One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have an undeserved reputation for being the watery, weak drinks. The best ones are much more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods instead of the dreaded K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It also comes with a variety of capsule options as well as easy customization.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This single-serve drip coffee maker offers the best features of all the models we have tested. It has a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional grounds and a single-serve side that can accept any kind of K-Cup Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe comes with a programmable clock and it has a "strong setting" that makes more flavor. It also has a built-in, foldaway frother for lattes and cappuccinos.
The single-serve version can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time, using any size K-Cup or reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cups (a separate water reservoir is included). It uses Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system and reads the barcode on each pod to adjust the machine's settings to ensure an ideal cup every time. It's faster than a leading Keurig model when it comes to brewing a full pot using its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced features like a 24 hour brew start time, brew strength control and auto shutoff.
The device is easy to use, despite the fact that it comes with two operating modes. It also cleans easily. The reusable pod adapter, needles, and mesh filter can be removed for cleaning. 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 versatility of coffee ground.
This budget-friendly cold brew machine produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It comes with a programmable timer and a built-in milk froth and a filter that can be reused, and can make 12 cups of java at once. It also has a large water reservoir and a glass carafe to serve hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great choice if you are already a fan of the pod coffee machines but want to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso’s newest espresso maker is sleek, fast and can make five different drinks in one compact chassis. It's even on sale right now, making it a great choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is extremely simple to use with a single-use button that automatically adjusts to the kind of capsule you're using. It utilizes the patented Nespresso pods that have an identifier barcode that tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you have the right 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 only drawbacks to the VertuoLine are that it's louder than other pod machines and that you can't reuse the capsules that you've used. 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 no cost and they'll return them to you to reuse.
The machine is expensive when compared to other pod machines in particular when you consider the cost of the pods. If you're already a coffee pod fan, this is a small price to pay for consistently barista-like results. Additionally, you can add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make lattes and cappuccinos. It's also available as bundles that include samples of Nespresso capsules as well as milk frothers, which can save you money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines have the same brewing procedure - you simply insert a capsule, press a button and the coffee is brewed. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that defy the norm. It uses a unique system for capsules that lock them into a portafilter handle. The machine produces espresso that is as good as the one you can get in a cafe, but without the hassle and mess of the traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules which are made from premium high-quality coffee beans. Each capsule has precisely proportioned amounts of espresso that is then brewed with a specific two-stage process to create an intense crema. The extraction happens entirely inside the capsule, which means that the machine and coffee never come into contact, and clean-up is a breeze.
The coffee pod also comes with a Pannarello steam wand for making milky drinks such as cappuccino and macchiato latte. The unique design, developed by famed Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to make a statement in your kitchen. Its slender, round shapes and soft-touch buttons are inspired by the classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly mixing modern technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can sometimes prevent the steam from flowing properly, preventing the machine from working. You'll need to wait a few moments before preparing 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 popular pod coffee machines on the market. The small dimensions as well as the attractive pricing and the ease of use are important selling points. Does this tiny machine meet the high standards set forth by its parent company's standards? We tested it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is one of the simplest pod coffee machines available however it doesn't sacrifice on performance. It can make drinks with the push of a button, by reading a unique barcode on each T DISC to determine what drink it should create. It also determines the right amount for the froth and water in each drink using Intellibrew Technology to produce the best results every time.
This makes it extremely simple to use - simply 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 cappuccinos or lattes. It takes only 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 different process, but it's quick and easy.
If you sign up your Vivy, you'll receive a discount on your first order of T-DISCs, and also personalized offers, tips and recommendations. You can also keep track of the condition of your machine, and check how much it's been used. Registering your machine is also a good idea when you purchase it.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a market leader in the world of coffee and an famous heritage brand, is a global leader. The company was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still run by his descendants. It is a global company. The family-owned company has a long tradition of innovation and is renowned for its top-quality espresso that is made from nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives to protect 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 and also utilizing renewable energies. They also have worked to promote regenerative agriculture, coffee pods machine and have a particular focus on enhancing their water resources.
Illycaffe's commitment towards sustainability is matched by their determination to assist their employees in achieving success. They have invested in training programs for their employees, and have created an "university" of coffee to train both consumers and professionals on how to make the perfect cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to earn a B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies that are committed to ethics and a sense of purpose. The company also recently introduced their first line of Nespresso compatible pods. They have also 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 play.