One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often accused of producing weak, watery drinks. The best pods are more than just that.
The illy Bruvi utilizes B-Pods in place of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It also offers a range of capsule options and easy customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This combination drip-and-single-serve coffee maker offers the best features of the models we have tested. It has a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional grounds and a single-serve side that accepts any kind of K-Cup Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe is programmable with a clock and a "strong setting" that gives you more flavor. It also comes with an adjustable frother that folds away and is built into the carafe to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side is able to brew up to 18 ounces per hour with any size of K-Cup and reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cups or ground coffee (a separate water tank is also included). It uses Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and reads the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's more efficient in brewing full-pots than a leading Keurig. It also comes with advanced features like a 24-hour start, brew intensity control and automatic shutoff.
It's simple to use, despite having two different operating modes, and the cleaning process is fairly easy. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles and mesh filter can be removed for cleaning. It's a bit 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 makes a smooth and delicious cup. It has a programmable timer and a built-in milk froth and a reusable filter and can make 12 cups of java at once. It has a large reservoir of water and glass carafes to hold hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great choice if you are already a fan of pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso's new espresso machine is sleek, fast and has the ability to make five different drinks in one sleek, compact chassis. It's on sale now, making it an excellent choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine is then able to heat up quickly and is simple to use, thanks to a button that adapts automatically to the type of capsule you're using. It utilizes patent-pending Nespresso capsules which have an identifier on them that informs the machine of what kind of coffee or espresso it is, ensuring you get the correct temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods also spin fast during brewing, creating an indulgence-inducing layer of foam, known as crema, that is typically found on 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. Fortunately, the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable and you can drop them off at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for no cost and they'll return them to reuse.
The machine is expensive when it is compared to other pod makers particularly when you add the cost of the pods. If, however, you've already a believer in the benefits of pod coffee, it's a small cost to pay for consistently good barista-like results. Plus, you can add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make cappuccinos and lattes. It's also available as bundles that contain a few sample packs of the Nespresso capsules as well as milk frothers that can help you save money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
Most coffee machines for pods pod machines have a similar brewing process - you simply insert a capsule, press a button and the coffee is brewed. But now and then a device comes along that is a complete blow to the water, like is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It uses a different system for capsules and locks them inside a portafilter-like handle. This allows the machine to make an espresso that is as good as you'd get at a cafe, but without the hassle and mess of a traditional espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules that are made of premium coffee beans of the highest quality. Each capsule contains an exact amount of ground espresso, which is brewed using a two-stage process. This produces a rich crema. The extraction happens completely inside the capsule, meaning that the machine and coffee never come into contact and cleanup is a breeze.
The coffee pod includes a Pannarello Steam Wand that can be used to make milky drinks like cappuccino or latte Macchiato. Its unique design, created by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to make a statement in your kitchen. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the '60s and seamlessly integrates modern technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can sometimes hinder the flow of hot water, preventing the machine from functioning properly. If this happens, you'll have to wait for a few minutes before preparing another coffee to allow the air to escape.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most adored coffee machines on the market. The compact dimensions, attractive pricing, and ease of operation are all major selling points. But can this machine meet the high standards set by the parent company? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is among the simplest pod coffee machines on the market, but it doesn't skimp on performance. It makes drinks with the push of a button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC to determine which drink it needs to create. It also automatically determines the proper amount of froth and water for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to achieve an excellent result every time.
This makes it very easy to use - simply insert the desired T DISC and select the desired drink size. The Vivy has 40 different drinks as well as an milk jug that can be used to make lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to warm up and shuts off automatically after five minutes to save energy.
It's very easy to clean, with a cleverly designed descaler that slots into the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the process is quick and simple.
If you sign up for your Vivy, you'll receive a discount for your first order of T-DISCs as well as customized offers, tips and recommendations. You'll also be able to monitor the health of your machine and know how much water it's used. It's a good idea to register your machine when you purchase it, as well.
5. Illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a well-known heritage brand and an industry leader in the field of coffee. It was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company continues to be managed by his descendants and spans across the globe. The family-owned and operated business has a long tradition of embracing innovation within the industry. It is known for its premium quality espresso that is made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a variety of initiatives to protect the environment and ensure that their products are as eco friendly as possible. They have a particular focus on energy efficiency, and are committed to reducing their emissions, as well as the use of renewable energies. They also promote regenerative farming and are focused on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, illycaffe is also committed to helping their employees succeed. They have invested in programs that provide training and professional development for their staff and have developed an "university of coffee" which helps educate both professionals and consumers on how to make the best possible cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to be awarded an B Corp certification. This designation is awarded to companies that place a high value on ethics and a sense of purpose. The company also recently launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods, and they have been named one of the world's Most Ethical Companies for the last seven years. The company is committed to demonstrating that sustainable quality can be beneficial to the environment and for people as well and has the conviction that it is the responsibility of everyone to take action.