One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are frequently accused of producing weak, watery drinks. Fortunately, the best ones can offer much more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods made from treated polypropylene cups that are designed to degrade in landfill (rather than the dreaded K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It has a variety of capsule options, and it is easy to customize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This single-serve drip coffee maker has the most impressive features of all the models 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 comes with a programmable clock as well as it has a "strong setting" that makes more flavor. It also has a built-in, foldaway frother to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time using any size K-Cup, or a reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cups (a separate reservoir for water is included). It uses Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system that scans the barcode of each pod to adjust machine's settings to ensure the perfect cup every time. It's quicker than the leading Keurig model in making a full-sized pot of brew thanks to its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions, including a 24-hour brew start time, brew strength control and auto shutoff.
The device is easy to use despite the fact that it has two operating modes. It also cleans up easily. The pod adapter that is reusable, needles, and mesh filter can be removed for cleaning. The unit is a bit heavy and bulky for counter space but it's a great option for those who want the convenience of pods, or the versatility of coffee ground.
This basic cold brew machine is a great value option that provides 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 as well as a glass carafe to hold hot beverages.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great option for those who are already a fan of the pod coffee machines but want to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso's latest espresso maker is sleek, efficient and can make five different drinks on one compact chassis. It's on sale now which makes it a great choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is easy to use, thanks to an automatic button that adjusts to the type of capsule you are using. It makes use of patented Nespresso capsules which have a barcode on them which tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, making sure you get the correct temperature and pressure for each drink. The capsules spin fast while brewing to create a layer of foam known as crema. It is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine's only downside is that it's louder than other pod machines and you aren't able to reuse capsules. Fortunately, the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable and you can drop them off at the local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for no cost and they'll take them back to reuse.
The machine is expensive when it is compared to other pod makers in particular when you consider the cost of the pods. However, if you're already convinced of the advantages of pod coffee, it's only a small cost to get consistent results that resemble baristas. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make cappuccinos and lattes. It's also offered in bundles that contain a few samples of Nespresso capsules and a milk frother which could save you money in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
Most pod machines have the same brewing procedure - you place a capsule in then press a button and the coffee comes out. But every now and then, a machine comes along that breaks convention right out of the water, as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It has a completely different system for capsules and locks them inside a portafilter-like handle. The machine can make espresso that is comparable to what you would get in a cafe without the mess and fuss of a traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE pods which are made of premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule contains a precise dose of espresso ground, which is then brewed with a specific two-stage process to produce a rich crema. The extraction process is completely inside the capsule, meaning that the coffee and machine never come into contact and cleanup is a breeze.
The coffee pod is equipped with a Pannarello Steam Wand that can be used to make milky beverages like cappuccino or macchiato latte. Its unique design, designed by famed Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to be a standout in your kitchen. Its slim but round shapes and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 60s, while seamlessly integrating advanced technology.
This machine requires more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is because excess air can sometimes hinder the flow of hot water, which prevents the machine from functioning properly. It is necessary to wait for a few moments before preparing a second coffee 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 small dimensions, attractive price and user-friendly interface are among the major selling points. Does this tiny machine meet the high standards set forth by its parent company's standards? We took it for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is one of the most simple pod coffee machines available, but it doesn't skimp on performance. It can make drinks with just a single press of a button. It reads an image of a barcode on the DisC to determine the type of drink to prepare. It also automatically sets the right amount of froth and water for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to coffee machines with pods produce an outstanding result every time.
It's very easy to use - just insert the desired T DISC and select the size of your drink. The Vivy offers 40 different drinks, as well as an milk jug that can be used to make lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to heat up and it has an auto-shutoff after five minutes.
The descaler is cleverly designed to fit into the side of your machine. This is a different process however it's very quick and simple.
As an added benefit, if sign up your Vivy with Bosch as a bonus, you'll receive a discount on your first order of T DISCs. You'll also receive personalized offers, recommendations and advice. You'll also be able to track the status of your machine and know how much water it has used. Registering your machine is also recommended as soon as you purchase it.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a leading player in the coffee market and famous heritage brand, is a world leader. The company was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still operated by his descendants. It spans the globe. The family-owned and operated business has a long track record of embracing new technologies in the industry, and is renowned for its top quality espresso, which is made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a range of initiatives that help to protect the environment and ensure that their products are as eco sustainable as they can be. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint as well as using renewable energy sources. They have also worked to promote regenerative farming, and have a strong focus on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitments to sustainability, Illycaffe is committed to helping their employees achieve. They have invested in training programs for their employees, and have created a "university" of coffee to educate both consumers and professionals on how to make the perfect 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 label that recognizes businesses that are committed to ethics and a sense of purpose. 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 last seven years. The company is committed to showing how sustainable quality can benefit the environment as well as people. They believe that everyone has a role to take on.