One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often criticized for producing weak, watery drinks. Fortunately, the best ones can offer much more than that.
The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods, which are made of treated polypropylene cups which are supposed to break down in landfill (rather than the notorious K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also comes with a variety of capsule options and easy customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This single-serve drip coffee maker has the best features of the models we tested. It has a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional ground coffee and a single-serve side that accepts any kind of K-Cup Keurig-like, reusable or Keurig pod. The carafe comes with a programmable clock and a "strong setting" that makes more flavor. It also has an integrated, fold-away frother to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can make up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time using any size K-Cup or reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate reservoir for water is also included). It uses Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which analyzes the barcode on each pod to adjust machine settings for an ideal cup every time. It's faster than a leading Keurig model in making a full pot of coffee with its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions like a 24-hour brew start time, brew strength control and auto shutoff.
It's easy to use, despite having two different operating modes, and the cleaning process is fairly easy. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles are easily removed for cleaning and the filter can be washed in your sink. The machine is heavy and bulky for counter space but it's a great option for those who want the convenience of pods or the versatility of coffee ground.
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 at once. It comes with a large reservoir of water, as well as a glass carafe to hold hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already accustom to the trend of pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig-style machine, this is an excellent alternative. Nespresso’s newest espresso maker is sleek, efficient and can create five different drinks on one small chassis. It's even on sale right now making it an excellent option for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine Next heats up very quickly and is incredibly easy to use with a single-use button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It utilizes patent-pending Nespresso capsules that have a barcode which tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, ensuring that you get the right temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The pods spin rapidly during brewing, creating a layer of foam known as crema. It is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawback is that it's louder than other pod machines and that you cannot reuse 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 you to recycle.
The machine is also quite expensive in comparison to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you consider the cost of purchasing the pods. If you've already bought in to the advantages of pod coffee, it's a low cost to pay for consistent, barista-style results. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for cappuccinos or lattes. It's also available in bundles that include a few samples of Nespresso capsules as well as milk frothers, which can save you money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is about brewing, most pod machines follow a similar format - a capsule goes in the top and then you press a button and coffee flows out. However, every 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 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 like you would get in a cafe, but without all of the fuss and mess of a traditional espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible only with illy MIE pods which are made of top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule contains precisely proportioned amounts of espresso that is then brewed with a specific two-stage process that produces a thick and rich crema. The extraction happens entirely inside the capsule, meaning that the machine and coffee never meet and cleanup is easy.
This coffee pod machine also has a Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks, such as cappuccino or macchiato latte. The unique design, developed by the renowned 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 prevent the hot water from flowing properly making it impossible for the machine to continue working. If this happens, you'll need to wait for a few minutes before making another cup of coffee to allow the excess air to escape.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most popular coffee machines on the market. The compact dimensions, attractive pricing and the ease of use are pod capsule coffee machine major reasons to buy. But can this tiny machine meet the high standards set by the parent company? We took it for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to find out.
The Vivy is among the simplest pod coffee machines available however it doesn't sacrifice on performance. It makes drinks with the press of a single button, by reading a unique barcode on each T DISC in order to determine which drink it has to create. It also sets the proper amount for water and froth in every drink by using Intellibrew Technology to achieve the best results every time.
It is very simple to use. Simply insert the desired T DISC and select the size of your drink. The Vivy offers 40 different drinks as well as an milk jug that can be used to make cappuccinos or lattes. It takes only three seconds to warm up and shuts off automatically after five minutes.
It's very easy to clean thanks to a cleverly designed descaler that slides into the side of the machine. There are separate directions for this, but the procedure is easy and quick.
As a bonus, if you register your Vivy with Bosch and Bosch, you'll receive discounts on your first order of T DISCs. You'll also receive personalised offers, recommendations and advice. You can also monitor the status of your machine and check how much it's been used. Registering your machine is a good idea immediately after you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe, a leader in the coffee market and famous heritage brand, is a world leader. The company was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still operated by his descendants. It spans the globe. The family-owned business has a history of innovation and is known for its premium espresso made from nine different types of Arabica bean.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a range of initiatives that help protect the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally friendly as possible. They have focused their efforts on energy efficiency, and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint, and the use of renewable energy sources. They have also promoted Regenerative farming and are focusing on improving their water resources.
Illycaffe's commitment towards sustainability is matched by their commitment to assist their employees in achieving success. They have invested in training programs for their employees, and have created an "university" of coffee that educates professionals and consumers alike on how to make the perfect cup of coffee.
In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to be awarded a B-Corp certification, which is an international label that recognizes companies that prioritize 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 over the past seven years. The company has been committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can make a difference for both the environment and people They have an unshakeable belief that it is up to everyone to take action.