One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have a bit of an undeserved reputation for their watery, under-strength drinks. The best pods are more than just that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of 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 also has bundles of capsules and simple customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers on the market, this combination single-serve and drip model has the most comprehensive set of features we tested. It comes with a 12-cup carafe which is brewed in the traditional manner and single-serve that can accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe comes with a programmable clock and it has a "strong setting" that makes more flavor. It also comes with a built-in, foldaway frother for cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side is able to brew up to 18 ounces at a time with any size of K-Cup, the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup or ground coffee (a separate water tank is also included). It makes use of Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and analyzes the barcodes of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. It's quicker than the leading Keurig model when it comes to making a full pot of coffee using its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions, including a 24-hour brew start time, brew strength control and auto shutoff.
The device is simple to use despite the fact that it comes with two operating modes. It also cleans up easily. The reusable pod adapter, needles and mesh filter can be removed for cleaning. It's a bit bulky and heavy for counter space however it's a great option for anyone who wants the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.
This low-cost cold brew machine makes a smooth and delicious cup. It comes with a programmable timer, a built-in milk frother and a filter that can be reused, and can make 12 cups of java at a time. It also has a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe to serve hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already bought in to the pod coffee machine trend and would like to upgrade your current Keurig-style machine This is a great alternative. Nespresso's new espresso maker is stylish, fast and can create five different drinks with one chassis. It's on sale now which makes it a great option for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine Next heats up very quickly and is extremely easy to use by pressing a single button that automatically adjusts to the kind of capsule you're using. It utilizes patent-pending Nespresso pods with a barcode to tell the machine what kind of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you get the right temperature and water pressure for every drink. The capsules spin quickly when they are brewing to create the foam, also known as crema that is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine's only downside is that it's louder than other pod-machines and that you cannot reuse the capsules. Fortunately, the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable so you can drop them off at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for free and they'll return them to you to reuse.
The machine is also pretty expensive compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you factor in the cost of buying pods. If, however, you've already bought in to the advantages of pod coffee, it's only a small cost to get consistent, barista-style results. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for cappuccinos or lattes. It's also available as bundles that include a few sample packs of the Nespresso capsules as well as milk frother that can save you money in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
Most pod machines have the same brewing process: you insert a capsule then press a button and the coffee pours out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that eschew the rules of. It uses a different system for capsules and locks them in a portafilter-like hand. This lets the machine create an espresso that's similar to what you'd find at a cafe, but without all of the fuss and mess that is typical of an espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE capsules which are made from premium high-quality coffee beans. Each capsule is stocked with an exact amount of espresso that is then brewed using a unique two-stage process to produce a thick and rich crema. The extraction takes place completely inside 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 or macchiato latte. Its unique design, designed by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to be a standout in your kitchen. Its round but slender forms and soft-touch buttons recall the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 1960s while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
The only drawback to this machine is that it requires a little more attention than other models, especially when you are using the steam wand. The reason for this is that too much air can block the hot water from flowing properly, preventing the machine from functioning. If this happens, you'll need to wait for a few minutes before making another coffee to allow the excess air to be released.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most sought-after pod coffee machines on the market. The compact dimensions as well as the attractive pricing and ease of operation are all important selling points. But does this little machine live up to the high standards set by its parent company? 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 that are available however it doesn't sacrifice on performance. It can make drinks with just a simple press of a button. It scans a barcode on the T DISC to determine what drink to make. It also determines the right amount of the froth and water in each drink using Intellibrew Technology to produce an excellent outcome every time.
This makes it extremely simple to operate - just insert the desired T DISC and select your preferred drink size. The Vivy offers 40 different drinks and an milk jug that can be used to make lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to warm up and automatically shuts off after five minutes to conserve energy.
It's easy to clean too thanks to a cleverly designed descaler that slides into the side of the machine. This is a separate procedure, but it's quick and easy.
If you register your Vivy, you'll receive a discount on your first order of T-DISCs, along with specific offers, tips and advice. You'll also be able monitor the health of your pod coffee machine machine and know how much water it's used. It's worth registering your machine when you purchase it, also.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a well-known heritage brand that is a one of the leaders in the coffee industry. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still operated by his descendants. It has a presence across the globe. The family-owned business has a long history 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 range of initiatives that help safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as eco friendly as possible. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint as well as using renewable energies. They have also promoted the practice of regenerative agriculture and are focusing on improving their water resources.
In addition to their commitments to sustainability, Illycaffe is determined to help their employees succeed. They have invested in training programs for their employees and created an "university" of coffee to train both consumers and professionals on how to make the best cup of coffee.
In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to obtain B-Corp certification. This is an international certification that recognizes companies that prioritize ethics and a sense of purpose. The company has also launched its 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 showing how sustainable quality can benefit the environment as well as people. They believe that everyone has a part to take on.