One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have an unfair reputation for watery, under-strength drinks. The top ones are more than just that.
The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods instead 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 top pod coffee makers on the market, this single-serve and drip model has the best blend of features in our test. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional grounds, and a single-serve side that can accept any type of K-Cup Keurig-like, reusable or Keurig pod. The carafe has a programmable clock as well as a "strong setting" that gives you more flavor. It also comes with an adjustable frother that folds away and is built into the carafe to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side brews up to 18 ounces at a single time with any size of K-Cup, the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cups or ground coffee (a separate water tank is included). It uses Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and reads the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's more efficient in brewing full-pots than a leading Keurig. It also has advanced features, like a 24 hour start, brew intensity controls, and automatic shutoff.
It's easy to use despite having two modes of operation, and clean-up is relatively painless. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles can be removed for cleaning and the mesh filter is washable in your sink. It's a bit heavy and heavy for counter space, but it's a great alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This low-cost cold brew machine makes a smooth and delicious cup. It comes with a timer that can be programmed and a built-in milk froth and a reusable filter, and can make 12 cups of java in one go. It has a large reservoir of water as well as glass carafes to hold hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already bought in to the pod coffee machine trend and are looking to upgrade your Keurig-style machine This is a great alternative. Nespresso's latest espresso maker is sleek, efficient and can create five different drinks with one chassis. It's even on sale right now which makes it a great option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine Next heats up very quickly and is extremely simple to use, with a single button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of patent-pending Nespresso capsules which have an identifier on them that informs the machine of what kind of coffee or espresso it is, making sure you have the right temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The pods spin rapidly when they are brewing to create an emulsion known as crema that is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine are that it's a little more loud than other pod machines and that you aren't able to reuse the used capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules is recyclable, which means you can recycle them at your local UPS store or on Nespresso's website.
The machine is costly when it is compared to other pod makers 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 consistent barista-like results. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make cappuccinos or lattes. It's also offered in bundles that include sample packs of the Nespresso capsules and milk frother which could save you money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines use the same brewing procedure - you simply insert a capsule and press a button, and the coffee comes out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that eschew the norm. It uses a different system for capsules and locks them in a portafilter-like hand. The machine produces espresso that is as good as the kind you get at a cafe, but without the hassle and mess of an espresso machine that is traditional.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules that are made of premium, high-quality coffee beans. Each capsule has a precise amount of ground espresso, which is brewed in two stages. This produces a rich crema. The extraction is done entirely within the capsule. This means that the machine and coffee are never in contact. Clean-up is also a breeze.
This machine also has a Pannarello steam wand that can be used to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and macchiato latte. Its unique design, created by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to be a standout in your kitchen. Its slender, round forms and soft-touch buttons reminiscent of traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly merging modern technology.
One downside of this machine is that it requires some more focus than other models, particularly when you use the steam wand. This is because excess more info air can sometimes block the flow of the hot water, which can prevent the machine from working effectively. You'll need to wait for some time before making another cup of coffee to let the excess air escape.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most well-known pod coffee machines on the market. Its small dimensions, attractive price and easy-to-use are the main reasons for buying. But can this tiny machine meet the high standards set by the company that owns it? We tested it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is among the simplest pod coffee machines that are available however it doesn't compromise on performance. It can make drinks with a single press of a button. It reads the barcode on the DisC to determine the type of drink to make. It also sets the correct amount for the froth and water in each drink using Intellibrew Technology to produce an excellent outcome every time.
This makes it extremely simple to use - simply insert the desired T DISC and select the desired drink size. The Vivy comes with 40 different drinks and a milk jug for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes just three seconds to heat and it shuts down automatically after five minutes.
It's very easy to clean too thanks to a cleverly designed descaler that slides into the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the process is easy and quick.
As a bonus, if you sign up your Vivy with Bosch and Bosch, you'll receive an extra discount on your first purchase of T DISCs. You'll also receive personalized offers, recommendations and tips. You'll also be in a position to monitor the health 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 leading player in the coffee market and iconic heritage brand, is a global leader. 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 and operated company has a long track record of embracing new technologies within the industry. It is known for its premium quality espresso made from 9 different varieties of Arabica beans.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a variety of initiatives that help 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 have also promoted Regenerative farming and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, Illycaffe is committed to helping their employees thrive. They have invested in training programs for their employees and have created an "university" of coffee that educates both consumers and professionals on how to make the best cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to earn the 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 as well as people. They believe that everyone has a part to play.