One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often accused of producing weak, watery drinks. Fortunately, the best pods can offer much more than that.
The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods made from treated polypropylene cups which are designed to degrade in landfill (rather than the notorious K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It offers a variety of capsule options and is simple to personalize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the best pod coffee makers available on the market, this combination single-serve and drip models offer the most comprehensive set of features we tested. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional ground coffee and a single-serve side that can accept any kind of K-Cup Keurig-like, reusable or Keurig pod. The carafe comes with a programmable clock and an "strong setting" that produces more flavor. It also has a built-in, foldaway frother to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side is able to brew up to 18 ounces per hour using any size K-Cup, the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup, or ground coffee (a separate water tank is included). It is based on Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which reads the barcode on each pod to adjust machine's settings to make an ideal 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 like a 24-hour start, brew intensity control and automatic shutoff.
It's easy to use, despite having two operating modes, and cleaning process is fairly easy. The pod adapter that is reusable and needles are easily removed for cleaning and the mesh filter is washable in the sink. The unit is a bit heavy and bulky for counter space but it's a great option for those who prefer the convenience of pods, or the versatility of coffee ground.
This budget-friendly cold brew machine makes a smooth and delicious cup. It comes with a programmable timer, a built-in milk frother and a reusable filter and can make 12 cups of java in one go. It also has a large water reservoir and a glass carafe to serve hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is an excellent option to consider if you're already a fan of pod coffee machines but want to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso's newest espresso machine is sleek, efficient and can make five different drinks in one sleek, compact machine. It's on sale now, making it a great option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is easy to use, using a button that adapts automatically to the type of capsule you're using. It uses patented Nespresso capsules which have a barcode which tells the machine what kind of espresso or coffee it is, ensuring that you have the right temperature and pressure for each drink. The capsules spin fast while brewing to create a layer of foam known as crema that is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.
The only downsides to the VertuoLine is that it's a little louder than other pod machines, and that you can't reuse capsules you've used. 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 free and they'll return them to you to reuse.
The machine is pricey when contrasted with other pod machines, especially if you include the cost of the pods. If you're already a coffee pod fan, the cost is a small amount to pay for consistent barista-style results. Additionally, you can add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for cappuccinos and lattes. You can also purchase it in bundles, which contain a few samples 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 about brewing, most pod machines follow a similar format - capsules are placed on the top, you press a button and coffee flows out. However, every now and then there is a machine that is a complete blow to the water, as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It has a unique system for capsules that locks them into a portafilter handle. This allows the machine to create an espresso that's similar to what you'd find in a cafe, but without the hassle and mess that is typical of an espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible only with Illy MIE pods, which are made of top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule has precisely proportioned amounts of espresso ground, which is then brewed using a special two-stage process that produces a thick and rich crema. The extraction happens completely inside the capsule, so the machine and coffee never come into contact and cleaning up is easy.
The coffee pod includes a Pannarello Steam Wand for making milky beverages like cappuccino or macchiato latte. The distinctive design of this coffee pod machine, created by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold statement in your home. Its round but slender forms and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 1960s and seamlessly integrates modern technology.
This machine requires more attention, especially when using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can block the flow of the hot water, which can prevent the machine from functioning efficiently. If this happens, you'll need to wait 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 sought-after pod coffee machines available on the market. Its compact dimensions, attractive price and easy-to-use are among the major selling points. Does this tiny machine meet the high standards set forth by the parent company? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to find out.
The Vivy is among the simplest pod coffee machines that are available, but it doesn't skimp on performance. It can make drinks coffee pod machines with just a single touch. It reads an image of a barcode on the DISC to determine which drink to prepare. It also automatically determines the right amount of froth and water for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to produce an outstanding result every time.
It is very simple to use - just insert the desired T DISC, and choose the size of your drink. The Vivy has 40 different drinks and a milk jug to make lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to heat up and it has an auto-shutoff after five minutes.
It's easy to clean using a cleverly-designed descaler that fits into the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the process is quick and simple.
As a bonus, if you register your Vivy through Bosch and Bosch, you'll receive an extra discount on your first order of T DISCs. Additionally, you'll receive personalized offers, recommendations and advice. You can also monitor the progress of your machine and see how much it has been used. Registering your machine is also a good idea when you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a renowned heritage brand that is a one of the leaders in the coffee industry. The company was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still operated by his descendants. It is a global company. The family-owned business has a long history of innovation and is famous for its high-quality espresso crafted from nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a range of initiatives to protect the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally green as they can. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions as well as using renewable energy sources. They also have worked to promote regenerative agriculture and have a particular focus on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitments to sustainability, illycaffe is also determined to help their employees achieve. They have invested in training programs for their employees and created a "university" of coffee to educate consumers and professionals alike on how to make the most delicious cup of coffee.
In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to earn B-Corp certification. This is an international certification which recognizes companies that value ethics and a sense of 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 is committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people. They believe that everyone has a responsibility to play.