One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are frequently criticized for producing weak, watery drinks. The best pods are more than just that.
The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods in place of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It also offers a range of capsule options and easy customization.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers available on the market, this single-serve and drip models offer the most comprehensive set of features that we have tested. It has a 12-cup carafe that brews grounds in the traditional manner and single-serve that can accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe side has an adjustable timer and an "strong" setting that produces more flavor than the normal settings. It comes with an adjustable frother that folds away and is built into the carafe to make lattes and capspuccinos.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces at a single time using any size K-Cup and the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup, or ground coffee (a separate water tank is provided). It is based on Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system that analyzes the barcode on each pod to adjust machine's settings to make a perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's more efficient in brewing full-pots than the Keurig that is the most popular. It also comes with advanced features like a 24-hour start, brew intensity controls, and automatic shutoff.
The device is simple 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 removed to clean. The unit is a bit heavy and heavy 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 has a programmable timer and a built-in milk froth and a reusable filter and can make 12 cups of java at once. It comes with a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe to hold hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is an excellent option for those who are already a fan of pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso's newest espresso machine is stylish, quick and has the ability to create five different drinks from one sleek, compact machine. It's on sale now making it an excellent choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine Next can be heated up quickly and is incredibly easy to use with a single-use button that automatically adjusts 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 during brewing, creating an emulsion called crema, which is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.
The only downsides to the VertuoLine is that it's a bit more loud than other pod machines, and that you can't reuse the used capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules can be recycled, so you can recycle the capsules at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website.
The machine is pricey when contrasted with other pod machines particularly when you add the cost of the pods. If you're already a pod coffee lover, it's a small price to pay for consistently barista style results. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make lattes and cappuccinos. You can also buy it in bundles that include some samples of Nespresso pods as well as a frother. This will help you save money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is time to brew, the majority of pod machines follow a similar format - capsules are placed in the top, you press a button and the coffee is poured out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that defy the rules of. It uses a unique system for capsules that locks them into a portafilter handle. The machine can produce espresso that is similar to the one you can get in a cafe without the mess and hassle of a traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible with only Illy MIE pods that are made from premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule contains precisely proportions of ground espresso, which is brewed using a two-stage process. This results in a thick crema. The extraction is done entirely inside the capsule. This means that the machine and coffee are never in contact. Clean-up is also an easy task.
The coffee pod also comes with an Pannarello steam wand for making milky drinks like cappuccino and macchiato latte. The unique design, developed by famed Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to be a standout in your kitchen. Its round, slender forms and soft-touch buttons like traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly merging modern technology.
One drawback of this machine is that it needs some more attention than other models, particularly when you are using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can sometimes hinder the flow of hot water, which prevents the machine from working properly. If this happens, you'll have to wait a few minutes before preparing another coffee to allow the air to escape.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most popular coffee makers available. The compact dimensions as well as the attractive pricing and the ease of use are major reasons to buy. Does this machine meet the high standards set forth by its parent company's standards? We tested it at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, however it isn't sacrificing the performance. It makes drinks at the touch of a single button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC to determine which drink it has to create. It also automatically determines the proper amount of water and froth for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to produce the best results every time.
This makes it very easy to operate - just insert the desired T DISC and select the size you prefer for your drink. The Vivy has 40 different drinks as well as a milk jug to make lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to warm up, and has auto-shut-off after five minutes, to save energy.
The descaler is designed to fit on the side of your machine. There are separate directions for this, but the process is easy and quick.
As an added benefit, if sign up your Vivy with Bosch, you'll get discounts on your first order of T DISCs. You'll also receive personalized offers, suggestions and tips. You can also keep track of the progress of your machine and find out how much it's used. Registering your machine is also a good idea immediately after you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a leading player in the coffee market and famous heritage brand, is a world leader. The company was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still run by his descendants. It spans the globe. The family-owned and operated business has a long tradition of embracing new technologies within the field, and is renowned for its high quality espresso that is made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.
The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented a number initiatives to help to protect the environment. They also ensure that their products are as eco-friendly as they can. They have a particular focus on efficiency in energy use, and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint, as well as the use of renewable energies. They also have worked to promote regenerative agriculture, and have a particular focus on improving their water resources.
illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their commitment to help their employees achieve. They have invested in programs that offer training and professional development for their staff and they have created an "university of coffee" which helps educate consumers and professionals alike on how to make the best possible cup of coffee.
In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to earn a B-Corp certification, which is an international label that recognizes businesses that are committed to ethics and a sense that they have a purpose. The company also recently introduced their first line of Nespresso compatible pods, and has been named one of the world's most ethical companies for the last seven years. The company is committed to showing how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people. They coffee pod machines believe that everyone has a role to play.