One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have an undeserved reputation for being watery, under-strength drinks. Fortunately, the best ones can offer much more than that.
The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods, which are made of treated polypropylene cups that are supposed to degrade in landfill (rather than the hated 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 combination drip and single-serve model offers the best blend of features in our test. It has a 12-cup carafe that is brewed in the traditional manner and a single-serve that accepts any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe is programmable with a clock and it has a "strong setting" that produces more flavor. It also has an integrated, fold-away frother to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side brews up to 18 ounces at a time with any size of K-Cup, the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cups or ground coffee (a separate water tank is included). It uses Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and analyzes the barcodes of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. It's faster than a leading Keurig model at making a full pot of coffee with its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions like a 24-hour brew start, brew strength control and auto shutoff.
It's easy to use, despite having two different operating modes, and the cleaning is pretty easy. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles are easily removed for cleaning and the mesh filter is washable in the sink. The unit is a bit heavy and heavy for counter space, however 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 creates a smooth, delicious cup. It can make 12 cups at once and has a programmable clock, an integrated milk frother and a reusable coffee filter. It also has a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe for hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great option to consider if you're already a fan of pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's latest espresso maker is stylish, fast, and can make five different drinks with one compact chassis. It's on sale now which makes it a great option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is simple to use, using a button that adapts automatically to the type capsule you're using. It utilizes patent-pending Nespresso pods that feature barcodes that inform the machine which kind of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures that you get the right temperature and pressure for every drink. The pods spin quickly during brewing, creating a decadent layer of foam, referred to as crema. It is typically found on 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 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 pricey when contrasted with other pod machines in particular when you consider the cost of the pods. If you're already a coffee pod fan, this is an affordable price to be paid for consistently barista-style results. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for cappuccinos or lattes. You can also purchase it in bundles, which contain some of the Nespresso pods as well as a coffee maker. 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 the same format: a capsule goes in the top and you press a button and the coffee is poured out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of those machines that defies the norm. It is a revolutionary system for capsules that bind them into the portafilter handle. The machine can produce espresso that is as good as the one you can get in a cafe without the mess and fuss of an espresso machine that is traditional.
The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE capsules that are made of premium coffee beans of the highest quality. Each capsule has an exact amount of ground espresso, which is then brewed using a unique two-stage process to create a rich crema. The extraction takes place entirely within the capsule, so the coffee and machine never come into contact and cleanup is easy.
The coffee pod also comes with a Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and latte macchiato. The unique design of this coffee machine, designed by renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a statement in your home. Its round, slender shapes and soft-touch buttons are like classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is because excessive air can sometimes prevent the steam from flowing properly making it impossible for the machine to continue functioning. If this happens, you'll need to wait a few minutes before preparing another 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 popular coffee machines on the market. The small size, attractive pricing and the ease of use are important selling points. But does this little machine live up to the high standards set by the company that owns it? We went for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, however it isn't sacrificing performance. It can make drinks with just a single touch. It reads the barcode on the DISC to determine which drink to prepare. It also automatically adjusts the proper amount of water and froth for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to achieve the best results every time.
This makes it very easy to use - simply insert the desired T DISC and select your preferred drink size. There are 40 different drinks to choose from and the Vivy comes with a milk jug for making cappuccinos or lattes. It only takes three seconds to heat and shuts off automatically after five minutes.
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.
If you sign up your Vivy, you'll receive a discount on your first T-DISCs order, and also specific offers, tips and advice. You'll also be in a position to keep track of the condition of your machine, and also see how much water it's used. It's a good idea to register your machine as soon as you buy it, too.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a renowned brand with a long history and is a leader in the coffee industry. 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 new technologies in the industry, and is known for its premium quality espresso made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.
The company is also committed coffee machines with capsules to sustainability and has a range of initiatives that help to safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally green as they can. They have focused on efficiency in energy use, and are committed to reducing their emissions, and the use of renewable energy sources. They also promote the practice of regenerative agriculture and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, illycaffe is also committed to helping their employees succeed. They have invested in training programs for their employees and have created an "university" of coffee to train consumers and professionals alike on how to make the best cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company that has earned an B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies who prioritize ethics and a sense of purpose. The company also introduced its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and has been recognized 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 role to play.