One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are frequently criticized for making watery, weak drinks. Fortunately, the best ones can provide more than that.
The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods instead of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It also has bundles of capsule options and easy customization.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the best pod coffee makers on the market, this combination single-serve and drip models offer the best combination of features we tested. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional grounds, and one-serve side that will accept any kind of K-Cup Keurig-like, reusable or Keurig pod. The carafe has a programmable clock as well as an "strong setting" that produces more flavor. It has an adjustable frother that folds away and is built into the carafe to make capspuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side brews up to 18 ounces at a time using any size K-Cup, reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup or ground coffee (a separate water tank is also included). It makes use of Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and analyzes the barcodes of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. It's more efficient than a top Keurig model at brewing a full pot using its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced features like a 24 hour brew start time, brew strength control, and auto shutoff.
The device is easy to use despite the fact that it comes with two operating modes. It also cleans up easily. The pod adapter that is reusable, needles, and mesh filter can be 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 versatility of coffee ground.
This simple cold brew machine is a budget pick that delivers 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 in one go. It also has a huge reservoir for water and a glass carafe for 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 has the ability to create five different drinks from one compact, sleek chassis. It's currently on sale which makes it a great choice for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is extremely simple to use by pressing a single button that automatically adjusts to the kind of capsule you're using. It uses patented Nespresso pods that feature an identifier barcode that tells the machine what kind of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures you get the correct temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods also spin fast while brewing, resulting in an exquisite layer of foam, referred to as crema, that is usually found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawback is that it's louder than other pod-machines and you can't reuse the 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 also quite expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you consider the cost of buying the pods. If you're already a pod coffee lover, it's a small amount to be paid for consistently barista-style results. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make cappuccinos or lattes. It is also available in bundles that include some samples of Nespresso pods as well as a coffee maker. 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, press a button and the coffee is brewed. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that defy the norm. It utilizes a different mechanism for capsules and locks them inside a portafilter-like handle. This lets the machine produce an espresso as good as you'd get at a cafe, however without all of the fuss and mess that comes with 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 contains an exact amount of espresso ground, which is then brewed with a specific two-stage process to create a thick and rich crema. The extraction is performed entirely within the capsule. This means that the coffee and machine are never in contact. Clean-up is also an easy task.
This coffee pod machine also comes with an Pannarello steam wand that can be used to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and macchiato latte. Its unique design, designed by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to stand out in your kitchen. Its slender, round forms and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly merging modern technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, especially when using the steam wand. This is because excess air can stop the flow of hot water, which prevents the machine from functioning properly. If this happens, you'll need to wait for a few minutes before making another cup of coffee to allow the air to escape.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most adored coffee machines available. The small size as well as the attractive pricing and ease of operation are all major reasons to buy. But does this little 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 available, but it doesn't skimp on performance. It can make drinks with just a single touch. It reads an image of a barcode on the DISC to determine what drink to make. It also determines the right coffee pods machines amount of water and froth in each drink by using Intellibrew Technology to produce an outstanding result every time.
This makes it extremely simple to use - simply insert the desired T DISC and select the size you prefer for 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 shuts off automatically after five minutes.
It's very easy to clean, too using a cleverly-designed descaler that fits into the side of the machine. There are separate directions for this, but the process is quick and simple.
As an added benefit, if sign up your Vivy with Bosch and Bosch, you'll receive a discount on your first purchase of T DISCs and receive personalised offers, recommendations and advice. You can also track the condition of your machine and find out how much it has used. It's worth registering your machine as soon as you buy it, as well.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is an iconic brand with a long history and is a leader in the coffee industry. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still run by his descendants. It spans the globe. The family-owned business has a history of innovation and is renowned for its premium espresso made from nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
The company is committed to sustainability and has taken a variety of initiatives to protect the environment. They also make sure that their products are as eco-friendly as they can. They have a particular focus on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint as well as using renewable energy sources. They have also been working to promote regenerative farming, and have a particular focus on improving their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, illycaffe is also determined to help their employees thrive. They have invested in programs to provide training and professional development for their employees and have developed an "university of coffee" which helps educate consumers and professionals alike on how to get the most optimal cup of coffee.
In addition to all of 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 that they have a purpose. The company also recently launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods, and has been named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the last seven years. The company is dedicated to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment as well as people. They believe that everyone has a role to play.