One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are frequently accused of producing watery, weak drinks. Fortunately, the best pods are more than that.
The illy Bruvi utilizes B-Pods instead of the dreaded K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It offers a variety of capsule options and is simple to personalize.
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 best combination of features that we have tested. It has a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional ground coffee and one-serve side that will accept any type of K-Cup, Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe is programmable with a clock and a "strong setting" that gives you more flavor. It also comes with an adjustable frother that folds away and is built into the carafe for lattes and capspuccinos.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time using any size K-Cup, or a the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate water reservoir is included). It utilizes Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and scans the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. It's quicker than the leading Keurig model at brewing a full pot thanks to its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions like a 24-hour brew start, brew strength control, and auto shutoff.
The device is easy to use despite the fact it has two operating modes. It also cleans up easily. The pod adapter that is reusable and needles are easily removable for cleaning and the mesh filter is washable in the sink. The machine is heavy and heavy for counter space, however it's an excellent option for those who prefer the convenience of pods or the flexibility of coffee ground.
This affordable cold brew maker produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It comes with a programmable timer as well as a built-in milk maker and a reusable filter, and can make 12 cups of java at once. It also has a huge reservoir of water and a glass carafe for hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already accustom to the pod coffee machine trend and want to upgrade from your current Keurig-style machine this is a great alternative. Nespresso's latest espresso maker is stylish, fast, and can make five different drinks on one small chassis. It's currently on sale and is a great choice for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine Next can be heated up quickly and is extremely easy to use, with a single button that automatically adjusts to the kind of capsule you're using. It uses patent-pending Nespresso capsules with a barcode on them that tells the machine what kind of espresso or coffee it is, making sure you get the correct temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The pods also spin fast while brewing, resulting in an indulgence-inducing layer of foam, also known as crema, that is usually found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine's biggest drawback is that it's louder than other pod-machines and that you cannot reuse the capsules. Fortunately the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable and you can drop them off at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for free and they'll return them to you to recycle.
The machine is also quite expensive in comparison to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you consider the cost of purchasing the pods. If, however, you've already a believer in the benefits of pod coffee, it's a small cost to get consistent results that resemble baristas. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for lattes or cappuccinos. It is also available in bundles, which include some of the Nespresso pods as well as a coffee maker. This will help you save money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines have the same brewing procedure - you place a capsule in and press a button, and the coffee pours out. However, every now and then a device comes along that breaks convention right out of the water, such as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It has a completely different best coffee pod machine system for capsules, locking them into place inside a portafilter-like handle. This lets the machine produce an espresso similar to what you'd find in a cafe, but without all of the fuss and mess of a traditional espresso maker.
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 that is then brewed using a special two-stage process to produce a thick and rich crema. The extraction process is entirely within the capsule. This means that the machine and coffee are never in contact. Clean-up is also an easy task.
The coffee pod also comes with a Pannarello steam wand for making milky drinks such as cappuccino and macchiato latte. Its unique design, created by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to make a statement in your kitchen. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the '60s and seamlessly integrates modern technology.
This machine requires more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can block the hot water from flowing correctly making it impossible for the machine to continue functioning. It is necessary to wait for several minutes before making another cup of coffee in order to let the air out.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most popular pod coffee machines available on the market. Its compact dimensions, attractive price tag and ease of use are among the major selling points. But can this machine meet the high standards set by the parent company? We tested it at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is a basic pod coffee maker, but it doesn't sacrifice its performance. It makes drinks at the touch of a single button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC in order to determine which drink it has to create. It also automatically determines the right amount of water and froth for 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. The Vivy offers 40 different drinks, as well as a milk jug to make cappuccinos or lattes. It takes just three seconds to warm up, and has auto-shut-off after five minutes, to save energy.
The descaler is cleverly designed to fit into the side of the machine. This is a separate procedure however it's very quick and easy.
If you sign up for your Vivy, you'll get a discount on your first order of T-DISCs and also specific offers, tips and advice. You'll also be in a position to track the status of your machine, and also see how much water it's been using. It is a good idea as soon as you purchase it.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is an iconic 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 operated by his descendants. It spans the globe. The family-owned and operated company has a long track record of innovating within the industry. It is renowned for its high quality espresso that is 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 environmentally green as they can. They have focused on energy efficiency, and are determined to reduce their carbon footprint, and the use of renewable energies. They also promote Regenerative farming and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, illycaffe is committed to helping their employees achieve. They have invested in training programs for their employees, and have created an "university" of coffee to educate professionals and consumers alike on how to make the best 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 designation which recognizes companies that value 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 past seven years. The company has been dedicated to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people alike, and they have a strong belief that it is the responsibility of everyone to take action.