One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have a bit of an undeserved reputation for being watery, under-strength drinks. However, the top pods can offer much more than that.
The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods, which are made of treated polypropylene cups which are supposed to degrade in landfill (rather than the dreaded K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It has a variety of capsule options and is simple to customise.
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 most comprehensive set of features we tested. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional grounds, and a single-serve side that accepts any type of K-Cup Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe side comes with an adjustable timer and it has a "strong" setting that produces more flavor than the normal settings. It also has a foldaway, built-in 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, the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cups or ground coffee (a separate water tank is included). It makes use of Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and analyzes the barcodes of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's more efficient in brewing full-pots than the Keurig that is the most popular. It also comes with advanced features, like a 24 hour start, brew intensity controls and an automatic 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 is reusable, and the needles and mesh filter are 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 or the versatility of ground coffee.
This simple cold brew machine is a budget pick that produces an incredibly smooth and delicious 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 also comes with a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe to serve hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already committed to the trend of pod coffee machines and want to upgrade from your Keurig-style machine this is a great option. Nespresso's latest espresso maker is sleek, efficient and can make five different drinks in one small chassis. It's also on sale now making it an excellent option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is easy to use, using a button that adapts automatically to the type capsule you're using. It uses patented Nespresso capsules which have a barcode that informs the machine of what kind of coffee or espresso it is, ensuring that you get the correct temperature and pressure for each drink. The capsules spin quickly during brewing, creating a layer of foam known as crema. It is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine are that it's a little more loud 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 the local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for free and they'll return them to recycle.
The machine is also quite expensive compared to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you factor in the cost of buying the pods. If, however, you've already a believer in the benefits of pod coffee, it's a low cost to pay for consistent, barista-style results. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for cappuccinos or lattes. It is also available in bundles that include a few samples of the Nespresso pods as well as a frother. This will make it cheaper to buy the machine in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines have the same brewing procedure - you simply insert a capsule then press a button and the coffee is brewed. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that eschew convention. It utilizes a different mechanism for capsules that lock them in place in a portafilter-like hand. This allows the machine to produce an espresso like you would get at a cafe, however without all of the fuss and mess of a traditional espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with only Illy MIE pods which are made of premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule contains precisely proportioned amounts of ground espresso, which is then brewed with a specific two-stage process to produce a thick and rich crema. The extraction is done entirely inside the capsule. This means that the machine and the coffee are never in contact. Clean-up is also easy.
This machine also comes with an Pannarello steam wand for making milky drinks like cappuccino and macchiato latte. The distinctive design of this coffee pod machine, designed by famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a statement in your home. Its slim, round shapes and soft-touch buttons are like classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
One drawback of this machine is that it needs some more attention than some other models, especially when you use the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can sometimes hinder the flow of hot water, preventing the machine from working properly. If this happens, you'll need to wait a few minutes before making another cup of 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 machines on the market. Its compact dimensions, attractive price tag and ease of use are among the major selling points. pod coffee makers But can this machine meet the high standards set by the company that owns it? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to find out.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee maker, but it does not sacrifice the performance. It makes drinks with the touch of a single button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC in order to determine which drink it has to make. It also automatically determines the correct amount of froth and water for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to achieve the best results every time.
This makes it extremely simple to use - just insert the desired T DISC and choose your preferred drink size. There are 40 different drinks to choose from and the Vivy comes with a milk container for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to heat up, and has auto-shut-off after five minutes to save energy.
The descaler is cleverly designed to slot into the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the process is simple and quick.
As an added bonus, if you register your Vivy with Bosch and Bosch, you'll receive a discount on your first order of T DISCs and receive personalized offers, recommendations and suggestions. You'll also be in a position to keep track of the condition of your machine, and also see how much water it's been using. It is recommended immediately after you purchase it.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a market leader in the coffee industry and an famous heritage brand, is a global leader. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still operated by his descendants. It has a presence across the globe. The family-owned and operated company has a long track record of embracing innovation within the industry. It is renowned for its high quality espresso that is made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.
The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented a number initiatives to help to protect the environment. They also ensure that their products are as environmentally friendly as possible. They have focused on efficiency in energy use, and are determined to reduce their carbon footprint as well as the use of renewable energies. They have also promoted the practice of regenerative agriculture and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.
illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their commitment to assist their employees in achieving success. They have invested in training programs for their employees and have created an "university" of coffee to educate professionals and consumers alike on how to make the best cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to earn the B Corp certification. This designation is awarded to companies that are committed to ethics and have a mission. The company has also launched its first line of Nespresso compatible Pods and been named one of the World's Most ethical companies over the last seven year. The company has been committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can make a difference for the environment and people alike, and they have a strong belief that it is the responsibility of everyone to play their part.