One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are frequently criticized for making watery, weak drinks. The best ones are much more than just that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods in place of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It comes with a range of capsule options, and it is easy to customize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers on the market, this drip and single-serve model offers the best combination of features in our test. It has a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional grounds, and one-serve side that will accept any type of K-Cup, Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe side comes with a programmable timer and it has a "strong" setting that gives more flavor than the standard settings. It has an adjustable frother that folds away and is built into the carafe to make lattes and capspuccinos.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time using any size K-Cup, or a reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista cups (a separate water reservoir is included). It utilizes Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which scans the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings to make a perfect cup every time. It's quicker than the leading Keurig model when it comes to making a full-sized pot of brew with its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions like a 24-hour brew start time, brew strength control and auto shutoff.
It's easy to use despite having two different modes of operation, and cleaning process is fairly easy. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles are easily removed to clean, and the filter can be washed in the sink. The machine is heavy and bulky for counter space but it's a great choice for those who desire the convenience of pods or the versatility of coffee ground.
This budget-friendly 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 a time. It has a large tank of water, as well as a glass carafe to hold hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is an excellent option for those who are already a fan of pod coffee machines and want to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's new espresso machine is stylish, quick and has the ability to make five different drinks in one sleek, compact machine. It's currently on sale and is a great choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is easy to use, using an automatic button that adjusts to the type capsule you are using. It uses patent-pending Nespresso pods that have barcodes that inform the machine what kind of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures you get the correct temperature and pressure for every drink. The pods also spin fast when brewing, creating a decadent layer of foam, referred to as crema, which is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawback is that it's louder than other pod-machines and you can't reuse capsules. 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 expensive when contrasted with other pod machines particularly when you add the cost of the pods. If you've already bought in to the advantages of pod coffee, it's only a small price to pay for consistent results that resemble baristas. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make lattes or cappuccinos. You can also purchase it in bundles that include some of the Nespresso pods as well as a frother. This will help you save money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is time to brew, the majority of pod machines follow a similar format - a capsule goes in the top, you press a button, and the coffee oozes out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of coffee capsule machine those machines that defies the rules of. It utilizes a different mechanism for capsules, locking them into place inside a portafilter-like handle. This lets the machine make an espresso that is as good as you'd get at a cafe, but without the hassle and mess that is typical of an espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules that are made of premium coffee beans of the highest quality. Each capsule contains precisely proportions of ground espresso, which is brewed in a two-stage process. This creates a rich crema. The extraction process is completely inside the capsule, meaning that the coffee and machine never come into contact, and clean-up is a breeze.
This coffee maker comes with a Pannarello Steam Wand to make milky drinks like cappuccino or macchiato latte. Its unique design, created by famed Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to make a statement in your kitchen. Its slender, round forms and soft-touch buttons inspired by traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly mixing modern 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. This is because excess air can block the flow of the hot water, which prevents the machine from working properly. You'll need to wait several minutes before making a second coffee to let the air out.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most popular pod coffee machines on the market. Its compact dimensions, attractive price tag and easy-to-use are among the major selling points. But can this machine live up to the high standards set by the parent company? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is one of the most simple pod coffee machines that are available however it doesn't sacrifice on performance. It can make drinks with just a simple press of a button. It scans an image of a barcode on the DISC to determine which drink to make. It also automatically adjusts the right amount of froth and water for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to produce an outstanding result every time.
This makes it extremely simple to use - simply insert the desired T DISC and choose the desired drink size. The Vivy has 40 different drinks and a milk jug to make lattes or cappuccinos. It takes just three seconds to warm up and it shuts down automatically after five minutes.
The descaler is designed to fit into the side of your machine. This is a separate procedure however it's very quick and simple.
As a bonus, if you sign up your Vivy with Bosch as a bonus, you'll receive an extra discount on your first order of T DISCs and receive personalised offers, recommendations and advice. You can also track the progress of your machine and check how much it's been used. Registering your machine is a good idea immediately after you purchase it.
5. Illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a leading player in the coffee industry and an iconic heritage brand, is a global leader. The company was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still managed by his descendants. It spans the globe. The family-owned and operated company has a long history of innovating within the industry. It is known for its premium quality espresso that is made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives that help to protect the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally friendly as possible. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint as well as using renewable energy sources. They have also worked to promote regenerative farming, and have a strong focus on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, Illycaffe is determined to help their employees succeed. They have invested in training programs for their employees, and have created an "university" of coffee that educates consumers and professionals alike on how to make the perfect cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company that has earned an B Corp certification. This designation is awarded to companies who prioritize ethics and a purpose. The company also recently introduced their first line of Nespresso compatible pods. They have also been named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the past seven years. The company has been dedicated to demonstrating how sustainable quality can be beneficial to the environment and people alike They have a strong belief that it is the responsibility of everyone to take action.