One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have a bit of an unfair reputation for watery, under-strength drinks. The best pods are more than just that.
The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods, which are made of treated polypropylene cups which are designed to degrade in landfill (rather than the notorious K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It has a variety of capsules, and it is easy to customise.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This coffee maker that is a combination of drip and single-serve offers the best features of all the models we have tested. It comes with an insulated 12-cup carafe that is brewed in the traditional way, and a single-serve that accepts any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe is programmable with a clock as well as a "strong setting" that produces more flavor. It comes with an easy-to-folding frother that's built into the carafe to make lattes and capspuccinos.
The single-serve side can make up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time, using any size K-Cup or reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate reservoir for water is included). It utilizes Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system and analyzes the barcode on each pod to adjust the machine settings for a perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's faster at brewing full pots than the Keurig that is the most popular. It also comes with advanced features like a 24-hour start, brew intensity controls and an automatic shutoff.
It's simple to use, despite having two modes of operation, and cleaning is pretty easy. The reusable pod adapter and needles can be removed for cleaning and the filter can be washed in the sink. It's a bit heavy and heavy for counter space however it's a great alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.
This budget-friendly cold brew machine produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It comes with a programmable timer and a built-in milk froth and a filter that can be reused, and can make 12 cups of java in one go. 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 are looking to upgrade your current Keurig-style machine, this is an excellent alternative. Nespresso's newest espresso machine is sleek, efficient and has the ability to make five different drinks on one sleek, compact 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 simple to use by pressing a single button that automatically adapts to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of the patented Nespresso capsules that have a barcode that informs the machine of what kind of coffee or espresso it is, ensuring you have 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 usually found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine's biggest drawback is that it's more loud than other pod-machines and you can't reuse capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules is recyclable, which means you can recycle them at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website.
The machine is costly when compared to other pod machines, especially if you include the cost of the pods. If you're already a pod coffee fan, this is a small price to pay for consistently barista style results. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make cappuccinos or lattes. It's also offered in bundles that contain a few samples of Nespresso capsules and milk frother that can save you money in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it comes to brewing, most pod machines adhere to the same pattern - a capsule goes in the top, you press a button and coffee flows out. However, every now and then a device comes along that blows convention out of the water, such as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It utilizes a different mechanism for capsules and locks them in a portafilter-like handle. The machine can produce espresso that is similar to the kind you get at a cafe, but without the mess and hassle of a traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules, which are made from premium high-quality coffee beans. Each capsule is stocked with precisely proportioned amounts of ground espresso, which is then brewed using a unique two-stage process to produce a rich crema. The extraction process is entirely inside the capsule. This means that the machine and coffee are never in contact. Clean-up is also a breeze.
This coffee maker is equipped with a Pannarello Steam Wand to make milky drinks like cappuccino or Latte Macchiato. The unique design, developed by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to stand out in your kitchen. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons recall the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the '60s and seamlessly integrates modern technology.
One downside of this machine is that it requires some more attention than some other models, particularly when you use the steam wand. The reason for this is that the coffee pod machine excess air can block the flow of the hot water, which can prevent the machine from working effectively. If this happens, you'll need to wait a couple of minutes before making another cup of coffee to allow the excess air to escape.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most well-known pod coffee machines on the market. Its small dimensions, attractive price tag and ease of use are among the major selling points. But can this tiny machine live up to the high standards set by the company that owns it? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is a basic pod coffee maker, but it does not sacrifice the performance. It makes drinks at the touch of a single button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC to determine what drink it should make. It also automatically sets the right amount of water and froth for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to achieve an outstanding result every time.
It's easy to use. Simply insert the desired T DISC and then select the size of your drink. The Vivy offers 40 different drinks and a milk jug to make cappuccinos or lattes. It only takes three seconds to heat up and shuts off automatically after five minutes.
The descaler has been designed to fit into the side of your machine. This is a different process however it's fast and easy.
As an added bonus, if you register your Vivy through Bosch, you'll get discounts on your first purchase of T DISCs. Additionally, you'll receive personalised offers, recommendations and suggestions. You'll also be able to track the status of your machine and see how much water it's been using. It's worth registering your machine at the time you purchase it, as well.
5. Illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe, a leader in the coffee market and iconic heritage brand, is a global leader. 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 company has a long track record of embracing innovation within the field, and is renowned for its top quality espresso that is made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.
The company is committed to sustainability, and has implemented a number initiatives to help to protect the environment. They also make sure that their products are as eco-friendly as is possible. They have focused on efficiency in energy use, and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint, as well as the use of renewable energy sources. They also have worked to promote regenerative farming, and have a strong focus on improving their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, Illycaffe is determined to help their employees succeed. They have invested in training programs for their employees and have created a "university" of coffee that educates 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 earn B-Corp certification. This is an international designation that recognizes businesses that are committed to ethics and a sense of mission. The company has also launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods, and has been named one of the World's most ethical companies over the last seven years. The company has been dedicated to demonstrating how sustainable quality can be beneficial to both the environment and people, and they have the conviction that it is up to everyone to take action.