One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are frequently criticized for producing watery, weak drinks. Fortunately, the best ones can offer much more than that.
The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods, which are made of treated polypropylene cups that are supposed to break down in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also comes with a variety of capsules and simple customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the best pod coffee makers available on the market, this drip and single-serve model offers the best blend of features in our test. 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 or reusable pod. The carafe is programmable with a clock as well as an "strong setting" that gives you more flavor. It also comes with a built-in, foldaway frother to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side brews up to 18 ounces per hour with any size of K-Cup and reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup, or ground coffee (a separate water tank is included). It uses Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and scans the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's faster at brewing full pots than the Keurig that is the most popular. It also has advanced features such as a 24-hour start, brew intensity control and automatic shutoff.
It's simple to use, despite having two different operating modes, and clean-up is relatively painless. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles and mesh filter can be removed to clean. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space however, it's an excellent alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This simple cold brew machine is a budget pick that produces an incredibly smooth and delicious cup. It has a programmable timer, a built-in milk frother and a reusable filter, and can make 12 cups of java in one go. It has a large tank of water as well as a glass carafe that can hold hot beverages.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great option for those who are already a fan of the pod coffee machines and want to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's latest espresso machine is sleek, fast and can make five different drinks on one sleek, compact chassis. It's on sale now, making it an excellent choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine Next can be heated up quickly and is extremely simple to use by pressing a single 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 you get the right temperature and pressure for every drink. The pods also spin fast while brewing, resulting in an exquisite layer of foam, referred to as crema, which is usually found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine's biggest drawback is that it's more loud than other pod-machines and you can't reuse capsules. Fortunately, the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable and you can drop them off at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for free, and they'll return them to you to reuse.
The machine is costly when compared to other pod machines particularly when you add the cost of the pods. If, however, you've already a believer in the benefits of pod coffee, it's a small price to pay for consistent, barista-style results. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for cappuccinos or lattes. It's also available as bundles that include sample packs of the Nespresso capsules and milk more info frother which could save you money 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 comes out. But every now and then, there is a machine that breaks convention right out of the water, like is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It is a revolutionary system for capsules that locks them into the portafilter handle. This lets the machine make an espresso that is as good as you'd 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 pods which are made of premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule contains a precise dose of ground espresso, which is then brewed using a unique two-stage process to create an intense crema. The extraction process is entirely within the capsule, so the machine and the coffee do not meet, and clean-up is easy.
This coffee pod machine is equipped with a Pannarello Steam Wand that can be used to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and macchiato latte. The unique design, developed by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to be a standout in your kitchen. Its slim but round shapes and soft-touch buttons evoke the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 1960s, while seamlessly integrating advanced technology.
This machine requires more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can sometimes hinder the flow of hot water, preventing the machine from working effectively. If this happens, you'll have to wait a few minutes before preparing another coffee to allow the air to let go.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most adored coffee makers available. The small size, attractive pricing and user-friendly are major reasons to buy. But does this little machine meet the high standards set by the parent company? We went for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is among the simplest pod coffee machines that are available however it doesn't compromise on performance. It makes drinks with the press of a single button, by reading a unique barcode on each T DISC to determine what drink it should create. It also determines the right amount for water and froth in every drink by using Intellibrew Technology to produce the best results every time.
This makes it easy to use - simply insert the desired T DISC and select the size you prefer for your drink. The Vivy comes with 40 different drinks and a milk jug to make lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to heat up, and has auto-shut-off after five minutes to save energy.
It's easy to clean, with a cleverly designed descaler that slots into the side of the machine. There are separate directions for this, but the procedure is easy and quick.
As a bonus, if you register your Vivy through Bosch, you'll get an extra discount on your first order of T DISCs. Additionally, you'll receive personalized offers, recommendations and advice. You can also monitor the condition of your machine, and find out how much it has used. It is a good idea as soon as you purchase it.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is an iconic brand with a long history and is a 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 tradition of embracing innovation in the industry, and is known for its premium quality espresso, which is made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a variety of initiatives that help to protect the environment and ensure that their products are as eco friendly as possible. They have concentrated on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and utilizing renewable energy sources. They also promote regenerative farming and are focused on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitments to sustainability, Illycaffe is committed to helping their employees achieve. They have invested in training programs for their employees and created an "university" of coffee that educates both consumers and professionals on how to make the most delicious cup of coffee.
In addition to all of this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to obtain B-Corp certification. This is an international certification that recognizes companies that prioritize ethics and a sense of mission. The company has also launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods. They have also been named one of the World's most ethical companies over the last seven years. The company has been dedicated to demonstrating how sustainable quality can make a difference for the environment and people alike They have the conviction that it is up to everyone to play their part.