One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have a bit of an undeserved reputation for being the watery, weak drinks. However, the top pods can provide more than that.
The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods, made from treated polypropylene cups that are supposed to degrade in landfill (rather than the notorious K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also comes with a variety of capsules and simple customization.
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 combination of features that we have tested. It has a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional grounds and a single-serve side that can accept any kind of K-Cup Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe side comes with an adjustable timer as well as an "strong" setting that provides more flavor than standard settings. It also has an integrated, fold-away frother to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can make up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time using any size K-Cup, or a reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate reservoir for water is included). It utilizes 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 a leading Keurig. It also comes with advanced features such as a 24-hour start time, brew intensity control and automatic shutoff.
It's simple to use, despite having two different modes of operation, and cleaning process is fairly easy. The reusable pod adapter, needles and mesh filter are easily removed to clean. The device is heavy and heavy for counter space, but it's an excellent option for those who desire the convenience of pods or the versatility of coffee ground.
This basic cold brew machine is a budget pick that provides an incredibly smooth and delicious cup. It comes with a timer that can be programmed and a built-in milk froth and a reusable filter, and can make 12 cups of java at once. It comes with a large reservoir of water as well as a glass carafe to hold hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is an excellent option if you are already a fan of the pod coffee machines and want to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso's new espresso machine is sleek, fast and can make five different drinks on one sleek, compact machine. It's on sale now, making it an excellent option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine is then able to heat up quickly and is easy to use, using an adjustable button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It utilizes patented Nespresso capsules that have a barcode 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 spin quickly while brewing, resulting in an exquisite layer of foam, also known as crema, that is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only downsides to the VertuoLine is that it's a bit louder than other pod machines and that you can't reuse the used capsules. Fortunately, the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable, so you can drop them off at the local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for free and they'll return them to recycle.
The machine is also quite expensive in comparison to other pod coffee machines, especially when you take into account the cost of buying the pods. However, if you're already a believer in the benefits of pod coffee, it's a low cost to get consistent, barista-style results. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make lattes or cappuccinos. You can also purchase it in bundles, which include a few samples of the Nespresso pods as well as a frother. This will help you save money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it comes to brewing, most pod machines follow the same format: a capsule goes in the top and you press a button, and coffee flows out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of those machines that defies the rules of. It has a unique system for capsules that bind them into the portafilter handle. The machine produces espresso that is similar to the kind you get at a cafe without the hassle and mess of the traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible only with Illy MIE pods which are made of premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule contains precisely proportioned amounts of espresso ground, which is then brewed with a specific two-stage process to produce a rich crema. The extraction is performed entirely within the capsule. This means that the machine and the coffee are not in contact. Clean-up is also a breeze.
This coffee pod machine comes with a Pannarello Steam Wand to make milky beverages like cappuccino or macchiato latte. The distinctive design of this coffee 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 inspired by the classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly mixing modern technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. The reason for this is that the excess air can hinder the flow of hot water, which can prevent the machine from functioning properly. If this happens, you'll have to wait for a few minutes before making another coffee to allow the air to be released.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most well-known pod coffee machines on the market. The small size, attractive pricing, and user-friendly are important selling points. But can this tiny machine meet the high standards set by the parent company? We took it for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, however it does not sacrifice performance. It can create drinks with a single press of a button. It reads an image of a barcode on the DISC to determine which drink to prepare. It also sets the proper amount of the froth and water in each drink using 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 drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk jug for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to heat and it has an auto-shutoff after five minutes.
It's easy to clean, too using a cleverly-designed descaler that fits into the side of the machine. This is a different process however it's fast and easy.
As an added benefit, if sign up your Vivy with Bosch as a bonus, you'll receive an extra discount pod and bean coffee machine on your first order of T DISCs. Additionally, you'll receive personalized offers, recommendations and advice. You'll also be able to track the status of your machine and see how much water it has been using. Registering your machine is a good idea immediately after you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a well-known heritage brand that is a an industry leader in the field of coffee. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still managed by his descendants. It spans the globe. The family-owned and operated business has a long tradition of innovating within the field, and is renowned for its high quality espresso made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.
The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented numerous initiatives to help to protect the environment. They also make sure that their products are as eco-friendly as is possible. They have a particular focus on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions and also utilizing renewable energy sources. They also have worked to promote regenerative farming, and have a particular focus on enhancing their water resources.
Illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their determination to help their employees achieve. They have invested in programs that offer training and professional development for their employees, and they have also created a "university of coffee" that assists in educating consumers and professionals about how to enjoy the best possible cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to earn a B Corp certification. This designation is awarded to companies who prioritize ethics and have a mission. The company also recently introduced their first line of Nespresso compatible pods, and they have been named one of the world's most ethical companies over 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 responsibility to take on.