One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have an undeserved reputation for their the watery, weak drinks. The best ones are much more than just that.
The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods, which are made of treated polypropylene cups which are designed to break down in landfill (rather than the notorious K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It offers a variety of capsule options, and it is easy to personalize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers on the market, this combination single-serve and drip model has the most comprehensive set of features we tested. It comes with a 12-cup carafe which brews grounds in the traditional way and a single-serve that accepts any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe side comes with a programmable timer and an "strong" setting that produces more flavor than the standard settings. It also comes with a foldaway, built-in frother to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces at a time using any size K-Cup, the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup, or ground coffee (a separate water tank is provided). It is based on Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which scans the barcode of each pod to adjust machine's settings to ensure a perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's more efficient in brewing full-pots than a leading Keurig. It also comes with advanced features, like a 24 hour start, brew intensity control and automatic shutoff.
The device is easy to use despite the fact it comes with two operating modes. It also cleans easily. The pod adapter that is reusable, needles and mesh filter can be easily removed to clean. The device is heavy and heavy for counter space, but it's a great choice for those who want the convenience of pods or the versatility of coffee ground.
This low-cost cold brew machine creates a smooth, delicious cup. It can make 12 cups at a time and comes with a programmable clock and a milk frother that is integrated as well as an coffee filter that is reusable. It also has a huge reservoir of water and a glass carafe to serve hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already committed to the pod coffee machine trend and would like to upgrade the Keurig-style machine you have, this is an excellent alternative. Nespresso's new espresso maker is sleek, fast, and can make five different drinks on one chassis. It's on sale now making it an excellent 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 capsule you are using. It makes use of patent-pending Nespresso capsules which have an identifier on them that tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, ensuring that you get the right temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The pods also spin rapidly when brewing, creating a decadent layer of foam, referred to as crema, which is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine are that it's a little louder 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 also pretty expensive compared to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you take into account the cost of purchasing the pods. If you've already bought in to the advantages of pod coffee, it's only a small cost to get consistent, barista-style results. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make cappuccinos or lattes. It's also available in bundles that contain a few samples of Nespresso capsules and milk frother which could save you money in the beginning.
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 is brewed. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that defy the rules of. It utilizes a different mechanism for capsules that lock them in place inside a portafilter-like handle. This allows the machine to create an espresso that's like you would get at a cafe, however without all of the fuss and mess of a traditional espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE capsules, which are made from premium, high-quality coffee beans. Each capsule has precisely proportioned amounts of espresso ground, which is then brewed with a specific two-stage process to produce a rich crema. The extraction takes place entirely within the capsule, meaning that the coffee and machine never come into contact and cleaning up is a breeze.
This coffee pod machine comes with a Pannarello Steam Wand for making milky beverages like cappuccino or macchiato latte. The unique design of this coffee machine, created by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold design statement in your living space. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons evoke the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the '60s while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
This machine requires more attention, especially when using the steam wand. The reason for this is that the excess air can sometimes stop the flow of hot water, preventing the machine from working properly. If this happens, you'll have to wait for a few minutes before making another cup of coffee to allow the air to escape.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most popular pod coffee machines on the market. Its small dimensions, attractive price tag and ease of use are all big selling points. But can this tiny machine live up to the high standards set by the company that owns it? We tested it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is one of the simplest pod coffee machines available however it doesn't compromise on performance. It can make drinks with a single press of a button. It scans an image of a barcode on the DISC to determine which drink to prepare. It also automatically determines the correct amount of water and froth for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to ensure an excellent result every time.
This makes it easy to use - simply insert the desired T DISC, then select your preferred drink size. There are 40 drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk container for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes just three seconds to heat up and shuts off automatically after five minutes.
The descaler is designed to fit into the side of your machine. There are separate pod coffee machine instructions for this, but the procedure is simple and quick.
If you sign up your Vivy, you will receive a discount on your first order of T-DISCs, along with specific offers, tips and suggestions. You'll also be able to monitor the health of your machine, and also see the amount of water it has been using. Registering your machine is also recommended immediately after you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a renowned brand with a long history and is a an industry leader in the field of coffee. The company was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still run by his descendants. It is a global company. The family-owned and operated business has a long track record of embracing new technologies within the industry. It 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 taken a variety of initiatives to help preserve the environment. They also ensure that their products are as green as they can. They have a particular focus on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions as well as using renewable energy sources. They also promote the practice of regenerative agriculture and are focusing on improving their water resources.
In addition to their commitments 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 that educates both consumers and professionals on how to make the most delicious cup of coffee.
In addition to all of this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to be awarded a B-Corp certification, which is an international designation that recognizes businesses that are committed to ethics and a sense of mission. The company has also launched 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 showing how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people. They believe that everyone has a role to take on.