One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are frequently criticized for making watery, weak drinks. The best ones are much more than just that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods, made from treated polypropylene cups which are supposed to degrade in landfill (rather than the notorious K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also comes with a variety of capsules and simple customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers available on the market, this combination single-serve and drip models offer the most comprehensive set of features we tested. It has a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional ground coffee and one-serve side that will accept any type of K-Cup Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe has a programmable clock as well as it has a "strong setting" that produces more flavor. It also has an integrated, fold-away frother for cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side brews up to 18 ounces per hour with any size of K-Cup and the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup, or ground coffee (a separate water tank is provided). It uses Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which scans the barcode of each pod to adjust machine's settings to ensure a perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's faster at brewing full pots than Keurig's top-rated. It also has advanced features, like a 24 hour start, brew intensity control and automatic shutoff.
The device is simple to use despite the fact it comes with two operating modes. It also cleans easily. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles and mesh filter can be easily removed for cleaning. The unit is a bit heavy and heavy for counter space, but it's a great option for those who desire the convenience of pods or the flexibility of coffee ground.
This budget-friendly cold brew machine produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It has a programmable timer and a built-in milk froth and a reusable filter and can make 12 cups of java at once. It has a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe that can hold hot beverages.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already committed to the pod coffee machine trend and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig-style machine, this is an excellent option. Nespresso’s newest espresso maker is stylish, fast and can make five different drinks with one chassis. It's also on sale now making it an excellent option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine Next can be heated up quickly and is incredibly easy to use by pressing a single button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of patented Nespresso pods with barcodes that inform the machine what kind of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you get the correct temperature and pressure for every drink. The pods also spin rapidly when brewing, creating an exquisite layer of foam, known as crema. It is usually found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine is that it's a little more loud than other pod machines and that you can't reuse the capsules you've used. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules is recyclable, which means you can recycle the capsules at your local UPS store or on Nespresso's website.
The machine is also expensive compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you consider the cost of purchasing the 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 a Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make lattes and cappuccinos. You can also purchase it in bundles, which include some 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
When it is time to brew, the majority of pod machines follow the same format: a capsule goes in the top and then you press a button and the coffee is poured out. However, every now and then there is a machine that blows convention out of the water, such as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It uses a different system for capsules, locking them into place in a portafilter-like hand. The machine produces espresso that is comparable to the one you can get in a cafe without the hassle and mess 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 contains an exact amount of espresso ground, which is then brewed using a special two-stage process that produces an intense crema. The extraction takes place completely inside the capsule, so the coffee and machine never come into contact, and clean-up is a breeze.
This coffee pod machine also has a Pannarello steam wand for making milky drinks, such as cappuccino or latte macchiato. The distinctive design of this machine, designed by renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a design statement in your living space. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the '60s while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. The reason for this is that too much air can block the hot water from flowing properly and stop the machine from functioning. 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 sought-after pod coffee machines on the market. Its small dimensions, attractive price and user-friendly interface are all big selling points. But can this machine meet the high standards set by its parent company? We tested it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, but it isn't sacrificing its performance. It can create drinks with a single press of a button. It reads the barcode on the DISC to determine what drink to prepare. It also automatically determines the right amount of water and froth for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to achieve the best results every time.
It is very simple to use - simply insert the desired T DISC and then select the size of your drink. There are 40 drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk container for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes just three seconds to warm and shuts off automatically after five minutes to conserve energy.
The descaler is cleverly designed to fit on the side of the machine. This is a different process, but it's quick and easy.
If you register your Vivy, you will receive a discount on your first order of T-DISCs as well as specific offers, tips and recommendations. You'll also be able keep track of the condition of your machine, and also see how much water it has been using. Registering your machine is recommended as soon as you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a market leader in the coffee market and iconic heritage brand, is a global leader. Founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is still run by his descendants and spans across the world. The family-owned company has a long tradition of innovation and is known for its premium espresso made from nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a variety of initiatives that help pod and bean coffee machine to safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally sustainable as they can be. They have focused their efforts on efficiency in energy use, and are determined to reduce their carbon footprint, and the use of renewable energies. They have also worked to promote regenerative farming, and have a particular focus on improving their water resources.
illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their determination to help their employees succeed. They have invested in programs that offer training and professional development for their staff and have created an "university of coffee" that assists in educating consumers and professionals about how to enjoy the best cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to earn the B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies that place a high value on ethics and a purpose. The company also introduced its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and was recognized as one of the world's most Ethical companies for the past seven year. 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 play.