One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have a bit of an unfair reputation for watery, under-strength drinks. However, the top pods are more than that.
The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods, which are made of treated polypropylene cups which are supposed to break down in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It offers a variety of capsule options and is easy to customize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers available on the market, this single-serve and drip models offer the best combination of features in our test. It comes with a 12-cup carafe that makes grounds in the traditional way, 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 gives more flavor than the standard settings. It also comes with a built-in, foldaway frother for lattes and cappuccinos.
The single-serve side brews up to 18 ounces per hour using any size K-Cup and the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup, or ground coffee (a separate water tank is also included). It is based on Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system that analyzes the barcode on each pod to adjust the machine settings for a perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's quicker at making full-pots of brew than a leading Keurig. It also has advanced features such as a 24-hour start time, brew intensity control, and automatic shutoff.
It's simple to use, despite having two different modes of operation, and cleaning is pretty easy. The reusable pod adapter and needles can be removed for cleaning and the filter can be washed in the sink. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space however it's a great option for anyone who needs the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.
This budget-friendly cold brew machine produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It can create 12 cups at a time and comes with a programmable clock as well as an integrated milk frother and an reusable coffee filter. It also comes with a large water reservoir and a glass carafe for 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 want to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso's new espresso machine is sleek, fast and can create five different drinks from one compact, sleek chassis. It's available for sale right now and is a great choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is extremely simple to use by pressing a single button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of patented Nespresso capsules which have a barcode that tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, making sure you get the correct temperature and pressure for each drink. The capsules spin quickly during brewing, creating a layer of foam called crema, which is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine's biggest drawback is that it's more loud than other pod-machines and you can't reuse the capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules is recyclable, so you can recycle them at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website.
The machine is costly when compared to other pod machines, especially if you include the cost of the pods. If you've already convinced of the benefits of pod coffee, it's a small cost to pay for consistent, barista-style results. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for lattes and cappuccinos. You can also buy it in bundles that include a few samples of the Nespresso pods as well as a frother. This will make it cheaper to buy the machine in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines use a similar brewing process - you simply insert a capsule then press a button and the coffee comes out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that defy convention. It utilizes a different mechanism for capsules, locking them into place inside a portafilter-like handle. This lets the machine make an espresso that is as good as you'd get at a cafe, but without all of the fuss and mess that comes with a traditional espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE pods that are made from premium, high-quality beans. Each coffee pod machines capsule contains an exact amount of ground espresso, which is then brewed using a special two-stage process to create an intense crema. The extraction process is entirely within the capsule. This means that the machine and the coffee are not in contact. Cleaning up is a breeze.
This coffee pod machine also has a Pannarello steam wand for making milky drinks like cappuccino and macchiato latte. The distinctive design of this coffee machine, designed by renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a design statement in your living space. Its slim but round shapes and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 60s and seamlessly integrates modern technology.
One drawback of this machine is that it requires a little more attention than other models, particularly when you use the steam wand. This is because excess air can sometimes hinder the flow of hot water, which prevents the machine from working properly. If this happens, you'll need to wait a few minutes before making another coffee to allow the air to let go.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most sought-after pod coffee machines available on the market. Its small dimensions, attractive price and user-friendly interface are the main reasons for buying. But can this machine meet the high standards set by the company that owns it? We took it for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to find out.
The Vivy is one of the most simple pod coffee machines on the market however it doesn't compromise on performance. It makes drinks with the touch of a single button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC to know which drink it needs to make. It also automatically adjusts the correct amount of froth and water for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to achieve the best results every time.
This makes it easy to operate - just insert the desired T DISC, then select the size you prefer for your drink. The Vivy offers 40 different drinks, as well as a milk jug to make lattes or cappuccinos. It only takes three seconds to heat up and it has an auto-shutoff after five minutes.
The descaler has been designed to fit on the side of your machine. There are separate directions for this, but the process is easy and quick.
If you sign up your Vivy, you'll receive a discount on your first order of T-DISCs, and also customized offers, tips and suggestions. 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 a good idea immediately after you purchase it.
5. Illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a leading player in the world of coffee and an iconic heritage brand, is a global leader. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still managed by his descendants. It spans the globe. The family-owned company has a long tradition of innovation and is renowned for its top-quality espresso that is made using nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
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 environmentally friendly as possible. They have a particular focus on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions as well as using renewable energies. They have also been working to promote regenerative agriculture and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitments to sustainability, illycaffe is also determined to help their employees achieve. They have invested in programs that provide training and professional development for their staff, and they have also developed an "university of coffee" which helps educate consumers and professionals alike about how to enjoy the best cup of coffee.
In addition to all of this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to be awarded a B-Corp certification, which is an international label which recognizes companies that value ethics and a sense of mission. The company also introduced its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and has been named one of the world's most ethical companies over the last seven years. The company is committed to showing how sustainable quality can benefit the environment as well as people. They believe that everyone has a part to take on.