One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have an undeserved reputation for being the watery, weak drinks. Fortunately, the best ones can provide more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods in place of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It offers a variety of capsule options and is easy to customize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the best pod coffee makers available on the market, this combination drip and single-serve model offers the most comprehensive set of features that we have tested. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional grounds and one-serve side that will accept any kind of K-Cup Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe's side features an adjustable timer and an "strong" setting that produces more flavor than standard settings. It has a fold-away frother that is integrated into the carafe to serve lattes and capspuccinos.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces at a time with any size of K-Cup, reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cups or ground coffee (a separate water tank is provided). It utilizes Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and analyzes the barcodes of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. 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 functions, including a 24-hour brew start, brew strength controls and auto shutoff.
It's simple to use, despite having two operating modes, and the clean-up is relatively painless. The reusable pod adapter, needles, and mesh filter can be easily removed for cleaning. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space however it's a great alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.
This affordable cold brew maker produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It can make 12 cups at once and features a programmable timer and a milk frother that is integrated as well as a coffee filter that is reusable. It also has a huge reservoir for water and a glass carafe for hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great choice if you are already a fan of the pod coffee machines and want to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's latest espresso machine is sleek, efficient and has the ability to create five different drinks from one sleek, compact machine. It's on sale now which makes it a great choice for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine is then able to heat up quickly and is easy to use, with an adjustable button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of the patented Nespresso pods that feature barcodes that inform the machine what kind of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures you have the right temperature and water pressure for every drink. The pods also spin rapidly when brewing, creating a decadent layer of foam, referred to as crema, that is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawback 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 and 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 expensive when 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 price to be paid for consistently barista style results. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make cappuccinos or lattes. It's also offered in bundles that contain a few samples of Nespresso capsules as well as milk frother which could save you money in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines have the same brewing process: you insert a capsule and press a button, and the coffee pods coffee machine coffee is brewed. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of those machines that defies convention. It has a completely different system for capsules, locking them into place in a portafilter-like handle. This allows the machine to make an espresso that is like you would get at a cafe, however without all of the fuss and mess that comes with a traditional espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE pods, which are made of top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule has precisely proportioned amounts of espresso that is then brewed using a unique two-stage process that produces a rich crema. The extraction happens entirely inside the capsule, meaning that the machine and the coffee do not come into contact, and clean-up is easy.
This coffee pod machine is equipped with a Pannarello Steam Wand for making milky drinks like cappuccino or latte Macchiato. The unique design, developed by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to be a standout in your kitchen. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons recall the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the '60s and seamlessly integrates modern technology.
This machine requires more attention, especially when using the steam wand. This is because excess air can stop the flow of hot water, preventing the machine from working effectively. If this happens, you'll have to wait a couple of minutes before preparing another coffee to allow the excess air to let go.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most sought-after coffee machines available. Its compact dimensions, attractive price and user-friendly interface are the main reasons for buying. But can this machine live up to 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 a basic pod coffee machine, however it isn't sacrificing its 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 automatically adjusts the correct amount of water and froth for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to produce an outstanding result every time.
This makes it easy to operate - just insert the desired T DISC and select the desired drink size. There are 40 different 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 heat and it shuts down automatically after five minutes.
The descaler is cleverly designed to slot into the side of your machine. This is a different process however it's fast and simple.
If you register your Vivy, you'll receive a discount on your first T-DISCs order, as well as specific offers, tips and recommendations. You'll also be in a position to track the status of your machine, and also see how much water it has been using. Registering your machine is also a good idea immediately after you purchase it.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a well-known brand with a long history and is a one of the leaders in the coffee industry. Established in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is still operated by his children and is spread across the globe. The family-owned business has a long history of innovation and is known for its premium espresso 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 sustainable as they can be. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions and also utilizing renewable energies. They have also promoted regenerative farming and are focused on improving their water resources.
In addition to their commitments to sustainability, illycaffe is committed to helping their employees achieve. They have invested in training programs for their employees and have created an "university" of coffee to educate consumers and professionals alike on how to make the perfect 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 designation that recognizes companies that prioritize ethics and a sense of purpose. The company also recently launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods, and they have been named one of the World's most ethical companies over the past seven years. The company is dedicated to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment as well as people. They believe that everyone has a responsibility to play.