One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have a bit of an unfair reputation for watery, under-strength drinks. Fortunately, the best ones can offer much more than that.
The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods, which are made of treated polypropylene cups that are supposed to degrade in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It has a variety of capsules and is simple to customise.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This single-serve drip coffee maker has the most impressive features of the models we've tested. It has a 12-cup carafe that brews grounds in the traditional way and a single-serve that accepts any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe's side features a programmable timer and it has a "strong" setting that gives more flavor than the standard settings. It has an easy-to-folding frother that's built into the carafe to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can make up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time, using any size K-Cup, or a the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate reservoir for water is also included). It uses Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system and scans the barcode of each pod to adjust machine's settings to ensure an ideal cup every time. It's faster than a leading Keurig model at making a full-sized pot of brew with its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced features like a 24 hour brew start, brew strength control, and auto shutoff.
It's simple to use, despite having two different operating modes, and cleaning process is fairly easy. The reusable pod adapter, needles and mesh filter are easily removed to clean. It's a bit heavy and heavy for counter space however it's a great option for anyone who needs the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This simple cold brew machine is a budget pick that provides a smooth and flavorful cup. It can make 12 cups at a time and comes with a programmable clock and a milk frother that is integrated, and a coffee filter that can be reused. It comes with a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe to hold hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already accustom to the trend of pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your Keurig-style machine This is a great alternative. Nespresso's latest espresso machine is sleek, fast and has the ability to make five different drinks in one compact, sleek chassis. It's on sale now which makes it a great choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine Next can be heated up quickly and is extremely easy to use with a single-use button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of patented Nespresso pods with barcodes that inform the machine which kind of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures that you get the right temperature and water pressure for each drink. The capsules spin quickly while brewing to create an emulsion called crema, which is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.
pod-making machines to the VertuoLine are that it's louder than other pod machines, and that you aren't able to reuse the used capsules. Fortunately the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable and you can drop them off at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for free, and they'll return them to recycle.
The machine is also expensive compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you consider the cost of buying pods. If you're already a coffee pod lover, it's a small amount to be paid for consistently barista-like results. Additionally, you can add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for cappuccinos and lattes. You can also purchase it in bundles, which include a few samples of the Nespresso pods as well as a frother. This will save you money up front.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is time to brew, the majority of pod machines adhere to a similar format - capsules are placed on the top and you press a button, and the coffee oozes out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of those machines that defies convention. It utilizes a different mechanism for capsules and locks them inside a portafilter-like handle. This lets the machine make an espresso that is similar to what you'd find at a cafe, however without the hassle and mess that comes with a traditional espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with only illy MIE pods that are made from premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule contains an exact amount of ground espresso, which is brewed in a two-stage process. This creates a rich crema. The extraction process is completely inside the capsule, meaning that the machine and coffee never meet and cleanup is a breeze.
The coffee pod also has a Pannarello steam wand that can be used to make milky drinks, such as cappuccino or latte macchiato. Its unique design, created by famed Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to make a statement in your kitchen. Its round but slender forms and soft-touch buttons recall the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 1960s and seamlessly integrates modern technology.
The only drawback to this machine is that it needs some more attention than some other models, particularly when you are using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can hinder the flow of hot water, preventing the machine from working effectively. If this happens, you'll have to wait a few minutes before preparing another coffee to allow the excess air to escape.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most popular pod coffee machines available on the market. The small size, attractive pricing and user-friendly are major reasons to buy. Does this machine meet the standards set by its parent company's? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is among the simplest pod coffee machines available however it doesn't compromise on performance. It makes drinks at the press of a single button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC to know what drink it should create. It also automatically determines the correct amount of water and froth for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to produce the best results every time.
It is very simple to use - simply insert the desired T DISC and select the size of your drink. The Vivy has 40 different drinks, as well as an milk jug that can be used to make cappuccinos or lattes. It takes just three seconds to heat up and shuts off automatically after five minutes.
It's easy to clean too, with a cleverly designed descaler that slots into the side of the machine. This is a different process, but it's quick and simple.
If you sign up for your Vivy, you will receive a discount for your first order of T-DISCs, and also personalized offers, tips and recommendations. You'll also be able track the status of your machine and know how much water it has been using. It's worth registering your machine at the time you purchase it, as well.
5. Illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a market leader in the world of coffee and an famous heritage brand, is a global leader. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still operated by his descendants. It is a global company. The family-owned and operated company has a long track record of embracing innovation in the industry, and is renowned for its high quality espresso made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.
The company is committed to sustainability, and has taken a variety of initiatives to to protect the environment. They also make sure that their products are as eco-friendly as possible. They have focused on efficiency in their energy use and are determined to reduce their carbon footprint, and the use of renewable energies. They have also worked to promote regenerative agriculture, and have a strong focus on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitments to sustainability, illycaffe is determined to help their employees succeed. They have invested in training programs for their employees and created a "university" of coffee to train both consumers and professionals on how to make the perfect cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to be awarded a B Corp certification. This certification is given to international companies that place a high value on ethics and have a mission. The company also recently introduced their first line of Nespresso compatible pods. They have also been named one of the world's most ethical companies for the last 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 take on.