One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often criticized for producing watery, weak drinks. The best pods are more than that.
The illy-Bruvi is made 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 and easy customization.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This coffee maker that is a combination of drip and single-serve offers the best features of the models we have tested. It has a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional grounds and a single-serve side that accepts any kind of K-Cup Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe has a programmable clock as well as a "strong setting" that produces more flavor. It also comes with a built-in, foldaway frother for cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve version can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time using any size K-Cup, or a reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate reservoir for water is also included). It utilizes Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and reads the barcode of each pod to adjust machine settings. It's faster than a leading Keurig model at making a full pot of coffee using its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions like a 24-hour brew start time, brew strength control and auto shutoff.
The device is simple to use despite the fact that it has 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 the sink. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space however it's a great option for anyone who wants the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This simple cold brew machine is a budget pick that produces smooth and delicious cups. It can create 12 cups at a time and features a programmable timer and a milk frother that is integrated, and a coffee filter that is reusable. It has a large reservoir of water as well as a glass carafe to hold hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great option if you are already a fan of pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso's new espresso maker is sleek, fast and can create five different drinks with one small chassis. It's available for sale right now and is a great choice for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine next heats up quickly and is easy to use, thanks to a button that adapts automatically to the type capsule you are using. It makes use of patented Nespresso capsules that have a barcode which tells the machine what kind of espresso or coffee it is, ensuring that you have the right temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The pods spin quickly while brewing, resulting in an exquisite layer of foam, known as crema, that is usually found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawback is that it's more loud than other pod-machines and that you cannot reuse the 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 no cost and they'll take them back to reuse.
The machine is costly when contrasted with other pod machines, especially if you include the cost of the pods. If you've already convinced of the benefits of pod coffee, it's only a small price to pay for consistent, barista-style results. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your website machine to make cappuccinos or lattes. It's also offered in bundles that include a few samples of Nespresso capsules and milk frothers, which can save you money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines use the same brewing process: you insert a capsule then press a button and the coffee pours out. However, every now and then a device comes along that is a complete blow to the water, such as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It uses a unique system for capsules that lock them into the portafilter handle. This allows the machine to produce an espresso like you would get at a cafe, but without all of the fuss and mess of 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 an exact amount of espresso ground that is brewed in a two-stage process. This produces a rich crema. The extraction process is entirely within the capsule. This means that the machine and the coffee are not in contact. Clean-up is also an easy task.
This machine also has a Pannarello steam wand for making milky drinks like cappuccino and macchiato latte. Its unique design, created by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to stand out in your kitchen. Its slim but round shapes and soft-touch buttons evoke the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 60s, while seamlessly integrating advanced technology.
One drawback of this machine is that it requires some extra focus than other models, especially when you use the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can block the steam from flowing properly and stop the machine from functioning. You will need to wait some time before making another cup of coffee to let the air escape.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most well-known pod coffee machines on the market. The small size as well as the attractive pricing and the ease of use are major reasons to buy. Does this tiny machine meet the standards set by its parent company's? We tested it at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is one of the simplest pod coffee machines that are available, but it doesn't skimp on performance. It makes drinks at the push of a button, reading a bespoke 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 ensure an excellent outcome every time.
This makes it extremely simple to use - just insert the desired T DISC and choose the desired 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 shuts off automatically after five minutes.
The descaler is designed to fit into the side of your machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the process is easy and quick.
If you sign up your Vivy, you will get a discount on your first order of T-DISCs, and also specific offers, tips and recommendations. You can also keep track of the progress of your machine, and see how much it has used. It's worth registering your machine at the time you purchase it, too.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is an iconic heritage brand that is a leader in the coffee industry. Established in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is managed by his descendants and is spread across the globe. The family-owned and operated company has a long tradition of innovating in the industry, and is renowned for its top quality espresso made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a range of initiatives that help safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally sustainable as they can be. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions and utilizing renewable energy sources. They also have worked to promote regenerative agriculture and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitments to sustainability, illycaffe is also committed to helping their employees achieve. They have invested in training programs for their employees and have created a "university" of coffee that educates consumers and professionals alike on how to make the best cup of coffee.
In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to be awarded the B-Corp designation, which is an international certification which recognizes companies that value ethics and a sense of mission. The company has also launched its first line of Nespresso compatible Pods and been recognized as one of the top 10 World's ethical companies over the last seven year. The company is committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit both the environment and people They have the conviction that it is the responsibility of everyone to play their part.