One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have an undeserved reputation for their low-strength, watery drinks. Fortunately, the best pods can offer much more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods instead of the dreaded K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It also comes with a variety of capsule options as well as easy customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the best pod coffee makers available on the market, this combination single-serve and drip model has the best combination of features we tested. It comes with a 12-cup carafe which brews grounds in the traditional way and one-serve that will accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe side has a programmable timer and a "strong" setting that gives more flavor than the standard settings. It also comes with a fold-away frother that is built into the carafe to make lattes and capspuccinos.
The single-serve side can make up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time, using any size K-Cup or the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate water reservoir is included). It makes use of Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and analyzes the barcodes of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. It's faster than a leading Keurig model at making a full-sized pot of brew with its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions, including a 24-hour brew start, brew strength controls, and auto shutoff.
It's simple to use, despite having two operating modes, and the cleaning is pretty easy. 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 an excellent alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This affordable cold brew maker creates a smooth, delicious cup. It comes with a timer that can be programmed, a built-in milk frother and a reusable filter, and can make 12 cups of java at a time. It also has a large water reservoir and a glass carafe to serve hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already bought in to the pod coffee machine trend and would like to upgrade the Keurig-style machine you have, this is an excellent alternative. Nespresso's latest espresso machine is stylish, quick and can make five different drinks in one sleek, compact machine. It's even on sale right now which makes it a great option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is extremely simple to use, with a single button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It utilizes patent-pending Nespresso pods with a barcode to tell the machine which type of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you get the correct temperature and pressure for every drink. The pods also spin rapidly when brewing, creating an indulgence-inducing layer of foam, known as crema, which is usually 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 your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for free, and they'll return them to you to recycle.
The machine is also pretty expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you consider the cost of buying pods. If you're already a coffee pod lover, it's a small amount to be paid for consistently barista-like results. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make cappuccinos or lattes. You can also buy it in bundles that 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 the same 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 convention. It utilizes a different mechanism for capsules and locks them in a portafilter-like hand. The machine can produce espresso that is comparable to what you would get in cafes, without the hassle and mess of a traditional espresso machine.
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, which is then brewed with a specific two-stage process to create a thick and rich crema. The extraction process is entirely within the capsule. This means that the machine and the coffee are not in contact. Clean-up is also easy.
The coffee pod is equipped with a Pannarello Steam Wand to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and Latte Macchiato. The unique design of this coffee pod machine, created by the famous 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, especially when using the steam wand. The reason for this is that too much air can sometimes prevent the hot water from flowing properly and stop the machine from working. If this happens, you'll need to wait a few minutes before making another cup of coffee to allow the excess air to escape.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most popular pod coffee machines on the market. The small dimensions as well as the attractive pricing and the ease of use are major selling points. But can this machine meet the high standards set by its parent company? We tested it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is among the simplest pod coffee machines that are available however it doesn't compromise on performance. It can make drinks with just a simple press of a button. It scans an image of a barcode on the DisC to determine the type of drink to make. It also automatically adjusts the right amount of froth and water for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to achieve an excellent result every time.
It's very easy to use. Simply insert the desired T DISC, and choose the size of your drink. There are 40 drinks to choose from and the Vivy comes with a milk jug for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to warm and shuts off automatically after five minutes to save energy.
It's easy to clean using a cleverly-designed descaler that fits into the side of the machine. This is a different process, but it's quick and easy.
If you register your Vivy, you will receive a discount on your first order of T-DISCs as well as personalized offers, tips and suggestions. You'll also be able to track the status of your machine and see how much water it's been using. It is recommended immediately after you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is an iconic heritage brand and leader in the coffee industry. 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 renowned 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 make sure that their products are as environmentally friendly as is possible. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions as well as using renewable energy sources. They also promote the practice of regenerative agriculture and are focusing on enhancing their water pod coffee maker resources.
Illycaffe's commitment towards sustainability is matched by their determination to help their employees succeed. They have invested in programs that offer training and professional development for their employees, and they have also developed an "university of coffee" that assists in educating both professionals and consumers on how to make the best possible cup of coffee.
In addition to all of this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to earn B-Corp certification. This is an international designation that recognizes companies that prioritize ethics and a sense of purpose. The company also recently introduced their first line of Nespresso compatible pods, and has been named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the last seven years. The company has been committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can make a difference for the environment and people alike They have an unshakeable belief that it is up to everyone to do their part.