One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have a bit of an unfair reputation for the watery, weak drinks. Fortunately, the best ones can offer much more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods instead of the dreaded K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It comes with a range of capsules, and it is easy to customize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This coffee maker that is a combination of drip and single-serve offers the best features of the models we have tested. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional grounds, and a single-serve side that accepts any kind of K-Cup Keurig-like, reusable or Keurig pod. The carafe's side features a programmable timer and a "strong" setting that produces more flavor than standard settings. It also has a foldaway, built-in frother for cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side brews up to 18 ounces at a time using any size K-Cup, the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup or ground coffee (a separate water tank is included). It is based on Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system and scans the barcode of each pod to adjust machine's settings to make an ideal cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's quicker at making full-pots of brew than a leading Keurig. It also has advanced features such as a 24-hour start, brew intensity controls and an automatic shutoff.
It's simple to use, despite having two different operating modes, and the cleaning process is fairly easy. The pod adapter that is reusable, needles, and mesh filter are easily removed to clean. The machine is heavy and heavy for counter space, however it's an excellent option for those who prefer the convenience of pods or the flexibility of coffee ground.
This basic cold brew machine is a great value option that produces smooth and delicious cups. It can create 12 cups at a time and comes with a programmable clock as well as an integrated milk frother and an coffee filter that is reusable. It also has a huge reservoir for water and a glass carafe for hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already committed to the trend of pod coffee machines and want to upgrade from your Keurig-style machine, this is an excellent option. Nespresso’s newest espresso maker is stylish, fast and can create five different drinks with one compact chassis. It's on sale now, making it an excellent option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine is then able to heat up quickly and is simple to use, with an automatic button that adjusts to the type capsule you're using. It makes use of patented Nespresso capsules which have a barcode that tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, ensuring that you get the correct temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The capsules spin fast while brewing to create an emulsion known as crema that is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine's only downside is that it's more loud than other pod-machines and you can't 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 recycle.
The machine is expensive when compared to other pod machines particularly when you add the cost of the pods. If, however, you've already convinced of the advantages of pod coffee, it's a low price to pay for consistent, barista-style results. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for lattes and cappuccinos. It's also available as bundles that contain a few sample packs of the Nespresso capsules as well as a milk frother which could save you money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is time to brew, the majority of pod machines adhere to the same format: capsules are placed in the top, you press a button, and the coffee oozes out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of those machines that defies the rules of. It uses a different system for capsules, locking them into place in a portafilter-like handle. The machine can make espresso that is as good as the kind you get at a cafe without the mess and fuss of the traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible only with illy MIE pods which are made of premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule is stocked with an exact amount of ground espresso that is brewed using two stages. This results in a thick crema. The extraction process is entirely inside the capsule. This means that the coffee and machine are not in contact. Clean-up is also an easy task.
This machine also comes with a Pannarello steam wand that can be used to make milky drinks, such as cappuccino or latte macchiato. The unique design, developed by famed Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to make a statement in your kitchen. Its slender, round forms and soft-touch buttons are like traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
One drawback of this machine is that it requires a little more focus than other models, especially when you use the steam wand. The reason for this is that the excess air can sometimes hinder the flow of hot water, preventing the machine from working efficiently. You'll need to wait several minutes before making another cup of coffee to let the air out.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most sought-after pod coffee machines available on the market. The small size as well as the attractive pricing and ease of operation are all major reasons to buy. Does this tiny machine meet the high standards set forth by the parent company? We tested it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is among the most simple pod coffee machines on the market, but it doesn't skimp on performance. It makes drinks with the push of a button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC in order to determine which drink it needs to make. coffee pod machines It also automatically adjusts the correct amount of water and froth for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to achieve an outstanding result every time.
This makes it extremely simple to operate - just insert the desired T DISC and select the desired drink size. The Vivy comes with 40 different drinks, as well as a milk jug to make cappuccinos or lattes. It takes only three seconds to warm up and shuts off automatically after five minutes, to save energy.
It's very easy to clean, too thanks to a cleverly designed descaler that slots into the side of the machine. This is a separate procedure however it's very quick and easy.
If you sign up for your Vivy, you'll get a discount on your first order of T-DISCs, as well as specific offers, tips and advice. You'll also be in a position to monitor the health of your machine, and also see how much water it's been using. Registering your machine is also recommended immediately after you purchase it.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a renowned heritage brand and leader in the coffee industry. It was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is still run by his descendants and is spread across the globe. The family-owned company has a long tradition of innovation and is famous for its top-quality espresso that is made from nine different types of Arabica bean.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives that help to protect the environment and ensure that their products are as eco friendly as possible. They have focused on efficiency in energy use, and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint, and the use of renewable energy sources. They also promote regenerative farming and are focused on enhancing their water resources.
illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their commitment to help their employees succeed. They have invested in programs that provide training and professional development for their employees and have developed an "university of coffee" that helps to educate both professionals and consumers about how to enjoy the best possible cup of coffee.
In addition to all of this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to earn a B-Corp certification, which is an international designation that recognizes companies that prioritize ethics and a sense of mission. The company also introduced its first line of Nespresso compatible Pods and been recognized as one of the world's most Ethical companies for the past seven year. The company is committed to demonstrating that sustainable quality can benefit both the environment and people and has a strong belief that it is up to everyone to play their part.