One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are frequently accused of making watery, weak drinks. The top ones are more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods, made from treated polypropylene cups that are designed to break down in landfill (rather than the dreaded K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It offers a variety of capsules, and it is easy to customise.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This combination drip-and-single-serve coffee maker offers the best features of the models we have tested. It has a 12-cup carafe which makes grounds in the traditional manner and a single-serve that accepts any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe's side features an adjustable timer as well as an "strong" setting that provides more flavor than normal settings. It also has a built-in, foldaway frother for cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at once using any size K-Cup or reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate reservoir for water is also included). It makes use of Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and analyzes the barcodes of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's quicker at making full-pots of brew than a leading Keurig. It also has advanced features, like a 24 hour start, brew intensity controls and automatic shutoff.
The device is easy to use despite the fact it has two operating modes. It also cleans up easily. The reusable pod adapter, needles, and mesh filter can be easily removed to clean. It's a bit heavy and heavy for counter space however it's a great option for anyone who wants the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This simple cold brew machine is a budget pick 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 in one go. It also has a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe to serve hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great choice for those who are already a fan of the pod coffee machines but want to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's new espresso maker is sleek, efficient and can create five different drinks in one chassis. It's currently on sale which makes it a great option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine Next heats up very quickly and is extremely simple to use, with a single button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of patented Nespresso capsules with a barcode that tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, ensuring that you get the correct temperature and pressure for each drink. The capsules spin fast during brewing, creating a layer of foam known as crema. It is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine's only downside is that it's louder than other pod machines and you aren't able to reuse the 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 no cost and they'll return them to reuse.
The machine is also pretty expensive compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you take into account the cost of buying pods. If, however, you've already a believer in the benefits of pod coffee, it's only a small cost to pay for consistent results that resemble baristas. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make lattes or cappuccinos. It's also available in bundles that contain a few sample packs of the Nespresso capsules and a milk frother which could save you money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is about brewing, most pod machines adhere to a similar format - a capsule goes in the top, you press a button, and the coffee oozes out. However, every now and then there is a machine that breaks convention right out of the water, like is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It has a unique system for capsules that locks them into a portafilter handle. The machine produces espresso that is as good as the one you can get in a cafe, but without the hassle and mess of a traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE capsules which are made from premium coffee beans of the highest quality. Each capsule has precisely proportions of ground espresso, which is brewed using two stages. This results in a thick crema. The extraction process is entirely inside the capsule. This means that the coffee and machine are never in contact. Clean-up is also easy.
The coffee pod includes a Pannarello Steam Wand that can be used to make milky beverages like cappuccino or macchiato latte. The unique design, developed by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to stand out in your kitchen. Its round but slender forms and soft-touch buttons evoke 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 sometimes stop the flow of hot water, which prevents the machine from working effectively. If this happens, you'll need to wait a couple of minutes before making another cup of coffee to allow the excess air to be released.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most adored coffee machines on the market. The small dimensions, attractive pricing, and user-friendly are important selling points. But does this little machine meet the high standards set by the company that owns it? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is one of the simplest pod coffee machines available however it doesn't compromise on performance. It can make drinks with the touch of a single button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC to determine which drink it has to create. It also automatically adjusts the correct amount of water and froth for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to produce an outstanding result every time.
This makes it easy to operate - just insert the desired T DISC and choose the desired drink size. There are 40 drinks to choose from and the Vivy comes with a milk container for making cappuccinos or lattes. It takes only three seconds to heat up and shuts off automatically after five minutes.
The descaler is designed to slot into the side of the machine. This is a separate process, but it's quick and simple.
As an added benefit, if register your Vivy with Bosch as a bonus, you'll receive discounts on your first purchase of T DISCs. Additionally, you'll receive personalised offers, recommendations and advice. You can also monitor the progress of your machine, and find out how much it has used. Registering your machine is recommended when you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a well-known brand with a long history and is a an industry leader in the field of coffee. Established best coffee machines with pods in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company continues to be run by his descendants and spans across the globe. The family-owned and operated company has a long history of innovating within the industry. It is renowned for its top quality espresso, which is made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a variety of initiatives that help to safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as eco green as they can. They have focused on efficiency in energy use, and are determined to reduce their carbon footprint and also the use of renewable energy sources. They also have worked to promote regenerative agriculture and have a strong focus on improving their water resources.
Illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their determination to help their employees succeed. They have invested in training programs for their employees, and have created a "university" of coffee to educate professionals and consumers alike on how to make the best cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to be awarded an B Corp certification. This designation is awarded to companies that are committed to ethics and have a mission. The company has also launched its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and was named one of the world's most ethical companies over the last seven year. The company has been dedicated to demonstrating that sustainable quality can benefit both the environment and people, and they have a strong belief that it is the responsibility of everyone to do their part.