One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have an unfair reputation for watery, under-strength drinks. Fortunately, the best pods are more than that.
The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods, made from treated polypropylene cups that are designed to break down in landfill (rather than the dreaded K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It comes with a range of capsule options and is simple to customise.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers on the market, this single-serve and drip models offer the best combination of features we tested. It has a 12-cup carafe that brews grounds in the traditional way, and a single-serve that accepts any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe side comes with a programmable timer and a "strong" setting that provides more flavor than the normal settings. It also has a built-in, foldaway frother for lattes and cappuccinos.
The single-serve version can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at once using any size K-Cup or the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate water reservoir is included). It utilizes Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system and scans the barcode of each pod to adjust machine settings for an ideal cup every time. 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 such as a 24-hour start time, brew intensity control and automatic shutoff.
The device is easy to use despite the fact that it has two operating modes. It also cleans easily. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles and mesh filter are easily removed for cleaning. The machine is heavy and heavy for counter space, however it's a great choice for those who prefer the convenience of pods, or the flexibility of coffee ground.
This simple cold brew machine is a budget-friendly option that delivers an incredibly smooth and delicious cup. It comes with a timer that can be programmed as well as a built-in milk maker and a filter that can be reused, and can make 12 cups of java in one go. It also comes with a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe for hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great choice to consider if you're already a fan of pod coffee machines and want to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's new espresso machine is stylish, quick and has the ability to create five different drinks from one compact, sleek chassis. It's on sale now, making it a great option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is easy to use, with an automatic button that adjusts to the type capsule you're using. It makes use of the patented Nespresso pods that have a barcode to tell the machine which kind of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you have the right temperature and water pressure for every drink. The capsules spin fast when they are brewing to create the foam, also known as crema that is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine's only downside is that it's louder than other pod machines and that you cannot reuse the capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules is recyclable, which means you can recycle the capsules at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website.
The machine is pricey when compared to other pod machines particularly when you add the cost of the pods. If, however, you've already convinced of the benefits 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 your machine for lattes or cappuccinos. It's also available as bundles that include samples of Nespresso capsules as well as a milk frother which could save you money in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is time to brew, the majority of pod machines follow the same pattern - capsules are placed on the top and then you press a button, and the coffee oozes out. However, every now and then a device comes along that is a complete blow to the water, as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It uses a unique system for capsules that locks them into a portafilter handle. The machine can produce espresso that is similar to what you would get in cafes, without the mess and fuss of a traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible only with Illy MIE pods, which are made of top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule is stocked with precisely proportioned amounts of espresso that is then brewed with a specific two-stage process to create a rich crema. The extraction happens completely inside the capsule, which means that the coffee and machine never meet and cleanup is a breeze.
This machine also comes with a Pannarello steam wand for making milky drinks like cappuccino and macchiato latte. The distinctive design of this coffee pod machine, designed by renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a design statement in your home. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 1960s while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
One drawback of this machine is that it requires some extra attention than some other models, particularly when you are using the steam wand. The reason for this is that the excess air can sometimes hinder the flow of hot water, preventing the machine from functioning properly. If this happens, you'll need to wait a few minutes before making another coffee to allow the air to be released.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most adored coffee makers available. The compact dimensions, attractive pricing, and the ease of use are major reasons to buy. But can this tiny machine live up to the high standards set by the parent company? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, however it isn't sacrificing the performance. It can make drinks with a simple press of a button. It reads a barcode on the T DISC to determine which drink to prepare. It also sets the correct amount for water and froth in each drink by using Intellibrew Technology to achieve 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 container for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to heat up and shuts off automatically after five minutes, to save energy.
The descaler has been designed to fit into the side of your machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the procedure is quick and simple.
As a bonus, if you sign up your Vivy with Bosch as a bonus, you'll receive discounts on your first purchase of T DISCs. Additionally, you'll receive personalized offers, recommendations and tips. You can also track the condition of your machine, and find out how much it's used. It is a good idea as soon as you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is an iconic heritage brand and one of the leaders in the coffee industry. Founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company continues to be managed by his descendants and spans across the world. The family-owned business has a history of innovation and is known for its premium espresso made from nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives that help to protect the environment and ensure that their products are as eco green as they can. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and also utilizing renewable energy sources. They also have worked to promote regenerative agriculture, and are focusing on improving their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, Illycaffe is determined to help their employees thrive. They have invested in training programs for their employees and have created an "university" of coffee to educate consumers and professionals alike on how to make the best cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to earn the B Corp certification. This certification is given to international companies that are coffee pod machines committed to ethics and a purpose. The company also recently introduced their first line of Nespresso compatible pods, and they have been named one of the world's most ethical companies over the last seven years. The company has been dedicated to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and for people as well, and they have the conviction that it is the responsibility of everyone to do their part.