One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have an undeserved reputation for their low-strength, watery drinks. The best ones are much more than just that.
The illy Bruvi makes use 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 offers a range of capsules and simple customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers on the market, this single-serve and drip models offer the best combination of features we tested. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional ground coffee and one-serve side that will accept any kind of K-Cup, Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe's side features a programmable timer and it has a "strong" setting that gives more flavor than standard settings. It also comes with a foldaway, built-in frother to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time using any size K-Cup or the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate reservoir for water is included). It makes use of Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and scans the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's faster at brewing full pots than a leading Keurig. It also has advanced features, like a 24 hour start time, brew intensity control and an automatic shutoff.
It's simple to use, despite having two modes of operation, and cleaning is pretty easy. The pod adapter that is reusable, needles and mesh filter can be easily removed for cleaning. It's a bit heavy 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 simple cold brew machine is a budget-friendly option that produces a smooth and flavorful cup. It has a programmable timer, a built-in milk frother and a reusable filter, and can make 12 cups of java in one go. It also has a huge reservoir for water and a glass carafe to serve hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already bought in to the trend of pod coffee machines and would like to upgrade your Keurig-style machine, this is an excellent alternative. Nespresso's latest espresso maker is sleek, fast and can make five different drinks on one small chassis. It's also on sale now making it an excellent option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine Next heats up very quickly and is extremely easy to use, with a single button that automatically adjusts to the kind of capsule you're using. It makes use of patent-pending Nespresso pods that feature barcodes that inform the machine what kind of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures that you get the correct temperature and pressure for every drink. The pods also spin fast during brewing, creating an indulgence-inducing layer of foam, referred to as crema, that is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine's biggest drawback is that it's louder than other pod machines and you aren't able to reuse the capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules is recyclable, so you can recycle the capsules at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website.
The machine is also expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you take into account the cost of purchasing the pods. If, however, you've already convinced of the benefits of pod coffee, it's a low price to pay for consistently good barista-like results. Plus, you can add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for lattes and cappuccinos. You can also buy it in bundles, which include a few samples 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
Most pod machines have a similar brewing process - you place a capsule in then press a button and the coffee pours out. However, every now and then a machine comes along that is a complete blow to the water, as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It uses a different system for capsules, locking them into place in a portafilter-like hand. The machine produces espresso that is comparable to the one you can get in a cafe without the mess and hassle of the traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules, which are made from premium coffee beans of the highest quality. Each capsule contains a precise dose of espresso ground, which is then brewed with a specific two-stage process that produces a thick and rich crema. The extraction is performed entirely within the capsule. This means that the machine and coffee are not in contact. Clean-up is also a breeze.
This coffee maker includes a Pannarello Steam Wand to make milky drinks like cappuccino or macchiato latte. The distinctive design of this machine, created by renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold design statement in your living space. Its slim but round shapes and soft-touch buttons recall the classic Italian espresso coffee pods machines coffee makers of the 60s and seamlessly integrates modern technology.
One downside of this machine is that it needs a little more focus than 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, which prevents the machine from functioning effectively. If this happens, you'll have to wait a few minutes before making another cup of coffee to allow the air to be released.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most popular pod coffee machines on the market. The small dimensions, attractive pricing, and the ease of use are major selling points. But can this tiny machine live up to the high standards set by its parent company? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, but it does not sacrifice the performance. It can make drinks with a single press of a button. It reads a barcode on the T DisC to determine the type of drink to prepare. It also automatically determines the right amount of water and froth for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to achieve the best results every time.
This makes it very easy to use - just insert the desired T DISC, then select your preferred drink size. The Vivy has 40 different drinks as well as a milk jug to make cappuccinos or lattes. It takes just three seconds to warm and automatically shuts off after five minutes to save energy.
It's easy to clean too thanks to a cleverly designed descaler that fits into the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the procedure is quick and simple.
As a bonus, if you register your Vivy with Bosch as a bonus, you'll receive discounts on your first order of T DISCs. Additionally, you'll receive personalized offers, recommendations and advice. You'll also be able to keep track of the condition of your machine and see the amount of water it has been using. It's worth registering your machine as soon as you buy it, also.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe, a leader in the coffee market and famous heritage brand, is a world leader. Established in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is operated by his children and spans the world. The family-owned and operated company has a long track record of embracing new technologies within the industry. It 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 protect the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally sustainable as they can be. They have a particular focus on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and utilizing renewable energies. They also promote the practice of regenerative agriculture and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, illycaffe is also committed to helping their employees succeed. They have invested in programs that offer training and professional development for their staff and have created a "university of coffee" that helps to educate both professionals and consumers on how to get the best cup of coffee.
In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to earn the B-Corp designation, which is an international designation that recognizes companies that prioritize ethics and a sense of purpose. The company also introduced its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and has been named one of the World's Most ethical companies over the last seven years. The company is committed to showing how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people. They believe that everyone has a part to play.