One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have an undeserved reputation for being the watery, weak drinks. The top ones are more than that.
The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods instead of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It offers a variety of capsule options and is easy to customize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers on the market, this drip and single-serve model offers the best blend of features we tested. It comes with an insulated 12-cup carafe that brews grounds in the traditional way, and single-serve that can accept 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 normal settings. It also has a foldaway, built-in frother for lattes and cappuccinos.
The single-serve side can make up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time, using any size K-Cup or reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate reservoir for water is included). It utilizes Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system that analyzes the barcode on each pod to adjust the machine's settings to make a perfect cup every time. It's quicker than the leading Keurig model at making a full-sized pot of brew with its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions, including a 24-hour brew start, brew strength control, and auto shutoff.
The device is easy to use, despite the fact that it comes with two operating modes. It also cleans up easily. The pod adapter that is reusable, needles, and mesh filter are easily removed for cleaning. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space however, it's an excellent alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This affordable cold brew maker makes a smooth and delicious cup. It can make 12 cups at once and features a programmable timer, an integrated milk frother, and an coffee filter that is reusable. It has a large reservoir of water and glass carafes to hold hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already accustom to the trend of pod coffee machines and would like to upgrade the Keurig-style machine you have this is a great option. Nespresso's newest espresso machine is sleek, fast and has the ability to create five different drinks from one sleek, compact machine. It's currently on sale which makes it a great option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is simple to use, with an adjustable button that automatically adjusts to the type capsule you are using. It makes use of patent-pending Nespresso capsules with an identifier on them which tells the machine what kind of espresso or coffee it is, ensuring that you get the right temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods also spin rapidly while brewing, resulting in a decadent layer of foam, referred to as crema, which is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only downsides to the VertuoLine are that it's a bit louder than other pod machines and that you can't reuse used capsules. 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 quite expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you factor in the cost of purchasing the pods. If you're already a pod-coffee lover, it's a small amount to pay for consistently barista-like results. Additionally, you can add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for lattes and cappuccinos. It's also available in bundles that include sample packs of the Nespresso capsules and a milk frother which could help you save money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is about brewing, most pod machines follow a similar format - capsules are placed in the top and you press a button and the coffee oozes out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that eschew the norm. It uses a unique system for capsules that locks them into the portafilter handle. The machine can make espresso that is comparable to what you would get in cafes, without the mess and fuss 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 a precise amount of ground espresso that is brewed in a two-stage process. This produces a rich crema. The extraction takes place entirely within the capsule, which means that the machine and the coffee do not meet and cleanup is a breeze.
This machine also comes with a Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and latte macchiato. Its unique design, created by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to make a statement in your kitchen. Its round but slender forms and soft-touch buttons evoke the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 1960s while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
One downside of this machine is that it needs some extra focus than other models, particularly when you are using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can sometimes hinder 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 to let the air out.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most adored coffee machines available. Its small dimensions, attractive price and ease of use are among the major selling points. But can this machine meet the high standards set by its parent company? We took it for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, however it isn't sacrificing its performance. It makes drinks at the press of a single button, by reading a unique barcode on each T DISC in order to determine what drink it should make. It also automatically adjusts the right amount of water and froth for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to ensure the best results every time.
This makes it extremely simple to use - simply insert the desired T DISC, then select the size you prefer for your drink. The Vivy offers 40 different drinks and an milk jug that can be used to make lattes or cappuccinos. It only takes three seconds to heat up and it shuts down automatically after five minutes.
The descaler is designed to slot into the side of the machine. This is a different process, but it's quick and easy.
As a bonus, if you sign up your Vivy with Bosch and Bosch, you'll receive an extra discount on your first purchase of T DISCs. Additionally, you'll receive personalized offers, recommendations and tips. You'll also be in a position to keep track of the condition of your machine and see how much water it's used. Registering your machine is recommended immediately after you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a leading player in the coffee industry and an iconic heritage brand, is a global leader. The company was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still managed by his descendants. It is a global company. The family-owned and operated company has a long history of embracing innovation within the field, and is known for its premium quality espresso, pod making machines which is made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a variety of initiatives that help to protect the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally green as they can. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint as well as using renewable energy sources. They also promote the practice of regenerative agriculture and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.
Illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their commitment 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 most delicious cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to be awarded an B Corp certification. This designation is awarded to companies who prioritize ethics and a sense of purpose. The company also recently launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods. They have also been named one of the world's most ethical companies over the past seven years. The company has been committed to demonstrating that sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people alike, and they have the conviction that it is up to everyone to take action.