One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have an undeserved reputation for their the watery, weak drinks. Fortunately, the best ones can offer much more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods instead of the dreaded K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It also offers a range of capsule options and easy customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the best pod coffee makers on the market, this drip and single-serve model offers the most comprehensive set 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 has a programmable clock as well as a "strong setting" that makes more flavor. It also has a foldaway, built-in frother to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time, using any size K-Cup or the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate water reservoir is included). It uses Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which reads the barcode on each pod to adjust machine's settings to ensure the perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's faster at brewing full pots than the Keurig that is the most popular. It also has advanced features such as a 24-hour start time, brew intensity control, and automatic shutoff.
It's easy to use, despite having two operating modes, and the cleaning process is fairly easy. The reusable pod adapter and needles can be removed to clean, and the filter can be washed in the sink. The machine is heavy and bulky for counter space but it's a great choice for those who want the convenience of pods or the flexibility of coffee ground.
This basic cold brew machine is a budget-friendly option that provides smooth and delicious cups. It comes with a timer that can be programmed, a built-in milk frother and a reusable filter and can make 12 cups of java at a time. It has a large reservoir of water and glass carafes to hold hot beverages.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great choice to consider if you're already a fan of the pod coffee machines but want to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's new espresso machine is stylish, quick and can create five different drinks from one compact, sleek chassis. It's on sale now making it an excellent choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine is then able to heat up quickly and is easy to use, using an automatic button that adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of the patented Nespresso capsules that have a barcode on them that informs the machine of what kind of espresso or coffee it is, ensuring you get the right temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods spin rapidly while brewing to create an emulsion called crema, which is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawback is that it's more loud than other pod-machines and you can't reuse the capsules. Fortunately the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable and you can drop them off at the local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for free, and they'll return them to reuse.
The machine is also pretty expensive compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you consider the cost of buying the pods. If, however, you've already bought in to the benefits of pod coffee, it's only a small price to pay for consistently good barista-like results. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make cappuccinos and lattes. It's also available in bundles that include a few sample packs of the Nespresso capsules as well as milk frothers, which can save you money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines use a similar brewing process - you insert a capsule, press a button and the coffee is brewed. However, every now and then a device comes along that breaks convention right out of the water, such as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It has a unique system for capsules that bind them into the portafilter handle. This lets the machine create an espresso that's like you would get at a cafe, however without all of the fuss and mess that is typical of an espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules that are made of premium coffee beans of the highest quality. Each capsule contains a precise dose of espresso ground, which is then brewed using a unique two-stage process to produce a thick and rich crema. The extraction process is entirely within the capsule. This means that the machine and coffee are not in contact. Cleaning up is an easy task.
This coffee pod machine also has an Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and macchiato latte. Its unique design, created by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to stand out in your kitchen. Its round but slender forms and soft-touch buttons recall 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 stop the flow of hot water, which can prevent the machine from functioning properly. If this happens, you'll have to wait for a few minutes before making another coffee to allow the air to let go.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most well-known pod coffee machines on the market. The small size, attractive pricing and user-friendly are major selling points. Does this tiny machine meet the standards set by its parent company's? We went for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is a basic pod coffee machine, but it isn't sacrificing its performance. It can make drinks with a simple press of a button. It reads a barcode on the T DISC to determine what drink to make. It also sets the correct amount of the froth and water in each drink using Intellibrew technology to ensure the best results every time.
It's easy to use. Simply insert the desired T DISC, and select the size of your drink. There are 40 different drinks to choose from and the Vivy comes with a milk jug for making cappuccinos or lattes. It only takes three seconds to heat up and shuts off automatically after five minutes.
The descaler is designed to fit on the side of the machine. There are separate directions for this, but the procedure is quick and simple.
If you sign up coffee capsules machines for your Vivy, you will receive a discount for your first order of T-DISCs, and also customized offers, tips and recommendations. You can also keep track of the status of your machine and see how much it's been used. Registering your machine is an excellent idea when you purchase it.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a well-known heritage brand and one of the leaders in the coffee industry. Founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is still run by his descendants and spans across the world. The family-owned company has a long tradition of innovation and is renowned for its premium espresso made using nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented numerous initiatives to help protect the environment. They also make sure that their products are as eco-friendly as possible. They have concentrated on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and also utilizing renewable energy sources. They also have worked to promote regenerative farming, and have a particular focus on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitments to sustainability, illycaffe is committed to helping their employees thrive. They have invested in programs that offer training and professional development for their staff and they have created an "university of coffee" that assists in educating both professionals and consumers on how to get the best possible cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to be awarded an B Corp certification. This certification is given to international companies who prioritize ethics and a sense of purpose. The company also recently launched 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 is committed to showing how sustainable quality can benefit the environment as well as people. They believe that everyone has a part to take on.