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 top ones are more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods made from treated polypropylene cups that are designed to degrade in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also offers a range of capsule options as well as easy customization.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers on the market, this combination drip and single-serve model offers the most comprehensive set of features we tested. It has a 12-cup carafe which is brewed in the traditional way and a single-serve that accepts any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe is programmable with a clock and an "strong setting" that makes more flavor. It also comes with a built-in, foldaway frother for lattes and cappuccinos.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time, using any size K-Cup, or a reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cups (a separate water reservoir is included). It utilizes Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and analyzes the barcodes of each pod to adjust machine settings. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's more efficient in brewing full-pots than a leading Keurig. It also comes with advanced features like a 24-hour start time, brew intensity control, and automatic shutoff.
It's easy to use despite having two modes of operation, and cleaning process is fairly easy. The reusable pod adapter and needles can be removed for cleaning, and the filter can be washed in your sink. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space, but it's a great option for anyone who needs the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This simple cold brew machine is a budget-friendly option that produces smooth and delicious cups. It can make 12 cups at a time and comes with a programmable clock as well as an integrated milk frother, and an coffee filter that is reusable. It also has a huge reservoir for water and a glass carafe for hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great choice for those who are already a fan of the pod coffee machines but want to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso's newest espresso machine is sleek, fast and has the ability to make five different drinks in one sleek, compact machine. It's currently on sale and is a great option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine is then able to heat up quickly and is simple to use, thanks to an adjustable button that automatically adjusts to the type capsule you're using. It uses the patented Nespresso capsules with an identifier on them that tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, ensuring that you get the right temperature and pressure for each drink. The capsules spin quickly during brewing, creating a layer of foam called crema, which is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine's only downside is that it's louder than other pod machines and you can't reuse the capsules. 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 also pretty expensive compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you take into account the cost of purchasing the pods. If you're already a pod coffee fan, this is a small price to pay for consistently barista-style results. Additionally, you can add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make lattes and cappuccinos. You can also purchase it in bundles that include some samples of Nespresso pods and a frother. This will save you money up front.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines use a similar brewing process - you simply insert a capsule then press a button and the coffee is brewed. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that defy the norm. It has a unique system for capsules that lock them into the portafilter handle. This allows the machine to produce an espresso similar to what you'd find at a cafe, but without all of the fuss and mess that comes with a traditional espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE pods, which are made of top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule is stocked with precisely proportioned amounts of espresso ground, which is then brewed using a unique two-stage process to produce an intense crema. The extraction process is completely inside the capsule, meaning that the machine and the coffee capsule coffee machines do not come into contact and cleaning up is easy.
This coffee pod machine also comes with a Pannarello steam wand that can be used to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and macchiato latte. The distinctive design of this machine, created by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a design statement in your living space. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons like the classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly merging modern technology.
One drawback of this machine is that it needs some extra attention than some other models, especially when you use the steam wand. This is because excessive air can sometimes prevent the hot water from flowing correctly and stop the machine from functioning. You will need to wait for several minutes before making a second coffee to let the excess air go.
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. Its small dimensions, attractive price tag and ease of use are all big 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 basic pod coffee machine, however it does not sacrifice performance. It can make drinks with a single touch. It scans a barcode on the T DISC to determine which drink to make. It also determines the right amount of water and froth in each drink using Intellibrew Technology to produce an excellent outcome every time.
This makes it very easy to use - just insert the desired T DISC and select your preferred drink size. There are 40 drinks to choose from and the Vivy comes with a milk jug for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes just three seconds to heat and it shuts down automatically after five minutes.
It's easy to clean, too thanks to a cleverly designed descaler that slots into the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the process is easy and quick.
As an added bonus, if you register your Vivy with Bosch as a bonus, you'll receive an extra discount on your first order of T DISCs. You'll also receive personalized offers, suggestions and suggestions. You can also track the progress of your machine and see how much it's used. It's a good idea to register your machine as soon as you buy it, as well.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is an iconic heritage brand that is a one of the leaders in the coffee industry. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still managed by his descendants. It is a global company. The family-owned and operated company has a long tradition of innovating 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 protect the environment. They also make sure that their products are as green as is possible. They have a particular focus on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions and utilizing renewable energies. They have also promoted the practice of regenerative agriculture and are focusing on improving their water resources.
illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their desire to help their employees achieve. They have invested in training programs for their employees and created a "university" of coffee to educate professionals and consumers alike on how to make the perfect cup of coffee.
In addition to all of this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to be awarded B-Corp certification. This is an international designation that recognizes businesses that are committed to ethics and a sense of mission. The company has also launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods, and has been named one of the world's most ethical companies over the past seven years. The company is dedicated to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment as well as people. They believe that everyone has a role to take on.