One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often accused of producing watery, weak drinks. The best ones are much more than just that.
The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods instead of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It also offers a range of capsule options and easy customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the best pod coffee makers available on the market, this combination drip and single-serve model offers the best combination of features that we have tested. It comes with an insulated 12-cup carafe that brews grounds in the traditional manner and one-serve that will accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe side has an adjustable timer as well as 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 brews up to 18 ounces at a single time with any size of K-Cup, reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup, or ground coffee (a separate water tank is provided). It makes use of Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and reads the barcode 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, brew intensity controls and automatic shutoff.
It's easy to use, despite having two different operating modes, and cleaning is pretty easy. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles, and mesh filter are easily removed for cleaning. The unit is a bit heavy and bulky for counter space but it's a great option for those who want the convenience of pods or the versatility of coffee ground.
This budget-friendly cold brew machine produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It has a programmable timer, a built-in milk frother and a filter that can be reused, and can make 12 cups of java at a time. It also has a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe for hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already bought in to the pod coffee machine trend and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig-style machine, this is an excellent alternative. Nespresso's new espresso maker is sleek, fast, and can make five different drinks on one compact chassis. It's available for sale right now, making it an excellent choice for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine is then able to heat up quickly and is simple to use, with an adjustable button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of the patented Nespresso capsules that have a barcode 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 spin quickly when brewing, creating an indulgence-inducing layer of foam, known as crema, which is usually found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only downsides to the VertuoLine is that it's louder than other pod machines, and that you can't reuse capsules you've used. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules can be recycled, so you can recycle the capsules at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website.
The machine is expensive when compared to other pod machines in particular when you consider the cost of the pods. If, however, you've already convinced of the advantages of pod coffee, it's a small cost to pay for consistent, barista-style results. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make cappuccinos or lattes. You can also buy it in bundles that include a few samples of the Nespresso pods as well as a coffee maker. This will make it cheaper to buy the machine in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it comes to brewing, most pod machines adhere to a similar format - capsules are placed in the top, you press a button and coffee flows out. But every now and then, there is a machine that breaks convention right out of the water, as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It utilizes a different mechanism for capsules, locking them into place inside a portafilter-like handle. The machine can produce espresso that is comparable to the one you can get in a cafe without the mess and hassle of the traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible with only illy MIE pods, which are made of top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule has an exact amount of ground espresso, which is brewed in two stages. This produces a rich crema. The extraction is performed entirely within the capsule. This means that the machine and the coffee are never in contact. Clean-up is also a breeze.
The coffee pod also comes with an Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and macchiato latte. The unique design, developed 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 like the classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
This machine requires more attention, especially when using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can prevent the steam from flowing properly, preventing the machine from working. You'll need to wait a few moments before preparing another cup of coffee in order to let the air escape.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most sought-after pod coffee machines on the market. The small size as well as the attractive pricing and user-friendly are important selling points. But can this machine meet the high standards set by the parent company? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to find out.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee maker, but it doesn't sacrifice performance. It can make drinks with just a simple press of a button. It reads a barcode on the T DISC to determine what drink to prepare. It also sets the proper amount of water and froth in each drink using Intellibrew Technology to produce the best results every time.
It's very easy to use - just insert the desired T disc and then select the size of your drink. There are 40 different drinks to choose from and the Vivy comes with a milk jug for coffee pod machines making cappuccinos or lattes. It only takes three seconds to warm up and shuts off automatically after five minutes.
The descaler has been designed to slot into the side of your machine. This is a separate procedure, but it's quick and easy.
If you register your Vivy, you'll receive a discount for your first T-DISCs order, and also customized offers, tips and recommendations. You'll also be able to keep track of the condition of your machine, and also see how much water it's been using. It's a good idea to register your machine at the time you purchase it, too.
5. Illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a market leader in the coffee market and famous heritage brand, is a world leader. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still operated by his descendants. It spans the globe. The family-owned company has a long tradition of innovation and is renowned for its high-quality espresso crafted from nine different types of Arabica bean.
The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented numerous initiatives to help preserve the environment. They also ensure that their products are as environmentally friendly as possible. They have concentrated on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and utilizing renewable energies. They also have worked to promote regenerative agriculture and have a particular focus on improving their water resources.
illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their determination to help their employees succeed. They have invested in programs to provide training and professional development for their staff and they have created an "university of coffee" that helps to educate consumers and professionals on how to get the most optimal 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 certification which recognizes companies that value ethics and a sense of purpose. 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 and people. They believe that everyone has a responsibility to take on.