One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often criticised for producing weak, watery drinks. The best pods are more than that.
The illy Bruvi utilizes B-Pods instead of the dreaded K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It comes with a range of capsule options and is simple to customize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers available on the market, this combination single-serve and drip models offer the best combination of features in our test. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional grounds and a single-serve side that can accept any kind of K-Cup, Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe side has a programmable timer and it has a "strong" setting that gives more flavor than the normal settings. It comes with an easy-to-folding frother that's integrated into the carafe to serve capspuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces at a single time using any size K-Cup and reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cups or ground coffee (a separate water tank is also included). It utilizes Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which analyzes the barcode on each pod to adjust machine's settings to ensure a perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's faster at brewing full pots than the Keurig that is the most popular. It also has advanced features, like a 24 hour start, brew intensity controls and automatic shutoff.
The device is simple to use despite the fact that it has two operating modes. It also cleans up easily. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles are easily removable for cleaning, and the mesh filter is washable in the sink. It's a bit heavy and heavy for counter space, but it's a great alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This basic cold brew machine is a budget pick that provides a smooth and flavorful cup. It comes with a programmable timer as well as a built-in milk maker and a filter that can be reused, and can make 12 cups of java at a time. It also has a huge reservoir of water and a glass carafe to serve hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great option if you are already a fan of pod coffee machines but want to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso's new espresso maker is stylish, fast and can make five different drinks on one compact chassis. It's currently on sale and is a great option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is simple to use, with an adjustable button that automatically adjusts to the type capsule you're using. It makes use of the patented Nespresso pods with barcodes that inform the machine which type of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures you get the right temperature and pressure for every drink. The capsules spin quickly while brewing to create the foam, also known as crema. It is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.
The only downsides to the VertuoLine are that it's a little more loud than other pod machines and that you can't reuse the used 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 also quite expensive compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you factor in the cost of buying pods. If, however, you've already a believer in the benefits of pod coffee, it's a small price to pay for consistent, barista-style results. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make lattes or cappuccinos. It is also available in bundles, which contain some of the Nespresso pods as well as a frother. This will help you save money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is time to brew, the majority of pod machines adhere to a similar format - a capsule goes in the top and you press a button, and coffee flows out. But 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 has a unique system for capsules that lock them into a portafilter handle. The machine can make espresso that is similar to what you would get in cafes, without the mess and fuss of the traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules that are made of premium high-quality pod capsule coffee machine coffee beans. Each capsule contains an exact amount of espresso ground, which is then brewed with a specific two-stage process to create a rich crema. The extraction is performed entirely inside the capsule. This means that the machine and the coffee are not in contact. Clean-up is also easy.
The coffee pod also has an Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and latte macchiato. The unique design, developed by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to be a standout in your kitchen. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons inspired by traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
One downside of this machine is that it needs some extra attention than some other models, especially when you are using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can block the hot water from flowing properly making it impossible for the machine to continue working. You'll need to wait for a few moments before preparing another cup of coffee in order to let the excess air escape.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most adored coffee makers available. The small dimensions, attractive pricing, and ease of operation are all important selling points. But does this little machine meet the high standards set by the parent company? We tested it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is a basic pod coffee machine, but it isn't sacrificing its performance. It can make drinks with the press of a single button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC to determine which drink it needs to make. It also automatically determines the proper amount of water and froth for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to produce an excellent result every time.
It's easy to use - simply insert the desired T DISC, and choose the size of your drink. The Vivy has 40 different drinks, as well as an milk jug that can be used to make lattes or cappuccinos. It takes just three seconds to heat and it shuts down automatically after five minutes.
The descaler is cleverly designed to fit into the side of your machine. This is a different process however it's fast and simple.
If you sign up your Vivy, you will get a discount on your first T-DISCs order, as well as customized offers, tips and advice. You can also keep track of the status of your machine, and find out how much it has been used. It's a good idea to register your machine as soon as you buy it, also.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a market leader in the coffee industry and an famous heritage brand, is a global leader. It was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company continues to be run by his descendants and is spread across the globe. The family-owned company has a long tradition of innovation and is renowned 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 range of initiatives that help to protect the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally sustainable as they can be. They have focused their efforts on efficiency in their energy use and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint as well as the use of renewable energies. They have also worked to promote regenerative agriculture, and have a particular focus on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, illycaffe is committed to helping their employees thrive. They have invested in training programs for their employees, and have created a "university" of coffee that educates professionals and consumers alike on how to make the best cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to be awarded a B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies that are committed to ethics and have a mission. The company has also launched its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and was named as one of the World's Most Ethical companies for the past seven year. The company is committed to demonstrating that sustainable quality can be beneficial to the environment and for people as well and has the conviction that it is the responsibility of everyone to play their part.