One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have a bit of an unfair reputation for low-strength, watery drinks. Fortunately, the best ones can provide more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods instead of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It has a variety of capsule options and is easy to personalize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This combination drip-and-single-serve coffee maker has the most impressive features of the models we tested. It has a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional grounds, and a single-serve side that accepts any type of K-Cup Keurig-like, reusable or Keurig pod. The carafe is programmable with a clock and an "strong setting" that produces more flavor. It also comes with an integrated, fold-away frother for lattes and cappuccinos.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces at a single time with any size of K-Cup and reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup or ground coffee (a separate water tank is included). It is based on Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which analyzes the barcode on each pod to adjust the machine settings for the perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's quicker at making full-pots of brew than the Keurig that is the most popular. It also has advanced features, like a 24 hour start time, brew intensity control, and automatic shutoff.
It's simple to use, despite having two operating modes, and cleaning is pretty easy. The pod adapter that is reusable and needles are easily removable to clean, and the filter can be washed in your sink. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space however, it's an excellent alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.
This budget-friendly cold brew machine creates a smooth, delicious cup. It comes with a programmable timer and a built-in milk froth and a reusable filter and can make 12 cups of java at a time. It also has a large water reservoir and a glass carafe for hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already committed to the trend of pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade the Keurig-style machine you have This is a great option. Nespresso's latest espresso machine is sleek, fast and has the ability to make five different drinks on one sleek, compact machine. It's also on sale now, making it a great choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine Next heats up very quickly and is incredibly easy to use with a single-use button that automatically adapts to the kind of capsule you're using. It utilizes patent-pending Nespresso pods that feature a barcode to tell the machine what kind of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures that you get the right temperature and water pressure for every drink. The pods spin rapidly while brewing to create an emulsion known as crema. It is typical for 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 capsules you've used. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules can be recycled, so you can recycle them at your local UPS store or Nespresso's website.
The machine is pricey when compared to other pod machines, especially if you include the cost of the pods. However, if you're already convinced of the benefits of pod coffee, it's a small cost to pay for consistently good barista-like results. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make lattes and cappuccinos. It is also available in bundles, which include some of the Nespresso pods and a frother. This will make it cheaper to buy the machine in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
Most pod machines have the same brewing process: you simply insert a capsule, press a button and the coffee pours out. But now and then there is a machine that is a complete blow to the water, like is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It is a revolutionary system for capsules that bind them into the portafilter handle. The machine can make espresso that is as good as the one you can get in a cafe without the hassle and mess of the traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE pods, which are made of top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule is stocked with precisely proportions of ground espresso, which is brewed using two stages. This creates a rich crema. The extraction process is entirely inside the capsule. This means that the machine and coffee are never in contact. Cleaning up is a breeze.
The coffee pod comes with a Pannarello Steam Wand for making milky drinks like cappuccino or 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 shapes and soft-touch buttons are like traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly mixing modern technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, especially when using the steam wand. The reason for this is that too much air can sometimes prevent the hot water from flowing properly, preventing the machine from working. It is necessary to wait some time before making another cup of coffee in order to let the excess air go.
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 compact dimensions, attractive price tag and user-friendly interface are the main reasons coffee capsule machine for buying. But does this little machine meet the high standards set by the parent company? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is a basic pod coffee machine, but it doesn't sacrifice performance. It makes drinks with the push of a button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC to know which drink it has to create. It also sets the proper amount of the froth and water in each drink using Intellibrew technology to ensure the best results every time.
It is very simple to use - just insert the desired T disc and select the size of your drink. There are 40 drinks to choose from and the Vivy comes with a milk jug that can be used for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to warm up and shuts off automatically after five minutes to conserve energy.
The descaler is designed to fit on the side of your machine. This is a separate procedure, but it's quick and easy.
If you register your Vivy, you'll get a discount on your first order of T-DISCs as well as personalized offers, tips and advice. You can also monitor the progress of your machine and check how much it has used. Registering your machine is also an excellent idea immediately after you purchase it.
5. Illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe, a leader in the coffee market and iconic heritage brand, is a global leader. Established in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is still operated by his children and spans across the globe. The family-owned and operated business has a long track record of embracing innovation in the industry, and is renowned for its top quality espresso made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a variety of initiatives that help to safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally sustainable as they can be. They have a particular focus on energy efficiency, and are determined to reduce their carbon footprint and the use of renewable energy sources. They also have worked to promote regenerative agriculture, and have a strong focus on improving their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, Illycaffe is determined to help their employees achieve. They have invested in programs that offer training and professional development for their staff and have developed an "university of coffee" that helps to educate consumers and professionals on how to get the most optimal cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company that has earned the B Corp certification. This designation is awarded to companies who prioritize ethics and have a mission. The company has also launched its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and has been named as one of the top 10 World's ethical companies for the last seven year. The company is committed to proving that sustainable quality can be beneficial to the environment and for people as well, and they have an unshakeable belief that it is the responsibility of everyone to do their part.