One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are frequently criticized for making watery, weak drinks. The best ones are much more than just that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods in place of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It also comes with a variety of capsule options and easy customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers available on the market, this single-serve and drip models offer the most comprehensive set of features in our test. It comes with 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 has a programmable clock and it has a "strong setting" that gives you more flavor. It also has an integrated, fold-away frother to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can make up to 18 ounces of coffee at once using any size K-Cup or reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cups (a separate reservoir for water is included). It uses Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and scans the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's faster at brewing full pots than a leading Keurig. It also comes with advanced features like a 24-hour start time, brew intensity control and automatic shutoff.
The device is easy to use despite the fact it has two operating modes. It also cleans easily. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles and mesh filter can be easily removed for cleaning. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space however it's a great alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This simple cold brew maker is a budget-friendly option that provides an incredibly smooth and delicious cup. It can make 12 cups at a time and features a programmable timer as well as an integrated milk frother and an reusable coffee filter. It has a large tank of water and glass carafes to hold hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great option if you are already a fan of pod coffee machines and want to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's latest espresso maker is sleek, fast and can create five different drinks in one chassis. It's on sale now which makes it a great option for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine next heats up quickly and is easy to use, using an automatic button that adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of patent-pending Nespresso capsules with an identifier on them that tells the machine what kind of espresso or coffee it is, ensuring you have the right temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The pods also spin fast during brewing, creating an exquisite layer of foam, known as crema. It is usually found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only downsides to the VertuoLine is that it's a bit louder than other pod machines, and that you aren't able to reuse the capsules you've used. Fortunately, the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable so you can drop them off at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for no cost and they'll return them to you to recycle.
The machine is also pretty expensive in comparison to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you take into account the cost of purchasing the pods. If you're already a pod-coffee fan, the cost is an affordable price to pay for consistent barista-like results. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for lattes and cappuccinos. It's also available as bundles that contain a few samples of Nespresso capsules as well as milk frothers, which can save you money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it comes to brewing, most pod machines adhere to the same pattern - capsules are placed on the top, you press a button and coffee flows out. But now and then a machine comes along that blows convention out of the water, as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It is a revolutionary system for capsules that bind them into a portafilter handle. The machine can produce espresso that is as good as the kind you get at a cafe without the mess and hassle of an espresso machine that is traditional.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules that are made of premium high-quality coffee beans. Each capsule is stocked with an exact amount of espresso that is then brewed using a special two-stage process to create a rich crema. The extraction happens entirely inside the capsule, meaning that the machine and coffee never meet, and clean-up is easy.
The coffee pod also has a Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks, such as cappuccino or latte macchiato. The unique design, developed by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to stand out in your kitchen. Its slender, round forms and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
One drawback of this machine is that it needs a little more focus than other models, especially when you use the steam wand. This is because excess air can block the flow of the hot water, preventing the machine from functioning efficiently. You'll need to wait for several minutes before making another cup of coffee in order to let the excess air escape.
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. The compact dimensions, attractive pricing, and ease of operation are all major reasons to buy. Does this machine meet the high standards set by its parent company's standards? We went for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is a basic pod coffee machine, but it doesn't sacrifice its performance. It makes drinks with the push of a button, by reading a unique barcode on each T DISC to determine what drink it should create. It also sets the correct amount for water and froth in every drink by using Intellibrew Technology to produce the best results every time.
It's very easy to use - simply insert the desired T DISC, and choose the size of your drink. There are 40 drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk jug for making cappuccinos or lattes. It takes just three seconds to warm up and it has an auto-shutoff after five minutes.
It's easy to clean, too thanks to a cleverly designed descaler that slides into the side of the machine. There are separate directions for this, but the procedure is simple and quick.
If you sign up for your Vivy, you'll receive a discount on your first order of T-DISCs, and also specific offers, tips and recommendations. You can also track the condition of your machine and find out how much it has been used. It's worth registering your machine when you purchase it, also.
5. illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe, a leader in the coffee market and famous heritage brand, is a global leader. Established in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company continues to pod coffee makers be run by his descendants and spans across the globe. The family-owned business has a history of innovation and is renowned for its top-quality espresso that is made from nine different types of Arabica bean.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives to safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally green as they can. They have a particular focus on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions as well as using renewable energy sources. They have also worked to promote regenerative agriculture, and are focusing on improving their water resources.
Illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their commitment to help their employees achieve. They have invested in training programs for their employees and have created an "university" of coffee to educate consumers and professionals alike on how to make the best cup of coffee.
In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to obtain a B-Corp certification, which is an international label that recognizes companies that prioritize ethics and a sense of purpose. The company also recently introduced 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 dedicated to proving that sustainable quality can make a difference for the environment and people alike and has an unshakeable belief that it is the responsibility of everyone to take action.