One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are frequently criticized for producing watery, weak drinks. The best pods are more than just that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods, made from treated polypropylene cups which are designed to degrade in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It comes with a range of capsule options and is simple to customise.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers available on the market, this drip and single-serve model offers the best combination of features we tested. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional ground coffee and a single-serve side that can accept any kind of K-Cup Keurig-like, reusable or Keurig pod. The carafe side comes with an adjustable timer as well as it has a "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 lattes and capspuccinos.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces at a single time with any size of K-Cup, the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cups or ground coffee (a separate water tank is included). It uses Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and scans the barcode of each pod to adjust machine settings. It's more efficient than a top Keurig model when it comes to making a full-sized pot of brew with its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions, including a 24-hour brew start time, brew strength control and auto shutoff.
The device is easy to use despite the fact it has two operating modes. It also cleans easily. The pod adapter that is reusable and needles are easily removable for cleaning, and the filter can be washed in your sink. The machine is heavy and heavy for counter space, however it's a great choice for those who want the convenience of pods or the flexibility of coffee ground.
This low-cost cold brew machine creates a smooth, delicious cup. It has a programmable timer and a built-in milk froth and a reusable filter, and can make 12 cups of java at once. It comes with a large reservoir of water and glass carafes to hold hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already committed to the pod coffee machine trend and would like 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 create five different drinks from one sleek, compact chassis. It's on sale now, making it a great choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is simple to use, using an automatic button that adjusts to the type of capsule you are using. It uses patent-pending Nespresso pods that have an identifier barcode that tells the machine which type of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you have the correct temperature and pressure for each drink. The capsules spin fast when they are brewing to create an emulsion known as crema that is typical of 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 used capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules can be recycled, so you can recycle them at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website.
The machine is costly when contrasted with other pod machines in particular when you consider the cost of the pods. If you're already a pod-coffee lover, it's a small amount to pay for consistently barista-style results. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make cappuccinos or lattes. It's also available as bundles that contain a few sample packs of the Nespresso capsules as well as a milk frother, which can save you money in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is time to brew, the majority of pod machines use a similar format - capsules are placed on the top, you press a button, and coffee flows out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of those machines that defies the norm. It has a completely different system for capsules and locks them in a portafilter-like handle. The machine can produce espresso that is similar to the one you can get in a cafe, but without the mess and fuss of a traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible only with illy MIE pods that are made from top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule contains a pod and bean coffee machine precise dose of espresso ground, which is then brewed using a unique two-stage process to create a rich crema. The extraction is done entirely inside the capsule. This means that the coffee and machine are never in contact. Cleaning up is a breeze.
The coffee pod is equipped with a Pannarello Steam Wand to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and latte Macchiato. The distinctive design of this machine, designed by famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a 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 advanced technology.
One downside of this machine is that it needs some more attention than some other models, especially when you are using the steam wand. The reason for this is that too much air can block the steam from flowing properly, preventing the machine from working. It is necessary to wait several minutes before making a second coffee to let the excess air out.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most adored coffee machines on the market. The small dimensions as well as the attractive pricing and ease of operation are all major selling points. But can this tiny machine meet the high standards set by its parent company? We went for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to find out.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, but it isn't sacrificing its performance. It can create drinks with a single touch. It reads an image of a barcode on the DISC to determine which drink to make. It also automatically determines the right amount of froth and water for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to ensure the best results every time.
It's very easy to use. Simply insert the desired T DISC, and then select the size of your drink. There are 40 drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk jug for making cappuccinos or lattes. It takes just three seconds to heat and it shuts down automatically after five minutes.
It's very easy to clean too thanks to a cleverly designed descaler that fits into the side of the machine. This is a separate procedure however it's very quick and simple.
If you sign up for your Vivy, you'll receive a discount for your first T-DISCs order, as well as specific offers, tips and suggestions. You'll also be able to track the status of your machine and see how much water it has been using. Registering your machine is also a good idea immediately after 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. Established in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company continues to be managed by his descendants and spans across the globe. The family-owned business has a long history of innovation and is known for its top-quality espresso that is made from nine different types of Arabica bean.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives that help safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as eco sustainable as they can be. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions as well as using renewable energy sources. They also promote regenerative farming and are focused on improving their water resources.
In addition to their commitments to sustainability, illycaffe is also committed to helping their employees achieve. They have invested in training programs for their employees, and have created an "university" of coffee that educates both consumers and professionals on how to make the perfect cup of coffee.
In addition to all of this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to be awarded B-Corp certification. This is an international label which recognizes companies that value ethics and a sense of purpose. The company also introduced its first line of Nespresso compatible Pods and been recognized as one of the world's most Ethical companies for the past seven year. The company is committed to showing how sustainable quality can benefit the environment as well as people. They believe that everyone has a responsibility to take on.