One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have a bit of an undeserved reputation for being watery, under-strength drinks. The top ones are more than that.
The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods instead of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It comes with a range of capsules and is easy to personalize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the best pod coffee makers available on the market, this single-serve and drip models offer the best combination of features in our test. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional grounds, and a single-serve side that accepts any type of K-Cup, Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe is programmable with a clock as well as a "strong setting" that gives you more flavor. It also comes with a foldaway, built-in frother for cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces at a time using any size K-Cup and reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cups or ground coffee (a separate water tank is provided). It is based on Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system and analyzes the barcode on each pod to adjust the machine's settings to ensure an ideal cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's quicker at making full-pots of brew than a leading Keurig. It also has advanced features such as a 24-hour start time, brew intensity control, and automatic shutoff.
It's easy to use, despite having two operating modes, and cleaning is pretty easy. The pod adapter that is reusable, needles, and mesh filter are easily removed for cleaning. The device is heavy and bulky for counter space but it's an excellent option for those who desire the convenience of pods or the versatility of coffee ground.
This budget-friendly cold brew machine creates a smooth, delicious cup. It can make 12 cups at once and has a programmable clock, an integrated milk frother as well as a reusable coffee filter. It comes with a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe that can hold hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is an excellent option to consider if you're already a fan of pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso's new espresso machine is sleek, fast and has the ability to create five different drinks from one sleek, compact machine. It's available for sale right now, making it an excellent choice for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is simple to use, using an automatic button that adjusts to the type of capsule you are using. It makes use of patented Nespresso capsules with a barcode which tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, making sure you have the right temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods spin rapidly when they are brewing to create the foam, also called crema, which is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.
The only downsides to the VertuoLine is that it's a little more loud than other pod machines, and that you can't reuse used capsules. Fortunately, the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable, so you can drop them off at the local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for free, and they'll take them back to recycle.
The machine is expensive when it is compared to other pod makers, especially if you include the cost of the pods. If you've already a believer in the advantages of pod coffee, it's only a small price to pay for consistent, barista-style results. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make cappuccinos or lattes. It's also offered in bundles that contain a few samples of Nespresso capsules and a milk frother that can save you money in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is about brewing, most pod machines use a similar format - capsules are placed in the top, you press a button and coffee flows out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that defy the rules of. It uses a different system for capsules that lock them in place in a portafilter-like handle. This allows the machine to make an espresso that is similar to what you'd find in a cafe, but without the hassle and mess that comes with a traditional espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE pods, which are made of top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule contains a precise dose of espresso ground, which is then brewed using a special two-stage process that produces a rich crema. The extraction process is completely inside the capsule, meaning that the machine and the coffee do not meet, and clean-up is a breeze.
This coffee maker comes with a Pannarello Steam Wand for making milky drinks such as cappuccino and Latte Macchiato. The unique design, developed by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to make a statement in your kitchen. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons evoke the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the '60s while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
This machine requires more attention, especially when using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can sometimes stop the flow of hot water, which prevents the machine from working properly. If this happens, you'll have to wait for a few minutes before making another cup of coffee to allow the excess air to let go.
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 size as well as the attractive pricing and user-friendly are important selling points. Does this little machine meet the high standards set forth by its parent company's? We tested it at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee maker, but it doesn't sacrifice performance. It makes drinks at the press of a single button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC to know which drink it needs to create. It also sets the correct amount of water and froth in every drink using Intellibrew Technology to produce an excellent outcome every time.
This makes it very easy to use - just insert the desired T DISC and select your preferred drink size. 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 up, and has auto-shut-off after five minutes, to save energy.
The descaler has been designed to fit into the side of your machine. This is a separate process however it's very quick and simple.
If you sign up your Vivy, here you will get a discount on your first T-DISCs order, and also personalized offers, tips and suggestions. You can also monitor the progress of your machine, and check how much it's been used. It's a good idea to register your machine at the time you purchase it, also.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is an iconic brand with a long history and is a one of the leaders in the coffee industry. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still run by his descendants. It spans the globe. The family-owned business has a long history of innovation and is known for its high-quality espresso crafted from nine different types of Arabica bean.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a range of initiatives that help protect the environment and ensure that their products are as eco green as they can. They have focused their efforts on efficiency in their energy use and are determined to reduce their emissions, and also the use of renewable energies. They also promote Regenerative farming and are focusing on improving their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, illycaffe is also determined to help their employees succeed. They have invested in training programs for their employees and have created a "university" of coffee to educate both consumers and professionals on how to make the best cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to earn a B Corp certification. This designation is awarded to companies that are committed to ethics and a sense of purpose. The company has also launched its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and has been named as one of the top 10 World's 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 role to play.