One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often criticized for producing watery, weak drinks. However, the top pods can provide more than that.
The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods made from treated polypropylene cups which are designed to break down in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It comes with a range of capsule options and is easy to personalize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers available on the market, this drip and single-serve model offers 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 can accept any type of K-Cup, Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe's side features an adjustable timer and an "strong" setting that produces more flavor than normal settings. It also has a foldaway, built-in frother to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time, using any size K-Cup or reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista cups (a separate reservoir for water is included). It uses Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and reads the barcode of each pod to adjust machine settings. It's faster than a leading Keurig model at brewing a full pot thanks to its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced features like a 24 hour brew start, brew strength control, and auto 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 are easily removed for cleaning and the mesh filter is washable in your sink. It's a bit heavy and heavy for counter space, but it's a great option for anyone who needs the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.
This basic cold brew machine is a budget pick that produces smooth and delicious cups. It has a programmable timer, a built-in milk frother and a reusable filter, and can make 12 cups of java at once. It comes with a large reservoir of water as well as glass carafes to hold hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great option for those who are already a fan of the pod coffee machines and want to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso’s newest espresso maker is sleek, efficient, and can make five different drinks with one small chassis. It's on sale now which makes it a great choice for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine is then able to heat up quickly and is easy to use, with an adjustable button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of the patented Nespresso capsules with a barcode on them that tells the machine what kind of espresso or coffee it is, making sure you have the right temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The capsules spin quickly when they are brewing to create a layer of foam called crema, which is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine's only downside is that it's louder than other pod-machines and that you cannot reuse the capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules is recyclable, which means you can recycle the capsules at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website.
The machine is expensive when contrasted with other pod machines particularly when you add the cost of the pods. However, if you're already a believer in the advantages of pod coffee, it's a low cost to get consistent, barista-style results. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for cappuccinos or lattes. It's also available in bundles that contain a few samples of Nespresso capsules and 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 follow a similar format - a capsule goes in the top, you press a button, and coffee flows out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that defy the rules of. It uses a unique system for capsules that lock them into a portafilter handle. The machine produces espresso that is comparable to the one you can get in a cafe, but without the hassle and mess of the traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible only with illy MIE pods which are made of premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule contains an exact amount of ground espresso, which is then brewed with a specific two-stage process to create a rich crema. The extraction takes place entirely within the capsule, meaning that the coffee and machine never come into contact and cleanup is a breeze.
The coffee pod includes a Pannarello Steam Wand to make milky drinks like cappuccino or Latte Macchiato. Its unique design, created by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to stand out in your kitchen. Its slim but round shapes and soft-touch buttons recall the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 1960s while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
One drawback of this machine is that it needs some more attention than some other models, especially when you use the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can sometimes stop the flow of hot water, which prevents the machine from functioning efficiently. You will need to wait a few moments before preparing another cup of coffee to let the excess air escape.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most adored coffee machines on the market. The compact dimensions as well as the attractive pricing and ease of operation are all important selling points. But does this little machine meet the high standards set by its parent company? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, however it doesn't sacrifice the performance. It can make drinks with a simple press of a button. It scans an image of a barcode on the DISC to pod and bean coffee machine determine which drink to prepare. It also sets the correct amount for water and froth in every drink by using Intellibrew Technology to achieve an excellent outcome every time.
This makes it extremely simple to operate - just insert the desired T DISC, then select your preferred drink size. There are 40 drinks to choose from and the Vivy comes with a milk jug that can be used for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes just three seconds to warm up, and has auto-shut-off after five minutes to conserve energy.
The descaler is cleverly designed to fit into the side of your machine. This is a separate process, but it's quick and easy.
If you register your Vivy, you will get a discount on your first order of T-DISCs and also personalized offers, tips and recommendations. You can also keep track of the condition of your machine, and check how much it's used. It's a good idea to register your machine at the time you purchase it, also.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a market leader in the coffee market and famous heritage brand, is a global leader. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still managed by his descendants. It has a presence across the globe. The family-owned and operated business has a long track record of embracing innovation within the field, and is renowned for its top quality espresso that is made from 9 different varieties of Arabica beans.
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 green as they can. They have focused on efficiency in their energy use and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint, and the use of renewable energy sources. They also promote 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 have created an "university" of coffee to train both consumers and professionals 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 that are committed to ethics and a sense of purpose. The company also recently introduced their first line of Nespresso compatible pods, and has been named one of the World's most ethical companies over the past seven years. The company is committed to proving that sustainable quality can make a difference for the environment and people alike They have a strong belief that it is up to everyone to take action.