One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have an undeserved reputation for their low-strength, watery drinks. The best pods are more than that.
The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods instead of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It also has bundles of capsule options as well as easy customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the best pod coffee makers on the market, this drip and single-serve model offers the most comprehensive set of features in our test. It has a 12-cup carafe which brews grounds in the traditional manner and single-serve that can accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe's side features a programmable timer and an "strong" setting that provides more flavor than the normal settings. It also comes with an adjustable frother that folds away and is built into the carafe for capspuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at once using any size K-Cup, or a reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate water reservoir is included). It utilizes Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system that analyzes the barcode on each pod to adjust the machine settings for the perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's faster at brewing full pots than Keurig's top-rated. It also has advanced features, like a 24 hour start, brew intensity control and automatic shutoff.
It's simple to use, despite having two operating modes, and cleaning process is fairly easy. The reusable pod adapter, needles and mesh filter can be removed to clean. The device is heavy and heavy for counter space, however it's an excellent option for those who desire the convenience of pods or the versatility of coffee ground.
This budget-friendly cold brew machine produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It can make 12 cups at a time and features a programmable timer as well as an integrated milk frother, and an coffee filter that is reusable. It has a large tank of water as well as a glass carafe that can hold hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already accustom to the pod coffee machine trend and are looking to upgrade your Keurig-style machine this is a great alternative. Nespresso’s newest espresso maker is sleek, efficient and can create five different drinks with one small chassis. It's on sale now which makes it a great option for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine Next can be heated up quickly and is incredibly easy to use, with a single button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It uses patent-pending Nespresso pods with barcodes that inform the machine what kind of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you have the right temperature and pressure for every drink. The pods also spin rapidly during brewing, creating an exquisite layer of foam, known as crema. It is usually found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine's biggest drawback is that it's louder than other pod-machines and you aren't able to reuse the capsules. Fortunately, the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable and you can drop them off at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for no cost and they'll return them to you to reuse.
The machine is costly when it is compared to other pod makers particularly when you add the cost of the pods. However, if you're already a believer in the benefits of pod coffee, it's a small cost to get consistently good barista-like results. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make lattes or cappuccinos. It's also available in bundles that include a few samples of Nespresso capsules and milk frothers, which can save you money in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines use the same brewing procedure - you insert a capsule, press a button and the coffee comes out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that eschew the norm. It has a unique system for capsules that bind them into a portafilter handle. The machine can make espresso that is comparable to the one you can get in a cafe without the hassle and mess of a traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible with only illy MIE pods that are made from premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule is stocked with precisely proportioned amounts of ground espresso, which is then brewed using a special two-stage process to produce a thick and rich crema. The extraction process is completely inside the capsule, which means that the machine and coffee never meet and cleaning up is easy.
This coffee pod machine is equipped with a Pannarello Steam Wand that can be used to make milky drinks like cappuccino or macchiato latte. The distinctive design of this machine, created by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold statement in your home. Its round but slender forms and soft-touch buttons recall the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the '60s, while seamlessly integrating advanced technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can sometimes prevent the hot water from flowing correctly making it impossible for the machine to continue working. If this happens, you'll have to wait for a few minutes before making another cup of coffee to allow the excess 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. Its small dimensions, attractive price and easy-to-use are all big selling points. Does this tiny machine meet the high standards set by its parent company's? We went for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to find out.
The Vivy is one of the most simple pod coffee machines on the market, but it doesn't skimp on performance. It makes drinks with the press of a single button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC in order to determine what drink it should create. It also automatically sets the proper amount of water and froth for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to achieve an excellent result every time.
It is very simple to use. Simply insert the desired T DISC and then select the size of your drink. There are 40 drinks to choose from and the Vivy comes with a milk jug that can be used for making cappuccinos or lattes. It takes only three seconds to warm and automatically shuts off after five minutes, to save energy.
It's easy to clean too using a cleverly-designed descaler that fits into the side of the machine. There are separate directions for this, but the process is quick and simple.
As an added benefit, if register your Vivy through Bosch as a bonus, you'll receive a discount on your first order of T DISCs. Additionally, you'll receive personalised offers, recommendations and suggestions. You'll also be able track the status of your machine and see how much water it's used. Registering your machine is an excellent idea as soon as 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 has a presence across the globe. The family-owned business has a history of innovation and is famous for its top-quality espresso that is made from nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a variety of initiatives to safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally sustainable as they can be. They have a particular focus on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint as well as using renewable energies. They have also promoted Regenerative farming and are focusing on improving their water resources.
Illycaffe's commitment towards sustainability is matched by their determination to help their employees succeed. They have invested in training programs for their employees and have created a "university" of coffee that educates both consumers and professionals on how to make the most delicious cup of coffee.
In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to earn the B-Corp designation, which is an best coffee pod machine international designation that recognizes businesses that are committed to ethics and a sense of mission. The company also introduced its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and has been recognized as one of the top 10 World's ethical companies over the last seven years. The company is dedicated to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people. They believe that everyone has a responsibility to take on.