One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have a bit of an unfair reputation for low-strength, watery drinks. Fortunately, the best ones can offer much more than that.
The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods made from treated polypropylene cups which are supposed to degrade in landfill (rather than the notorious K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also offers a range of capsule options as well as easy customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This coffee maker that is a combination of drip and single-serve has the best features of all the models we've tested. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional ground coffee and one-serve side that will accept any kind of K-Cup Keurig-like, reusable or Keurig pod. The carafe side comes with an adjustable timer and a "strong" setting that produces more flavor than the standard settings. It comes with a fold-away frother that is built into the carafe to make lattes and capspuccinos.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces per hour with any size of K-Cup and reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup or ground coffee (a separate water tank is included). It makes use of Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and reads the barcode of each pod to adjust machine settings. It's faster than a leading Keurig model in making a full-sized pot of brew using its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced features like a 24 hour brew start, brew strength controls, and auto shutoff.
The device is easy to use, despite the fact that it has two operating modes. It also cleans up easily. The reusable pod adapter and needles can be removed for cleaning and the mesh filter is washable in the sink. The unit is a bit heavy and bulky for counter space but it's an excellent option for those who want the convenience of pods, or the flexibility of coffee ground.
This basic cold brew machine is a budget pick that produces an incredibly smooth and delicious 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 has a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe to hold hot beverages.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already bought in to the trend of pod coffee machines and want to upgrade from the Keurig-style machine you have this is a great alternative. Nespresso’s newest espresso maker is sleek, efficient and can make five different drinks in one compact chassis. It's available for sale right now, making it an excellent choice for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine is then able to heat up quickly and is simple to use, thanks to an adjustable button that automatically adjusts to the type capsule you are using. It makes use of patent-pending Nespresso capsules which have a barcode on them that informs the machine of what kind of coffee or espresso it is, ensuring you get the correct temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods also spin rapidly during brewing, creating a decadent layer of foam, known as crema. It is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine's only downside is that it's more loud than other pod-machines and you aren't able to reuse 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 no cost and they'll return them to recycle.
The machine is also expensive compared to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you factor in the cost of buying pods. If you're already a pod-coffee lover, it's a small amount to pay for consistently barista-like results. Additionally, you can add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make lattes and cappuccinos. It is also available in bundles that include some samples of Nespresso pods as well as a frother. This will make it cheaper to buy the machine in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is about brewing, most pod machines follow the same pattern - a capsule goes in the top and then you press a button, and the coffee oozes out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that eschew the norm. It utilizes a different mechanism for capsules, locking them into place inside a portafilter-like handle. This allows the machine to make an espresso that is as good as you'd get at a cafe, but without all of the fuss and mess that is typical of an espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules, which are made from premium coffee beans of the highest quality. Each capsule has a precise dose of espresso ground, which is then brewed using a unique two-stage process to produce a rich crema. The extraction happens entirely within the capsule, which means that the machine and coffee never meet and cleanup is a breeze.
The coffee pod is equipped with a Pannarello Steam Wand to make milky drinks like cappuccino or Latte Macchiato. The distinctive design of this machine, designed by famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold design statement in your home. Its round but slender forms and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 60s, while seamlessly integrating advanced technology.
One drawback of this machine is that it requires some more attention than other models, particularly when you are using the steam wand. The reason for this is that the excess air can sometimes stop the flow of hot water, which can prevent the machine from functioning effectively. It is necessary to wait for a few moments before preparing another cup of coffee in order to let the excess air 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. Its compact dimensions, attractive price tag and ease of use are all big selling points. But can this tiny machine live up to the high standards set by the company that owns it? We took it for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The pod capsule coffee machine Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, however it does not sacrifice its performance. It makes drinks with the press of a single button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC to determine what drink it should create. It also sets the proper amount for water and froth in every drink by using Intellibrew technology to ensure an outstanding result every time.
It's very easy to use - simply insert the desired T DISC and choose the size of your drink. The Vivy has 40 different drinks, as well as a milk jug to make lattes or cappuccinos. It takes just three seconds to heat and it shuts down automatically after five minutes.
The descaler is cleverly designed to slot into the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the process is quick and simple.
If you sign up for your Vivy, you'll get a discount on your first T-DISCs order, along with specific offers, tips and recommendations. You can also monitor the condition of your machine and find out how much it's been used. Registering your machine is also a good idea when 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 founded 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 track record of innovating within the field, and is known for its premium quality espresso made from 9 different varieties of Arabica beans.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a variety of initiatives to safeguard 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 utilizing renewable energies. They have also worked to promote regenerative agriculture and have a strong focus on enhancing their water resources.
illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their commitment to help their employees succeed. They have invested in programs that provide training and professional development for their employees and have developed a "university of coffee" which helps educate both professionals and consumers on how to make the most optimal cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company that has earned the B Corp certification. This designation is awarded to companies that are committed to ethics and have a mission. The company also recently launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods, and has 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 and people. They believe that everyone has a responsibility to take on.