One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often criticized for making watery, weak drinks. Fortunately, the best ones are more than that.
The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods, which are made of treated polypropylene cups that are designed to degrade in landfill (rather than the dreaded K-Cups and 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 the models we tested. It has an insulated 12-cup carafe that is brewed in the traditional way, and a single-serve that accepts any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe has a programmable clock and a "strong setting" that makes more flavor. It also comes with a foldaway, built-in frother for cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side is able to brew up to 18 ounces at a time using any size K-Cup and reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup or ground coffee (a separate water tank is also included). It is based on Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system and analyzes the barcode on each pod to adjust the machine settings for an ideal cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's faster at 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 simple to use, despite having two different operating modes, and cleaning is pretty easy. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles are easily removable to clean, and the mesh filter is washable in your sink. The unit is a bit heavy and heavy for counter space, but it's a great option for those who want the convenience of pods or the flexibility of coffee ground.
This affordable cold brew maker produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It can make 12 cups at once and features a programmable timer and a milk frother that is integrated, and an coffee filter that can be reused. It has a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe to hold hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great option for those who are already a fan of the pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso's latest espresso maker is stylish, fast, and can make five different drinks with one small chassis. It's on sale now which makes it a great choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine next heats up quickly and is simple to use, thanks to a button that adapts automatically to the type of capsule you are using. It utilizes patent-pending Nespresso capsules that have a barcode on them which tells the machine what kind of espresso or coffee it is, making sure you get the correct temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods spin quickly while brewing, resulting in an exquisite layer of foam, referred to as crema, which is usually found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine are that it's a little more loud than other pod machines and that you can't reuse used capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules is recyclable, so you can recycle the capsules at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website.
The machine is also expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you consider the cost of buying the pods. If, however, you've already bought in to the benefits of pod coffee, it's a small price to pay for consistent, barista-style results. Plus, you can add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make lattes and cappuccinos. It's also available as bundles that include samples of Nespresso capsules and milk frothers that can save you money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is about brewing, most pod machines adhere to a similar format - a capsule goes in the top and then you press a button and the coffee is poured out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of those machines that defies the rules of. It has a unique system for capsules that lock them into a portafilter handle. The machine can make espresso that is as good as 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 illy MIE capsules which are made from premium coffee beans of the highest quality. Each capsule contains precisely proportioned amounts of espresso ground, which is then brewed with a specific two-stage process that produces a thick and rich crema. The extraction happens completely inside the capsule, which means that the machine and coffee never come into contact, and clean-up is easy.
The coffee pod also has an Pannarello steam wand for making milky drinks such as cappuccino and macchiato latte. Its unique design, designed by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to stand out in your kitchen. Its slim but round shapes and soft-touch buttons recall the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 60s, while seamlessly integrating advanced technology.
This machine requires more attention, especially when using the steam wand. This is because excess air can sometimes hinder the flow of hot water, preventing the machine from functioning effectively. If this happens, you'll have to wait a couple of minutes before making another coffee to allow the pod making machines air to be released.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most adored coffee machines on the market. The small dimensions, attractive pricing and ease of operation are all major selling points. Does this little machine meet the standards set by its parent company's? We went for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is among the simplest pod coffee machines on the market, but it doesn't skimp on performance. It can make drinks with just a simple press of a button. It reads the barcode on the DISC to determine what drink to prepare. It also automatically sets the correct amount of froth and water for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to produce an excellent result every time.
It is very simple to use. Simply insert the desired T DISC, and choose the size of your drink. The Vivy offers 40 different drinks as well as an milk jug that can be used to make cappuccinos or lattes. It takes just three seconds to warm up and automatically shuts off after five minutes to conserve energy.
The descaler is cleverly designed to fit on the side of your machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the procedure is quick and simple.
As an added benefit, if sign up your Vivy with Bosch, you'll get discounts on your first purchase of T DISCs. You'll also receive personalised offers, recommendations and advice. You can also track the progress of your machine and see how much it's been used. Registering your machine is also a good idea as soon as you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a renowned brand with a long history and is a leader in the coffee industry. It was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company continues to be run by his descendants and is spread across the world. The family-owned company has a long tradition of innovation and is renowned for its premium espresso made from nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives to safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally green as they can. They have focused their efforts on energy efficiency, and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and also the use of renewable energies. They also promote the practice of regenerative agriculture and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.
illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their commitment to help their employees achieve. They have invested in programs to provide training and professional development for their employees and have developed an "university of coffee" that helps to educate both professionals and consumers about how to enjoy the best cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to be awarded the B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies that are committed to ethics and a purpose. The company also introduced its first line of Nespresso compatible Pods and been named as one of the world's most Ethical companies for the past seven year. The company is committed to showing how sustainable quality can benefit the environment as well as people. They believe that everyone has a part to play.