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 uses B-Pods, which are made of treated polypropylene cups which are designed to degrade in landfill (rather than the notorious K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It offers a variety of capsules and is easy to customise.
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 blend of features we tested. It has a 12-cup carafe which is brewed in the traditional way, and one-serve that will accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe side has an adjustable timer and an "strong" setting that produces more flavor than standard settings. It also comes with a fold-away frother that is built into the carafe for cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side brews up to 18 ounces at a time with any size of K-Cup, reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup, or ground coffee (a separate water tank is included). It makes use of Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and analyzes the barcodes of each pod to adjust machine settings. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's quicker at making full-pots of brew than Keurig's top-rated. It also has advanced features such as a 24-hour start, brew intensity controls, and automatic shutoff.
The device is simple to use despite the fact that it has two operating modes. It also cleans easily. The reusable pod adapter and needles are easily removable for cleaning, and the filter can be washed in your sink. The machine is heavy and heavy for counter space, however it's a great option for those who want the convenience of pods, or the flexibility of coffee ground.
This simple cold brew machine is a great value option that provides smooth and delicious cups. It can make 12 cups at a time and comes with a programmable clock, an integrated milk frother as well as a coffee filter that can be reused. It comes with a large reservoir of water, as well as glass carafes to hold hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already accustom to the trend of pod coffee machines and want to upgrade from your current Keurig-style machine this is a great alternative. Nespresso's new espresso maker is stylish, fast and can make five different drinks on one chassis. It's currently on sale which makes it a great choice for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is extremely simple to use, with a single button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of patented Nespresso pods with barcodes that inform the machine which type of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures you get the right temperature and water pressure for every drink. The capsules spin quickly when they are brewing to create an emulsion known as crema. It is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine's biggest drawback is that it's louder than other pod-machines and you aren't able to reuse capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules is recyclable, so you can recycle the capsules at your local UPS store or on Nespresso's website.
The machine is also expensive in comparison to other pod coffee machines, especially when you factor in the cost of purchasing the pods. If, however, you've already bought in to the benefits of pod coffee, it's a small cost to get consistent, barista-style results. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make cappuccinos or lattes. You can also purchase it in bundles, which contain some of the Nespresso pods as well as a coffee maker. This will help you save money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is time to brew, the majority of pod machines use the same 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 eschew convention. It uses a unique system for capsules that bind them into the portafilter handle. The machine can make espresso that is similar to the one you can get in cafes, without the mess and fuss of a traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules which are made from premium high-quality coffee beans. Each capsule has precisely proportioned amounts of ground espresso, which is then brewed using a unique two-stage process to create a rich crema. The extraction takes place entirely within the capsule, meaning that the machine and coffee never meet and cleaning up is easy.
This machine also has an Pannarello steam wand for making milky drinks, such as cappuccino or macchiato latte. The unique design, developed by famed Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to be a standout in your kitchen. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 60s and seamlessly integrates modern technology.
This machine requires a bit coffee pods machines more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is because excessive air can block the hot water from flowing correctly, preventing the machine from working. If this happens, you'll have to wait a few minutes before preparing another coffee to allow the air to be released.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most popular coffee machines on the market. The small dimensions as well as the attractive pricing and the ease of use are important selling points. But does this little machine live up to the high standards set by the parent company? We took it for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is one of the simplest pod coffee machines on the market, but it doesn't skimp on performance. It makes drinks with the press of a single button, by reading a unique barcode on each T DISC in order to determine what drink it should make. It also sets the proper amount of the froth and water in each drink using Intellibrew technology to ensure an outstanding result every time.
It's easy to use. Simply insert the desired T DISC and select the size of your drink. There are 40 different drinks to choose from and the Vivy comes with a milk jug for making lattes or cappuccinos. It only takes three seconds to heat and it has an auto-shutoff after five minutes.
It's easy to clean, too using a cleverly-designed descaler that slides into the side of the machine. This is a different process however it's very quick and simple.
As an added bonus, if you register your Vivy with Bosch and Bosch, you'll receive an extra discount on your first order of T DISCs. You'll also receive personalized offers, suggestions and advice. You'll also be able monitor the health of your machine and see how much water it has used. Registering your machine is also an excellent idea when you purchase it.
5. Illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is an iconic heritage brand and leader in the coffee industry. The company was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still operated by his descendants. It is a global company. The family-owned company has a long tradition of innovation and is famous for its top-quality espresso that is made using nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a range of initiatives that help safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as eco green as they can. They have concentrated on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions and also utilizing renewable energy sources. They have also worked to promote regenerative agriculture and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.
Illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their determination to help their employees succeed. They have invested in programs to provide training and professional development for their staff and have created an "university of coffee" that helps to educate consumers and professionals on how to get the best cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to be awarded an B Corp certification. This designation is awarded to companies who prioritize ethics and a sense of purpose. The company also recently launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods, and has been named one of the world's Most Ethical Companies for the past seven years. 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 play.