One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often criticized for making watery, weak drinks. Fortunately, the best ones can provide more than that.
The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods in place of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It comes with a range of capsules and is easy to customise.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers available on the market, this combination drip and single-serve model offers the best combination of features in our test. It has a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional grounds, and one-serve side that will accept any type of K-Cup Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe has a programmable clock as well as a "strong setting" that makes more flavor. It also comes with a fold-away frother that is built into the carafe to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side brews up to 18 ounces per hour with any size of K-Cup, reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup or ground coffee (a separate water tank is also included). It utilizes Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and reads the barcode of each pod to adjust machine settings. It's quicker than the leading Keurig model at making a full-sized pot of brew thanks to 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 cleaning process is fairly easy. The reusable pod adapter and needles are easily removed to clean, and the filter can be washed in your sink. The unit is a bit heavy and heavy for counter space, but it's an excellent option for those who prefer the convenience of pods or the flexibility of coffee ground.
This budget-friendly cold brew machine produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It comes with a programmable timer as well as a built-in milk maker and a reusable filter, and can make 12 cups of java at a time. It comes with a large reservoir of water as well as glass carafes to hold hot beverages.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already accustom to the trend of pod coffee machines and want to upgrade from the Keurig-style machine you have This is a great option. Nespresso’s newest espresso maker is sleek, fast and can make five different drinks with one small chassis. It's also on sale now, making it a great choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is extremely simple to use with a single-use button that automatically adapts to the kind of capsule you're using. It makes use of the patented Nespresso pods that have barcodes that inform the machine what kind of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you get the right temperature and water pressure for each drink. The pods spin quickly when brewing, creating an exquisite layer of foam, referred to as crema, which is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine's only downside is that it's louder than other pod machines and you can't reuse the capsules. Fortunately the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable, so you can drop them off at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for free, and they'll return them to you to recycle.
The machine is costly when it is compared to other pod makers particularly when you add the cost of the pods. However, if you're already convinced of the benefits of pod coffee, it's only a small cost to get consistently good barista-like results. Additionally, you can add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make lattes and cappuccinos. It's also offered in bundles that include a few samples of Nespresso capsules as well as milk frother, which can save you money in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines have the same brewing process: you place a capsule in coffee pods machines and press a button, and the coffee is brewed. However, every now and then there is a machine that blows convention out of the water, such as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It uses a different system for capsules and locks them inside a portafilter-like handle. This allows the machine to make an espresso that is similar to what you'd find at a cafe, however without all of the fuss and mess of a traditional espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible only with illy MIE pods that are made from premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule is stocked with an exact amount of ground espresso, which is then brewed with a specific two-stage process to produce a thick and rich crema. The extraction is done entirely within the capsule. This means that the coffee and machine are never in contact. Cleaning up is easy.
This coffee pod machine also comes with an Pannarello steam wand for making milky drinks, such as cappuccino or latte macchiato. The unique design, developed by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to make a statement in your kitchen. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 1960s and seamlessly integrates modern technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is because excess air can sometimes stop the flow of hot water, which can prevent the machine from working properly. It is necessary to wait some time before making another cup of coffee to let the air escape.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most adored coffee machines on the market. Its small dimensions, attractive price tag and user-friendly interface are among the major selling points. But can this machine live up to the high standards set by the 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 a single touch. It scans an image of a barcode on the DISC to determine what drink to make. It also sets the proper amount of water and froth in every drink by using Intellibrew Technology to achieve an outstanding result every time.
This makes it very easy to operate - just insert the desired T DISC, then select the size you prefer for your drink. The Vivy offers 40 different drinks, as well as a milk jug to make lattes or cappuccinos. It only takes three seconds to warm up and it shuts down automatically after five minutes.
It's very easy to clean, with a cleverly designed descaler that slots into the side of the machine. There are separate directions for this, but the procedure is simple and quick.
As an added benefit, if register your Vivy through Bosch as a bonus, you'll receive a discount on your first purchase of T DISCs and receive personalised offers, recommendations and advice. You can also track the status of your machine and see how much it has used. Registering your machine is recommended as soon as you purchase it.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a well-known heritage brand and an industry leader in the field of coffee. It was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is still run by his descendants and spans the world. The family-owned and operated business has a long tradition of embracing innovation within the industry. It 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 taken a variety of initiatives to help protect the environment. They also ensure that their products are as environmentally friendly as they can. They have a particular focus on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions and also utilizing renewable energies. They have also promoted the practice of regenerative agriculture and are focusing on improving their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, illycaffe is determined to help their employees thrive. They have invested in programs that offer training and professional development for their employees and they have created an "university of coffee" that helps to educate consumers and professionals alike on how to get the most optimal cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to earn the B Corp certification. This certification is given to international companies that are committed to ethics and a sense of purpose. The company has also launched its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and was named as one of the World's Most ethical companies over the last seven year. The company is dedicated to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people. They believe that everyone has a responsibility to take on.