One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often accused of 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 supposed to degrade in landfill (rather than the notorious K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also comes with a variety of capsules and simple customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This combination drip-and-single-serve coffee maker has the best features of all the models we tested. It has a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional ground coffee and a single-serve side that accepts any kind of K-Cup, Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe side has an adjustable timer as well as a "strong" setting that provides more flavor than normal settings. It also comes with a foldaway, built-in frother for lattes and cappuccinos.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time using any size K-Cup, or a the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate reservoir for water is included). It makes use of Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and scans the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. It's more efficient than a top Keurig model when it comes to making a full pot of coffee with its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced features like a 24 hour brew start time, brew strength control, and auto shutoff.
It's simple to use, despite having two different operating modes, and cleaning is pretty easy. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles can be removed to clean, and the filter can be washed in the sink. It's quite 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 basic cold brew machine is a budget-friendly option that produces an incredibly smooth and delicious cup. It comes with a timer that can be programmed, a built-in milk frother and a reusable filter and can make 12 cups of java at a time. It also has a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe to serve hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already accustom to the pod coffee machine trend and want to upgrade from your Keurig-style machine This is a great alternative. Nespresso's new espresso machine is sleek, efficient and can make five different drinks in one compact, sleek chassis. It's even on sale right now which makes it a great option for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is simple to use, with a button that adapts automatically to the type capsule you are using. It utilizes the patented Nespresso capsules which have a barcode on them which tells the machine what kind of espresso or coffee it is, ensuring you get the right temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The pods also spin fast during brewing, creating a decadent layer of foam, referred to as crema, that is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only downsides to the VertuoLine are that it's a bit louder than other pod machines and that you can't reuse capsules you've used. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules is recyclable, so you can recycle the capsules at your local UPS store or Nespresso's website.
The machine is also pretty 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 fan, this is an affordable price to be paid for consistently barista style results. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for cappuccinos or lattes. You can also purchase it in bundles that include a few samples of the Nespresso pods as well as a coffee maker. This will save you money up front.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
Most pod machines have the same brewing process: you simply insert a capsule, press a button and the coffee comes out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of those machines that defies convention. It uses a unique system for capsules that lock them into a portafilter handle. This lets the machine create an espresso that's similar to what you'd find at a cafe, but without all of the fuss and mess that is typical of an espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE capsules that are made of premium coffee beans of the highest quality. Each capsule has a precise dose of ground espresso, which is then brewed with a specific two-stage process to produce a thick and rich crema. The extraction is done entirely inside the capsule. This means that the machine and the coffee are not in contact. Clean-up is also a breeze.
This coffee pod machine comes with a Pannarello Steam Wand that can be used to make milky beverages like cappuccino or Latte Macchiato. The distinctive design of this coffee pod machine, designed by famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a statement in your home. Its slender, round forms and soft-touch buttons reminiscent of classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly merging modern technology.
The only drawback to this machine is that it requires a little more focus than other models, especially when you are using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can sometimes stop the flow of hot water, preventing the machine from working effectively. You will need to wait some time before making a second coffee to let the excess air escape.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most sought-after pod coffee machines on the market. The small size as well as the attractive pricing and the ease of use are important selling points. But can this tiny machine live up to the high standards set by its parent company? We tested it at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is a basic pod coffee machine, but it isn't sacrificing its performance. It can create drinks with a single touch. It scans the barcode on the DISC to determine what drink to make. It also automatically determines the capsule machine coffee correct amount of froth and water for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to achieve the best results every time.
It is very simple to use - simply insert the desired T DISC and choose the size of 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 just three seconds to heat up and shuts off automatically after five minutes to conserve energy.
It's easy to clean, too, with a cleverly designed descaler that fits into the side of the machine. This is a different process however it's fast and simple.
If you register your Vivy, you'll receive a discount on your first order of T-DISCs and also specific offers, tips and advice. You can also track the progress of your machine, and see how much it has been used. It's worth registering your machine as soon as you buy it, too.
5. illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is an iconic heritage brand that is a one of the leaders in the coffee industry. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still run by his descendants. It is a global company. The family-owned business has a history of innovation and is known for its top-quality espresso that is made using nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented a number initiatives to to protect the environment. They also make sure that their products are as environmentally friendly as is possible. They have focused on efficiency in their energy use and are committed to reducing their emissions, and also the use of renewable energies. They have also promoted regenerative farming and are focused on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, illycaffe is committed to helping their employees thrive. They have invested in training programs for their employees and have created a "university" of coffee that educates professionals and consumers alike on how to make the perfect cup of coffee.
In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to be awarded B-Corp certification. This is an international certification that recognizes companies that prioritize ethics and a sense that they have a 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 for the last seven years. The company is committed to proving that sustainable quality can benefit both the environment and people They have the conviction that it is up to everyone to do their part.