One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often criticised for making watery, weak drinks. The top ones are more than just that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods, made from treated polypropylene cups that are designed to break down in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It comes with a range of capsules, and it is easy to personalize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This single-serve drip coffee maker has the best features of all the models we tested. It has a 12-cup carafe which is brewed in the traditional manner and a single-serve that accepts any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe comes with a programmable clock as well as it has a "strong setting" that produces more flavor. It also has an integrated, fold-away frother for cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve version can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time, using any size K-Cup or reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate water reservoir is included). It utilizes Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and analyzes the barcodes of each pod to adjust machine settings. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's more efficient in brewing full-pots than the Keurig that is the most popular. It also has advanced features, like a 24 hour start, brew intensity control and automatic shutoff.
It's easy to use, despite having two modes of operation, and cleaning is pretty easy. The pod adapter that is reusable and needles are easily removed for cleaning, and the mesh filter is washable in your sink. The machine is heavy and heavy for counter space, however it's a great choice for those who want the convenience of pods, or the versatility of coffee ground.
This simple cold brew maker is a great value option that produces smooth and delicious cups. It has a programmable timer as well as a built-in milk maker and a reusable filter, and can make 12 cups of java at a time. It comes with a large reservoir of water, as well as a glass carafe to hold hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already committed to the pod coffee machine trend and would like to upgrade your current Keurig-style machine, this is an excellent alternative. Nespresso's new espresso machine is stylish, quick and has the ability to make five different drinks in one sleek, compact chassis. It's on sale now, making it a great choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine Next can be heated up quickly and is incredibly easy to use by pressing a single button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It utilizes patented Nespresso capsules with a barcode that informs the machine of what kind of espresso or coffee it is, ensuring you get the correct temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The pods spin quickly during brewing, creating a decadent layer of foam, known as crema. It is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only downsides to the VertuoLine is that it's a bit more loud than other pod machines and that you can't reuse the used capsules. 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 reuse.
The machine is also expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you take into account the cost of buying pods. However, if you're already convinced of the benefits of pod coffee, it's a low price to pay for consistent results that resemble baristas. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for cappuccinos or lattes. It's also available as bundles that contain a few samples of Nespresso capsules as well as milk frothers which could help you save money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
Most pod machines have a similar brewing process - you place a capsule in and press a button, and the coffee pours out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that defy the norm. It is a revolutionary system for capsules that locks them into a portafilter handle. This lets the machine create an espresso that's like you would 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 which are made from premium high-quality coffee beans. Each capsule has an exact 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 never in contact. Cleaning up is an easy task.
This coffee pod machine also comes with an Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks, such as cappuccino or macchiato latte. Its unique design, designed by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to make a statement in your kitchen. 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.
One downside of this machine is that it needs a little more attention than some other models, particularly when you use the steam wand. The reason for this is that the excess air can sometimes stop the flow of hot water, preventing the machine from working efficiently. If this happens, you'll have to wait for a few minutes before preparing another coffee to allow the excess air to let go.
4. Bosch coffee machines for pods Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most adored coffee makers available. The small dimensions, attractive pricing, and user-friendly are important selling points. But can this tiny machine meet the high standards set by its parent company? We took it for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is one of the simplest pod coffee machines on the market however it doesn't sacrifice on performance. It can make drinks with just a single press of a button. It scans a barcode on the T DisC to determine the type of drink to make. It also sets the proper amount of the froth and water in each drink by using Intellibrew Technology to produce an excellent outcome every time.
It's easy to use - just insert the desired T DISC and then select the size of your drink. There are 40 drinks to choose from and the Vivy comes with a milk jug that can be used for making cappuccinos or lattes. It takes just three seconds to heat up, and has auto-shut-off after five minutes to conserve energy.
The descaler has been designed to fit on the side of your machine. This is a separate process, but it's quick and simple.
As an added benefit, if register your Vivy with Bosch as a bonus, you'll receive a discount on your first order of T DISCs and receive personalized offers, recommendations and tips. You'll also be able monitor the health of your machine and see how much water it's been using. It is an excellent idea as soon as you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a leading player in the world of coffee and an iconic heritage brand, is a global leader. Founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company continues to be operated by his children and spans the world. The family-owned business has a long history of innovation and is known for its premium espresso made using nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a range of initiatives to protect the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally green as they can. They have a particular focus on efficiency in energy use, and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint, and the use of renewable energies. They also have worked to promote regenerative agriculture, and have a particular focus on enhancing their water resources.
Illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their determination to assist their employees in achieving success. They have invested in programs to provide training and professional development for their employees, and they have also developed an "university of coffee" which helps educate consumers and professionals 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 certification which recognizes companies that value ethics and a sense of mission. The company also introduced its first line of Nespresso compatible Pods and been named as one of the World's Most ethical companies over the last seven year. The company is committed to showing how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people. They believe that everyone has a part to play.