One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often criticised for producing weak, watery drinks. However, the top pods can provide more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods, which are made of treated polypropylene cups that are supposed to break down in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also has bundles of capsule options as well as easy customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers available on the market, this combination single-serve and drip model has the most comprehensive set of features that we have tested. It comes with an insulated 12-cup carafe that brews grounds in the traditional way, and a single-serve that accepts any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe's side features a programmable timer and it has a "strong" setting that produces more flavor than the standard settings. It has an easy-to-folding frother that's integrated into the carafe to serve capspuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can make up to 18 ounces of coffee at once using any size K-Cup, or a reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cups (a separate reservoir for water is included). It utilizes Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and reads the barcode of each pod to adjust machine settings. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's faster at brewing full pots than Keurig's top-rated. 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 different modes of operation, and cleaning is pretty easy. The pod adapter that is reusable, needles and mesh filter can be removed for cleaning. The machine is heavy and heavy for counter space, but it's a great choice for those who prefer the convenience of pods or the flexibility of coffee ground.
This simple cold brew machine is a budget pick that provides a smooth and flavorful cup. It can make 12 cups at a time and has a programmable clock, an integrated milk frother as well as an coffee filter that is reusable. It also has a huge reservoir of water and a glass carafe to serve hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great choice if you are already a fan of the pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's new espresso maker is sleek, fast, and can make five different drinks in one compact chassis. It's on sale now which makes it a great choice for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is incredibly easy to use, with a single button that automatically adapts to the type of capsule you're using. It uses the patented Nespresso pods that feature a barcode to tell 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 capsules spin quickly when they are brewing to create the foam, also known as crema. It is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.
The only downsides to the VertuoLine is that it's a little 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, so you can recycle the capsules at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website.
The machine is also pretty expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you consider the cost of buying the pods. If you're already a pod-coffee fan, the cost is a small amount to be paid for consistently barista-like results. Plus, you can add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for cappuccinos and lattes. It's also available as bundles that contain a few samples of Nespresso capsules and milk frothers, which can save you money in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
Most pod machines have the same brewing procedure - you place a capsule in and press a button, and the coffee pours out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that defy the norm. It is a revolutionary system for capsules that locks them into a portafilter handle. The machine produces espresso that is as good as the kind you get at a cafe without the mess and fuss of the traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE pods that are made from premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule contains precisely proportions of ground espresso that is brewed in a two-stage process. This produces a rich crema. The extraction is done entirely inside the capsule. This means that the machine and the coffee are never in contact. Clean-up is also an easy task.
This coffee pod machine includes a Pannarello Steam Wand that can be used to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and Latte Macchiato. Its unique design, created by famed Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to make a statement in your kitchen. Its slender, round forms and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly mixing modern technology.
One downside of this machine is that pod coffee maker it needs some extra attention than other models, especially when you use the steam wand. The reason for this is that the excess air can sometimes block the flow of the hot water, which prevents the machine from functioning effectively. If this happens, you'll have to wait for a few minutes before preparing another coffee to allow the air to let go.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most adored coffee machines available. The compact dimensions, attractive pricing, and user-friendly are major reasons to buy. But can this tiny machine live up to the high standards set by the company that owns it? We tested it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is one of the simplest pod coffee machines that are available however it doesn't compromise on performance. It can make drinks with just a single touch. It scans a barcode on the T DISC to determine what drink to make. It also automatically adjusts the correct amount of froth and water for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to produce an excellent result every time.
This makes it easy to use - simply insert the desired T DISC and choose the size you prefer for your drink. There are 40 drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk jug that can be used for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes just three seconds to heat up, and has auto-shut-off after five minutes, to save energy.
It's easy to clean, with a cleverly designed descaler that fits into the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the process is simple and quick.
If you sign up for your Vivy, you'll receive a discount on your first T-DISCs order, as well as personalized offers, tips and suggestions. You'll also be able keep track of the condition of your machine and see how much water it's used. Registering your machine is a good idea when you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a leading player in the world of coffee and an famous heritage brand, is a world leader. It was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company continues to be managed by his descendants and is spread across the world. The family-owned and operated business has a long tradition of embracing innovation within the industry. It is renowned for its top quality espresso made from 9 different varieties of Arabica beans.
The company is committed to sustainability, and has taken a variety of initiatives to help preserve the environment. They also make sure that their products are as eco-friendly as possible. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and utilizing renewable energy sources. They also have worked to promote regenerative agriculture and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, Illycaffe is committed to helping their employees succeed. They have invested in programs that offer training and professional development for their employees and have developed an "university of coffee" that assists in educating consumers and professionals alike about how to enjoy the most optimal cup of coffee.
In addition to all of this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to obtain the B-Corp designation, which is an international certification that recognizes businesses that are committed to ethics and a sense that they have a purpose. The company has also launched its first line of Nespresso compatible Pods and been named as one of the World's Most Ethical companies for the past seven years. The company is committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment as well as people. They believe that everyone has a role to take on.