One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have an unfair reputation for watery, under-strength drinks. The best pods are more than just that.
The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods made from treated polypropylene cups which are designed to break down in landfill (rather than the notorious K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also comes with a variety of capsule options as well as easy customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers on the market, this combination single-serve and drip model has the best blend of features we tested. It has a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional grounds and a single-serve side that can accept any kind of K-Cup, Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe is programmable with a clock and it has a "strong setting" that makes more flavor. It also comes with a foldaway, built-in frother for cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve version can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time using any size K-Cup, or a reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista cups (a separate water reservoir is included). It uses Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system and analyzes the barcode on each pod to adjust the machine settings for the perfect cup every time. It's quicker than the leading Keurig model when it comes to brewing a full pot with its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced features like a 24 hour brew start, brew strength control, and auto shutoff.
The device is easy to use despite the fact that it has two operating modes. It also cleans up easily. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles can be removed for cleaning and the filter can be washed in your sink. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space however it's a great option for anyone who needs the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.
This simple cold brew maker is a budget pick that produces a smooth and flavorful cup. It comes with a programmable timer, a built-in milk frother and a reusable filter, and can make 12 cups of java at once. It also has a huge reservoir of water and a glass carafe for hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already accustom to the trend of pod coffee machines and would like to upgrade the Keurig-style machine you have This is a great option. Nespresso’s newest espresso maker is sleek, fast and can make five different drinks in one small chassis. It's currently on sale and is a great option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is easy to use, using a button that adapts automatically to the type of capsule you are using. It makes use of the patented Nespresso capsules which have a barcode that tells the machine what kind of espresso or coffee it is, ensuring you get the right temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods spin quickly while brewing, resulting in an indulgence-inducing layer of foam, referred to as crema. It is usually found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine are that it's a bit more loud than other pod machines and that you can't reuse the capsules that you've used. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules is recyclable, so you can recycle the capsules at your local UPS store or Nespresso's website.
The machine is also pretty expensive in comparison to other pod coffee machines, especially when you factor in the cost of purchasing the pods. If you're already a pod-coffee fan, this is an affordable price to pay for consistently barista-like results. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make cappuccinos or lattes. It is also available in bundles that include some of the Nespresso pods as well as a coffee maker. This will make it cheaper to buy the machine in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
Most pod machines have the same brewing procedure - you place a capsule in and press a button, and the coffee comes out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that defy convention. It has a unique system for capsules that locks them into a portafilter handle. This lets the machine create an espresso that's like you would get at a cafe, however without the hassle and mess that comes with a traditional espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules, which are made from premium coffee beans of the highest quality. Each capsule is stocked with a precise amount of espresso ground that is brewed using a two-stage process. This produces a rich crema. The extraction process is entirely inside the capsule. This means that the machine and the coffee are not in contact. Clean-up is also a breeze.
This machine also comes with an Pannarello steam wand for making milky drinks like cappuccino and macchiato latte. The distinctive design of this machine, created by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a design statement in your home. Its round, slender forms and soft-touch buttons are inspired by traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can block the flow of the hot water, preventing the machine from functioning effectively. It is necessary to wait for a few moments before preparing another cup of coffee to let the excess air escape.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most popular coffee machines on the market. The compact dimensions, attractive pricing and ease of operation are all major reasons to buy. Does this machine meet the high standards set by the parent company? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, however it does not sacrifice performance. It makes drinks at the touch of a single button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC in order to determine which drink it needs to create. It also determines the right amount of water and froth in every drink by using Intellibrew technology to ensure an excellent outcome every time.
This makes it very easy to use - just insert the desired T DISC and select your preferred drink size. There are 40 different drinks to choose from and the Vivy comes with a milk jug for making cappuccinos or lattes. It takes only three seconds to warm, and has auto-shut-off after five minutes to conserve 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 process however it's fast and easy.
As an added benefit, if sign up your Vivy with Bosch, you'll get a discount on your first order of T DISCs and receive personalized offers, recommendations and advice. You'll also be able track the status of your machine and know how much water it has been using. It is an excellent idea when you purchase it.
5. Illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a well-known brand with a long history and is a leader in the coffee industry. It was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company continues to be operated by his children and spans the world. The family-owned and operated company has a long track record of embracing innovation within the field, and is renowned for its top quality espresso made from 9 different varieties of Arabica beans.
The company is committed to sustainability and has taken a variety of initiatives to help protect the environment. They also ensure that their products are as green as possible. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and utilizing renewable energy sources. They have also worked to promote regenerative agriculture and have a particular focus on enhancing their water resources.
Illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their desire to assist their employees in achieving success. They have invested in training programs for their employees, and have created a "university" of coffee that educates consumers and professionals alike on how to make the perfect cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company that has earned a B Corp certification. This certification is given to international companies that place a high value on ethics and have a mission. The company also recently launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods, and they have been named one of the world's most ethical more info companies for the last seven years. The company is committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people. They believe that everyone has a part to take on.