One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are frequently accused of producing watery, weak drinks. The best ones are much more than that.
The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods, which are made of treated polypropylene cups which are designed to break down in landfill (rather than the dreaded K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It has a variety of capsules and is simple to customise.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers on the market, this single-serve and drip model has the best blend of features we tested. It has a 12-cup carafe that brews grounds in the traditional manner and one-serve that will accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe has a programmable clock as well as an "strong setting" that produces more flavor. It has a fold-away frother that is built into the carafe for lattes and capspuccinos.
The single-serve side can make up to 18 ounces of coffee at once using any size K-Cup, or a reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate water reservoir is included). It utilizes Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which scans the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings to make an ideal cup every time. It's quicker than the leading Keurig model in making a full-sized pot of brew thanks to its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced features like a 24 hour brew start, brew strength control, and auto shutoff.
It's easy to use, despite having two different modes of operation, and cleaning is pretty easy. The reusable pod adapter, needles, and mesh filter can be easily removed to clean. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space however, it's an excellent option for anyone who wants the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.
This simple cold brew maker is a budget pick that delivers smooth and delicious cups. It can create 12 cups at a time and has a programmable clock and a milk frother that is integrated, and a coffee filter that is reusable. It also comes with a large water reservoir and a glass carafe for hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great choice if you are already a fan of pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's newest espresso machine is sleek, fast and can create five different drinks from one sleek, compact machine. It's also on sale now, making it a great option for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine Next can be heated up quickly and is incredibly easy to use, with a single button that automatically adapts to the type of capsule you're using. It uses patented Nespresso capsules with an identifier on them which tells the machine what kind of espresso or coffee it is, ensuring you get the correct temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The pods spin rapidly during brewing, creating an emulsion 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 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 free, and they'll take them back to recycle.
The machine is also quite expensive compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you factor in the cost of purchasing the pods. If you're already a coffee pod lover, it's a small amount to be paid for consistently barista-style results. Additionally, you can add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make lattes and cappuccinos. It's also offered in bundles that contain a few sample packs of the Nespresso capsules as well as a milk frother which could save you money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
Most pod machines have a similar brewing process - you place a capsule in, press a button and the coffee is brewed. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that defy the norm. It has a completely different system for capsules, locking them into place inside a portafilter-like handle. The machine can make espresso that is comparable to what you would get in cafes, without the mess and fuss of a traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE capsules that are made of premium high-quality coffee beans. Each capsule is stocked with a precise amount of ground espresso, which is brewed using two stages. This produces a rich crema. The extraction process is entirely inside the capsule. This means that the machine and the coffee are not in contact. Clean-up is also an easy task.
The coffee pod also has an Pannarello steam wand that can be used to make milky drinks, such as cappuccino or macchiato latte. Its unique design, designed by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to be a standout in your kitchen. Its round, slender forms and soft-touch buttons like classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly merging modern technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, especially when using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can stop the flow of hot water, which prevents the machine from functioning properly. You will need to wait some time before making a second coffee to let the excess air escape.
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 easy-to-use are all big selling points. Does this little machine meet the high standards set by the parent company? We went for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is among the most simple pod coffee machines that are available however it doesn't compromise on performance. It can create drinks with a simple press of a button. It scans a barcode on the T DISC to determine what drink to make. It also automatically sets the right amount of water and froth for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to achieve an excellent result every time.
This makes it easy to operate - just insert the desired T DISC and select 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 only takes three seconds to warm up and shuts off automatically after five minutes.
The descaler is designed to fit on the side of your machine. This is a separate process, but it's quick and easy.
If you sign up your Vivy, you'll receive a discount for your first order of T-DISCs, and also specific offers, tips and advice. You'll also be able keep track of the condition of your machine and know how much water it's been using. Registering your machine is recommended as soon as 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. It was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is operated by his children and is spread across the world. The family-owned and operated company has a long track record of embracing new technologies in the industry, and is renowned for its high quality espresso that is made from 9 website different varieties of Arabica beans.
The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented numerous initiatives to to protect the environment. They also make sure that their products are as green as is possible. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and also utilizing renewable energy sources. They also promote Regenerative farming and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitments to sustainability, Illycaffe is determined to help their employees thrive. They have invested in training programs for their employees and created a "university" of coffee to educate professionals and consumers alike on how to make the perfect cup of coffee.
In addition to all of this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to obtain the B-Corp designation, which is an international certification that recognizes businesses that are committed to ethics and a sense that they have a purpose. The company has also launched its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and has been named as one of the world's most ethical companies for 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 responsibility to play.