One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are frequently accused of making watery, weak drinks. The best ones are much more than just that.
The illy Bruvi utilizes B-Pods instead of the dreaded K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It also has bundles of capsule options and easy customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This coffee maker that is a combination of drip and single-serve has the most impressive features of all the models we have tested. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional grounds, and one-serve side that will accept any type of K-Cup, Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe side has a programmable timer and it has a "strong" setting that provides more flavor than standard settings. It also comes with an easy-to-folding frother that's built into the carafe for cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can make up to 18 ounces of coffee at once using any size K-Cup, or a reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate reservoir for water is included). It utilizes Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which scans the barcode of each pod to adjust machine's settings to make a perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's more efficient in brewing full-pots than Keurig's top-rated. It also has advanced features such as a 24-hour start, brew intensity controls and an automatic shutoff.
The device is easy to use, despite the fact that it comes with two operating modes. It also cleans up easily. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles are easily removed to clean, and the filter can be washed in the sink. It's a bit bulky and heavy for counter space however it's a great option for anyone who needs the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This low-cost cold brew machine produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It comes with a programmable timer as well as a built-in milk maker and a reusable filter and can make 12 cups of java at once. It comes with a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe that can hold hot beverages.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great choice for those who are already a fan of pod coffee machines and want to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso's new espresso machine is stylish, quick and has the ability to make five different drinks on one sleek, compact chassis. It's available for sale right now and is a great choice for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine Next can be heated up quickly and is extremely simple to use by pressing a single button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It uses the patented Nespresso pods with a barcode to tell the machine what kind of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you get the right temperature and water pressure for each drink. The pods also spin fast while brewing, resulting in a decadent layer of foam, referred to as crema, which is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only downsides to the VertuoLine is that it's a bit louder than other pod machines, and that you can't reuse capsules you've used. Fortunately, the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable, so you can drop them off at the local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for free and they'll return them to recycle.
The machine is pricey when it is compared to other pod makers particularly when you add the cost of the pods. If, however, you've already bought in to the benefits of pod coffee, it's only a small cost to pay for consistent results that resemble baristas. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for lattes and cappuccinos. You can also purchase it in bundles, which include some samples of Nespresso pods as well as a frother. This will save you money up front.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is time to brew, the majority of pod machines follow the same format: capsules are placed in the top, you press a button, and coffee flows out. However, every now and then a device comes along that breaks convention right out of the water, like is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It has a completely different system for capsules, locking them into place inside a portafilter-like handle. This lets the machine make an espresso that is like you would get at a cafe, but without all of the fuss and mess of a traditional espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules which are made from premium high-quality coffee beans. Each capsule is stocked with precisely proportioned amounts of espresso that is then brewed with a specific two-stage process to produce a rich crema. The extraction process is entirely within the capsule, which means that the machine and the coffee do not come into contact and cleaning up is easy.
This coffee pod machine is equipped with a Pannarello Steam Wand for making milky beverages like cappuccino or macchiato latte. The unique design of this machine, designed by renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a design statement in your home. Its round, slender forms and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
One downside of this machine is that it needs some extra attention than some other models, especially when you use the steam wand. The reason for this is that the excess air can stop the flow of hot water, which can prevent the machine from functioning efficiently. It is necessary to wait a few moments before preparing another cup of coffee in order to let the excess air out.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most sought-after coffee machines on the market. The compact dimensions, attractive pricing and ease of operation are all major selling points. Does this little machine meet the standards set by its parent company's? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, however it doesn't sacrifice its performance. It can make drinks with the touch of a single button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC to determine which drink it has to make. It also automatically determines the correct amount of froth and water for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to produce the best results every time.
This makes it easy to operate - just insert the desired T DISC, then select the desired drink size. The Vivy comes with 40 different drinks and a milk jug for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to pod and bean coffee machine warm up and shuts off automatically after five minutes to conserve energy.
The descaler has been designed to fit into the side of the machine. This is a separate process however it's fast and simple.
If you sign up for your Vivy, you'll receive a discount on your first order of T-DISCs, along with personalized offers, tips and advice. You'll also be in a position to monitor the health of your machine and know how much water it has used. It is an excellent idea immediately after you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a well-known heritage brand and one of the leaders in the coffee industry. Founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is still managed by his descendants and spans across the globe. The family-owned and operated company has a long tradition of embracing innovation in the industry, and is renowned for its high quality espresso that is made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.
The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented numerous initiatives to help preserve the environment. They also ensure that their products are as eco-friendly as is possible. They have concentrated on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and utilizing renewable energy sources. They also have worked to promote regenerative agriculture, and have a particular focus on improving their water resources.
In addition to their commitments to sustainability, illycaffe is also committed to helping their employees thrive. They have invested in training programs for their employees, and have created an "university" of coffee to educate professionals and consumers alike on how to make the most delicious cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to earn the B Corp certification. This certification is given to international companies that are committed to ethics and a purpose. The company also recently launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods. They have also been named one of the World's most ethical companies over the past seven years. The company is committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can be beneficial to both the environment and people and has a strong belief that it is up to everyone to take action.