One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have an undeserved reputation for being the watery, weak drinks. The top ones are more than just that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods made from treated polypropylene cups that are designed to break down in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also has bundles of capsule options as well as easy customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers on the market, this combination drip and single-serve model offers the best combination of features we tested. It has an insulated 12-cup carafe that is brewed in the traditional way, and one-serve that will accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe side has an adjustable timer and it has a "strong" setting that provides more flavor than normal settings. It also has a built-in, foldaway frother for cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at once using any size K-Cup or the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cups (a separate reservoir for water is also included). It makes use of Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and analyzes the barcodes of each pod to adjust machine settings. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's more efficient in brewing full-pots than Keurig's top-rated. It also comes with advanced features such as a 24-hour start, brew intensity control and automatic 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 and needles are easily removed for cleaning, 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 choice for those who want the convenience of pods, or the flexibility of coffee ground.
This basic cold brew machine is a budget pick that provides a smooth and flavorful cup. It comes with a programmable timer and a built-in milk froth and a reusable filter and can make 12 cups of java at a time. It has a large tank of water and a glass carafe to hold hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already accustom to the trend of pod coffee machines and want to upgrade from your current Keurig-style machine, this is an excellent option. Nespresso's new espresso machine is stylish, quick and can make five different drinks on one compact, sleek chassis. It's on sale now, making it a great option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is extremely easy to use, with a single button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It uses patent-pending Nespresso capsules that have an identifier 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 capsules spin quickly when they are brewing to create an emulsion called crema, which is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawback is that it's louder than other pod-machines and that you cannot reuse 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 take them back to reuse.
The machine is also pretty expensive compared to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you factor in the cost of buying the pods. If you're already a coffee pod fan, this is a small amount to be paid for consistently barista-like results. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for cappuccinos or lattes. It's also offered in bundles that include samples of Nespresso capsules and milk frother which could help you save money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it comes to brewing, most pod machines adhere to a similar format - capsules are placed on 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 norm. It is a revolutionary system for capsules that locks them into the portafilter handle. This lets the machine produce an espresso similar to what you'd find at a cafe, but without all of the fuss and mess that is typical of an espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with only Illy MIE pods which are made of top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule contains precisely proportioned amounts of ground espresso, which is then brewed with a specific two-stage process to produce a rich crema. The extraction process is entirely inside the capsule, which means that the machine and the coffee do not come into contact and cleaning up is easy.
This coffee maker includes a Pannarello Steam Wand for making milky drinks like cappuccino or Latte Macchiato. The unique design of this coffee pod machine, designed by renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a design statement in your living space. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons reminiscent of classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly merging modern technology.
One downside of this machine is that it requires some extra attention than other models, particularly pods coffee machines when you are using the steam wand. This is because excess air can sometimes stop the flow of hot water, which can prevent the machine from functioning effectively. If this happens, you'll need to wait a few minutes before making another cup of coffee to allow the air to be released.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most popular pod coffee machines on the market. Its compact dimensions, attractive price tag and ease of use are the main reasons for buying. Does this machine meet the high standards set forth by its parent company's? We took it for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is a basic pod coffee machine, but it does not sacrifice its performance. It can make drinks with a single press of a button. It scans an image of a barcode on the DISC to determine which drink to prepare. It also automatically adjusts the right amount of water and froth for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to produce the best results every time.
This makes it very easy to operate - just insert the desired T DISC and choose your preferred drink size. There are 40 drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk container for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to warm up and shuts off 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 process is simple and quick.
If you register your Vivy, you will get a discount on your first order of T-DISCs as well as customized offers, tips and recommendations. You can also track the status of your machine, and find out how much it has been used. Registering your machine is recommended as soon as 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 operated by his descendants. It spans the globe. The family-owned business has a history 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 range of initiatives that help to protect the environment and ensure that their products are as eco green as they can. They have focused on efficiency in their energy use and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and also the use of renewable energies. They also promote regenerative farming and are focused on enhancing their water resources.
Illycaffe's commitment towards sustainability is matched by their determination to help their employees succeed. They have invested in training programs for their employees and created a "university" of coffee that educates professionals and consumers alike on how to make the perfect 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 label that recognizes businesses that are committed to ethics and a sense of mission. The company has also launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods. They have also been named one of the World's most ethical companies for the past seven years. The company is dedicated to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment as well as people. They believe that everyone has a responsibility to take on.