One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often criticized for producing watery, weak drinks. Fortunately, the best pods can offer much more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods instead of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It offers a variety of capsule options and is simple to customise.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the best pod coffee makers on the market, this combination drip and single-serve model offers the best blend of features in our test. It comes with an insulated 12-cup carafe that makes grounds in the traditional way and one-serve that will accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe is programmable with a clock and a "strong setting" that gives you more flavor. It comes with a fold-away frother that is built into the carafe for cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side brews up to 18 ounces per hour with any size of K-Cup and reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cups or ground coffee (a separate water tank is included). It utilizes Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which reads the barcode on each pod to adjust machine's settings to ensure the perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's quicker at making full-pots of brew than a leading Keurig. It also comes with advanced features, like a 24 hour start, brew intensity controls, and automatic shutoff.
The device is simple to use despite the fact that it has two operating modes. It also cleans easily. The reusable pod adapter, needles, and mesh filter can be removed to clean. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space however it's a great option for anyone who needs the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.
This low-cost cold brew machine produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It comes with a programmable timer as well as a built-in milk maker and a reusable filter, and can make 12 cups of java in one go. It has a large tank of water as well as glass carafes to hold hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already bought in to the trend of pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig-style machine this is a great alternative. Nespresso's latest espresso machine is sleek, efficient and can make five different drinks in one sleek, compact machine. It's available for sale right now and is a great choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is incredibly easy to use with a single-use button that automatically adjusts to the kind of capsule you're using. It makes use of the patented Nespresso capsules that have a barcode that tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, making sure you have the right temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods spin quickly during brewing, creating a decadent layer of foam, referred to as crema. It is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawback is that it's louder than other pod-machines and you aren't able to reuse the capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules is recyclable, so you can recycle them at your local UPS store or on Nespresso's website.
The machine is costly when contrasted with other pod machines particularly when you add the cost of the pods. If you're already a pod-coffee fan, this is a small amount to pay for consistently barista-style results. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make cappuccinos or lattes. You can also buy it in bundles, which contain some samples of Nespresso pods and a frother. This will make it cheaper to buy the machine in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines use the same brewing process: you simply insert a capsule and press a button, and the coffee pours out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that defy convention. It uses a different system for capsules, locking them into place inside a portafilter-like handle. This allows the machine to make an espresso that is similar to what you'd find at a cafe, however without all of the fuss and mess that is typical of an espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with only Illy MIE pods which are made of premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule has an exact amount of ground espresso, which is then brewed with a specific two-stage process that produces an intense crema. The extraction process is entirely within the capsule. This means that the coffee and machine are never in contact. Clean-up is also an easy task.
The coffee pod also has a Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks like cappuccino and macchiato latte. The distinctive design of this coffee machine, created by famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a design statement in your living space. Its slender, round forms and soft-touch buttons are like the classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly merging modern technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. The reason for this is that the excess air can block the flow of the hot water, which prevents the machine from working properly. If this happens, you'll need to wait a couple of minutes before preparing another coffee to allow coffee pods machines the excess air to escape.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most sought-after coffee machines available. The small dimensions, attractive pricing and user-friendly are important selling points. But can this machine meet the high standards set by the parent company? We took it for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, but it isn't sacrificing its performance. It can make drinks with a single touch. It reads an image of a barcode on the DisC to determine the type of drink to prepare. It also automatically sets the correct amount of water and froth for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to produce the best results every time.
This makes it easy to use - just insert the desired T DISC and select the desired drink size. There are 40 different drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk jug for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to heat up and it has an auto-shutoff after five minutes.
The descaler has been designed to fit on the side of the machine. There are separate directions for this, but the process is quick and simple.
As an added benefit, if register your Vivy through Bosch and Bosch, you'll receive a discount on your first purchase of T DISCs. You'll also receive personalized offers, suggestions and tips. You'll also be able monitor the health of your machine and know how much water it has been using. Registering your machine is a good idea when you purchase it.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a renowned 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 operated by his descendants. It spans the globe. The family-owned and operated business has a long tradition of embracing new technologies within the field, and is known for its premium quality espresso that is made from 9 different varieties of Arabica beans.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a range of initiatives that help safeguard 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 emissions and utilizing renewable energy sources. They also promote the practice of regenerative agriculture and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.
Illycaffe's commitment towards sustainability is matched by their commitment to assist their employees in achieving success. They have invested in programs to provide training and professional development for their staff and have created an "university of coffee" that assists in educating both professionals and consumers on how to get the most optimal cup of coffee.
In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to earn a B-Corp certification, which is an international label which recognizes companies that value ethics and a sense of mission. The company has also launched its first line of Nespresso compatible Pods and been named one of the top 10 World's ethical companies for the last seven year. The company has been dedicated to demonstrating that sustainable quality can be beneficial to the environment and people alike, and they have an unshakeable belief that it is the responsibility of everyone to play their part.