One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have an undeserved reputation for their the watery, weak drinks. The best pods are more than that.
The illy Bruvi utilizes B-Pods instead of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It has a variety of capsules and is simple to customize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This coffee maker that is a combination of drip and single-serve has the best features of the models we tested. It has an insulated 12-cup carafe that is brewed in the traditional way and single-serve that can accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe side has an adjustable timer and a "strong" setting that gives more flavor than the normal settings. It also comes with a built-in, foldaway frother for lattes and cappuccinos.
The single-serve side is able to brew up to 18 ounces at a time using any size K-Cup, reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup or ground coffee (a separate water tank is also included). It utilizes Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and reads the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. It's quicker than the leading Keurig model when it comes to making a full-sized pot of brew with its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced features like a 24 hour brew start time, brew strength control, and auto shutoff.
It's simple to use, despite having two operating modes, and the clean-up is relatively painless. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles and mesh filter are easily removed to clean. It's a bit bulky and heavy for counter space however, it's an excellent alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.
This simple cold brew machine is a budget-friendly option that delivers an incredibly smooth and delicious cup. It can make 12 cups at a time and has a programmable clock, an integrated milk frother and a coffee filter that can be reused. It has a large tank of water and glass carafes to hold hot beverages.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great option if you are already a fan of pod coffee machines but want to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's latest espresso machine is sleek, efficient and has the ability to create five different drinks from one sleek, compact machine. It's on sale now making it an excellent choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine Next heats up very quickly and is extremely simple to use with a single-use button that automatically adapts to the type of capsule you're using. It uses patented Nespresso capsules with a barcode on them that tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, ensuring you get the correct temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods also spin rapidly while brewing, resulting in an indulgence-inducing layer of foam, known as crema. It is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine is that it's a little more loud than other pod machines, and that you can't reuse the capsules you've used. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules can be recycled, so you can recycle the capsules at your local UPS store or on Nespresso's website.
The machine is also quite expensive compared to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you take into account the cost of purchasing the pods. If you've already convinced of the advantages of pod coffee, it's only a small price to pay for consistent, barista-style results. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make lattes and cappuccinos. You can also purchase it in bundles, which include some of the Nespresso pods as well as a frother. This will save you money up front.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
Most pod machines have a similar brewing process - you place a capsule in then press a button and the coffee is brewed. But now and then a device comes along that blows convention out of the water, such as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It utilizes a different mechanism for capsules that lock them in place in a portafilter-like handle. The machine can make espresso that is as good as what you would get in a cafe, but without the hassle and mess of a traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE pods which are made of top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule contains precisely proportions of espresso ground that is brewed in two stages. This results in a thick crema. The extraction process is entirely inside the capsule, so the machine and the coffee do not come into contact and cleaning up is a breeze.
The coffee pod includes a Pannarello Steam Wand to make milky drinks like cappuccino or macchiato latte. The unique design of this machine, designed by renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a statement in your home. Its slim but round shapes and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 60s 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 stop the flow of hot water, which can prevent the machine from working effectively. If this happens, you'll need to wait for a few minutes before preparing another coffee to allow the excess air to let go.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most sought-after coffee makers available. Its compact dimensions, attractive price tag and user-friendly interface are the main reasons for buying. Does this little machine meet the high standards set forth by its parent company's standards? We went for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to find out.
The Vivy is one of the most simple pod coffee machines available however it doesn't compromise on performance. It makes drinks at the push of a button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC to know which drink it has to create. It also sets the proper amount for water and froth in every drink using here Intellibrew Technology to achieve the best results every time.
This makes it easy to use - simply insert the desired T DISC and choose your preferred drink size. The Vivy comes with 40 different drinks and a milk jug to make cappuccinos or lattes. It takes only three seconds to warm up, and has auto-shut-off after five minutes, to save energy.
The descaler is cleverly designed to fit into the side of your machine. This is a different process, but it's quick and simple.
As an added bonus, if you sign up your Vivy with Bosch, you'll get discounts on your first order of T DISCs and receive personalized offers, recommendations and suggestions. You'll also be in a position to track the status of your machine, and also see how much water it's been using. It is a good idea to register your machine as soon as you buy it, as well.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe, a leader in the coffee market and famous heritage brand, is a global leader. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still run by his descendants. It has a presence across the globe. The family-owned company has a long tradition of innovation and is famous for its high-quality espresso crafted from nine different types of Arabica bean.
The company is committed to sustainability, and has taken a variety of initiatives to to protect the environment. They also ensure that their products are as green as is possible. They have focused on efficiency in their energy use and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint, as well as the use of renewable energy sources. They also promote regenerative farming and are focused on enhancing 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 created a "university" of coffee to educate consumers and professionals alike on how to make the most delicious cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to earn an B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies who prioritize ethics and a sense of purpose. The company also introduced its first line of Nespresso compatible Pods and been recognized as one of the top 10 World's ethical companies over the last seven year. The company is committed to proving that sustainable quality can benefit the environment and for people as well and has the conviction that it is the responsibility of everyone to do their part.