One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have a bit of an unfair reputation for low-strength, watery drinks. The best pods are more than just that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods, made from treated polypropylene cups which are designed to degrade in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It comes with a range of capsules and is simple to customize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers on the market, this combination drip and single-serve model offers the best combination of features in our test. It has a 12-cup carafe that is brewed in the traditional way, and one-serve that will accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe side has a programmable timer and it has a "strong" setting that gives more flavor than normal settings. It also has a built-in, foldaway frother for lattes and cappuccinos.
The single-serve side can make up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time using any size K-Cup or the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cups (a separate reservoir for water is included). It utilizes Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system and scans the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings to make the perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's quicker at making full-pots of brew than a leading Keurig. It also comes with advanced features like a 24-hour start, brew intensity controls, and automatic shutoff.
The device is easy to use, despite the fact that it has two operating modes. It also cleans up easily. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles are easily removed to clean, and the mesh filter is washable in the sink. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space however, it's an excellent option for anyone who wants the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This basic cold brew machine is a budget-friendly option that delivers a smooth and flavorful cup. It can make 12 cups at a time and has a programmable clock, an integrated milk frother, and a reusable coffee filter. It has a large reservoir of water, as well as glass carafes to hold hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great option for those who are already a fan of the pod coffee machines but want to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's new espresso maker is stylish, fast and can create five different drinks on one compact chassis. It's on sale now, making it an excellent choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine Next heats up very quickly and is incredibly easy to use with a single-use button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of patented Nespresso pods that feature barcodes that inform the machine which type of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you get the correct temperature and pressure for each drink. The capsules spin fast when they are brewing to create a layer of foam called crema, which is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawback is that it's louder than other pod machines and that you cannot reuse capsules. Fortunately, the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable, so you can drop them off at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for no cost and they'll take them back to reuse.
The machine is also expensive compared to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you factor in the cost of buying pods. If you're already a pod coffee fan, this is a small price to pay for consistently barista-like results. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make lattes or cappuccinos. It is also available in bundles that include some samples of Nespresso pods and a frother. This will make it cheaper to buy the machine in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it comes to brewing, most pod machines use the same format: capsules are placed in the top and then you press a button and the coffee oozes out. However, every now and then there is a machine that breaks convention right out of the water, like is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It uses a different system for capsules, locking them into place in a portafilter-like hand. The machine produces espresso that is similar to the kind you get at a cafe, but without the hassle and mess of a traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible with only illy MIE pods which are made of top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule contains precisely proportioned amounts of espresso ground, which is then brewed with a specific two-stage process that produces a thick and rich crema. The extraction process is entirely inside the capsule, which means that the machine and coffee never come into contact and cleaning up is easy.
The coffee pod comes with a Pannarello Steam Wand that can be used to make milky drinks like cappuccino or macchiato latte. Its unique design, created by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to be a standout in your kitchen. Its round but slender forms and soft-touch buttons evoke the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 1960s and seamlessly integrates modern technology.
This machine requires more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is because excessive air can block the steam from flowing properly making it impossible for the machine to continue working. If this happens, you'll need to wait a couple of minutes before making another cup of 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 popular coffee makers available. Its small dimensions, attractive price tag and user-friendly interface are the main reasons for buying. But can this machine meet the high standards set by its parent company? We tested it at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee maker, but it isn't sacrificing its 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 create. It also automatically sets the proper amount of froth and water for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to ensure an outstanding result every time.
It is very simple to use - just insert the desired T DISC and select the size of your drink. The Vivy has 40 different drinks as well as a milk jug to make cappuccinos or lattes. It takes only three seconds to heat up and shuts off automatically after five minutes.
It's very easy to clean, too thanks to a cleverly designed descaler that slots into the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the procedure is easy and quick.
As an added benefit, if register your Vivy through Bosch and Bosch, you'll receive a discount on your first purchase of T DISCs and receive personalised offers, recommendations and advice. You can also track the condition of your machine, and check how much it has used. It is a good idea to register your machine at the time you purchase it, also.
5. Illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a market leader in the world of coffee and an famous heritage brand, is a global leader. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still managed by his descendants. It is a global company. The family-owned and operated business has a long tradition of embracing new technologies within the field, and is renowned for its top 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 that help safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as eco friendly as possible. They have focused their efforts on efficiency in their energy use and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint, and also the use of renewable energies. They have also promoted regenerative farming and are focused on improving their water resources.
illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their determination to help their employees succeed. They have invested in programs that provide training and professional development for their staff and they have created a "university of coffee" which helps educate consumers and professionals alike about how to enjoy the best possible cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to be awarded the B Corp certification. This certification is given to international companies who prioritize ethics and pod coffee maker a sense of purpose. The company also introduced its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and was named as one of the world's most ethical companies over the last 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 part to play.