One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often criticized for making watery, weak drinks. However, the top pods can offer much more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods made from treated polypropylene cups that are supposed 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 customize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers available on the market, this combination single-serve and drip model has the best combination of features that we have tested. It has a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional ground coffee and one-serve side that will accept any kind of K-Cup, Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe side has an adjustable timer as well as it has a "strong" setting that produces more flavor than normal settings. It also has 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 and reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup or ground coffee (a separate water tank is included). It is based on Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which analyzes the barcode on each pod to adjust machine settings for the perfect cup every time. It's faster than a leading Keurig model when it comes to brewing a full pot with its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced features like a 24 hour brew start, brew strength controls and auto shutoff.
The device is simple to use despite the fact it has two operating modes. It also cleans up easily. The reusable pod adapter, needles, and mesh filter can be easily removed to clean. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space however it's a great alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This low-cost cold brew machine produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It comes with a programmable timer and a built-in milk froth and a reusable filter and can make 12 cups of java in one go. It has a large reservoir of water, as well as a glass carafe to hold hot beverages.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already bought in to the pod coffee machine trend and want to upgrade from the Keurig-style machine you have this is a great option. Nespresso's new espresso maker is sleek, efficient and can make five different drinks on one chassis. It's also on sale now making it an excellent choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is extremely simple to use with a single-use button that automatically adapts to the kind of capsule you're using. It makes use of the patented Nespresso pods that feature an identifier barcode that tells the machine which kind of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures that you get the right temperature and water pressure for each drink. The pods also spin rapidly when brewing, creating an indulgence-inducing layer of foam, known as crema, that is usually found on 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 can't reuse the capsules you've used. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules is recyclable, so you can recycle the capsules at your local UPS store or on Nespresso's website.
The machine is also pretty expensive in comparison to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you consider the cost of purchasing the pods. If you're already a coffee pod fan, this is a small price to be paid for consistently barista-like results. Plus, you can add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for lattes and cappuccinos. It is also available in bundles, which contain a few samples of the Nespresso pods and a frother. This will help you save money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines have a similar brewing process - you place a capsule in then press a button and the coffee comes out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that defy the norm. It has a completely different system for capsules that lock them in place inside a portafilter-like handle. This lets the machine make an espresso that is similar to what you'd find at a cafe, but 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 has precisely proportions of ground espresso, which is brewed using a two-stage process. This produces a rich crema. The extraction process is completely inside the capsule, so the machine and the coffee do not come into contact, and clean-up is easy.
The coffee pod is equipped with a Pannarello Steam Wand to make milky beverages like cappuccino or macchiato latte. Its unique design, designed by famed Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to stand out in your kitchen. Its slender, round shapes and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly mixing modern technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, especially when using the steam wand. The reason for this is that too much air can prevent the steam from flowing properly making it impossible for the machine to continue working. If this happens, you'll have 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 is one of the most popular pod coffee machines available on the market. Its compact dimensions, attractive price tag and user-friendly interface are all big selling points. Does this tiny machine meet the high standards set forth by its parent company's? We took it for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is among the simplest pod coffee machines on the market however it doesn't sacrifice on performance. It makes drinks at the press of a single button, by reading a unique barcode on each T DISC in order to determine which drink it needs to create. It also sets the proper amount of water and froth in every drink by using Intellibrew Technology to produce an outstanding result every time.
This makes it easy to use - just insert the desired T DISC, then select the desired drink size. There are 40 drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk container for making lattes or cappuccinos. It only takes three seconds to heat up and it has an auto-shutoff after five minutes.
It's very easy to clean thanks to a cleverly designed descaler that fits into the side of the machine. This is a different process however it's fast and simple.
As a bonus, if you sign up your Vivy with Bosch and Bosch, you'll receive a discount on your first order of T DISCs. Additionally, you'll receive personalised offers, recommendations and tips. You can also track the condition of your machine, and see how much it's used. It is an excellent idea when you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a well-known heritage brand and an industry leader in the field of coffee. The company was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still managed by his descendants. It is a global company. The family-owned company has a long tradition of innovation and is known for its high-quality espresso crafted from nine different types of Arabica bean.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a range of initiatives to safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as eco friendly as possible. They have focused on energy efficiency, and are capsule coffee machine committed to reducing their carbon footprint, as well as the use of renewable energy sources. They also promote the practice of regenerative agriculture and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, illycaffe is determined to help their employees succeed. They have invested in training programs for their employees and created an "university" of coffee to educate professionals and consumers alike on how to make the most delicious cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to be awarded a B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies that place a high value on ethics and a purpose. The company also recently launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods. They have also been named one of the world's Most Ethical Companies for the last seven years. The company has been committed to demonstrating that sustainable quality can make a difference for both the environment and people They have a strong belief that it is the responsibility of everyone to play their part.