One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have an undeserved reputation for being the watery, weak drinks. The top ones are more than just that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods, which are made of treated polypropylene cups that are supposed to degrade in landfill (rather than the dreaded K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also has bundles of capsule options as well as easy customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the best pod coffee makers available on the market, this combination single-serve and drip models offer the most comprehensive set of features that we have tested. It comes with a 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 comes with a programmable clock and it has a "strong setting" that produces more flavor. It also comes with a foldaway, built-in frother for lattes and cappuccinos.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces at a time with any size of K-Cup and reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup or ground coffee (a separate water tank is also included). It makes use of Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and reads the barcode of each pod to adjust machine settings. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's quicker at making full-pots of brew than a leading Keurig. It also has advanced features such as a 24-hour start time, brew intensity control and automatic shutoff.
The device is simple to use, despite the fact that it has two operating modes. It also cleans easily. The pod adapter that is reusable and needles can be removed for cleaning and the filter can be washed in your sink. The unit is a bit heavy and bulky for counter space but it's an excellent option for those who prefer the convenience of pods or the versatility of coffee ground.
This simple cold brew maker is a budget-friendly option that delivers 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 an coffee filter that is reusable. It also has a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe to serve hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already bought in to the pod coffee machine trend and want to upgrade from the Keurig-style machine you have this is a great alternative. Nespresso's new espresso maker is sleek, efficient and can make five different drinks with one small chassis. It's also on sale now which makes it a great choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine next heats up quickly and is easy to use, thanks to an automatic button that adjusts to the type capsule you're using. It makes use of patented Nespresso pods that have an identifier barcode that tells the machine which type of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you get the right temperature and water pressure for every drink. The capsules spin quickly while brewing to create a layer of foam known as crema that is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine are 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 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 also quite expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you take into account the cost of buying the pods. If you're already a pod-coffee lover, it's a small price to pay for consistently barista style results. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make lattes or cappuccinos. It's also available in bundles that include a few sample packs of the Nespresso capsules as well as a milk frother, which can save you money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines use the same brewing procedure - you insert a capsule and press a button, and the coffee comes out. But now and then there is a machine that is a complete blow to the water, as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It is a revolutionary system for capsules that bind them into a portafilter handle. The machine can make espresso that is as good as what you would get in a cafe, but without the mess and fuss of an espresso machine that is traditional.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules, which are made from premium, high-quality coffee beans. Each capsule is stocked with precisely proportions of ground espresso, which is brewed in two stages. This creates a rich crema. The extraction process is completely inside the capsule, so the coffee and machine never meet and cleanup is a breeze.
This coffee pod machine also comes with a Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks, such as cappuccino or macchiato latte. The unique design, developed by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to stand out in your kitchen. Its slim but round shapes and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 60s and seamlessly integrates modern technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can block the flow of the hot water, which can prevent the machine from functioning efficiently. You'll need to wait some time before making another cup of coffee in order to let the excess air go.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most sought-after coffee machines on the market. The small dimensions, attractive pricing and user-friendly are major selling points. Does this little machine meet the standards set by its parent company's standards? We took it for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, however it isn't sacrificing the performance. It can make drinks with a single touch. It scans a barcode on the T DISC to determine what drink to prepare. It also automatically determines the right amount of froth and water for each drink, utilizing 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. There are 40 different drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk container for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes just three seconds to warm, and has auto-shut-off after five minutes to save energy.
It's easy to clean, too using a cleverly-designed descaler that slots into the side of the machine. There are separate directions for this, but the process is quick and simple.
As an added bonus, pod coffee machine if you register your Vivy with Bosch as a bonus, you'll receive discounts on your first purchase of T DISCs. You'll also receive personalised offers, recommendations and tips. You can also keep track of the status of your machine and see how much it has used. It's a good idea to register your machine as soon as you buy it, also.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe, a leader in the world of coffee and an famous heritage brand, is a global leader. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still run by his descendants. It is a global company. The family-owned business has a long history of innovation and is famous for its premium espresso made using nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
The company is committed to sustainability and has taken a variety of 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 energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint as well as using renewable energies. They have also promoted Regenerative farming and are focusing on improving their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, illycaffe is committed to helping their employees succeed. They have invested in programs to provide training and professional development for their staff and they have developed an "university of coffee" that assists in educating consumers and professionals on how to get the best possible cup of coffee.
In addition to all of this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to earn a B-Corp certification, which is an international designation which recognizes companies that value ethics and a sense of mission. 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 past seven years. The company is committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment as well as people. They believe that everyone has a part to play.