One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often criticized for producing weak, watery 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 break down in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It comes with a range of capsules, 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 the models we tested. It comes with a 12-cup carafe that makes grounds in the traditional manner and single-serve that can accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe side comes with an adjustable timer and an "strong" setting that provides more flavor than the normal settings. It comes with an easy-to-folding frother that's integrated into the carafe to serve capspuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve version can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time using any size K-Cup or reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cups (a separate reservoir for water is included). It is based on Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which analyzes the barcode on each pod to adjust machine's settings to make the perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's more efficient in brewing full-pots than a leading Keurig. It also comes with advanced features such as a 24-hour start, brew intensity controls, and automatic shutoff.
It's easy to use despite having two modes of operation, and clean-up is relatively painless. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles and mesh filter are easily removed to clean. The device is heavy and heavy for counter space, however it's a great choice for those who prefer the convenience of pods, or the versatility of coffee ground.
This simple cold brew machine is a budget pick that delivers smooth and delicious cups. It can create 12 cups at a time and comes with a programmable clock, an integrated milk frother, and a coffee filter that is reusable. It has a large tank of water, as well as a glass carafe to hold hot beverages.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is an excellent option if you are already a fan of pod coffee machines and want to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's newest espresso machine is sleek, fast and can make five different drinks on one sleek, compact chassis. It's also on sale now, making it a great option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is simple to use, thanks to a button that adapts automatically to the type of capsule you are using. It utilizes patented Nespresso pods that have an identifier barcode that tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you get the right temperature and water pressure for each drink. The pods spin rapidly during brewing, creating a layer of foam called crema, which is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine are that it's more loud than other pod machines and that you can't reuse the capsules you've used. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules is recyclable, which means you can recycle the capsules at your local UPS store or Nespresso's website.
The machine is also quite expensive compared to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you take into account the cost of buying pods. However, if you're already a believer in the advantages of pod coffee, it's a low price to pay for consistently good barista-like results. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for lattes or cappuccinos. You can also purchase it in bundles, which contain some of the Nespresso pods as well as a coffee maker. This will save you money up front.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is time to brew, the majority of pod machines follow a similar format - a capsule goes in the top and you press a button and the coffee is poured out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of those machines that defies the norm. It has a completely different system for capsules that lock them in place in a portafilter-like handle. The machine produces espresso that is similar to what you would get in a cafe, but without the hassle and mess of an espresso machine that is traditional.
The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE pods which are made of top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule has precisely proportioned amounts of espresso that is then brewed with a specific two-stage process to produce a rich crema. The extraction happens entirely within the capsule, which means that the coffee and machine never meet and cleaning up is a breeze.
This coffee maker comes with a Pannarello Steam Wand for making milky beverages like cappuccino or latte Macchiato. The unique design, developed by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to make a statement in your kitchen. Its round but slender forms and soft-touch buttons evoke the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 1960s while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. The reason for this is that the excess air can sometimes hinder the flow of hot water, which can prevent the machine from functioning efficiently. You'll need to wait a few moments before preparing 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. The compact dimensions, attractive pricing and ease of operation are all important selling points. Does this machine meet the high standards set by its parent company's standards? We tested it at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is one of the most simple pod coffee machines on the market, but it doesn't skimp on performance. It can make drinks with just a single touch. It scans the barcode on the DISC to determine what drink to prepare. It also automatically adjusts the correct amount of froth and water for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to achieve an outstanding result every time.
This makes it easy to operate - just insert the desired T DISC and select your preferred drink size. The Vivy has 40 different drinks, as well as a milk jug to make lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to warm and automatically shuts off after five minutes to save energy.
The descaler is designed to fit into the side of your machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the process is easy and quick.
As an added bonus, if you register your Vivy with Bosch as a bonus, you'll receive an extra discount on your first purchase of T DISCs. Additionally, you'll receive personalised offers, recommendations and advice. You'll also be able monitor the health of your machine, and also see the amount of water it has been using. It is a good idea when you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a market leader in the coffee market and iconic heritage brand, is a world leader. The company was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still managed by his descendants. It has a presence across the globe. The family-owned and operated company has a long tradition of embracing new technologies within the field, and is renowned for its high quality espresso that is made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives to safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as coffee machine capsule eco sustainable as they can be. They have focused on efficiency in energy use, and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint as well as the use of renewable energies. They have also promoted Regenerative farming and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.
illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their determination to help their employees achieve. They have invested in programs that provide training and professional development for their staff and they have developed an "university of coffee" which helps educate consumers and professionals alike on how to get the most optimal cup of coffee.
In addition to all of this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to earn the B-Corp designation, which is an international label that recognizes companies that prioritize ethics and a sense that they have a purpose. The company has also launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods, and they have 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 be beneficial to the environment and for people as well, and they have a strong belief that it is up to everyone to do their part.