficient than a top Keurig model at brewing a full pot thanks to its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions like a 24-hour brew start, brew strength controls and auto shutoff.
It's simple to use, despite having two operating modes, and the cleaning is pretty easy. The reusable pod adapter and needles are easily removed for cleaning, and the filter can be washed in your sink. The device is heavy and heavy for counter space, but it's a great choice for those who want the convenience of pods or the versatility of coffee ground.
This simple cold brew maker is a budget pick that produces smooth and delicious cups. It can make 12 cups at once and comes with a programmable clock and a milk frother that is integrated as well as an reusable coffee filter. It has a large tank of water and a glass carafe to hold hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great option if you are already a fan of the pod coffee machines and want to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's latest espresso machine is sleek, efficient and has the ability to make five different drinks in one sleek, compact chassis. It's currently on sale, making it an excellent option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is easy to use, using an adjustable button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you are using. It utilizes patent-pending Nespresso capsules which have a barcode on them which tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, making sure you get the correct temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods also spin fast while brewing, resulting in a decadent layer of foam, also known as crema, which is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only downsides to the VertuoLine is that it's a bit louder than other pod machines and that you can't reuse capsules that you've used. Fortunately the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable so you can drop them off at the local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for free, and they'll take them back to recycle.
The machine is also expensive compared to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you consider the cost of buying pods. If you're already a pod-coffee fan, this is a small amount to pay for consistent barista style results. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make cappuccinos or lattes. It's also offered in bundles that contain a few samples of Nespresso capsules and a milk frother which could help you save money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it comes to brewing, most pod machines adhere to the same format: capsules are placed on the top, you press a button and the coffee is poured out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that defy the rules of. It uses a different system for capsules, locking them into place in a portafilter-like handle. This lets the machine create an espresso that's similar to what you'd find at a cafe, but without the hassle and mess that is typical of an espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible only with Illy MIE pods that are made from top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule is stocked with an exact amount of ground espresso, which is then brewed using a special two-stage process to produce a rich crema. The extraction process is entirely inside the capsule. This means that the machine and the coffee are not in contact. Cleaning up is easy.
This machine also has an Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks like cappuccino and macchiato latte. The unique design, developed by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to stand out in your kitchen. Its slim, round shapes and soft-touch buttons are like classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
This machine requires more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is because excessive air can sometimes prevent the steam from flowing here properly, preventing the machine from working. You will need to wait for some time before making a second coffee to let the air escape.
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 the ease of use are important selling points. Does this little machine meet the high standards set by its parent company's standards? We tested it at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, but it does not sacrifice performance. It makes drinks with the press of a single button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC to know which drink it needs to create. It also determines the right amount of water and froth in every drink using Intellibrew Technology to produce an outstanding result every time.
This makes it extremely simple to operate - just insert the desired T DISC and choose the desired drink size. The Vivy comes with 40 different drinks as well as an milk jug that can be used to make cappuccinos or lattes. It takes only three seconds to heat up and shuts off automatically after five minutes to conserve energy.
It's very easy to clean, with a cleverly designed descaler that slides into the side of the machine. This is a different process however it's fast and simple.
As an added benefit, if register your Vivy through Bosch, you'll get discounts on your first order of T DISCs. You'll also receive personalized offers, recommendations and advice. You'll also be in a position to monitor the health of your machine, and also see how much water it has been using. Registering your machine is recommended when you purchase it.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a leading player in the coffee industry and an famous heritage brand, is a global leader. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still run by his descendants. It is a global company. The family-owned business has a long history of innovation and is known for its premium espresso made from nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a range of initiatives to protect the environment and ensure that their products are as eco green as they can. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and utilizing renewable energy sources. They also promote Regenerative farming and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitments to sustainability, illycaffe is also committed to helping their employees succeed. They have invested in training programs for their employees and have created a "university" of coffee to educate professionals and consumers alike on how to make the best cup of coffee.
In addition to all of this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to obtain the B-Corp designation, which is an international designation that recognizes businesses that are committed to ethics and a sense that they have a purpose. The company has also launched its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and has been named one of the world's most Ethical companies for the past seven years. The company is dedicated to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people. They believe that everyone has a part to play.