One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often accused of producing watery, weak drinks. The top ones are more than just that.
The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods in place of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It comes with a range of capsules, and it is easy to customise.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This single-serve drip coffee maker offers the best features of all the models we've tested. It has a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional ground coffee and one-serve side that will accept any type of K-Cup, Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe side has a programmable timer and an "strong" setting that produces more flavor than the standard settings. It comes with a fold-away frother that is built into the carafe for lattes and capspuccinos.
The single-serve side brews up to 18 ounces at a single time using any size K-Cup, the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup, or ground coffee (a separate water tank is provided). It uses Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system that analyzes the barcode on each pod to adjust the machine settings for an ideal cup every time. It's faster than a leading Keurig model in making a full-sized pot of brew thanks to its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions, including a 24-hour brew start time, brew strength control and auto shutoff.
The device is simple to use despite the fact it comes with two operating modes. It also cleans up easily. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles can be removed to clean, and the mesh filter is washable in your sink. It's a bit heavy 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 budget-friendly cold brew machine makes a smooth and delicious cup. It has a programmable timer as well as a built-in milk maker and a reusable filter and can make 12 cups of java at once. It has a large tank of water, as well as a glass carafe that can hold hot beverages.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great option for those who are already a fan of pod coffee machines and want to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's latest espresso maker is sleek, fast, and can make five different drinks in one chassis. It's currently on sale and is a great choice for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine next heats up quickly and is easy to use, using a button that adapts automatically to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of the patented Nespresso capsules which have a barcode on them that tells the machine what kind of espresso or coffee it is, making sure you get the right temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods spin rapidly during brewing, creating a layer of foam called crema, which is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine is that it's more loud than other pod machines, and that you aren't able to reuse the used capsules. Fortunately the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable and you can drop them off at the local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for no cost and they'll return them to reuse.
The machine is also pretty expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you factor in the cost of buying the pods. If you're already a pod coffee lover, it's a small price to pay for consistent barista style results. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for lattes or cappuccinos. You can also buy it in bundles, which contain a few samples of the Nespresso pods as well as a coffee maker. This will help you save money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines have the same brewing procedure - you simply insert a capsule then press a button and the coffee pours out. But now and then a device comes along that breaks convention right out of the water, like is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It utilizes a different mechanism for capsules that lock them in place in a portafilter-like handle. The machine can produce espresso that is as good coffee capsules machines as the one you can get in a cafe, but without the hassle and mess of the traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules, which are made from premium, high-quality coffee beans. Each capsule has a precise dose of espresso that is then brewed using a special two-stage process to produce an intense crema. The extraction happens entirely within the capsule, so the machine and coffee never meet, and clean-up is a breeze.
The coffee pod also comes with a Pannarello steam wand that can be used to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and macchiato latte. The unique design of this coffee machine, created by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a design statement in your home. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 1960s, while seamlessly integrating advanced technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, especially when using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can prevent the hot water from flowing properly and stop the machine from working. You will need to wait some time before making a second coffee to let the excess air escape.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most popular coffee makers available. Its compact dimensions, attractive price and user-friendly interface are among the major selling points. But can this tiny machine meet the high standards set by the parent company? We took it for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is a basic pod coffee maker, but it does not sacrifice its performance. It can make drinks with just a simple press of a button. It reads a barcode on the T DisC to determine the type of drink to make. It also automatically adjusts the right amount of froth and water for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to produce the best results every time.
It is very simple to use - just 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 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 on the side of your machine. There are separate directions for this, but the process is quick and simple.
As a bonus, if you sign up your Vivy with Bosch and Bosch, you'll receive an extra discount on your first purchase of T DISCs. You'll also receive personalised offers, recommendations and tips. You'll also be in a position to monitor the health of your machine, and also see the amount of water it has been using. It is an excellent idea immediately after you purchase it.
5. Illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is an iconic heritage brand and one of the leaders in the coffee industry. The company was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still managed by his descendants. It has a presence across the globe. The family-owned and operated company has a long tradition of innovating in the industry, and is renowned for its high quality espresso, which is made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a range of initiatives that help safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally sustainable as they can be. They have focused on efficiency in energy use, and are determined to reduce their carbon footprint, and also the use of renewable energy sources. They have also been working to promote regenerative farming, and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, illycaffe is also committed to helping their employees achieve. They have invested in training programs for their employees and have created an "university" of coffee to train professionals and consumers alike on how to make the perfect cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to be awarded an B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies that are committed to ethics and have a mission. The company also recently launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods. They have also been named one of the World's most ethical companies over the past seven years. The company is committed to proving that sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people alike, and they have an unshakeable belief that it is the responsibility of everyone to take action.