One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have an undeserved reputation for being low-strength, watery drinks. However, the top pods are more than that.
The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods, which are made of treated polypropylene cups which are supposed to degrade in landfill (rather than the notorious K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It offers a variety of capsule options and is easy to customize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the best pod coffee makers available on the market, this combination single-serve and drip model has the best combination of features we tested. It has a 12-cup carafe that brews grounds in the traditional way, and single-serve that can accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe's side features an adjustable timer as well as an "strong" setting that provides more flavor than the standard settings. It also has a foldaway, built-in frother to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve version can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time using any size K-Cup, or a the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cups (a separate reservoir for water is also included). It is based on Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system that reads the barcode on 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 Keurig's top-rated. It also comes with advanced features like a 24-hour start, brew intensity control and an automatic shutoff.
It's easy to use, despite having two different modes of operation, and clean-up is relatively painless. The reusable pod adapter and needles are easily removed to clean, and the filter can be washed in the sink. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space however it's a great alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.
This basic cold brew machine is a budget-friendly option that provides a smooth and flavorful cup. It comes with a timer that can be programmed as well as a built-in milk maker and a reusable filter, and can make 12 cups of java at a time. It also comes with a large water reservoir and a glass carafe to serve hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great choice for those who are already a fan of the pod coffee machines but want to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's latest espresso maker is sleek, efficient and can create five different drinks on one compact chassis. It's on sale now, making it a great option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is incredibly easy to use by pressing a single button that automatically adapts to the kind of capsule you're using. It utilizes patented Nespresso capsules which have an identifier on them which tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, ensuring that you get the correct temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods spin quickly while brewing, resulting in an indulgence-inducing layer of foam, referred to as crema. It is usually found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only downsides to the VertuoLine are that it's more loud than other pod machines, and that you can't reuse used capsules. Fortunately, the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable and you can drop them off at the local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for no cost and they'll return them to recycle.
The machine is pricey when it is compared to other pod makers, especially if you include the cost of the pods. If you're already a pod coffee fan, this is an affordable price to be paid for consistently barista-like results. Plus, you can add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for lattes and cappuccinos. It's also available in bundles that include a few sample packs of the Nespresso capsules and a milk frother, which can help you save money upfront.
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 pours out. However, every now and then a device comes along that blows convention out of the water, such as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It uses a unique system for capsules that lock them into a portafilter handle. The machine can produce espresso that is as good as the kind you get at cafes, without the mess and hassle of an espresso machine that is traditional.
The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE capsules which are made from premium high-quality coffee beans. Each capsule is stocked with an exact amount of ground espresso that is brewed using two stages. This produces a rich crema. The extraction process is entirely within the capsule. This means that the coffee and machine are not in contact. Clean-up is also a breeze.
This coffee pod machine comes with a Pannarello Steam Wand that can be used to make milky drinks like cappuccino or Latte Macchiato. Its unique design, created by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to make a statement in your kitchen. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 1960s, while seamlessly integrating advanced technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can sometimes stop the flow of hot water, preventing the machine from functioning effectively. You will need to wait for some time before making another cup of coffee to let the excess air out.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most sought-after pod coffee machines on the market. Its small dimensions, attractive price and ease of use are all big selling points. Does this little machine meet the standards set by the parent company? We took it for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is one of the simplest pod coffee machines available however it doesn't sacrifice on performance. It can create drinks with a single press of a button. It reads the barcode on the DISC to determine which drink to prepare. It also determines the right amount of the froth and water in each drink using Intellibrew technology to ensure an excellent outcome every time.
It is very simple to use - just insert the desired T disc and select the size of your drink. The Vivy offers 40 different best coffee machines with pods drinks and an milk jug that can be used to make lattes or cappuccinos. It only takes three seconds to warm up and shuts off automatically after five minutes.
It's easy to clean, with a cleverly designed descaler that fits into the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the procedure is quick and simple.
As a bonus, if you sign up your Vivy with Bosch and Bosch, you'll receive an extra discount on your first purchase of T DISCs. Additionally, you'll receive personalized offers, recommendations and advice. You'll also be able monitor the health of your machine and see how much water it's been using. It is a good idea to register your machine at the time you purchase it, also.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a leading player in the world of coffee and an iconic heritage brand, is a global leader. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still operated by his descendants. It spans the globe. The family-owned and operated company has a long history of innovating within the industry. It is renowned for its top quality espresso, which 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 make sure that their products are as eco-friendly as is possible. They have concentrated on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions as well as using renewable energies. They have also been working to promote regenerative agriculture, and have a strong focus on improving their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, Illycaffe is determined to help their employees achieve. They have invested in training programs for their employees, and have created a "university" of coffee to train both consumers and professionals on how to make the perfect cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to earn an B Corp certification. This certification is given to international companies who prioritize ethics and a sense of purpose. The company also recently launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods. They have also been named one of the World's most ethical companies over the last seven years. The company has been dedicated to demonstrating that sustainable quality can be beneficial to the environment and people alike, and they have the conviction that it is the responsibility of everyone to play their part.