One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often criticized for producing weak, watery drinks. However, the top pods can provide more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods made from treated polypropylene cups that are supposed to degrade in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It comes with a range of capsules and is simple to personalize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This single-serve drip coffee maker has the most impressive features of the models we tested. It has a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional grounds and one-serve side that will accept any kind of K-Cup Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe is programmable with a clock as well as a "strong setting" that produces more flavor. It comes with a fold-away frother that is built into the carafe to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve version can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at once using any size K-Cup, or a the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate water reservoir is included). It makes use of Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and reads the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. It's more efficient than a top Keurig model in brewing a full pot thanks to its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions like a 24-hour brew start time, brew strength control and auto shutoff.
The device is easy to use despite the fact it has two operating modes. It also cleans easily. The pod adapter that is reusable, needles and mesh filter can be easily removed for cleaning. It's a bit heavy and heavy for counter space however it's a great option for anyone who needs the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.
This basic cold brew machine is a budget pick that provides smooth and delicious cups. It comes with a programmable timer as well as a built-in milk maker and a reusable filter, and can make 12 cups of java at once. It has a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe to hold hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great choice for those who are already a fan of pod coffee machines but want to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's latest espresso machine is stylish, quick and has the ability to make five different drinks on one compact, sleek chassis. It's even on sale right now which makes it a great option for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine Next heats up very quickly and is extremely easy to use by pressing a single button that automatically adjusts to the kind of capsule you're using. It uses patent-pending Nespresso capsules with an identifier on them that informs the machine of what kind of espresso or coffee it is, ensuring you have the right temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The pods also spin fast when brewing, creating an indulgence-inducing layer of foam, known as crema. It is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine are that it's a little more loud than other pod machines, and that you can't reuse capsules that you've used. Fortunately the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable and you can drop them off at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for free and they'll return them to you to reuse.
The machine is also quite expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you consider the cost of buying the pods. However, if you're already bought in to the advantages of pod coffee, it's a low cost to get consistently good barista-like results. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make lattes or cappuccinos. It is also available in bundles, which include a few samples of the Nespresso pods as well as a frother. This will save you money up front.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines have the same brewing process: you insert a capsule and press a button, and the coffee pours out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that defy convention. It has a completely different system for capsules that lock them in place in a portafilter-like handle. This lets the machine produce an espresso as good as you'd get in a cafe, but without all of the fuss and mess of a traditional 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 espresso that is then brewed with a specific two-stage process that produces a rich crema. The extraction happens entirely inside the capsule, which means that the machine and the coffee do not come into contact and cleanup is easy.
This coffee pod machine also has an Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks, such as cappuccino or latte macchiato. The unique design of this coffee pod machine, created by renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a statement in your home. Its round but slender forms and soft-touch buttons evoke the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 1960s, while seamlessly integrating advanced technology.
One downside of this machine is that it requires some extra attention than some other models, especially when you use the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can sometimes block the flow of the hot water, which prevents the machine from working efficiently. You will need to wait for several minutes before making another cup of coffee to let the excess air out.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most sought-after pod coffee machines available on the market. The small size, attractive pricing, and the ease of use are major selling points. But can this tiny machine meet the high standards set by the company that owns it? We took it for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, but it isn't sacrificing performance. It makes drinks with the push of a button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC in order to determine which drink it has to create. It also sets the proper amount for water and froth in each drink by using Intellibrew technology to ensure an excellent outcome every time.
It's easy to use. Simply insert the desired T DISC and then select the size of your drink. The Vivy offers 40 different drinks, as well as a milk jug to make cappuccinos or lattes. It takes just three seconds to warm up and shuts off automatically after five minutes to conserve energy.
It's easy to clean, too thanks to a cleverly designed descaler that slots into the side of the machine. This is a separate process, but it's quick and easy.
If you sign up for your Vivy, you will receive a discount on your first order of T-DISCs as well as personalized offers, tips and suggestions. You can also keep track of the progress of your machine, and find out how much it's used. Registering your machine is recommended when you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a leading player in the coffee industry and an iconic heritage brand, is a world leader. It was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is operated by his children and spans across the globe. The family-owned business has a long history of innovation and is famous for its high-quality espresso crafted using nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
The company is committed to sustainability and has taken a variety of initiatives to protect the environment. They also ensure that their products are as eco-friendly as is possible. They have focused on energy efficiency, and are committed to reducing their emissions, and the use of renewable energies. They have also promoted regenerative farming and are focused on improving their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, Illycaffe is committed to helping their employees thrive. They have invested in training programs for their employees, and have created an "university" of coffee to train professionals and consumers alike on how to make the best cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to be awarded an B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies that place a high value on ethics and have a mission. 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 for the past seven years. The company has been dedicated to proving coffeee that sustainable quality can make a difference for both the environment and people They have a strong belief that it is up to everyone to do their part.