One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have an undeserved reputation for their the watery, weak drinks. Fortunately, the best pods can provide more than that.
The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods, which are made of treated polypropylene cups which are designed to degrade in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It has a variety of capsule options, and it is easy to customise.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This combination drip-and-single-serve coffee maker has the best features of all the models we've tested. It comes with an insulated 12-cup carafe that makes grounds in the traditional manner and a single-serve that accepts any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe is programmable with a clock as well as a "strong setting" that makes more flavor. It has a fold-away frother that is built into the carafe for lattes and capspuccinos.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time, using any size K-Cup, or a reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate reservoir for water is also included). It uses Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system that scans the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings to make an ideal cup every time. It's quicker than the leading Keurig model in making a full pot of coffee using its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions, including a 24-hour brew start, brew strength controls and auto shutoff.
It's easy to use despite having two operating modes, and clean-up is relatively painless. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles and mesh filter can be removed for cleaning. It's a bit heavy and heavy for counter space however it's a great option for anyone who needs the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This low-cost cold brew machine creates a smooth, delicious cup. It can create 12 cups at a time and has a programmable clock, an integrated milk frother, and an reusable coffee filter. It also has a large reservoir for water and a glass carafe for hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great choice to consider if you're already a fan of pod coffee machines but want to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's new espresso maker is stylish, fast and can create five different drinks in one chassis. It's currently on sale, making it an excellent choice for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is simple to use, thanks to an automatic button that adjusts to the type capsule you're using. It uses patented Nespresso pods with barcodes that inform the machine which type of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures that you get the correct temperature and pressure for every drink. The pods spin quickly while brewing, resulting in an exquisite layer of foam, known as crema, which is usually found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine is that it's a little more loud than other pod machines and that you can't reuse 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 return them to recycle.
The machine is also quite expensive in comparison to other pod coffee machines, especially when you consider the cost of purchasing the pods. However, if you're already convinced of the advantages of pod coffee, it's a small price to pay for consistently good barista-like results. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make cappuccinos or more info lattes. It's also available as bundles that include sample packs of the Nespresso capsules as well as a milk frother that can save you money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is time to brew, the majority of pod machines follow a similar format - capsules are placed in the top, you press a button and the coffee oozes out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that eschew the norm. It has a completely different system for capsules that lock them in place in a portafilter-like handle. This allows the machine to produce an espresso as good as you'd get in a cafe, but without all of the fuss and mess that is typical of an espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE pods which are made of premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule contains precisely proportions of ground espresso, which is brewed in a two-stage process. This produces a rich crema. The extraction happens entirely within the capsule, which means that the coffee and machine never meet and cleanup is a breeze.
This machine also comes with a Pannarello steam wand for making milky drinks like cappuccino and latte macchiato. The unique design, developed by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to stand out in your kitchen. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons evoke the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 1960s, while seamlessly integrating advanced technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, especially when using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can sometimes hinder the flow of hot water, which can prevent the machine from working properly. You will need to wait for several minutes before making a second 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. Its compact dimensions, attractive price tag and easy-to-use are among the major selling points. But can this machine live up to the high standards set by its parent company? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is among the simplest pod coffee machines available however it doesn't sacrifice on performance. It can make drinks with just a single press of a button. It reads an image of a barcode on the DISC to determine what drink to make. It also automatically sets the proper amount of froth and water for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to produce an outstanding result every time.
It's very easy to use - just insert the desired T disc and select the size of your drink. The Vivy offers 40 different drinks as well as a milk jug to make cappuccinos or lattes. It takes only three seconds to warm, and has auto-shut-off after five minutes to conserve energy.
It's very easy to clean, too, with a cleverly designed descaler that slides into the side of the machine. This is a different process, but it's quick and easy.
If you sign up your Vivy, you will receive a discount on your first order of T-DISCs along with personalized offers, tips and recommendations. You'll also be able track the status of your machine, and also see how much water it's been using. It is a good idea as soon as you purchase it.
5. Illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is an iconic 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 is a global company. The family-owned and operated company has a long tradition of embracing innovation within the field, and is known for its premium quality espresso, which is made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.
The company is committed to sustainability, and has implemented a number initiatives to preserve the environment. They also ensure that their products are as green as is possible. They have focused their efforts on efficiency in energy use, and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint, as well as the use of renewable energy sources. They have also been working to promote regenerative agriculture and have a strong focus on improving their water resources.
In addition to their commitments to sustainability, illycaffe is determined to help their employees thrive. They have invested in programs to provide training and professional development for their employees, and they have also developed an "university of coffee" that helps to educate consumers and professionals on how to make the best possible cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company that has earned a B Corp certification. This designation is awarded to companies that are committed to ethics and have a mission. The company also recently introduced their first line of Nespresso compatible pods. They have also been named one of the World's most ethical companies over the last seven years. The company has been committed to demonstrating that sustainable quality can be beneficial to both the environment and people They have the conviction that it is up to everyone to play their part.