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 ones can provide more than that.
The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods instead of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It also comes with a variety of capsules and simple customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This coffee maker that is a combination of drip and single-serve has the most impressive features of all the models we've tested. It comes with a 12-cup carafe that makes grounds in the traditional way, and single-serve that can accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe side has an adjustable timer as well as it has a "strong" setting that gives more flavor than the standard settings. It also comes with 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 a reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate water reservoir is included). It uses Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system that scans the barcode of each pod to adjust machine's settings to ensure a perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's quicker at making full-pots of brew than a leading Keurig. It also comes with advanced features, like a 24 hour start, brew intensity control and an 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. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space however it's a great alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.
This simple cold brew machine is a budget-friendly option that produces smooth and delicious cups. It can make 12 cups at a time and comes with a programmable clock, an integrated milk frother, and an coffee filter that can be reused. It has a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe to hold hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already committed to the pod coffee machine trend and are looking to upgrade your Keurig-style machine This is a great option. Nespresso's newest espresso machine is sleek, efficient and can make five different drinks in one sleek, compact machine. It's available for sale right now and is a great option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine Next can be heated up quickly and is incredibly easy to use by pressing a single button that automatically adapts to the kind of capsule you're using. It uses patented Nespresso capsules that have a barcode on them that informs the machine of what kind of espresso or coffee it is, ensuring that you get the right temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The pods also spin fast during brewing, creating a decadent layer of foam, known as crema. It is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine is that it's a bit more loud than other pod machines and that you can't reuse capsules that you've used. 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 no cost and they'll return them to reuse.
The machine is also quite expensive in comparison to other pod coffee machines, especially when you factor in the cost of purchasing the pods. If you've already a believer in the advantages of pod coffee, it's a low cost to pay for consistent, barista-style results. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for lattes or cappuccinos. You can also purchase it in bundles that include some samples of Nespresso pods as well as a coffee maker. This will make it cheaper to buy the machine in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
Most pod machines have the same brewing process: you place a capsule in then press a button and the coffee pours out. However, every now and then a device comes along that blows convention out of the water, such as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It uses a unique system for capsules that lock them into the portafilter handle. This allows the machine to make an espresso that is like you would get in a cafe, but without the hassle and mess that is typical of an espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules which are made from premium coffee beans of the highest quality. Each capsule contains an exact amount of espresso ground, which is then brewed with a specific two-stage process to produce a rich crema. The extraction happens entirely inside the capsule, which means that the machine and the coffee do not come into contact and cleaning up is a breeze.
The coffee pod also comes with a Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and macchiato latte. Its unique design, created by famed Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to be a standout in your kitchen. Its slender, round forms and soft-touch buttons are inspired by classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
This machine requires more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is because coffee machine and pods excess air can sometimes stop the flow of hot water, which can prevent the machine from functioning efficiently. You'll need to wait for several minutes before making another cup of coffee to let the air escape.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most well-known pod coffee machines on the market. The compact dimensions, attractive pricing and user-friendly are major reasons to buy. Does this tiny machine meet the high standards set forth by its parent company's standards? We tested it at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is among the simplest pod coffee machines on the market however it doesn't sacrifice on performance. It makes drinks with the push of a button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC to determine what drink it should make. It also determines the right amount of water and froth in every drink using Intellibrew Technology to achieve an excellent outcome every time.
It is very simple to use - simply insert the desired T DISC, and select the size of your drink. There are 40 different drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk container for making cappuccinos or lattes. It takes only three seconds to warm, and has auto-shut-off after five minutes, to save energy.
It's easy to clean too thanks to a cleverly designed descaler that slides into the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the process is easy and quick.
If you sign up for your Vivy, you will get a discount on your first order of T-DISCs, and also customized offers, tips and recommendations. You can also keep track of the progress of your machine and check how much it has used. It's worth registering your machine as soon as you buy it, also.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a market leader in the coffee industry and an famous heritage brand, is a world leader. Established in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is run by his descendants and spans the globe. The family-owned business has a long history of innovation and is renowned for its high-quality espresso crafted from nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
The company is committed to sustainability, and has implemented a number initiatives to protect the environment. They also ensure that their products are as eco-friendly as possible. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and utilizing renewable energy sources. They also promote regenerative farming and are focused on improving their water resources.
Illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their desire to help their employees achieve. They have invested in training programs for their employees, and have created a "university" of coffee to educate professionals and consumers alike on how to make the best cup of coffee.
In addition to all of this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to obtain the B-Corp designation, which is an international designation that recognizes companies that prioritize ethics and a sense that they have a purpose. The company also introduced its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and has been named as one of the world's most ethical companies for the last seven years. The company is committed to demonstrating that sustainable quality can make a difference for the environment and for people as well They have an unshakeable belief that it is up to everyone to play their part.