One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have a bit of an undeserved reputation for being low-strength, watery drinks. However, the top pods are more than that.
The illy Bruvi utilizes B-Pods in place of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It has a variety of capsule options, and it is easy to customise.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This combination drip-and-single-serve coffee maker has the best features of all the models we tested. It comes with a 12-cup carafe which is brewed in the traditional manner and a single-serve that accepts any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe side comes with an adjustable timer as well as it has a "strong" setting that produces more flavor than normal settings. It also comes with a built-in, foldaway frother for lattes and cappuccinos.
The single-serve side brews up to 18 ounces at a single time with any size of K-Cup and the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cups 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 settings for an ideal cup every time. It's faster than a leading Keurig model at brewing a full pot using its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced features like a 24 hour brew start, brew strength controls, and auto shutoff.
It's easy to use, despite having two modes of operation, and cleaning is pretty easy. The reusable pod adapter, needles, and mesh filter are easily removed to clean. The machine is heavy and heavy for counter space, but it's an excellent option for those who want the convenience of pods, or the versatility of coffee ground.
This low-cost cold brew machine makes a smooth and delicious cup. It can create 12 cups at a time and comes with a programmable clock, an integrated milk frother and a coffee filter that can be reused. It has a large reservoir of water as well as a glass carafe that can hold hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great option for those who are already a fan of pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso's latest espresso machine is sleek, fast and has the ability to make five different drinks on one sleek, compact machine. It's on sale now, making it a great choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine next heats up quickly and is simple to use, using a button that adapts automatically to the type capsule you're using. It makes use of patent-pending Nespresso pods that feature an identifier barcode that tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures that you get the right temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods also spin rapidly while brewing, resulting in an exquisite layer of foam, referred to as crema, which is usually found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine's only downside is that it's more loud than other pod-machines and you can't reuse the capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules can be recycled, so you can recycle them at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website.
The machine is also expensive in comparison to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you factor in the cost of buying pods. If you're already a pod-coffee fan, this is an affordable price to pay for consistent barista-style results. Additionally, you can add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for cappuccinos and lattes. You can also purchase it in bundles, which include some of the Nespresso pods as well as a frother. This will make it cheaper to buy the machine in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines have the same brewing procedure - you place a capsule in then press a button and the coffee comes out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that eschew the norm. It has a completely different system for capsules, locking them into place in a portafilter-like hand. This lets the machine create an espresso that's as good as you'd get 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 contains an exact amount of espresso that is then brewed using a unique two-stage process to produce a thick and rich crema. The extraction process is completely inside the capsule, meaning that the machine and coffee never meet and cleaning up is easy.
The coffee pod also comes with an Pannarello steam wand for making milky drinks such as cappuccino and latte macchiato. Its unique design, created by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to make a statement in your kitchen. Its slender, round shapes and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly mixing modern technology.
One drawback of this machine is that it needs a little more focus than other models, especially when you are using the steam wand. The reason for this is that too much air can block the steam from flowing properly making it impossible for the machine to continue working. You'll need to wait for a few moments before preparing another cup of coffee in order to let the air 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 dimensions, attractive pricing, and user-friendly are major reasons to buy. 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, but it doesn't skimp on performance. It makes drinks at the touch of a single button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC to know which drink it has to make. It also automatically adjusts the proper amount of froth and water for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to achieve an outstanding result every time.
This makes it extremely simple to use - simply insert the desired T DISC and select your preferred drink size. There are 40 different drinks to choose from and the Vivy comes with a milk jug for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes just three seconds to warm up and it shuts down automatically after five minutes.
It's easy to clean thanks to a cleverly designed descaler that slides into the side of the machine. This is a separate procedure, but it's quick and easy.
If you sign up for your Vivy, you will get a discount on your first order of T-DISCs, and also personalized offers, tips and suggestions. You can also monitor the status of your machine, and find out how much it has used. Registering your machine is also recommended when you purchase it.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a leading player in the world of coffee and an famous heritage brand, is a global leader. Established in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is still managed by his descendants and is spread across the globe. The family-owned and operated business has a long tradition of embracing innovation within the field, and is renowned for its high quality espresso made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a range of initiatives that help to protect the environment and ensure that their products are as eco friendly as possible. They have focused pods coffee machine on energy efficiency, and are determined to reduce their carbon footprint as well as the use of renewable energy sources. They have also promoted regenerative farming and are focused on enhancing 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 developed a "university of coffee" that helps to educate consumers and professionals about how to enjoy the most optimal cup of coffee.
In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to earn the B-Corp designation, which is an international designation which recognizes companies that value ethics and a sense of purpose. The company also introduced its first line of Nespresso compatible Pods and been named as one of the world's most ethical companies over the last seven years. The company is dedicated to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people. They believe that everyone has a role to play.