One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often criticized for producing weak, watery drinks. Fortunately, the best ones can offer much more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods made from treated polypropylene cups which are designed to degrade in landfill (rather than the notorious K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It has a variety of capsules and is easy to personalize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers available on the market, this drip and single-serve model offers the most comprehensive set of features we tested. It has a 12-cup carafe which makes grounds in the traditional way and a single-serve that accepts any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe side comes with an adjustable timer and an "strong" setting that provides more flavor than standard settings. It also has an integrated, fold-away frother to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve version can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at once using any size K-Cup, or a reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate reservoir for water is included). It utilizes Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and reads the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. It's more efficient than a top Keurig model in making a full pot of coffee thanks to its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions like a 24-hour brew start, brew strength controls and auto shutoff.
It's simple to use, despite having two modes of operation, and clean-up is relatively painless. The pod adapter that is reusable and needles are easily removable for cleaning and the filter can be washed in the sink. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space, but it's a great alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This simple cold brew maker is a great value option that delivers smooth and delicious cups. It comes with a timer that can be programmed and a built-in milk froth and a reusable filter and can make 12 cups of java in one go. It has a large tank of water, as well as glass carafes to hold hot beverages.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great choice to consider if you're already a fan of pod coffee machines and want to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso's latest espresso maker is stylish, fast and can make five different drinks on one chassis. It's even on sale right now, making it a great choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine Next can be heated up quickly and is extremely simple to use by pressing a single button that automatically adapts to the type of capsule you're using. It uses patented Nespresso pods that have an identifier barcode that tells the machine which kind of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures you get the correct temperature and pressure for every drink. The pods also spin fast during brewing, creating an indulgence-inducing layer of foam, also known as crema, which is usually found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine's biggest drawback is that it's louder than other pod-machines and you aren't able to reuse capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules can be recycled, so you can recycle the capsules at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website.
The machine is also expensive in comparison to other pod coffee machines, especially when you take into account the cost of buying the pods. However, if you're already bought in to the benefits of pod coffee, it's a small cost to get consistently good barista-like results. Additionally, you can add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make lattes and cappuccinos. It is also available in bundles, which contain some samples of Nespresso pods and a frother. This will help you save money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
Most pod machines have the same brewing process: you simply insert a capsule, press a button and the coffee is brewed. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that eschew the rules of. It uses a different system for capsules, locking them into place in a portafilter-like handle. The machine can make espresso that is as good as the one you can get in a cafe without the mess and hassle of an espresso machine that is traditional.
The X7.1 is compatible with only Illy MIE pods which are made of top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule is stocked with an exact amount of ground espresso, which is brewed using two stages. This creates a rich crema. The extraction process is entirely within the coffee machines for pods capsule. This means that the machine and coffee are never in contact. Cleaning up is a breeze.
The coffee pod comes with a Pannarello Steam Wand for making milky drinks such as cappuccino and latte Macchiato. The unique design, developed by the renowned 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.
One drawback of this machine is that it needs some extra focus than other models, especially when you use the steam wand. The reason for this is that the excess air can stop the flow of hot water, which prevents the machine from working properly. You'll need to wait a few moments before preparing another cup of coffee in order to let the excess air go.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most adored coffee makers available. Its compact dimensions, attractive price tag and easy-to-use are the main reasons for buying. Does this little machine meet the high standards set forth by the parent company? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to find out.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, but it isn't sacrificing the performance. It makes drinks at the touch of a single button, by reading a unique barcode on each T DISC to know what drink it should make. It also determines the right amount for water and froth in every drink by using Intellibrew Technology to produce an outstanding result every time.
It is very simple to use - just insert the desired T DISC, and select the size of your drink. The Vivy has 40 different drinks, as well as an milk jug that can be used to make lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to warm up, and has auto-shut-off after five minutes, to save energy.
It's very easy to clean, too thanks to a cleverly designed descaler that slides into the side of the machine. This is a different process however it's very quick and simple.
As an added bonus, if you register your Vivy through Bosch, you'll get an extra discount on your first purchase of T DISCs. Additionally, you'll receive personalised offers, recommendations and advice. You'll also be able to keep track of the condition of your machine and know the amount of water it has used. Registering your machine is also an excellent idea as soon as you purchase it.
5. Illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a leading player in the coffee industry and an iconic heritage brand, is a global leader. The company was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still run by his descendants. It spans the globe. The family-owned and operated company has a long track record of embracing innovation within the industry. It is known for its premium quality espresso made from 9 different types 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 emissions and also utilizing renewable energy sources. They also have worked to promote regenerative agriculture, and have a particular focus on improving their water resources.
illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their commitment 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 earn the B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies that are committed to ethics and a sense of purpose. The company has also launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods, and has been named one of the world's most ethical companies for the past seven years. The company is committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people. They believe that everyone has a part to take on.