One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often criticized for making watery, weak drinks. The top ones are more than just that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods in place of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It has a variety of capsules and is easy to personalize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This combination drip-and-single-serve coffee maker offers the best features of the models we tested. It comes with a 12-cup carafe which makes grounds in the traditional way and one-serve that will accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe is programmable with a clock and it has 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 side is able to brew 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 is based on Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which scans the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings to make an ideal cup every time. It's more efficient than a top Keurig model in making a full-sized pot of brew using its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced features like a 24 hour brew start, brew strength control and auto 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 are easily removed to clean. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space however, it's an excellent option for anyone who wants the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.
This basic cold brew machine is a great value option that produces a smooth and flavorful cup. It comes with a programmable timer as well as a built-in milk maker and a reusable filter and can make 12 cups of java in one go. It comes with a large reservoir of water, as well as a glass carafe to hold hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already committed to the trend of pod coffee machines and would like to upgrade your current Keurig-style machine This is a great option. Nespresso's new espresso machine is sleek, efficient and can make five different drinks on one sleek, compact chassis. It's on sale now which makes it a great choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is extremely simple to use, with a single button that automatically adjusts to the kind of capsule you're using. It makes use of patent-pending Nespresso capsules which have a barcode on them which tells the machine what kind of espresso or coffee it is, ensuring that you get the correct temperature and pressure for each drink. The capsules spin quickly during brewing, creating a layer of foam known as crema that is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine's only downside is that it's more loud than other pod-machines and you aren't able to reuse the capsules. Fortunately, the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable so you can drop them off at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for free and they'll take them back to recycle.
The machine is also expensive in comparison to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you consider the cost of buying pods. If you've already a believer in the benefits of pod coffee, it's only a small cost to pay for consistently good barista-like results. Additionally, you can add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for cappuccinos and lattes. You can also purchase it in bundles, which include some samples of Nespresso pods as well as a coffee maker. This will save you money up front.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
Most pod machines have a similar brewing process - you simply insert a capsule, press a button and the coffee comes out. But every now and then, a machine comes along that breaks convention right out of the water, as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It has a completely different system for capsules that lock them in place in a portafilter-like handle. This allows the machine to make an espresso that is as good as you'd get at a cafe, however without the hassle and mess that is typical of an espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE pods which are made of premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule is stocked with a precise dose of espresso that is then brewed with a specific two-stage process that produces an intense crema. The extraction takes place completely inside the capsule, meaning that the machine and the coffee do not come into contact and cleanup is a breeze.
The coffee pod comes with a Pannarello Steam Wand to make milky drinks like cappuccino or Latte Macchiato. The distinctive design of this machine, created by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a design statement in your home. Its slim, round shapes and soft-touch buttons are inspired by classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly merging modern technology.
One drawback of this machine is that it requires some extra attention than other models, especially when you are using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can hinder the flow of hot water, which prevents the machine from working efficiently. If this happens, you'll need to wait a couple of 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 has become one of the most adored coffee machines available. Its small dimensions, attractive price tag and easy-to-use are the main reasons for buying. Does this little machine meet the high standards set by its parent company's? We tested it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is one of the most simple pod coffee machines available however it doesn't sacrifice on performance. It can create drinks with a single touch. It scans a barcode on the T DISC to determine which drink to prepare. It also sets the correct amount for the froth and water in each drink using Intellibrew Technology to achieve the best results every time.
It's easy to use - just insert the desired T DISC and select the size of your drink. The Vivy has 40 different drinks, as well as a milk jug for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to warm up and it shuts down automatically after five minutes.
The descaler is cleverly designed to fit into the side of the machine. There are separate directions for this, but the procedure is quick and simple.
As an added bonus, if you register your Vivy with Bosch as a bonus, you'll receive discounts on your first purchase of T DISCs and receive personalised offers, recommendations and advice. You'll also be able track the status of your machine, and also see the amount of water it has been using. Registering your machine is also a good idea when you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is an iconic heritage brand that is a leader in the coffee industry. The company was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still operated by his descendants. It spans the globe. The family-owned business has a long history of innovation and is famous for its top-quality espresso that is made using nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented numerous initiatives to preserve the environment. They also ensure that their products are as environmentally friendly as is possible. They have focused their efforts on energy efficiency, and are committed to reducing their emissions, and the use of renewable energies. They also promote Regenerative farming and are focusing 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 also created a "university of coffee" that helps to educate consumers and professionals alike on how to get the most optimal cup of coffee.
In addition to all of this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to obtain the B-Corp designation, which is an international designation that recognizes companies that prioritize 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 pod coffee machines that everyone has a role to take on.