One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are frequently criticized for making watery, weak drinks. Fortunately, the best pods can provide more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods made from treated polypropylene cups that are supposed to degrade in landfill (rather than the dreaded K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It offers a variety of capsules and is easy to customise.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers available on the market, this combination single-serve and drip models offer the best combination of features in our test. It has a 12-cup carafe that brews grounds in the traditional way and a single-serve that accepts any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe side has a programmable timer and it has a "strong" setting that produces more flavor than normal settings. It also has a foldaway, built-in frother to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can make up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time using any size K-Cup or reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate reservoir for water is also included). It makes use of Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and scans the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's more efficient in brewing full-pots than Keurig's top-rated. It also has advanced features, like a 24 hour start, brew intensity control and an automatic shutoff.
It's easy to use despite having two operating modes, and the cleaning process is fairly easy. The pod adapter that is reusable, needles and mesh filter can be easily removed to clean. The machine is heavy and heavy for counter space, however it's an excellent option for those who want the convenience of pods or the flexibility of coffee ground.
This simple cold brew machine is a great value option that delivers 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 has a large reservoir of water, as well as a glass carafe that can hold hot beverages.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already committed to the trend of pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig-style machine this is a great alternative. Nespresso's new espresso machine is stylish, quick and has the ability to make five different drinks on one sleek, compact machine. It's currently on sale which makes it a great option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine Next can be heated up quickly and is extremely simple to use, with a single button that automatically adapts to the kind of capsule you're using. It utilizes patent-pending Nespresso pods that have an identifier barcode that tells the machine what kind of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures that you get the correct temperature and pressure for every drink. The capsules spin fast while brewing to create an emulsion known as crema. It is typical of 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 capsules you've used. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules can be recycled, so you can recycle them at your local UPS store or on Nespresso's website.
The machine is expensive when it is compared to other pod makers, especially if you include the cost of the pods. If, however, you've already bought in to the benefits of pod coffee, it's a small cost to get consistently good barista-like results. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for cappuccinos or lattes. It is also available in bundles that include a few samples of the Nespresso pods as well as a frother. This will help you save money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines have the same brewing process: you place a capsule in and press a button, and the coffee comes out. But 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 has a completely different system for capsules, locking them into place inside a portafilter-like handle. The machine can produce espresso that is comparable to what you would get website in a cafe, but without the mess and hassle of the traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules, which are made from premium coffee beans of the highest quality. Each capsule contains an exact amount of espresso ground that is brewed in a two-stage process. This results in a thick crema. The extraction is performed entirely within the capsule. This means that the coffee and machine are not in contact. Clean-up is also easy.
This coffee pod machine is equipped with a Pannarello Steam Wand to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and latte Macchiato. The unique design, developed by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to make a statement in your kitchen. Its round but slender forms and soft-touch buttons evoke the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the '60s while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
One drawback of this machine is that it needs some more focus than other models, particularly when you are using the steam wand. This is because excessive air can sometimes prevent the hot water from flowing properly and stop the machine from working. If this happens, you'll need to wait for a few minutes before making another coffee to allow the air to let go.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most sought-after pod coffee machines available on the market. Its small dimensions, attractive price tag and easy-to-use are among the major selling points. But can this tiny machine live up to the high standards set by the parent company? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to find out.
The Vivy is one of the most simple pod coffee machines available however it doesn't sacrifice on performance. It can make drinks with a single press of a button. It reads a barcode on the T DISC to determine what drink to prepare. It also sets the correct amount of water and froth in every drink using Intellibrew Technology to achieve an excellent outcome every time.
It's easy to use. Simply insert the desired T DISC, and then select the size of your drink. The Vivy comes with 40 different drinks as well as a milk jug to make lattes or cappuccinos. It takes just three seconds to warm up, and has auto-shut-off after five minutes to save energy.
The descaler has been designed to fit on the side of the machine. This is a separate process however it's fast and easy.
As an added bonus, if you register your Vivy through Bosch as a bonus, you'll receive an extra discount on your first purchase of T DISCs. You'll also receive personalized offers, suggestions and advice. You'll also be able to 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, too.
5. illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a leading player in the coffee market and iconic heritage brand, is a world leader. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still operated by his descendants. It spans the globe. The family-owned company has a long tradition of innovation and is known for its top-quality espresso that is made using nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a range of initiatives that help protect the environment and ensure that their products are as eco sustainable as they can be. They have concentrated on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and also utilizing renewable energy sources. They have also promoted the practice of regenerative agriculture and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitments to sustainability, Illycaffe is determined to help their employees thrive. They have invested in programs to provide training and professional development for their staff and they have created an "university of coffee" that assists in educating consumers and professionals alike on how to make the best possible cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to earn the B Corp certification. This certification is given to international companies that are committed to ethics and a purpose. The company also introduced its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and has been recognized as one of the World's Most ethical companies for the last seven year. The company has been dedicated to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people alike and has the conviction that it is up to everyone to play their part.