One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have an unfair reputation for the watery, weak drinks. However, the top pods are more than that.
The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods made from 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 customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This combination drip-and-single-serve coffee maker has the most impressive features of all the models we've tested. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional grounds, and a single-serve side that accepts any kind of K-Cup Keurig-like, reusable or Keurig pod. The carafe side comes with an adjustable timer and it has a "strong" setting that produces more flavor than the standard settings. It also has an integrated, fold-away frother for cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can make up to 18 ounces of coffee at once using any size K-Cup, or a the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate water reservoir is included). It uses Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system and scans the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings to make a perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's more efficient in brewing full-pots than the Keurig that is the most popular. It also comes with advanced features, like a 24 hour start, brew intensity control, and automatic shutoff.
It's easy to use, despite having two operating modes, and the cleaning is pretty easy. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles, and mesh filter can be easily removed to clean. It's a bit bulky and heavy for counter space however it's a great option for anyone who wants the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This simple cold brew machine is a great value option that delivers an incredibly smooth and delicious cup. It comes with a programmable timer, a built-in milk frother and a reusable filter, and can make 12 cups of java at a time. It also has a huge water reservoir and a glass carafe for hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already bought in to the pod coffee machine trend and want to upgrade from the Keurig-style machine you have This is a great option. Nespresso's new espresso machine is sleek, efficient and can make five different drinks on one sleek, compact chassis. It's currently on sale, making it an excellent choice for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine Next heats up very quickly and is extremely easy to use, with a single button that automatically adapts to the type of capsule you're using. It uses the patented Nespresso capsules which have an identifier on them which tells the machine what kind of espresso or coffee it is, ensuring you have the right temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The capsules spin quickly while brewing to create a layer of foam called crema, which is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawback 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 recycle.
The machine is expensive when compared to other pod machines particularly when you add the cost of the pods. If you're already a pod coffee fan, this is a small price to be paid for consistently barista style results. Plus, you can add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for lattes and cappuccinos. 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
The majority of pod machines have the same brewing process: you simply insert a capsule and press a button, and the coffee is brewed. But every now and then, a device comes along that breaks convention right 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 handle. This allows the machine to create an espresso that's similar to what you'd find at a cafe, however without all of the fuss and mess that comes with a traditional espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible only with illy MIE pods that are made from premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule is stocked with an exact amount of espresso ground, which is then brewed using a unique two-stage process that produces an intense crema. The extraction takes place entirely within the capsule, which means that the machine and the coffee do not come into contact, and clean-up is a breeze.
This coffee pod machine also comes with an Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks like cappuccino and latte macchiato. The unique design, developed by famed Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to stand out in your kitchen. Its round, slender forms and soft-touch buttons are inspired by the classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly merging modern technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, especially when using the steam wand. The reason for this is that too much air can prevent the hot water from flowing properly making it impossible for the machine to continue functioning. If this happens, you'll have to wait a few minutes before making another coffee to allow the excess air to let go.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most adored coffee machines available. The small size, attractive pricing, and user-friendly are major reasons to buy. Does this tiny machine meet the 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 a barcode on the T DISC to determine which drink to make. It also automatically sets the proper amount of water and froth for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to ensure the best results every time.
It is very simple to use. Simply insert the desired T DISC and choose the size of your drink. The Vivy comes with 40 different drinks as well as a milk jug to make lattes or cappuccinos. It takes just three seconds to warm up and shuts off automatically after five minutes.
It's very easy to clean, with a cleverly designed descaler that slides into the side of the coffee machine and pods machine. This is a separate process however it's fast and simple.
As an added benefit, if sign up your Vivy with Bosch as a bonus, you'll receive discounts on your first order of T DISCs. Additionally, you'll receive personalized offers, suggestions and tips. You can also track the condition of your machine, and see how much it has been used. It is recommended when you purchase it.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a well-known heritage brand and leader in the coffee industry. It was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is operated by his children and spans the globe. The family-owned business has a history of innovation and is renowned for its high-quality espresso crafted from nine different types of Arabica bean.
The company is committed to sustainability, and has implemented a number initiatives to help protect the environment. They also ensure that their products are as green as is possible. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint as well as using renewable energies. They have also promoted Regenerative farming and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.
Illycaffe's commitment towards sustainability is matched by their commitment to help their employees achieve. They have invested in programs to provide training and professional development for their employees, and they have also developed an "university of coffee" that assists in educating both professionals and consumers on how to get the best cup of coffee.
In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to be awarded a B-Corp certification, which is an international label that recognizes companies that prioritize ethics and a sense of purpose. 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 demonstrating that sustainable quality can make a difference for both the environment and people They have an unshakeable belief that it is the responsibility of everyone to do their part.