One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are frequently criticised for making watery, weak drinks. The best ones are much more than just that.
The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods, made from treated polypropylene cups which are supposed to degrade in landfill (rather than the notorious K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also offers a range of capsules and simple customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers available on the market, this combination single-serve and drip model has the most comprehensive set of features we tested. It comes with a 12-cup carafe which makes grounds in the traditional way, and a single-serve that accepts 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 the normal settings. It also comes with a built-in, foldaway frother for lattes and cappuccinos.
The single-serve side is able to brew up to 18 ounces at a single time with any size of K-Cup and reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cups or ground coffee (a separate water tank is provided). It is based on Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system that scans the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings to ensure an ideal cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's faster at 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 simple to use despite the fact that it has two operating modes. It also cleans easily. The reusable pod adapter and needles are easily removed for cleaning and the filter can be washed in your sink. It's quite bulky 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 budget-friendly cold brew machine creates a smooth, delicious cup. It can make 12 cups at once and features a programmable timer, an integrated milk frother as well as a reusable coffee filter. It also has a huge water reservoir and a glass carafe for hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already bought in to the pod coffee machine trend and are looking to upgrade the Keurig-style machine you have This is a great alternative. Nespresso's newest espresso machine is sleek, fast and can create five different drinks from one compact, sleek chassis. It's currently on sale, making it an excellent choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine next heats up quickly and is simple to use, thanks to an adjustable button that automatically adjusts to the type capsule you are using. It uses patent-pending Nespresso pods that have 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 pods spin quickly when brewing, creating an exquisite layer of foam, also known as crema, which is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine is that it's more loud than other pod machines, and that you can't reuse capsules that you've used. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules is recyclable, so you can recycle them at your local UPS store or Nespresso's website.
The machine is also pretty expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you take into account the cost of buying the pods. However, if you're already convinced of the benefits of pod coffee, it's a low cost to get consistently good barista-like results. Additionally, you pods coffee machine can add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for lattes and cappuccinos. You can also purchase it in bundles that include some of the Nespresso pods and a frother. This will help you save money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines have the same brewing procedure - you insert a capsule then press a button and the coffee is brewed. However, every now and then a machine comes along that breaks convention right out of the water, such as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It utilizes a different mechanism for capsules that lock them in place in a portafilter-like handle. The machine can make espresso that is similar to what you would get in cafes, without the hassle and mess of a traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules which are made from premium high-quality coffee beans. Each capsule has an exact amount of ground espresso that is brewed using a two-stage process. This produces a rich crema. The extraction process is completely inside the capsule, meaning that the coffee and machine never come into contact and cleaning up is easy.
The coffee pod also has a Pannarello steam wand for making milky drinks such as cappuccino and latte macchiato. The distinctive design of this coffee machine, created by renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold design statement in your living space. Its round, slender shapes and soft-touch buttons are inspired by the classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly merging modern technology.
One downside of this machine is that it requires some extra focus than other models, particularly when you use the steam wand. The reason for this is that too much air can prevent the hot water from flowing properly, preventing the machine from working. You will need to wait for a few moments before preparing another cup of coffee in order to let the excess air out.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most well-known pod coffee machines available on the market. The small dimensions, attractive pricing, and the ease of use are 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 find out.
The Vivy is among the most simple pod coffee machines on the market, but it doesn't skimp on performance. It makes drinks at the touch of a single button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC to determine which drink it needs to make. It also sets the proper amount of water and froth in each drink by using Intellibrew technology to ensure an outstanding result every time.
This makes it very easy to use - simply insert the desired T DISC and choose the size you prefer for your drink. There are 40 different drinks to choose from and the Vivy comes with a milk container for making cappuccinos or lattes. It only takes three seconds to heat and shuts off automatically after five minutes.
It's easy to clean too thanks to a cleverly designed descaler that slots into the side of the machine. This is a separate process however it's fast and easy.
If you register your Vivy, you'll get a discount on your first order of T-DISCs as well as specific offers, tips and suggestions. You can also track the progress of your machine, and find out how much it's used. It is an excellent idea immediately after you purchase it.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a market leader in the coffee industry and an famous heritage brand, is a world leader. Founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is still operated by his children and spans the world. The family-owned company has a long tradition of innovation and is famous for its high-quality espresso crafted using nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
The company is committed to sustainability, and has implemented a number initiatives to to protect the environment. They also make sure that their products are as eco-friendly as possible. They have concentrated on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions and also utilizing renewable energies. They have also worked to promote regenerative farming, and have a strong focus on improving their water resources.
In addition to their commitments to sustainability, illycaffe is committed to helping their employees thrive. They have invested in programs that provide training and professional development for their staff and have created an "university of coffee" that helps to educate consumers and professionals about how to enjoy the best possible cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to earn the B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies who 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 for the past seven years. The company is dedicated to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people. They believe that everyone has a role to take on.