One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have a bit of an undeserved reputation for their watery, under-strength drinks. However, the top pods are more than that.
The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods in place of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It offers a variety of capsules and is easy to customise.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This combination drip-and-single-serve coffee maker has the most impressive features of the models we've tested. It has a 12-cup carafe which makes grounds in the traditional way and one-serve that will accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe side comes with an adjustable timer as well as it has a "strong" setting that produces more flavor than normal settings. It also has an integrated, fold-away frother to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces at a time using any size K-Cup, the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup or ground coffee (a separate water tank is included). It utilizes Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which scans the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings to make an ideal cup every time. It's quicker than the leading Keurig model when it comes to brewing a full pot using its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions like a 24-hour brew start, brew strength controls and auto shutoff.
It's easy to use despite having two operating modes, and clean-up is relatively painless. The reusable pod adapter, needles and mesh filter can be removed to clean. The unit is a bit heavy and heavy for counter space, however it's a great choice for those who prefer the convenience of pods or the versatility of coffee ground.
This affordable cold brew maker produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It can make 12 cups at once and has a programmable clock as well as an integrated milk frother and a coffee filter that is reusable. It comes with a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe that can hold hot beverages.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is an excellent option for those who are already a fan of the pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's latest espresso maker is sleek, efficient and can make five different drinks in one compact chassis. It's available for sale right now which makes it a great option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine Next heats up very quickly and is extremely simple to use with a single-use button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It uses patent-pending Nespresso pods that feature barcodes that inform the machine which type of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures you get the correct temperature and pressure for every drink. The pods spin rapidly during brewing, creating an emulsion known as crema that is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawback is that it's more loud than other pod-machines and you can't reuse the capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules is recyclable, so you can recycle them at your local UPS store or on Nespresso's website.
The machine is pricey when it is compared to other pod makers in particular when you consider the cost of the pods. If, however, you've already bought in to the benefits of pod coffee, it's a small cost to get consistent results that resemble baristas. Additionally, you can add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for cappuccinos and lattes. It's also offered in bundles that include samples of Nespresso capsules and a milk frother, which can save you money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
Most pod machines have a similar brewing process - you place a capsule in, press a button and the coffee comes out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that eschew the rules of. It utilizes a different mechanism for capsules, locking them into place in a portafilter-like hand. This lets the machine create an espresso that's as good as you'd get in a cafe, but without all of the fuss and mess that is typical of an espresso maker.
The X7.1 pod and capsule coffee machines is compatible with only illy MIE pods which are made of premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule is stocked with an exact amount of espresso that is then brewed with a specific two-stage process that produces a thick and rich crema. The extraction is performed entirely inside the capsule. This means that the machine and the coffee are not in contact. Clean-up is also easy.
The coffee pod also comes with an Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks like cappuccino and macchiato latte. The unique design, developed by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to be a standout in your kitchen. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons evoke the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 60s and seamlessly integrates modern technology.
One drawback of this machine is that it requires some extra attention than other models, particularly when you use the steam wand. This is because excess air can sometimes block the flow of the hot water, which prevents the machine from working effectively. You will need to wait for several minutes before making another cup of coffee in order to let the air escape.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most popular pod coffee machines available on the market. Its compact dimensions, attractive price and easy-to-use are all big selling points. Does this machine meet the standards set by its parent company's? We went for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is a basic pod coffee machine, but it does not sacrifice the performance. It makes drinks at the push of a button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC to determine which drink it has to make. It also automatically adjusts the right amount of froth and water for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to produce an outstanding result every time.
It's easy to use. Simply insert the desired T DISC and then select the size of your drink. The Vivy has 40 different drinks, as well as a milk jug to make cappuccinos or lattes. It takes just three seconds to heat up and shuts off automatically after five minutes.
It's easy to clean, too thanks to a cleverly designed descaler that slots into the side of the machine. This is a separate process, but it's quick and simple.
As an added benefit, if register your Vivy with Bosch as a bonus, you'll receive an extra discount on your first purchase of T DISCs and receive personalized offers, suggestions and suggestions. You'll also be able to track the status of your machine and see the amount of water it has used. It's worth registering your machine at the time you purchase it, too.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a renowned heritage brand that is a leader in the coffee industry. Founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is run by his descendants and is spread across the globe. The family-owned company has a long tradition of innovation and is famous for its top-quality espresso that is made using nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
The company is committed to sustainability and has taken a variety of initiatives to preserve the environment. They also ensure that their products are as environmentally friendly as they can. They have a particular focus on energy efficiency, and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint, and the use of renewable energy sources. They have also been working to promote regenerative farming, and are focusing on improving their water resources.
Illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their commitment to help their employees succeed. They have invested in training programs for their employees and created an "university" of coffee to train consumers and professionals alike on how to make the perfect cup of coffee.
In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to earn the B-Corp designation, which is an international label that recognizes companies that prioritize ethics and a sense of purpose. The company also recently launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods, and they have been named one of the World's most ethical companies for the past seven years. The company is committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people. They believe that everyone has a responsibility to play.