One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are frequently accused of making watery, weak drinks. Fortunately, the best pods are more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods instead of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It comes with a range of capsules and is simple to customise.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This coffee maker that is a combination of drip and single-serve has the most impressive features of the models we tested. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional grounds and a single-serve side that accepts any kind of K-Cup Keurig-like, reusable or Keurig pod. The carafe comes with a programmable clock and it has a "strong setting" that produces more flavor. It comes with an easy-to-folding frother that's built into the carafe to make lattes and capspuccinos.
The single-serve side brews up to 18 ounces per hour using any size K-Cup and reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup or ground coffee (a separate water tank is included). It makes use of Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and scans the barcode of each pod to adjust machine settings. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's faster at brewing full pots than the Keurig that is the most popular. It also comes with advanced features such as a 24-hour start, brew intensity control and automatic shutoff.
The device is simple to use, despite the fact that it comes with two operating modes. It also cleans up easily. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles and mesh filter can be removed for cleaning. It's a bit bulky and heavy for counter space however, it's an excellent alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.
This simple cold brew machine is a great value option that provides an incredibly smooth and delicious cup. It can create 12 cups at a time and comes with a programmable clock as well as an integrated milk frother as well as a coffee filter that is reusable. It also comes with a large reservoir for water and a glass carafe to serve hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is an excellent option to consider if you're already a fan of pod coffee machines but want to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso’s newest espresso maker is sleek, fast and can make five different drinks with one compact chassis. It's currently on sale, making it an excellent choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is extremely simple to use with a single-use button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It utilizes patented Nespresso pods that have an identifier barcode that tells the machine which type of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures you have the right temperature and pressure for every drink. The pods spin quickly when brewing, creating an indulgence-inducing layer of foam, known as crema. It is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine is that it's a bit more loud than other pod machines, and that you aren't able to reuse the capsules that you've used. 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 take them back to reuse.
The machine is also expensive in comparison to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you consider the cost of purchasing the pods. If you've already a believer in the benefits of pod coffee, it's only a small cost to pay for consistent, barista-style results. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make cappuccinos or lattes. You can also buy it in bundles, which contain a few samples of the Nespresso pods and a frother. This will make it cheaper to buy the machine in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it comes to brewing, most pod machines follow the same pattern - capsules are placed on the top and then you press a button, and the coffee is poured out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of those machines that defies the norm. It has a unique system for capsules that lock them into a portafilter handle. The machine can produce espresso that is comparable to the kind you get at a cafe 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, which is brewed using a two-stage process. This creates a rich crema. The extraction is performed entirely inside the capsule. This means that the machine and the coffee are never in contact. Clean-up is also a breeze.
The coffee pod also has an Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and latte macchiato. The distinctive design of this coffee pod machine, created by renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold design statement in your living space. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons recall the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 60s, while seamlessly integrating advanced technology.
This machine requires more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can sometimes stop the flow of hot water, preventing the machine from working effectively. If this happens, you'll have to wait a couple of minutes before making 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 well-known pod coffee machines on the market. Its compact dimensions, attractive price and capsule coffee maker user-friendly interface are all big selling points. Does this tiny machine meet the high standards set by its parent company's? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, but it doesn't sacrifice the performance. It makes drinks with the touch of a single button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC to determine which drink it needs to make. It also determines the right amount for the froth and water in each drink by using Intellibrew Technology to produce an outstanding result every time.
This makes it extremely simple to operate - just insert the desired T DISC and choose the size you prefer for your drink. There are 40 drinks to choose from and the Vivy comes with a milk jug that can be used for making 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 the machine. This is a different process however it's fast and simple.
As an added bonus, if you sign up your Vivy with Bosch, you'll get discounts on your first purchase of T DISCs. You'll also receive personalised offers, recommendations and suggestions. You can also monitor the status of your machine and check how much it has used. Registering your machine is also an excellent idea when you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a well-known heritage brand that is a one of the leaders in the coffee industry. It was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is still operated by his children and spans the globe. The family-owned and operated company has a long track record of embracing new technologies within the field, and is known for its premium quality espresso, which is made from 9 different varieties of Arabica beans.
The company is committed to sustainability and has taken a variety of initiatives to help to protect the environment. They also ensure that their products are as green as they can. They have a particular focus on efficiency in their energy use and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint, and also the use of renewable energy sources. They have also been working to promote regenerative agriculture, and have a strong focus on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitments to sustainability, Illycaffe is committed to helping their employees thrive. They have invested in training programs for their employees and have created an "university" of coffee to train professionals and consumers alike on how to make the best cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company that has earned the B Corp certification. This designation is awarded to companies who prioritize ethics and a sense of purpose. The company also introduced its first line of Nespresso compatible Pods and been named as one of the top 10 World's Ethical companies for the past seven years. The company is dedicated to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people. They believe that everyone has a responsibility to play.