One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are frequently criticized for producing weak, watery drinks. However, the top pods are more than that.
The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods made from treated polypropylene cups that are supposed to degrade in landfill (rather than the dreaded K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also comes with a variety of capsules and simple customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This single-serve drip coffee maker offers the best features of all the models we've tested. It has a 12-cup carafe that brews grounds in the traditional way, and one-serve that will accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe has a programmable clock as well as a "strong setting" that makes more flavor. It comes with an adjustable frother that folds away and is integrated into the carafe to serve lattes and capspuccinos.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces per hour using any size K-Cup, reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cups or ground coffee (a separate water tank is provided). It utilizes Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system and reads the barcode on each pod to adjust the machine's settings to make the perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's quicker at making full-pots of brew than Keurig's top-rated. It also comes with advanced features, like a 24 hour start, brew intensity controls and automatic shutoff.
It's easy to use, despite having two operating modes, and the clean-up is relatively painless. The pod adapter that is reusable, needles and mesh filter are easily removed to clean. The device is heavy and heavy for counter space, however it's a great option for those who prefer the convenience of pods or the versatility of coffee ground.
This budget-friendly cold brew machine creates a smooth, delicious cup. It can make 12 cups at a time and features a programmable timer as well as an integrated milk frother, and a reusable coffee filter. It also has a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe to serve hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great option to consider if you're already a fan of pod coffee machines but want to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso’s newest espresso maker is stylish, fast and can make five different drinks in one chassis. It's on sale now which makes it a great choice for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is extremely simple to use by pressing a single button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of patent-pending Nespresso capsules which have a barcode which tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, making sure you get the right temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The pods spin rapidly when they are brewing to create the foam, also known as crema that is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.
The only downsides to the VertuoLine is that it's 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 the capsules at your local UPS store or on Nespresso's website.
The machine is also expensive in comparison to other pod coffee machines, especially when you consider the cost of purchasing the pods. If you're already a pod coffee fan, this is a small amount to be paid for consistently barista-style results. Additionally, you can add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make cappuccinos and lattes. You can also purchase it in bundles that include a few samples of the Nespresso pods as well as a coffee maker. This will help you save money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it comes to brewing, most pod machines adhere to the same pattern - a capsule goes in the top, you press a button and the coffee oozes out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of those machines that defies convention. It uses a different system for capsules and locks them in a portafilter-like hand. This lets the machine produce an espresso like you would get in a cafe, but without the hassle and mess that is typical of an espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE pods which are made of top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule contains an exact amount of ground espresso, which is brewed in a two-stage process. This results in a thick crema. The extraction is done entirely inside the capsule. This means that the machine and coffee are never in contact. Clean-up is also a breeze.
The coffee pod comes with a Pannarello Steam Wand to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and Latte Macchiato. The distinctive design of this coffee machine, created by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a statement in your home. Its round, slender forms and soft-touch buttons are like classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly mixing modern technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, especially when using the steam wand. This is because excessive air can sometimes prevent the hot water from flowing properly making it impossible for the machine to continue functioning. You'll need to wait for some time before making a second coffee 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. The small 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 standards? We tested it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee maker, but it isn't sacrificing the performance. It makes drinks with the push of a button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC to know what drink it should create. It also automatically adjusts the correct amount of froth and water for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to achieve an outstanding result every time.
It's very easy to coffee machines for pods use - simply insert the desired T disc and select the size of your drink. The Vivy comes with 40 different drinks, as well as a milk jug for making lattes or cappuccinos. It only takes three seconds to heat and it shuts down automatically after five minutes.
The descaler is cleverly designed to fit into the side of your machine. There are separate directions for this, but the procedure is easy and quick.
If you register your Vivy, you'll receive a discount for your first order of T-DISCs, as well as personalized offers, tips and suggestions. You can also monitor the condition of your machine, and see how much it's used. Registering your machine is also recommended as soon as you purchase it.
5. Illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a leading player in the coffee market and iconic heritage brand, is a world leader. The company was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still run by his descendants. It is a global company. The family-owned and operated company has a long history of innovating within the field, and is known for its premium quality espresso made from 9 different varieties of Arabica beans.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives to safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as eco sustainable as they can be. They have focused on efficiency in energy use, and are committed to reducing their emissions, as well as the use of renewable energy sources. They have also promoted the practice of regenerative agriculture and are focusing on enhancing 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 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 be awarded a B-Corp certification, which is an international label that recognizes businesses that are committed to ethics and a sense of mission. The company also recently launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods, and has been named one of the World's most ethical companies for the last seven years. The company has been committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can be beneficial to the environment and for people as well They have a strong belief that it is up to everyone to play their part.