One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are frequently criticized for producing weak, watery drinks. The best pods are more than just that.
The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods instead of the dreaded K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It has a variety of capsule options and is easy to personalize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers available on the market, this drip and single-serve model offers the best blend of features that we have tested. It comes with an insulated 12-cup carafe that is brewed in the traditional way and one-serve that will accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe side has an adjustable timer as well as an "strong" setting that produces more flavor than the standard settings. It also has a foldaway, built-in frother for lattes and cappuccinos.
The single-serve version can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time using any size K-Cup, or a the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate reservoir for water is also included). It utilizes Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which scans the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings to make the perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's faster at brewing full pots than the Keurig that is the most popular. It also has advanced features such as a 24-hour start, brew intensity controls, and automatic shutoff.
The device is easy to use despite the fact it has two operating modes. It also cleans up easily. The pod adapter that is reusable, needles, and mesh filter can be easily removed to clean. The machine is heavy and heavy for counter space, but it's an excellent option for those who desire the convenience of pods or the flexibility of coffee ground.
This simple cold brew maker is a great value 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 at once. It also has a huge reservoir of water and a glass carafe for hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great choice for those who are already a fan of the pod coffee machines and want to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso's latest espresso maker is sleek, fast and can create five different drinks on one small chassis. It's on sale now making it an excellent option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is easy to use, using an automatic button that adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of patent-pending Nespresso pods that feature barcodes that inform the machine what kind of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you have the right temperature and pressure for every drink. The capsules spin quickly while brewing to create a layer of foam known as crema. It is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawback is that it's more loud than other pod-machines and that you cannot reuse the capsules. 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 return them to reuse.
The machine is also quite expensive compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you consider the cost of buying pods. If, however, you've already convinced of the benefits of pod coffee, it's a small cost to pay for consistently good barista-like results. Additionally, you can add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make lattes and cappuccinos. You can also buy it in bundles, which include a few samples of the Nespresso pods and a frother. This will save you money up front.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is about brewing, most pod machines adhere to the same format: capsules are placed in the top, you press a button, and the coffee oozes out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of those machines that defies the rules of. It has a completely different system for capsules, locking them into place in a portafilter-like hand. The machine can produce espresso that is as good as the kind you get at a cafe without the mess and hassle of an espresso machine that is traditional.
The X7.1 is compatible with only illy MIE pods which are made of top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule has precisely proportions of ground espresso, which is brewed using two stages. 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 easy.
The coffee pod includes a Pannarello Steam Wand to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and latte Macchiato. The unique design, developed by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to be a standout in your kitchen. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons evoke the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 60s, while seamlessly integrating advanced technology.
One drawback of this machine is that it requires some extra attention than some other models, especially when you use the steam wand. The reason for this is that the excess air can sometimes block the flow of the hot water, preventing the machine from working effectively. If this happens, you'll have to wait a few minutes before making 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 sought-after pod coffee machines on the market. The compact dimensions as well as the attractive pricing and ease of operation are all important selling points. But can this tiny machine meet the high standards set by the company that owns it? We went for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to find out.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee maker, but it doesn't sacrifice performance. It can create drinks with a simple press of a button. It scans a barcode on the T DisC to determine the type of drink to prepare. It also sets the correct amount of water and froth in each drink using Intellibrew Technology to produce an excellent outcome every time.
This makes it easy to use - just insert the desired T DISC and choose the desired drink size. The Vivy has 40 different drinks as well as a milk jug for making cappuccinos or lattes. It takes just three seconds to warm up and it has an auto-shutoff after five minutes.
It's easy to clean, with a cleverly designed descaler that slots into the side of the machine. There are separate directions for this, but the process is simple and quick.
If you sign up your Vivy, you'll receive a discount for your first order of T-DISCs, and also customized offers, tips and recommendations. You'll also be able monitor the health of your machine and see how much water it's been using. It is a good idea immediately after you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is an iconic heritage brand and one of the leaders in the coffee industry. Established in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company continues to be managed by his descendants and is spread across the world. The family-owned business has a long history of innovation and is renowned for its high-quality espresso crafted from nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented numerous initiatives to help preserve the environment. They also ensure that their products are as eco-friendly as they can. They have a particular focus on efficiency in energy use, and are committed to reducing their emissions, as well as the use of renewable energies. They have also been working to promote regenerative agriculture and have a particular focus on enhancing their water resources.
Illycaffe's commitment towards sustainability is matched by their commitment to assist their employees in achieving success. They have invested in programs to provide training and professional development for their employees and have developed an "university of coffee" that assists in educating both professionals and consumers about how to enjoy the most optimal cup of coffee.
In addition to all of this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to obtain a B-Corp certification, which is an international designation that recognizes companies that prioritize ethics and a sense that they have a purpose. The company also recently launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods, and they have been named one of the world's most ethical companies for the last seven years. The company is committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can coffee capsule machine benefit the environment as well as people. They believe that everyone has a role to take on.