One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are frequently criticized for making watery, weak drinks. However, the top pods can provide more than that.
The illy Bruvi uses 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 comes with a range of capsules, and it is easy to customise.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers on the market, this single-serve and drip models offer the most comprehensive set of features we tested. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional grounds, and a single-serve side that accepts any type of K-Cup Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe has a programmable clock and an "strong setting" that gives you more flavor. It comes with an adjustable frother that folds away and is built into the carafe for lattes and capspuccinos.
The single-serve side brews up to 18 ounces at a time with any size of K-Cup and reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cups or ground coffee (a separate water tank is also included). It uses Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which analyzes the barcode on each pod to adjust the machine's settings to ensure the perfect 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 like a 24-hour start, brew intensity control, and automatic shutoff.
It's easy to use despite having two different modes of operation, and cleaning process is fairly easy. The reusable pod adapter, needles and mesh filter can be easily removed for cleaning. The machine is heavy and bulky for counter space but it's an excellent option for those who prefer the convenience of pods, or the versatility of coffee ground.
This low-cost cold brew machine creates a smooth, delicious 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 has a large tank of water as well as glass carafes to hold hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great choice to consider if you're already a fan of the pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso's latest espresso machine is sleek, fast and has the ability to make five different drinks on one sleek, compact chassis. It's on sale now which makes it a great choice for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine is then able to heat up quickly and is easy to use, using an automatic button that adjusts to the type capsule you are using. It uses the patented Nespresso capsules with a barcode that tells the machine what kind of espresso or coffee it is, ensuring you get the right temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The capsules spin fast when they are brewing to create a layer of foam known as crema that is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawback is that it's louder than other pod machines and you can't reuse the capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules can be recycled, so you can recycle them at your local UPS store or on Nespresso's website.
The machine is costly when it is compared to other pod makers, especially if you include the cost of the pods. However, if you're already convinced of the advantages of pod coffee, it's only a small cost to pay for consistent results that resemble baristas. Additionally, you can add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for lattes and cappuccinos. It's also offered in bundles that contain a few samples of Nespresso capsules as well as milk frother, which can save you money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is time to brew, the majority of pod machines adhere to a similar format - capsules are placed on the top and you press a button and the coffee oozes out. However, every now and then a device comes along that blows convention out of the water, such as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It utilizes a different mechanism for capsules that lock them in place inside a portafilter-like handle. This allows the machine to make an espresso that is as good as you'd get at a cafe, but without the hassle and mess that comes with a traditional espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with only Illy MIE pods, which are made of premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule contains an exact amount of ground espresso, which is then brewed with a specific two-stage process to produce an intense crema. The extraction is performed entirely inside the capsule. This means that the coffee and machine are not in contact. Clean-up is also an easy task.
This coffee maker is equipped with a Pannarello Steam Wand that can be used to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and latte Macchiato. Its unique design, created by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to make a statement in your kitchen. Its slender, round forms and soft-touch buttons like traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
One downside of this machine is that it needs a little more focus than other models, especially when you are 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 functioning. You'll need to wait for 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 available. The small dimensions, attractive pricing, and the ease of use are major reasons to buy. But can this tiny machine live up to the high standards set by the parent company? We tested it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is among the most simple pod coffee machines on the market, but it doesn't skimp on performance. It makes drinks with the push of a button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC to determine what drink it should create. It also determines the right amount for water and froth in each drink by using Intellibrew Technology to achieve an outstanding result every time.
This makes it easy to use - just insert the desired T DISC and choose your preferred drink size. There are 40 drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk jug that can be used for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes just three seconds to heat up and it shuts down automatically after five minutes.
It's very easy to clean, too, with a cleverly designed descaler that slots into the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the procedure is easy and quick.
As an added benefit, if register your Vivy with Bosch, you'll get an extra discount on your first order of T DISCs. You'll also receive personalized offers, suggestions and suggestions. You can also keep track of the progress of your machine and check how much it has used. Registering your machine is a good idea when you purchase it.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe, a leader in the world of coffee and an famous heritage brand, is a world leader. The company was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still managed by his descendants. It is a global company. The family-owned and operated business has a long track record of innovating in the industry, and is renowned for its high 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 that help to safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as eco friendly as possible. They have focused their efforts on efficiency in their energy use and are determined to reduce their carbon coffee machine for pods footprint, and also the use of renewable energy sources. They also have worked to promote regenerative agriculture and have a strong focus on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, illycaffe is committed to helping their employees succeed. They have invested in programs to provide training and professional development for their staff and they have created an "university of coffee" that helps to educate consumers and professionals alike on how to make the best possible cup of coffee.
In addition to all of this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to be awarded the B-Corp designation, which is an international certification which recognizes companies that value ethics and a sense of mission. The company also introduced its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and was named as one of the world's most Ethical companies for the past seven year. The company has been committed to proving that sustainable quality can make a difference for the environment and people alike and has an unshakeable belief that it is the responsibility of everyone to take action.