One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are frequently criticized for making watery, weak drinks. However, the top pods are more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods instead of the dreaded K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It also comes with a variety of capsule options and easy customization.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the best pod coffee makers available on the market, this combination single-serve and drip models offer the best blend of features we tested. It has a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional grounds and a single-serve side that accepts any kind of K-Cup Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe has a programmable clock and it has a "strong setting" that produces more flavor. It comes with an adjustable frother that folds away and is 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 cup (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 more efficient in brewing full-pots than Keurig's top-rated. It also has advanced features, like a 24 hour start time, brew intensity control and an automatic shutoff.
The device is simple to use despite the fact it has two operating modes. It also cleans up easily. The pod adapter that is reusable and needles are easily removed to clean, and the mesh filter is washable in your sink. It's a bit bulky and heavy for counter space however it's a great option for anyone who wants the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This simple cold brew machine is a budget pick that provides an incredibly smooth and delicious cup. It has a programmable timer, a built-in milk frother 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 brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already accustom to the trend of pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade the Keurig-style machine you have, this is an excellent option. Nespresso's latest espresso machine is sleek, efficient and can make five different drinks in one sleek, compact chassis. It's on sale now which makes it a great choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is simple to use, with a button that adapts automatically to the type capsule you are using. It utilizes the patented Nespresso capsules which have an identifier on them which tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, making sure you get the right temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods also spin fast during brewing, creating an indulgence-inducing layer of foam, known as crema, that is usually found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine is that it's a bit more loud than other pod machines and that you aren't able to reuse the capsules that you've used. 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 free, and they'll take them back to reuse.
The machine is also pretty expensive compared to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you consider the cost of purchasing the pods. If you've already bought in to the benefits of pod coffee, it's a low cost to get consistent results that resemble baristas. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for cappuccinos or lattes. It's also available in bundles that include a few samples of Nespresso capsules as well as milk frother that can save you money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
Most pod machines have the same brewing process: you place a capsule in then press a button and the coffee is brewed. However, every 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 lock them into the portafilter handle. This allows the machine to make an espresso that is as good as you'd get at a cafe, however without the hassle and mess of a traditional espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules that are made of premium coffee beans of the highest quality. Each capsule is stocked with a precise amount of espresso ground that is brewed in two stages. This creates a rich crema. The extraction process is entirely within the capsule. This means that the machine and the coffee are not in contact. Clean-up is also a breeze.
This machine also comes with a Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks like cappuccino and latte macchiato. The unique design, developed by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to be a standout in your kitchen. Its slender, round forms and soft-touch buttons are inspired by the classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly merging modern technology.
This machine requires more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. The reason for this is that too much air can sometimes prevent the hot water from flowing properly and stop the machine from working. You'll need to wait for some time 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. Its small dimensions, attractive price tag and ease of use are among the major selling points. But does this little machine live up to the high standards set by the parent company? We tested it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, however it isn't sacrificing the performance. It can make drinks with a single touch. It scans an image of a barcode on the DISC to determine which drink to make. It also sets the correct amount of water and froth in every drink using Intellibrew Technology to achieve an excellent outcome every time.
This makes it extremely simple to operate - just insert the desired T DISC and select your preferred drink size. There are 40 drinks to choose from and the Vivy comes with a milk jug for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes just three seconds to heat up and automatically shuts off after five minutes to conserve energy.
The descaler is cleverly designed to fit on the side of the machine. This is a separate procedure however it's fast and simple.
If you sign up your Vivy, you'll get a discount on your first order of T-DISCs as well as personalized offers, tips and recommendations. You can also monitor the progress of your machine and see how much it's used. It is a good idea to register your machine at the time you purchase it, as well.
5. illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a well-known heritage brand that is a one of the leaders in the coffee industry. Established in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is run by his descendants and is spread across the world. The family-owned and operated business has a long history of embracing innovation within the industry. It is renowned for its top quality espresso that is made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a variety of initiatives to protect the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally green as they can. They have focused on energy efficiency, and are determined to reduce their carbon footprint, and the use of renewable energy sources. They have also promoted regenerative farming and are focused on improving their water resources.
Illycaffe's commitment towards sustainability is matched by their commitment to help their employees succeed. They have invested in programs to provide training and professional development for their staff and have created an "university of coffee" that helps to educate both professionals and consumers on how to make the most optimal cup of coffee.
In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to obtain the B-Corp designation, which is an international label that recognizes businesses that are committed to ethics and a sense of mission. The company also recently launched their first check here line of Nespresso compatible pods, and has been named one of the world's most ethical companies for the last seven years. The company has been dedicated to demonstrating that sustainable quality can be beneficial to the environment and people alike They have a strong belief that it is the responsibility of everyone to play their part.