One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are frequently criticized for making watery, weak drinks. Fortunately, the best ones are 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 hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It has a variety of capsule options and is easy to personalize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers on the market, this combination single-serve and drip model has the best combination of features in our test. It has a 12-cup carafe which brews grounds in the traditional way, and one-serve that will accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe has a programmable clock and an "strong setting" that gives you more flavor. It also has an integrated, fold-away frother for lattes and cappuccinos.
The single-serve side brews up to 18 ounces at a single time using any size K-Cup and the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cups or ground coffee (a separate water tank is included). It uses Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system that scans the barcode of each pod to adjust machine's settings to make an ideal cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's more efficient in brewing full-pots than the Keurig that is the most popular. It also comes with advanced features such as a 24-hour start, brew intensity control and an automatic 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 are easily removed to clean. The unit is a bit heavy and heavy for counter space, however it's a great choice for those who want the convenience of pods or the versatility of coffee ground.
This simple cold brew machine is a budget-friendly option that produces a smooth and flavorful cup. It comes with a programmable timer, a built-in milk frother and a reusable filter and can make 12 cups of java at a time. It also has a huge reservoir of water and a glass carafe for hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great option for those who are already a fan of the pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's latest espresso maker is sleek, efficient, and can make five different drinks with one compact chassis. It's also on sale now making it an excellent option 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 of capsule you're using. It uses patented Nespresso capsules that have a barcode that tells the machine what kind of espresso or coffee it is, making sure you get the right temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The pods spin quickly during brewing, creating a decadent layer of foam, known as crema, that is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine are that it's a little more loud than other pod machines and that you can't reuse the 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 free and they'll return them to reuse.
The machine is also quite expensive compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you factor in the cost of buying pods. If you're already a coffee pod fan, the cost is an affordable price to pay for consistent barista-like results. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for cappuccinos or lattes. It's also offered in bundles that contain a few samples of Nespresso capsules as well as milk frother that can save you money in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
Most pod machines have the same brewing procedure - you simply insert a capsule then press a button and the coffee is brewed. However, every now and then a machine comes along that breaks convention right out of the water, such as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It uses a unique system for capsules that locks them into the portafilter handle. This allows the machine to create an espresso that's as good as you'd get at a cafe, however without all of the fuss and mess that comes with a traditional espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with only illy MIE pods, which are made of top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule contains an exact amount of espresso ground that is brewed using a coffee machines with capsules two-stage process. This results in a thick crema. The extraction process is entirely within the capsule, so the machine and coffee never meet, and clean-up is a breeze.
This machine also has an Pannarello steam wand that can be used to make milky drinks, such as cappuccino or latte macchiato. Its unique design, created by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to be a standout in your kitchen. Its slim but round shapes and soft-touch buttons recall the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the '60s, while seamlessly integrating advanced technology.
This machine requires more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can prevent the hot water from flowing correctly, preventing the machine from working. You will need to wait some time before making another cup of coffee in order to let the air go.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most sought-after coffee machines on the market. The compact dimensions, attractive pricing, and user-friendly are major selling points. But can this machine meet the high standards set by the parent company? We took it for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, however it does not sacrifice performance. It makes drinks with the press of a single button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC to determine which drink it has to create. It also automatically sets the right amount of froth and water for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to produce the best results every time.
This makes it easy to use - simply insert the desired T DISC, then select the size you prefer for your drink. The Vivy comes with 40 different drinks as well as a milk jug to make lattes or cappuccinos. It takes just three seconds to warm up and automatically shuts off after five minutes to conserve energy.
It's easy to clean, too, with a cleverly designed descaler that slots into the side of the machine. There are separate directions for this, but the procedure is easy and quick.
If you sign up your Vivy, you'll receive a discount for your first T-DISCs order, as well as customized offers, tips and recommendations. You'll also be able to track the status of your machine and see how much water it has been using. It is an excellent idea as soon as you purchase it.
5. Illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a leading player in the world of coffee and an iconic heritage brand, is a global leader. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still operated by his descendants. It has a presence across the globe. The family-owned and operated business has a long tradition of innovating in the industry, and is renowned for its high quality espresso that is made from 9 different varieties of Arabica beans.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives that help to protect the environment and ensure that their products are as eco sustainable as they can be. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and utilizing renewable energies. They have also worked to promote regenerative agriculture and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.
Illycaffe's commitment towards sustainability is matched by their desire to help their employees succeed. They have invested in programs that provide training and professional development for their staff and have developed an "university of coffee" that helps to educate consumers and professionals alike about how to enjoy the most optimal cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company that has earned an 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 has been named one of the world's most ethical companies over the last seven years. The company has been dedicated to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people alike and has the conviction that it is up to everyone to do their part.