One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have an unfair reputation for watery, under-strength drinks. Fortunately, the best pods can provide more than that.
The illy Bruvi utilizes B-Pods in place of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It also comes with a variety of capsules and simple 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 the models we tested. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional grounds, and one-serve side that will accept any type of K-Cup Keurig-like, reusable or Keurig pod. The carafe has a programmable clock and an "strong setting" that produces more flavor. It comes with an adjustable frother that folds away and is integrated into the carafe to serve capspuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces per hour using any size K-Cup and the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cups or ground coffee (a separate water tank is also included). It uses Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and reads the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. 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 such as a 24-hour start time, brew intensity control and automatic shutoff.
It's easy to use, despite having two modes of operation, and cleaning is pretty easy. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles can be removed for cleaning, and the mesh filter is washable in your sink. The machine is heavy and bulky for counter space but it's a great choice for those who prefer the convenience of pods or the flexibility of coffee ground.
This budget-friendly cold brew machine creates a smooth, delicious cup. It has a programmable timer, a built-in milk frother and a filter that can be reused, and can make 12 cups of java at once. It comes with a large reservoir of water as well as a glass carafe that can hold hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already committed to the pod coffee machine trend and are looking to upgrade the Keurig-style machine you have this is a great alternative. Nespresso's latest espresso machine is sleek, fast and has the ability to create five different drinks from one sleek, compact machine. It's available for sale right now, making it an excellent choice for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine next heats up quickly and is simple to use, thanks to an automatic button that adjusts to the type capsule you're using. It utilizes patented Nespresso capsules which have an identifier on them which tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, ensuring you get the right temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The capsules spin quickly when they are brewing to create the foam, also called crema, which is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawback is that it's louder than other pod machines and that you cannot reuse capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules can be recycled, so you can recycle them at your local UPS store or Nespresso's website.
The machine is also quite expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you factor in the cost of purchasing the pods. If you've already a believer in the advantages of pod coffee, it's a low cost to pay for consistently good barista-like results. Plus, you can add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make cappuccinos and lattes. It's also offered in bundles that include a few sample packs of the Nespresso capsules and milk frothers that can help you save money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines use the same brewing process: you simply insert a capsule then press a button and the coffee is brewed. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that eschew convention. It has a completely different system for capsules that lock them in place inside a portafilter-like handle. This lets the machine create an espresso that's as good as you'd get at a cafe, however without the hassle and mess that is typical of an espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with only illy MIE pods which are made of top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule contains an exact amount of ground espresso that is brewed in a two-stage process. This results in a thick crema. The extraction is done entirely within the capsule. This means that the machine and coffee are never in contact. Cleaning up is an easy task.
The coffee pod also comes with a Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks like cappuccino and latte macchiato. The distinctive design of this coffee machine, designed by famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a statement in your home. Its round, slender shapes and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly merging modern technology.
One downside of this machine is that it requires some extra attention than some other models, particularly when you are using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can sometimes stop the flow of hot water, preventing the machine from working effectively. You will need to wait several minutes before making another cup of coffee in order to let the air go.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most popular pod coffee machines on the market. Its small dimensions, attractive price and user-friendly interface are among the major selling points. But does this little machine meet the high standards set by the company that owns it? We took it for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to find out.
The Vivy is one of the simplest pod coffee machines that are available, but it doesn't skimp on performance. It makes drinks at the press of a single button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC to know which drink it has to make. It also determines the right amount for water and froth in every drink by using Intellibrew technology to ensure an outstanding result every time.
This makes it very easy to operate - just insert the desired T DISC and select the size you prefer for your drink. The Vivy offers 40 different drinks as well as an milk jug that can be used to make cappuccinos or lattes. It takes just three seconds to heat up, and has auto-shut-off after five minutes to conserve energy.
It's easy to clean too using a cleverly-designed descaler that slides into the side of the machine. There are separate directions for this, but the process is quick and simple.
If you sign up your Vivy, you will get a discount on your first order of T-DISCs as well as specific offers, tips and recommendations. You can also keep track of the status of your machine and check how much it's used. It is a good idea to register your machine as soon as you buy it, also.
5. Illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe, a leader in the coffee industry and an famous heritage brand, is a world leader. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still run by his descendants. It spans the globe. The family-owned business has a long history of innovation and is renowned for its high-quality espresso crafted from nine different types of Arabica bean.
The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented numerous initiatives to to protect the environment. They also make sure that their products are as green as they can. They have focused on efficiency in energy use, and are determined to reduce their emissions, as well as the use of renewable energy sources. They have also been working to promote regenerative agriculture and are focusing on improving their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, illycaffe is committed to helping their employees achieve. They have invested in programs that provide training and professional development for their employees, and capsule machine coffee they have also created a "university of coffee" that assists in educating consumers and professionals alike on how to make the best possible cup of coffee.
In addition to 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 introduced their first line of Nespresso compatible pods. They have also been named one of the World's most ethical companies over the last seven years. The company has been dedicated to proving that sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people alike and has the conviction that it is the responsibility of everyone to play their part.