One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often accused of producing watery, weak drinks. However, the top pods can offer much more than that.
The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods, made from treated polypropylene cups which are designed to break down in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also comes with a variety of capsule options as well as easy customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This combination drip-and-single-serve coffee maker has the best features of the models we have tested. It has a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional ground coffee and a single-serve side that can accept 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 has an easy-to-folding frother that's integrated into the carafe to serve lattes and capspuccinos.
The single-serve side can make up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time, using any size K-Cup, or a reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cups (a separate reservoir for water is also included). It utilizes Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which scans the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine settings for the perfect cup every time. 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.
The device is easy to use despite the fact that it comes with two operating modes. It also cleans easily. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles and mesh filter can be easily removed for cleaning. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space however, it's an excellent option for anyone who needs the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This basic cold brew machine is a budget-friendly option that produces an incredibly smooth and delicious cup. It can create 12 cups at a time and comes with a programmable clock as well as an integrated milk frother as well as an coffee filter that can be reused. It also comes with a large water reservoir and a glass carafe for hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already committed to the pod coffee machine trend and would like to upgrade your current Keurig-style machine this is a great option. Nespresso’s newest espresso maker is sleek, fast and can create five different drinks on one small chassis. It's currently on sale and is a great choice for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is extremely simple to use, with a single button that automatically adjusts to the kind of capsule you're using. It utilizes the patented Nespresso pods that have an identifier barcode that tells the machine what kind of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures that you get the correct temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods also spin fast when brewing, creating an exquisite layer of foam, also known as crema, which is usually found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine are that it's a little louder than other pod machines, and that you aren't able to reuse the used capsules. 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 free, and they'll take them back to reuse.
The machine is costly when contrasted with other pod machines particularly when you add the cost of the pods. If you're already a pod coffee lover, it's a small amount to be paid for consistently barista-style results. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for lattes or cappuccinos. It's also offered in bundles that contain a few samples of Nespresso capsules as well as milk frother, which can help you save money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines have the same brewing procedure - you place a capsule in, press a button and the coffee is brewed. But now and then there is a machine that blows convention out of the water, like is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It is a revolutionary system for capsules that bind them into the portafilter handle. The machine can produce espresso that is comparable to the kind you get at a cafe without the mess and fuss of an espresso machine that is traditional.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules, which are made from premium coffee beans of the highest quality. Each capsule has precisely proportioned amounts of espresso that is then brewed using coffee machines capsules a unique two-stage process to create an intense crema. The extraction is done entirely inside the capsule. This means that the machine and the coffee are not in contact. Cleaning up is a breeze.
The coffee pod comes with a Pannarello Steam Wand for making milky beverages like cappuccino or latte Macchiato. The unique design, developed by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to make a statement in your kitchen. Its round but slender forms and soft-touch buttons evoke the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 60s, while seamlessly integrating advanced technology.
One drawback of this machine is that it needs some more focus than other models, particularly when you use the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can sometimes prevent the steam from flowing properly making it impossible for the machine to continue working. If this happens, you'll need to wait a couple of minutes before making another cup of coffee to allow the excess air to be released.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most well-known pod coffee machines on the market. Its small dimensions, attractive price tag and ease of use are all big selling points. But does this little machine live up to the high standards set by the company that owns it? We tested it at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is among the most simple pod coffee machines available however it doesn't sacrifice on performance. It can make drinks with the touch of a single button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC to determine which drink it has to create. It also sets the proper amount of the froth and water in each drink using Intellibrew Technology to achieve an excellent outcome every time.
It is very simple 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 that can be used for making cappuccinos or lattes. It takes only three seconds to warm, and has auto-shut-off after five minutes to save energy.
The descaler is cleverly designed to fit on the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the procedure is quick and simple.
If you sign up for your Vivy, you will receive a discount for your first T-DISCs order, along with personalized offers, tips and suggestions. You'll also be able keep track of the condition of your machine, and also see how much water it's used. It is a good idea to register your machine at the time you purchase it, as well.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a renowned heritage brand that is a leader in the coffee industry. The company was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still operated by his descendants. It has a presence across the globe. The family-owned business has a long history of innovation and is famous for its top-quality espresso that is made using nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives that help protect the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally friendly as possible. They have concentrated on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions and also utilizing renewable energy sources. They also promote the practice of regenerative agriculture and are focusing on improving their water resources.
In addition to their commitments to sustainability, Illycaffe is committed to helping their employees thrive. They have invested in training programs for their employees, and have created a "university" of coffee that educates professionals and consumers alike on how to make the perfect cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to earn a B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies that place a high value on ethics and a sense of 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 for the last seven years. The company is committed to showing how sustainable quality can benefit the environment as well as people. They believe that everyone has a part to play.