One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often criticized for producing watery, weak drinks. Fortunately, the best pods are more than that.
The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods instead of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It also comes with a variety of capsules and simple customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This coffee maker that is a combination of drip and single-serve has the most impressive features of the models we have tested. It has a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional ground coffee and a single-serve side that accepts any kind of K-Cup Keurig-like, reusable or Keurig pod. The carafe has a programmable clock and an "strong setting" that makes more flavor. It has an easy-to-folding frother that's built into the carafe to make capspuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time using any size K-Cup, or a the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate reservoir for water is included). It utilizes Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which scans the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings to ensure a perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's quicker at making full-pots of brew than a leading Keurig. It also has advanced features, like a 24 hour start, brew intensity controls and automatic shutoff.
It's simple to use, despite having two different operating modes, and the cleaning process is fairly easy. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles are easily removed to clean, and the filter can be washed in your sink. The device is heavy and heavy for counter space, however it's a great option for those who prefer the convenience of pods, or the versatility of coffee ground.
This affordable cold brew maker makes a smooth and delicious cup. It can make 12 cups at a time and has a programmable clock as well as an integrated milk frother and an reusable coffee filter. It has a large reservoir of water as well as a glass carafe to hold hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already committed to the trend of pod coffee machines and would like to upgrade the Keurig-style machine you have, this is an excellent alternative. Nespresso's latest espresso maker is stylish, fast and can create five different drinks on one chassis. It's also on sale now which makes it a great choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is extremely easy to use, with a single button that automatically adapts to the kind of capsule you're using. It makes use of the patented Nespresso capsules which have an identifier on them which tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, ensuring that you have the right temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods spin quickly while brewing, resulting in an exquisite layer of foam, known as crema, which is usually found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only downsides to the VertuoLine are that it's a little louder than other pod machines and that you aren't able to reuse the used capsules. Fortunately, the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable, so you can drop them off at the local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for no cost and they'll return them to reuse.
The machine is expensive when compared to other pod machines, especially if you include the cost of the pods. If you've already bought in to the benefits of pod coffee, it's only a small cost to get consistently good barista-like results. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for cappuccinos and lattes. It's also offered in bundles that contain a few samples of Nespresso capsules as well as milk frother that can save you money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines have a similar brewing process - you place a capsule in, press a button and the coffee pours out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that defy the norm. It utilizes a different mechanism for capsules and locks them in a portafilter-like handle. The machine produces espresso that is comparable to the one you can get in a cafe, but without the hassle and mess of a traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE pods which are made of premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule is stocked with precisely proportioned amounts of ground espresso, which is then brewed with a specific two-stage process to create a thick and rich crema. The extraction takes place completely inside the capsule, meaning that the coffee and machine never come into contact, and clean-up is a breeze.
This coffee pod machine comes with a Pannarello Steam Wand for making milky drinks such as cappuccino and 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 slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons reminiscent of classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while coffee capsules machines seamlessly merging modern technology.
One downside of this machine is that it needs a little more attention than some other models, especially when you are using the steam wand. This is because excess air can sometimes hinder the flow of hot water, which can prevent the machine from working efficiently. If this happens, you'll need to wait a few minutes before making another cup of coffee to allow the air to be released.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most popular coffee machines available. The compact dimensions, attractive pricing and the ease of use are important selling points. Does this little machine meet the high standards set forth by the parent company? We tested it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is among the most simple pod coffee machines on the market however it doesn't compromise on performance. It makes drinks at the push of a button, by reading a unique barcode on each T DISC to know which drink it has to make. It also determines the right amount of water and froth in each drink by using Intellibrew technology to ensure an excellent outcome every time.
This makes it easy to operate - just insert the desired T DISC, then select the desired drink size. There are 40 different drinks to choose from and the Vivy comes with a milk jug that can be used for making cappuccinos or lattes. It takes only three seconds to heat up, and has auto-shut-off after five minutes to conserve energy.
The descaler is cleverly designed to slot into the side of the machine. This is a separate process however it's very quick and simple.
As an added benefit, if register your Vivy with Bosch and Bosch, you'll receive an extra discount on your first order of T DISCs and receive personalised offers, recommendations and suggestions. You can also monitor the condition of your machine and see how much it's used. It is 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 established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still operated by his descendants. It has a presence across the globe. The family-owned and operated company has a long tradition of embracing new technologies within the field, and is renowned for its high quality espresso made from 9 different varieties of Arabica beans.
The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented a number initiatives to help preserve the environment. They also make sure that their products are as environmentally friendly as is possible. They have concentrated 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 strong focus on improving their water resources.
In addition to their commitments to sustainability, Illycaffe is committed to helping their employees succeed. They have invested in training programs for their employees and created a "university" of coffee to train professionals and consumers alike on how to make the perfect cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to earn the B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies who prioritize ethics and a purpose. The company has also launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods. They have also been named one of the world's Most Ethical Companies for the last seven years. The company has been committed to proving that sustainable quality can be beneficial to both the environment and people They have the conviction that it is up to everyone to do their part.