One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have an undeserved reputation for their the watery, weak drinks. The top ones are more than just that.
The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods, which are made of treated polypropylene cups which are supposed to break down in landfill (rather than the notorious K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also has bundles of capsules and simple customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the best pod coffee makers available on the market, this single-serve and drip models offer the most comprehensive set of features that we have tested. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional grounds, and one-serve side that will accept any kind of K-Cup Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe is programmable with a clock as well as an "strong setting" that gives you more flavor. It also comes with an easy-to-folding frother that's integrated into the carafe to serve cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can make up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time, using any size K-Cup, or a the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cups (a separate water reservoir is included). It utilizes Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and scans the barcode of each pod to adjust machine settings. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's faster at brewing full pots than Keurig's top-rated. It also comes with advanced features such as 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 up easily. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles, and mesh filter can be easily removed for cleaning. The device is heavy and bulky for counter space but it's an excellent option for those who desire the convenience of pods, or the flexibility of coffee ground.
This simple cold brew machine is a great value option that provides an incredibly smooth and delicious cup. It can make 12 cups at once and has a programmable clock as well as an integrated milk frother as well as an coffee filter that can be reused. It comes with a large reservoir of water as well as a glass carafe to hold hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already accustom to the pod coffee machine trend and would like to upgrade your current Keurig-style machine, this is an excellent alternative. Nespresso's newest espresso machine is sleek, efficient and can make five different drinks in one sleek, compact chassis. It's currently on sale and is a great option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is extremely easy to use by pressing a single button that automatically adapts to the kind of capsule you're using. It uses the patented Nespresso capsules which have an identifier on them that informs the machine of what kind of coffee or espresso it is, ensuring you get the right temperature and pressure for each drink. The capsules spin quickly during brewing, creating the foam, also called crema, which is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawback is that it's louder than other pod-machines and that you cannot reuse the capsules. Fortunately the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable and you can drop them off at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for no cost and they'll return them to reuse.
The machine is also quite expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you consider the cost of buying pods. If you've already a believer in the benefits of pod coffee, it's only a small price to pay for consistent results that resemble baristas. You can also add a 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 and milk frothers that can save you money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines use the same brewing procedure - you insert a capsule then press a button and the coffee pours out. But every now and then, there is a machine 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 locks them into the portafilter handle. The machine can produce espresso that is comparable to the one you can get in cafes, without the mess and hassle of the traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible only with Illy MIE pods which are made of premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule contains a precise dose of espresso that is then brewed with a specific two-stage process to produce a thick and rich crema. The extraction happens completely inside the capsule, so the coffee and machine never come into contact and cleanup is a breeze.
This coffee pod machine also comes with an Pannarello steam wand for making milky drinks, such as cappuccino or latte macchiato. Its unique design, created by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to make a statement in your kitchen. Its slim but round shapes and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 1960s and seamlessly integrates modern technology.
This machine requires more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can sometimes hinder the flow of hot water, preventing the machine from functioning effectively. You'll need to wait some time before making another cup of coffee in order to let the excess air go.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most sought-after coffee machines on the market. The small size, attractive pricing and user-friendly are major reasons to buy. But can this tiny machine meet the high standards set by the company that owns it? We tested it at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is one of the simplest pod coffee machines that are available however it doesn't sacrifice on performance. It makes drinks with the touch of a single button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC to determine which drink it needs to create. It also sets the correct amount of water and froth in every drink by using Intellibrew Technology to achieve an excellent outcome every time.
This makes it easy to operate - just insert the desired T DISC and choose your preferred drink size. The Vivy offers 40 different drinks, as well as a milk jug to make lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to warm up and it shuts down automatically after five minutes.
It's easy to clean, too using a cleverly-designed descaler that slides into the side of the machine. This is a separate procedure however it's fast and easy.
As a bonus, if you register your Vivy through Bosch, you'll get discounts on your first order of T DISCs. Additionally, you'll receive personalised offers, recommendations and suggestions. You can also track the status of your capsule machine coffee machine, and find out how much it's been used. It's a good idea to register your machine when you purchase it, as well.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe, a leader 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 has a presence across the globe. The family-owned and operated business has a long track record of innovating within the field, and is known for its premium quality espresso made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a range of initiatives to protect the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally sustainable as they can be. They have focused their efforts on efficiency in energy use, and are committed to reducing their emissions, and also the use of renewable energy sources. They have also promoted Regenerative farming and are focusing on enhancing 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 an "university" of coffee that educates professionals and consumers alike on how to make the best cup of coffee.
In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to earn the B-Corp designation, which is an international label that recognizes businesses that are committed to ethics and a sense of 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 past seven years. The company is committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can make a difference for the environment and people alike and has a strong belief that it is up to everyone to play their part.