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 ones are much more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods instead of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It comes with a range of capsule options and is simple to personalize.
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 most comprehensive set of features that we have tested. It comes with an insulated 12-cup carafe that brews grounds in the traditional way, and a single-serve that accepts any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe has a programmable clock as well as a "strong setting" that gives you more flavor. It also comes with a foldaway, built-in frother to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve version can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at once using any size K-Cup, or a reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate reservoir for water is also included). It utilizes Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system and analyzes the barcode on each pod to adjust the machine settings for the perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's quicker at making full-pots of brew than Keurig's top-rated. It also has advanced features like a 24-hour start, brew intensity controls, and automatic shutoff.
The device is easy to use, despite the fact that it comes with two operating modes. It also cleans easily. The pod adapter that is reusable, needles and mesh filter can be removed for cleaning. It's a bit heavy and heavy for counter space however 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 a smooth and flavorful cup. It can make 12 cups at once and comes with a programmable clock, an integrated milk frother, and an reusable coffee filter. It also has a large reservoir for water and a glass carafe for hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great choice if you are already a fan of the pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's latest espresso machine is sleek, efficient and can create five different drinks from one sleek, compact chassis. It's even on sale right now making it an excellent option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine Next can be heated up quickly and is extremely simple to use by pressing a single button that automatically adapts to the kind of capsule you're using. It makes use of patented Nespresso pods that have an identifier barcode that tells the machine which kind of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you have the correct temperature and pressure for every drink. The capsules spin quickly while brewing to create a layer of foam known as crema. It is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine's biggest drawback is that it's more loud than other pod-machines and that you cannot reuse the capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules can be recycled, so you can recycle them at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website.
The machine is costly when compared to other pod machines particularly when you add the cost of the pods. If, however, you've already convinced of the benefits of pod coffee, it's a low cost to get consistent results that resemble baristas. Additionally, you can add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for cappuccinos and lattes. You can also purchase it in bundles that include some of the Nespresso pods as well as a frother. This will make it cheaper to buy the machine in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
Most pod machines have 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 eschew convention. It uses a unique system for capsules that bind them into the portafilter handle. The machine produces espresso that is comparable to the one you can get in cafes, without the mess and fuss of an espresso machine that is traditional.
The X7.1 is compatible with only Illy MIE pods, which are made of premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule is stocked with a precise amount of ground espresso that is brewed using two stages. This results in a thick crema. The extraction is performed entirely inside the capsule. This means that the coffee and machine are not in contact. Clean-up is also a breeze.
The coffee pod also comes with a Pannarello steam wand for making milky drinks such as cappuccino and latte macchiato. Its unique design, designed by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to make a statement in your kitchen. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 1960s and seamlessly integrates modern technology.
The only drawback to this machine is that it needs some more attention than some other models, particularly when you use the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can prevent the steam from flowing properly and stop the machine from working. If this happens, you'll have to wait for a few minutes before making another cup of coffee to allow the air to escape.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most popular pod coffee machines on the market. Its compact dimensions, attractive price and ease of use are all big 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 headquarters.
The Vivy is a basic pod coffee maker, but it isn't sacrificing the performance. It makes drinks with the touch of a single button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC to determine which drink it needs to create. It also automatically sets the proper amount of froth and water for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to achieve an excellent result every time.
This makes it extremely simple to operate - just insert the desired T DISC, then select the desired drink size. The Vivy comes with 40 different drinks and a milk jug for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to warm and shuts off automatically after five minutes, to save energy.
The descaler has been designed to fit into the side of your machine. There are separate directions for this, but the procedure is easy and quick.
As an added benefit, if sign up your Vivy with Bosch as a bonus, you'll receive a discount on your first purchase of T DISCs. Additionally, you'll receive personalized offers, recommendations and tips. You'll also be able to track the status of your machine and know the amount of water it has used. It is a good idea to register your machine at the time you purchase it, also.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is an iconic heritage brand and an industry leader in the field of coffee. Established in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is operated by his children and spans the world. The family-owned business has a history of innovation and is famous for its premium espresso made from nine different types of Arabica bean.
The company is committed to sustainability, and has implemented a number initiatives to help preserve the environment. They also make sure that their products are as environmentally friendly 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 regenerative farming and are focused on improving their water resources.
Illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their desire to help their employees succeed. They have invested in training programs for their employees and have created an "university" of coffee that educates both consumers and professionals on how to make the perfect cup of coffee.
In addition to all of this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to earn B-Corp certification. This is an international label which recognizes companies that value ethics and a sense of mission. The company has also launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods. They have also been named one of the World's coffee machine for pods most ethical companies for the past seven years. The company has been dedicated to demonstrating that sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people alike and has an unshakeable belief that it is up to everyone to do their part.