One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have an undeserved reputation for their watery, under-strength drinks. The top ones are more than that.
The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods made from treated polypropylene cups that are designed to degrade in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It offers a variety of capsule options and is easy to personalize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This combination drip-and-single-serve coffee maker has the best features of the models we have tested. It has a 12-cup carafe which makes grounds in the traditional manner and single-serve that can accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe side has an adjustable timer and a "strong" setting that provides more flavor than the standard settings. It has an easy-to-folding frother that's built into the carafe to make lattes and capspuccinos.
The single-serve side is able to brew up to 18 ounces at a time with any size of K-Cup, reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cups or ground coffee (a separate water tank is also included). It is based on Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system and analyzes the barcode on each pod to adjust machine settings for the perfect cup every time. It's more efficient than a top Keurig model at brewing a full pot with its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced features like a 24 hour brew start, brew strength controls, and auto shutoff.
It's easy to use despite having two different operating modes, and clean-up is relatively painless. The reusable pod adapter and needles are easily removable for cleaning, and the mesh filter is washable in your sink. The device is heavy and bulky for counter space but it's an excellent option for those who desire the convenience of pods, or the flexibility of coffee ground.
This simple cold brew maker is a great value option that produces smooth and delicious cups. It comes with a programmable timer, a built-in milk frother and a reusable filter and can make 12 cups of java at a time. It also has a huge reservoir of water and a glass carafe to serve hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already accustom to the trend of pod coffee machines and want to upgrade from your current Keurig-style machine this is a great option. Nespresso's latest espresso maker is sleek, fast and can make five different drinks in one compact chassis. It's on sale now and is a great option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is easy to use, with a button that adapts automatically to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of the patented Nespresso pods that have a barcode to tell the machine what kind of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you have the correct temperature and pressure for every drink. The capsules spin quickly during brewing, creating an emulsion called crema, which is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine's only downside is that it's more loud than other pod-machines and that you cannot reuse the capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules can be recycled, so you can recycle them at your local UPS store or on Nespresso's website.
The machine is pricey when it is compared to other pod makers particularly when you add the cost of the pods. If you're already a pod-coffee fan, the cost is an affordable price to pay for consistently barista style results. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make cappuccinos or lattes. It's also available in bundles that include a few samples of Nespresso capsules as well as milk frothers which could save you money in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
Most pod machines have the same brewing process: you simply insert a capsule then press a button and the coffee comes out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that defy convention. It is a revolutionary system for capsules that bind them into the portafilter handle. The machine can produce espresso that is as good as the one you can get in a cafe, but without the mess and fuss of the traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible with only illy MIE pods that are made from website top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule has precisely proportioned amounts of ground espresso, which is then brewed with a specific two-stage process that produces a rich crema. The extraction is done entirely inside the capsule. This means that the machine and the coffee are not in contact. Cleaning up is a breeze.
This machine also has a Pannarello steam wand that can be used to make milky drinks like cappuccino and macchiato latte. The unique design of this coffee machine, designed by famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a statement in your home. Its slim but round shapes and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the '60s and seamlessly integrates modern technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, especially when using the steam wand. This is because excess air can sometimes block the flow of the hot water, which can prevent the machine from functioning properly. If this happens, you'll have to wait a couple of minutes before making another cup of coffee to allow the air to escape.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most sought-after coffee machines available. Its compact dimensions, attractive price tag and ease of use are all big selling points. But does this little machine meet the high standards set by the parent company? We went for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to find out.
The Vivy is a basic pod coffee machine, but it does not sacrifice the performance. It makes drinks at the touch of a single button, by reading a unique barcode on each T DISC to know which drink it has to make. It also automatically sets the correct amount of froth and water for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to achieve the best results every time.
This makes it extremely simple to use - simply insert the desired T DISC and choose the desired drink size. There are 40 different drinks to choose from and the Vivy comes with a milk container for making cappuccinos or lattes. It takes just three seconds to heat up and shuts off automatically after five minutes to save energy.
The descaler is designed to slot into the side of your machine. There are separate directions for this, but the process is simple and quick.
As an added bonus, if you sign up your Vivy with Bosch, you'll get discounts on your first order of T DISCs. Additionally, you'll receive personalized offers, suggestions and tips. You'll also be able to keep track of the condition of your machine and know the amount of water it has used. Registering your machine is a good idea as soon as you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a market leader in the world of coffee and an famous heritage brand, is a global leader. It was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is run by his descendants and is spread across the globe. The family-owned and operated company has a long tradition of innovating within the industry. It is known for its premium quality espresso that is made from 9 different types 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 concentrated on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions and utilizing renewable energies. They have also been working to promote regenerative agriculture, and are focusing on improving their water resources.
illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their desire to help their employees achieve. They have invested in training programs for their employees and created an "university" of coffee to train both consumers and professionals on how to make the best cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to be awarded an B Corp certification. This certification is given to international companies who prioritize ethics and a purpose. The company has also launched its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and has been named as one of the World's Most ethical companies for the last seven year. The company is dedicated to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment as well as people. They believe that everyone has a responsibility to take on.