One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have an undeserved reputation for their the watery, weak drinks. The best pods are more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods, which are made of treated polypropylene cups which are supposed to break down in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also offers a range of capsule options as well as easy customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This single-serve drip coffee maker has the most impressive features of the models we have tested. It comes with a 12-cup carafe that makes grounds in the traditional way, and a single-serve that accepts any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe's side features an adjustable timer and an "strong" setting that gives more flavor than normal settings. It comes with an easy-to-folding frother that's integrated into the carafe to serve cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve version can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time, using any size K-Cup or reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista cups (a separate water reservoir is included). It uses Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which scans the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings to make the perfect cup every time. It's quicker than the leading Keurig model at brewing a full pot thanks to its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions, including a 24-hour brew start time, brew strength control and auto shutoff.
It's simple to use, despite having two different operating modes, and the cleaning process is fairly easy. The reusable pod adapter and needles are easily removed for cleaning and the filter can be washed in your sink. The machine is heavy and heavy for counter space, but it's a great choice for those who prefer the convenience of pods or the flexibility of coffee ground.
This low-cost cold brew machine produces a smooth, flavorful 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 at a time. It comes with a large reservoir of water, as well as a glass carafe to 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 alternative. Nespresso's newest espresso machine is stylish, quick and has the ability to make five different drinks in one compact, sleek chassis. It's also on sale now making it an excellent option for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is extremely simple to use with a single-use button that automatically adapts to the type of capsule you're using. It utilizes the patented Nespresso capsules which have a barcode that informs the machine of what kind of coffee or espresso it is, ensuring you have the right temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The pods spin rapidly during brewing, creating the foam, also known as crema that is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine's biggest 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, so you can drop them off at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for no cost and they'll take them back to recycle.
The machine is also pretty expensive in comparison to other pod coffee machines, especially when you consider the cost of purchasing the pods. However, if you're already bought in to the advantages of pod coffee, it's a small cost to pay for consistent, barista-style results. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make lattes or cappuccinos. It's also available as bundles that include samples of Nespresso capsules and milk frothers which could help you save money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
Most pod machines have the same brewing process: you place a capsule in then press a button and the coffee pours out. But every now and then, there is a machine that is a complete blow to the water, as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It is a revolutionary system for capsules that lock them into the portafilter handle. This allows the machine to make an espresso that is as good as you'd get in a cafe, but without all of the fuss and mess that is typical of an espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE capsules that are made of premium coffee beans of the highest quality. Each capsule contains a precise amount of ground espresso, which is brewed using a two-stage process. This creates a rich crema. The extraction process is entirely inside the capsule, which means that the machine and coffee never meet and cleaning up is easy.
This coffee pod machine also has an Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and latte macchiato. The distinctive design of this machine, created by renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold statement in your home. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 1960s while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
One downside of this machine is that it needs a little pod and capsule coffee machines more attention than other models, particularly when you use the steam wand. The reason for this is that too much air can block the steam from flowing properly, preventing the machine from working. You'll need to wait for several minutes before making another cup of coffee to let the 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. Its small dimensions, attractive price tag and easy-to-use are all big selling points. But can this tiny machine live up to the high standards set by the company that owns it? We tested it at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is a basic pod coffee machine, but it doesn't sacrifice performance. It makes drinks at the push of a button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC to know what drink it should create. It also sets the proper amount of water and froth in every drink by using Intellibrew Technology to produce an excellent outcome every time.
This makes it extremely simple to operate - just insert the desired T DISC and select the desired 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 and automatically shuts off after five minutes to save energy.
The descaler is designed to slot into the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the process is quick and simple.
As an added benefit, if register your Vivy with Bosch and Bosch, you'll receive an extra discount on your first order of T DISCs. You'll also receive personalised offers, recommendations and tips. You'll also be able monitor the health of your machine and see how much water it's been using. It is a good idea to register your machine as soon as you buy it, also.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a well-known heritage brand and one of the leaders in the coffee industry. 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 history of embracing innovation within the field, and is known for its premium quality espresso that is made from 9 different varieties of Arabica beans.
The company is committed to sustainability, and has taken a variety of initiatives to preserve the environment. They also make sure that their products are as green as is possible. They have focused their efforts on energy efficiency, and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and also the use of renewable energy sources. They have also been working to promote regenerative farming, and have a particular focus on enhancing their water resources.
Illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their determination to help their employees achieve. They have invested in training programs for their employees, and have created a "university" of coffee to educate professionals and consumers alike on how to make the perfect cup of coffee.
In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to obtain the B-Corp designation, which is an international designation that recognizes businesses that are committed to ethics and a sense that they have a purpose. The company has also launched its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and has been named as one of the world's most Ethical companies for the past seven years. The company has been dedicated to demonstrating that sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people alike, and they have an unshakeable belief that it is the responsibility of everyone to play their part.