One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are frequently criticised for producing weak, watery drinks. The best ones are much more than that.
The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods, made from treated polypropylene cups that are supposed to break down in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also comes with a variety of capsule options and easy customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This single-serve drip coffee maker has the best features of the models we've 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 has a programmable clock and it has a "strong setting" that produces more flavor. It also has an integrated, fold-away 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 a reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate reservoir for water is included). It utilizes Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system and 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 pot of coffee with its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced features like a 24 hour brew start time, brew strength control and auto shutoff.
It's easy to use, despite having two operating modes, and clean-up is relatively painless. The pod adapter that is reusable and needles can be removed to clean, and the mesh filter is washable in your sink. The unit is a bit heavy and bulky for counter space but it's an excellent option for those who want the convenience of pods or the flexibility of coffee ground.
This simple cold brew maker is a great value option that delivers a smooth and flavorful cup. It can create 12 cups at a time and has a programmable clock, an integrated milk frother, and a reusable coffee filter. It comes with a large reservoir of water, as well as a glass carafe to hold hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great choice if you are already a fan of the pod coffee machines and want to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's latest espresso maker is stylish, fast and can create five different drinks with one small chassis. It's available for sale right now, making it an excellent option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is incredibly easy to use, with a single button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It uses patent-pending Nespresso capsules with a barcode that informs the machine of what kind of espresso or coffee it is, ensuring that you get the right temperature and pressure for each drink. The capsules spin fast during brewing, creating the foam, also called crema, which is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawback is that it's louder than other pod-machines and that you cannot reuse 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 return them to you to recycle.
The machine is expensive when contrasted with other pod machines particularly when you add the cost of the pods. If you've already convinced of the advantages of pod coffee, it's only a small price to pay for consistent, barista-style results. Additionally, you can add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make lattes and cappuccinos. It is also available in bundles that include some samples of Nespresso pods as well as a coffee maker. This will help you save money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines use a similar brewing process - you insert a capsule, press a button and the coffee is brewed. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that eschew the norm. It uses a unique system for capsules that bind them into a portafilter handle. This allows the machine to make an espresso that is like you would get at a cafe, however without the hassle and mess that comes with a traditional espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE pods that are made from top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule contains a precise dose of ground espresso, which is then brewed using pod and bean coffee machine a unique two-stage process that produces an intense crema. The extraction process is entirely within the capsule, which means that the machine and coffee never come into contact and cleanup is a breeze.
The coffee pod includes a Pannarello Steam Wand to make milky drinks like cappuccino or latte Macchiato. The unique design of this coffee machine, created by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold design statement in your home. Its round, slender forms and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly merging modern technology.
One drawback of this machine is that it requires some extra attention than other models, especially when you use the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can sometimes stop the flow of hot water, preventing the machine from functioning efficiently. If this happens, you'll have to wait a couple of minutes before preparing another coffee to allow the excess air to let go.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most popular pod coffee machines on the market. The compact dimensions, attractive pricing and user-friendly are major reasons to buy. But does this little machine live up to the high standards set by the company that owns it? We tested it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is among the most simple pod coffee machines available however it doesn't compromise on performance. It makes drinks at the press of a single button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC to determine which drink it needs to create. It also determines the right amount for water and froth in every drink using Intellibrew Technology to produce the best results every time.
It's very easy to use. Simply insert the desired T DISC, and then select the size of your drink. The Vivy offers 40 different drinks and an milk jug that can be used to make lattes or cappuccinos. It takes just three seconds to warm up and shuts off automatically after five minutes to save energy.
The descaler is cleverly designed to fit into the side of your machine. There are separate directions for this, but the process is simple and quick.
As an added benefit, if register your Vivy through Bosch and Bosch, you'll receive a discount on your first order of T DISCs. Additionally, you'll receive personalised offers, recommendations and advice. You'll also be in a position to track the status of your machine, and also see the amount of water it has used. It's a good idea to register your machine as soon as you buy it, as well.
5. Illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe, a leader in the world of coffee and an famous heritage brand, is a world leader. Founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is managed by his descendants and is spread across the world. The family-owned and operated company has a long track record of embracing new technologies in the industry, and is renowned for its high quality espresso that is made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a variety of initiatives to safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as eco sustainable as they can be. They have a particular focus on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions as well as using 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 committed to helping their employees thrive. They have invested in programs to provide training and professional development for their employees, and they have also created a "university of coffee" that helps to educate consumers and professionals on how to get the best cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to earn a B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies that place a high value on ethics and have a mission. The company also recently 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 committed to proving that sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people alike and has an unshakeable belief that it is the responsibility of everyone to take action.