One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are frequently accused of producing watery, weak drinks. The best ones are much more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods, which are made of treated polypropylene cups that are designed to break down in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It offers a variety of capsule options and is simple to customize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This combination drip-and-single-serve coffee maker has the most impressive features of all the models we've tested. It comes with a 12-cup carafe which is brewed in the traditional manner 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 also has a built-in, foldaway frother for lattes and cappuccinos.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time using any size K-Cup, or a the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cups (a separate reservoir for water is included). It is based on Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which analyzes the barcode on each pod to adjust machine's settings to make the perfect 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, like a 24 hour start, brew intensity control and automatic shutoff.
It's easy to use despite having two modes of operation, and cleaning process is fairly easy. The pod adapter that is reusable and needles can be removed for cleaning and the filter can be washed in the sink. The unit is a bit 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 makes a smooth and delicious cup. It can make 12 cups at once and features a programmable timer and a milk frother that is integrated as well as an coffee filter that can be reused. It has a large tank of water, as well as a glass carafe that can hold hot beverages.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already accustom to the pod coffee machine trend and are looking to upgrade the Keurig-style machine you have, this is an excellent option. Nespresso's new espresso machine is stylish, quick and can create five different drinks from one compact, sleek chassis. It's available for sale right now and is a great option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine next heats up quickly and is easy to use, thanks to a button that adapts automatically to the type of capsule you're using. It uses patent-pending Nespresso pods with barcodes that inform the machine which kind of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures you have the correct temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods also spin fast while brewing, resulting in a decadent layer of foam, also known as crema, which is usually found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only downsides to the VertuoLine are that it's a little louder than other pod machines, and that you can't reuse the capsules that you've used. Fortunately, the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable so you can drop them off at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for free and they'll take them back to reuse.
The machine is pricey when contrasted with other pod machines particularly when you add the cost of the pods. If you're already a pod coffee lover, it's a small price to pay for consistently barista-like results. Plus, you can add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make lattes and cappuccinos. It is also available in bundles, which contain some of the Nespresso pods as well as a frother. This will make it cheaper to buy the machine in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is about brewing, most pod machines use the same pattern - capsules are placed on the top, you press a button and the coffee is poured out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that eschew the rules of. It uses a unique system for capsules that bind them into a portafilter handle. The machine produces espresso that is comparable to the kind you get at a cafe without the hassle and mess of a traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible pod coffee makers with illy MIE capsules, which are made from premium coffee beans of the highest quality. Each capsule has precisely proportions of ground espresso, which is brewed using a two-stage process. This results in a thick crema. The extraction process is entirely inside the capsule. This means that the machine and coffee are not in contact. Clean-up is also a breeze.
This coffee maker comes with a Pannarello Steam Wand that can be used to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and macchiato latte. The unique design of this coffee machine, designed by famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold design statement in your living space. Its round, slender forms and soft-touch buttons inspired by traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly mixing modern technology.
This machine requires more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. The reason for this is that the excess air can sometimes stop the flow of hot water, preventing the machine from functioning properly. You will need to wait for some time before making another cup of coffee in order to let the air out.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most sought-after pod coffee machines available on the market. Its small dimensions, attractive price and easy-to-use are among the major selling points. But can this tiny machine meet the high standards set by its parent company? We tested it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is one of the most simple pod coffee machines available however it doesn't compromise on performance. It can make drinks with the touch of a single button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC in order to determine what drink it should make. It also automatically determines the proper amount of froth and water for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to produce the best results every time.
It is very simple to use. Simply insert the desired T disc and choose the size of your drink. The Vivy comes with 40 different drinks and an milk jug that can be used to make cappuccinos or lattes. It takes only three seconds to warm up, and has auto-shut-off after five minutes to conserve energy.
It's very easy to clean too, with a cleverly designed descaler that slots into the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the procedure is easy and quick.
If you sign up for your Vivy, you will receive a discount for your first order of T-DISCs, along with personalized offers, tips and suggestions. You can also track the status 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, a leader in the coffee market and famous heritage brand, is a world leader. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still operated by his descendants. It has a presence across the globe. The family-owned business has a long history of innovation and is famous for its premium espresso made from nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives that help to protect the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally green as they can. They have focused their efforts on efficiency in their energy use and are committed to reducing their emissions, and also the use of renewable energy sources. They also have worked to promote regenerative agriculture, and are focusing on improving their water resources.
Illycaffe's commitment towards sustainability is matched by their desire to help their employees achieve. They have invested in training programs for their employees and have created a "university" of coffee to train consumers and professionals alike on how to make the perfect cup of coffee.
In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to be awarded B-Corp certification. This is an international label which recognizes companies that value ethics and a sense that they have a purpose. The company also introduced its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and was named one of the top 10 World's ethical companies for the last seven years. The company has been dedicated to proving that sustainable quality can make a difference for the environment and for people as well They have a strong belief that it is up to everyone to play their part.