One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are frequently criticised for producing watery, weak drinks. The best pods are more than just that.
The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods, which are made of treated polypropylene cups that are designed to degrade in landfill (rather than the notorious K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also offers a range of capsules and simple customization.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers available on the market, this single-serve and drip model has the best blend of features in our test. It has an insulated 12-cup carafe that is brewed in the traditional manner and single-serve that can accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe has a programmable clock and an "strong setting" that makes more flavor. It also comes with a built-in, foldaway frother for cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side brews up to 18 ounces at a single time with any size of K-Cup, the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup or ground coffee (a separate water tank is provided). It uses Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and analyzes the barcodes 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 controls and automatic shutoff.
It's simple to use, despite having two operating modes, and the cleaning process is fairly easy. The reusable pod adapter and needles are easily removed for cleaning, and the mesh filter is washable in your sink. It's a bit bulky and heavy for counter space, but it's a great alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This low-cost cold brew machine produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It can make 12 cups at a time and has a programmable clock as well as an integrated milk frother and a coffee filter that can be reused. It has a large tank of water and a glass carafe to hold hot beverages.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already bought in to the pod coffee machine trend and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig-style machine this is a great alternative. Nespresso's new espresso maker is sleek, efficient and can make five different drinks on one chassis. It's also on sale now which makes it a great choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine Next can be heated up quickly and is incredibly easy to use with a single-use button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of patented Nespresso pods that feature barcodes that inform the machine which kind of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you get the right temperature and 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 VertuoLine's only downside is that it's louder 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 reuse.
The machine is pricey when compared to other pod machines, especially if you include the cost of the pods. However, if you're 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 an Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for lattes and cappuccinos. It's also available in bundles that include a few sample packs of the Nespresso capsules as well as a milk frother which could save you money in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is time to brew, the majority of pod machines use the same pattern - a capsule goes in the top, you press a button and coffee flows out. But every now and then, a device comes along that blows convention out of the water, as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It has a completely different system for capsules that lock them in place in a portafilter-like hand. The machine produces espresso that is comparable to the one you can get in a cafe without the mess and fuss of an espresso machine that is traditional.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE pods, which are made of top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule has an exact amount of espresso that is then brewed using a unique two-stage process to create a rich crema. The extraction process is entirely within the capsule. This means that the machine and the coffee are never in contact. Clean-up is also an easy task.
This machine also has a Pannarello steam wand for making milky drinks, such as cappuccino or macchiato latte. The unique design of this coffee pod machine, designed by famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold design statement in your living space. Its slim but round shapes and soft-touch buttons recall the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 1960s, while seamlessly integrating advanced technology.
One downside of this machine is that it needs a little more capsule coffee machine 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 hot water from flowing correctly and stop the machine from functioning. You will need to wait for a few moments before preparing a second coffee to let the excess air out.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most well-known pod coffee machines available on the market. The small dimensions, attractive pricing and the ease of use are major reasons to buy. But can this machine meet the high standards set by the company that owns it? We tested it at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is among the most simple pod coffee machines on the market however it doesn't compromise on performance. It makes drinks at the push of a button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC to determine which drink it has to create. It also automatically sets the correct amount of froth and water for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to produce an excellent result every time.
This makes it extremely simple to use - just insert the desired T DISC, then select your preferred drink size. There are 40 different drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk container for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes just three seconds to warm and automatically shuts off after five minutes to conserve energy.
The descaler is designed to fit on the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the procedure is simple and quick.
If you sign up for your Vivy, you will get a discount on your first order of T-DISCs, as well as specific offers, tips and suggestions. You'll also be able keep track of the condition of your machine, and also see the amount of water it has used. It is a good idea to register your machine when you purchase it, as well.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is an iconic heritage brand that is a one of the leaders in the coffee industry. Founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company continues to be operated by his children and spans across the globe. The family-owned business has a history of innovation and is famous for its high-quality espresso crafted from nine different types of Arabica bean.
The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented numerous initiatives to help protect the environment. They also make sure that their products are as environmentally friendly as they can. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions and utilizing renewable energy sources. They have also promoted the practice of regenerative agriculture and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.
Illycaffe's commitment towards sustainability is matched by their commitment to assist their employees in achieving success. They have invested in programs to provide training and professional development for their staff and they have developed a "university of coffee" that assists in educating consumers and professionals on how to get the best possible cup of coffee.
In addition to all of this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to be awarded the B-Corp designation, which is an international label which recognizes companies that value ethics and a sense of mission. 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 dedicated to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment as well as people. They believe that everyone has a responsibility to take on.