One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have a bit of an undeserved reputation for being the watery, weak drinks. Fortunately, the best pods are more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods instead of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It also offers a range of capsule options and easy customization.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This combination drip-and-single-serve coffee maker has the most impressive features of the models we've tested. It has a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional ground coffee and a single-serve side that can accept any type of K-Cup Keurig-like, reusable or Keurig pod. The carafe's side features an adjustable timer and it has a "strong" setting that provides more flavor than standard settings. It also comes with an integrated, fold-away frother to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can brew 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 included). It uses Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system and scans the barcode of each pod to adjust machine's settings to ensure the perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's more efficient in brewing full-pots than Keurig's top-rated. It also has advanced features, like a 24 hour start, brew intensity controls and automatic shutoff.
It's easy to use, despite having two modes of operation, and clean-up is relatively painless. The pod adapter that is reusable, needles, and mesh filter can be removed for cleaning. The machine is heavy and bulky for counter space but it's an excellent option for those who desire the convenience of pods, or the versatility of coffee ground.
This affordable cold brew maker makes a smooth and delicious cup. It comes with a timer that can be programmed and a built-in milk froth and a filter that can be reused, and can make 12 cups of java in one go. It has a large tank of water as well as a glass carafe that can hold hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already committed 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 new espresso maker is stylish, fast and can make five different drinks on one compact chassis. It's on sale now, making it a great choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine Next heats up very quickly and is incredibly easy to use by pressing a single button that automatically adapts to the kind of capsule you're using. It utilizes patent-pending Nespresso pods with a barcode to tell the machine which type of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you have the right temperature and water pressure for each drink. The pods also spin fast when brewing, creating an indulgence-inducing layer of foam, known as crema, that is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine's biggest drawback is that it's more loud than other pod-machines and you can't reuse 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 pricey when contrasted with other pod machines, especially if you include the cost of the pods. If, however, you've already bought in to the advantages of pod coffee, it's a low price to pay for consistent, barista-style results. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make cappuccinos or lattes. It is also available in bundles, which include some samples of Nespresso pods as well as a frother. This will make it cheaper to buy the machine in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is time to brew, the majority of pod machines follow a similar format - a capsule goes in the top, you press a button and the coffee is poured out. However, every now and then there is a machine that is a complete blow to the water, such as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It has a unique system for capsules that bind them into the portafilter handle. The machine can produce espresso that is similar to the kind you get at a cafe, but without the hassle and mess of a traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE capsules that are made of premium high-quality coffee beans. Each capsule has precisely proportions of ground espresso, which is brewed in a two-stage process. This results in a thick crema. The extraction process is entirely within the capsule, meaning that the machine and the coffee do not meet and cleanup is easy.
This coffee pod machine is equipped with a Pannarello Steam Wand for making milky drinks such as cappuccino and Latte Macchiato. Its unique design, created by famed Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to stand out in your kitchen. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons inspired by classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly merging modern technology.
One downside of this machine is that it requires some extra attention than some other models, especially when you use the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can sometimes block the flow of the hot water, which prevents the machine from working efficiently. If this happens, you'll need to wait a couple of minutes before making another cup of coffee to allow the excess air to let go.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most adored coffee makers available. Its small dimensions, attractive price tag and easy-to-use are the main reasons for buying. Does this machine meet the high standards set forth by its parent company's? We tested it at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, but it does not sacrifice its performance. It can create drinks with a single touch. It scans a barcode on the T DISC to determine what drink to make. It also sets the proper amount for the froth and water in each drink by using Intellibrew technology to ensure the best results every time.
It is very simple to use - simply insert the desired T disc and then select the size of your drink. There are 40 different drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk jug for making cappuccinos or lattes. It takes just three seconds to warm and automatically shuts off after five minutes to save energy.
The descaler is cleverly designed to slot into the side of the machine. This is a separate process however it's fast and easy.
If you register your Vivy, you will receive a discount for your first T-DISCs order, and also specific offers, tips and suggestions. You can also track the status of your machine and check how much it has used. It is a good idea to register your machine when you purchase it, also.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a well-known heritage brand that is a an industry leader in the field of coffee. It was founded in website 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company continues to be managed by his descendants and is spread across the world. The family-owned and operated business has a long tradition of innovating within the industry. It is known for its premium quality espresso, which is made from 9 different varieties of Arabica beans.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a variety of initiatives to protect the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally green as they can. They have focused their efforts on efficiency in energy use, and are determined to reduce their carbon footprint, and also the use of renewable energy sources. They also promote Regenerative farming and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitments to sustainability, Illycaffe is determined to help their employees succeed. They have invested in training programs for their employees and have created a "university" of coffee that educates both consumers and professionals on how to make the best cup of coffee.
In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to obtain B-Corp certification. This is an international label that recognizes businesses 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 for the last seven years. The company has been dedicated to demonstrating that sustainable quality can be beneficial to both the environment and people, and they have a strong belief that it is up to everyone to do their part.