One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have a bit of an undeserved reputation for their low-strength, watery drinks. The top ones are more than just that.
The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods, which are made of treated polypropylene cups which are supposed to degrade in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It offers a variety of capsules and is simple to personalize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the best pod coffee makers on the market, this drip and single-serve model offers the most comprehensive set of features in our test. It comes with a 12-cup carafe that makes grounds in the traditional way and single-serve that can accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe is programmable with a clock and an "strong setting" that gives you more flavor. It also comes with an easy-to-folding frother that's built into the carafe for capspuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces per hour with any size of K-Cup and reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup, or ground coffee (a separate water tank is also included). It uses Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and scans the barcode of each pod to adjust machine settings. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's more efficient in brewing full-pots than a leading Keurig. It also has advanced features such as a 24-hour start, brew intensity control and automatic shutoff.
It's easy to use, despite having two different operating modes, and cleaning is pretty easy. The reusable pod adapter, needles and mesh filter can be removed for cleaning. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space, but it's a great option for anyone who needs the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.
This low-cost cold brew machine produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It comes with a timer that can be programmed as well as a built-in milk maker and a reusable filter, and can make 12 cups of java at a time. It also has a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe to serve hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already committed to the pod coffee machine trend and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig-style machine This is a great alternative. Nespresso’s newest espresso maker is stylish, fast and can create five different drinks in one compact chassis. It's on sale now, making it an excellent choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine next heats up quickly and is easy to use, thanks to a button that adapts automatically to the type capsule you are using. It makes use of the patented Nespresso capsules with an identifier on them which tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, making sure you get the right temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The pods also spin rapidly when brewing, creating a decadent layer of foam, also known as crema, which is usually found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only downsides to the VertuoLine is that it's a little more loud than other pod machines and that you aren't able to reuse the used 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 recycle.
The machine is expensive when compared to other pod machines particularly when you add the cost of the pods. If you've already bought in to the benefits of pod coffee, it's a low cost to pay for consistently good barista-like results. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make cappuccinos or lattes. It's also offered in bundles that include samples of Nespresso capsules and milk frothers, which can save you money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it comes to brewing, most pod machines use the same format: capsules are placed on the top, you press a button and the coffee is poured out. However, every now and then a device comes along that is a complete blow to the water, such as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It is a revolutionary system for capsules that locks them into a portafilter handle. The machine can produce espresso that is as good as what you would get in cafes, without the mess and hassle of the traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules which are made from premium, high-quality coffee beans. Each capsule is stocked with an exact amount of espresso ground, which is then brewed using a special two-stage process to produce an intense crema. The extraction happens completely inside the capsule, so the machine and the coffee do not meet, and clean-up is easy.
This coffee maker includes a Pannarello Steam Wand for making milky drinks such as cappuccino and Latte Macchiato. The unique design, developed by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to stand out in your kitchen. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the '60s, while seamlessly integrating advanced technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, especially 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 functioning properly. You will need to wait for several minutes before making a second coffee to let the air out.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most well-known pod coffee machines available on the market. Its small dimensions, attractive price and easy-to-use are among the major selling points. But can this machine meet the high standards set by the parent company? We tested it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, but it isn't sacrificing its performance. It makes drinks with the push of a button, by reading a unique barcode on each T DISC to know which drink it has to create. It also sets the proper amount for the froth and water in each drink using Intellibrew Technology to produce an outstanding result every time.
It's easy to use - simply insert the desired T disc and select the size of your drink. There are 40 different drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk jug for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes just three seconds to warm up and shuts off automatically after five minutes.
It's very easy to clean, too thanks to a cleverly designed descaler that fits into the side of the machine. This is a different process however it's fast and easy.
If you sign up for your Vivy, you'll get a discount on your first order of T-DISCs as well as personalized offers, tips and advice. You can also track the status of your machine, and find out how much it has used. It is a good idea to register your machine at the time you purchase it, too.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a well-known heritage brand that is a one of the leaders in the coffee industry. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still run by his descendants. It has a presence across 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 that is 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 eco sustainable as they can be. They have a particular focus on energy efficiency, and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and also the use of renewable energy sources. They also promote Regenerative farming and are focusing on improving their water resources.
illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their determination to assist their employees in achieving success. They have invested in programs that offer training and professional development for their staff and they have developed an "university of coffee" that assists in educating consumers and professionals alike on how to make the best possible cup of coffee.
In addition to this, pod making machines illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to earn the B-Corp designation, which is an international label that recognizes companies that prioritize ethics and a sense that they have a purpose. The company also introduced its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and was named as one of the world's most Ethical companies for the past seven years. The company is committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people. They believe that everyone has a role to play.