One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have a bit of an undeserved reputation for being the watery, weak drinks. The best pods are more than that.
The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods, made from treated polypropylene cups which are supposed to degrade in landfill (rather than the dreaded K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It comes with a range of capsules and is easy to customise.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the best pod coffee makers on the market, this single-serve and drip models offer the best combination of features in our test. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional grounds and a single-serve side that accepts any type of K-Cup Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe's side features an adjustable timer as well as it has a "strong" setting that gives more flavor than normal settings. It also has an integrated, fold-away frother for cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side brews up to 18 ounces at a single time using any size K-Cup and reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup or ground coffee (a separate water tank is provided). It utilizes Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system and analyzes the barcode on each pod to adjust the machine settings for an ideal cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's faster at brewing full pots than the Keurig that is the most popular. It also comes with advanced features, like a 24 hour start time, brew intensity control and automatic shutoff.
The device is simple to use despite the fact that it has two operating modes. It also cleans easily. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles and mesh filter can be easily removed for cleaning. It's a bit heavy and heavy for counter space, but it's a great option for anyone who needs the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This simple cold brew maker is a budget pick that delivers a smooth and flavorful cup. It comes with a programmable timer, a built-in milk frother and a reusable filter and can make 12 cups of java in one go. It has a large tank of water and a glass carafe to hold hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already committed to the pod coffee machine trend and would like to upgrade your current Keurig-style machine this is a great option. Nespresso's new espresso machine is stylish, quick and can make five different drinks on one sleek, compact chassis. It's currently on sale, making it an excellent choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is simple to use, thanks to an automatic button that adjusts to the type capsule you're using. It makes use of patented Nespresso pods with an identifier barcode that tells the machine what kind of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures you get the right temperature and water pressure for each drink. The pods also spin rapidly while brewing, resulting in an indulgence-inducing layer of foam, referred to as crema, that is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only downsides to the VertuoLine is that it's a bit more loud than other pod machines, and that you can't reuse the 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 quite expensive in comparison to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you factor in the cost of buying pods. If you're already a coffee pod lover, it's a small price to pay for consistent barista-like results. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make cappuccinos or lattes. It's also available in bundles that include a few samples of Nespresso capsules as well as a milk frother, which can help you save money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is time to brew, the majority of pod machines adhere to the same format: capsules are placed on the top and you press a button and the coffee is poured out. But now and then there is a machine that is a complete blow to the water, as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It uses a different system for capsules, locking them into place in a portafilter-like handle. This lets the machine create an espresso that's similar to what you'd find in a cafe, but without the hassle and mess that comes with a traditional espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules, which are made from premium coffee beans of the highest quality. Each capsule is stocked with a precise dose of espresso that is then brewed using a special two-stage process that produces a rich crema. The extraction is performed entirely within the capsule. This means that the machine and the coffee are never in contact. Cleaning up is easy.
This coffee maker includes a Pannarello Steam Wand that can be used to make milky drinks like cappuccino or Latte Macchiato. The distinctive design of this best coffee pod machine coffee pod machine, created by the 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 are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 60s while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
One downside of this machine is that it requires some more focus than other models, especially when you are using the steam wand. The reason for this is that too much air can sometimes prevent the hot water from flowing properly making it impossible for the machine to continue working. If this happens, you'll need to wait a couple of minutes before making another cup of coffee to allow the air to escape.
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 compact dimensions, attractive pricing, and user-friendly are major reasons to buy. But can this machine meet the high standards set by its parent company? We took it for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to find out.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee maker, but it does not sacrifice its performance. It can make drinks with the push of a button, by reading a unique barcode on each T DISC to know what drink it should make. It also automatically sets the right amount of water and froth for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to ensure an excellent result every time.
This makes it extremely simple to operate - just insert the desired T DISC and select the size you prefer for your drink. There are 40 different drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk container for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to heat up and shuts off automatically after five minutes.
It's easy to clean, with a cleverly designed descaler that slots into the side of the machine. This is a different process however it's very quick and easy.
If you sign up your Vivy, you'll get a discount on your first order of T-DISCs, along with personalized offers, tips and advice. You can also track the status of your machine, and see how much it has been used. It's a good idea to register your machine as soon as you buy it, too.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a leading player in the coffee market and iconic heritage brand, is a global leader. It was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is operated by his children and is spread across the globe. The family-owned business has a history of innovation and is renowned for its top-quality espresso that is made from nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
The company is committed to sustainability, and has implemented a number initiatives to help protect the environment. They also make sure that their products are as environmentally friendly as they can. They have a particular focus on efficiency in their energy use and are determined to reduce their carbon footprint and also the use of renewable energy sources. They also promote regenerative farming and are focused on enhancing their water resources.
Illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their determination to help their employees achieve. They have invested in programs to provide training and professional development for their employees and have developed a "university of coffee" which helps educate both professionals and consumers on how to get the most optimal cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to be awarded a B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies that are committed to ethics and have a mission. The company has also 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 is committed to proving that sustainable quality can benefit both the environment and people They have an unshakeable belief that it is up to everyone to do their part.