One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often accused of producing watery, weak drinks. The best ones are much more than just that.
The illy Bruvi makes use 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 also offers a range of capsules and simple customization.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This single-serve drip coffee maker offers the best features of all the models we've tested. It comes with a 12-cup carafe that is brewed in the traditional manner and one-serve that will accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe side has a programmable timer and it has a "strong" setting that gives more flavor than the normal settings. It also comes with a built-in, foldaway frother for lattes and cappuccinos.
The single-serve side can make up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time, using any size K-Cup or reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate reservoir for water is included). It uses Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and scans the barcode of each pod to adjust machine settings. It's quicker than the leading Keurig model when it comes to making a full pot of coffee with its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions like a 24-hour brew start, brew strength controls and auto shutoff.
The device is simple to use despite the fact that it has two operating modes. It also cleans easily. The reusable pod adapter, needles and mesh filter can be easily removed to clean. It's a bit bulky 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 budget-friendly cold brew machine makes a smooth and delicious cup. It comes with a timer that can be programmed as well as a built-in milk maker and a reusable filter, and can make 12 cups of java at once. It also has a large water reservoir and a glass carafe for hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already committed to the pod coffee machine trend and are looking to upgrade your Keurig-style machine, this is an excellent option. Nespresso's latest espresso maker is sleek, fast and can make five different drinks on one compact chassis. It's also on sale now which makes it a great option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine Next heats up very quickly and is incredibly easy to use by pressing a single button that automatically adapts to the type of capsule you're using. It utilizes patent-pending Nespresso capsules with an identifier on them that informs the machine of what kind of espresso or coffee it is, ensuring you have the right temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The pods also spin fast when brewing, creating a decadent layer of foam, referred to as crema, that is usually found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine's biggest drawback is that it's more loud than other pod-machines and you aren't able to reuse capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules can be recycled, so you can recycle them at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website.
The machine is also quite expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you factor in the cost of buying the pods. However, if you're already bought in to the advantages of pod coffee, it's only a small cost to get consistent results that resemble baristas. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make cappuccinos and lattes. It's also offered in bundles that include sample packs of the Nespresso capsules and a milk frother which could save you money in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
Most pod machines have a similar brewing process - you simply insert a capsule and press a button, and the coffee pours out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that eschew the rules of. It has a unique system for capsules that locks them into the portafilter handle. The machine can produce espresso that is similar to the one you can get in cafes, without the mess and fuss of an espresso machine that is traditional.
The X7.1 is compatible with only illy MIE pods, which are made of top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule is stocked with precisely proportions of ground espresso that is brewed in a two-stage process. This results in a thick crema. The extraction happens entirely within the capsule, meaning that the coffee and machine never meet and cleaning up is easy.
This machine also has an Pannarello steam wand for making milky drinks, such as cappuccino or latte macchiato. The unique design, developed by famed Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to make a statement in your kitchen. Its round, slender forms and soft-touch buttons like traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly mixing modern technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, especially when using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can sometimes prevent the hot water from flowing correctly making it impossible for the machine to continue working. It is necessary to wait for a few moments before preparing another cup of coffee in order to let the air go.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most sought-after coffee makers available. The compact dimensions, attractive pricing and the ease of use are important selling points. Does this little machine meet the high standards set forth by its parent company's standards? We took it for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to find out.
The Vivy is among the most simple pod coffee machines that are available however it doesn't compromise on performance. It can create drinks with a single touch. It reads an image of a barcode on the DISC to determine which drink to prepare. It also determines the right amount for water and froth in every drink using Intellibrew Technology to achieve the best results every time.
It's easy 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 an milk jug that can be used to make lattes or cappuccinos. It only takes three seconds to heat up and shuts off automatically after five minutes.
It's very easy to clean, too, with a cleverly designed descaler that slots into the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the procedure is easy and quick.
If you sign up your Vivy, you'll get a discount on your first T-DISCs order, as well as personalized offers, tips and advice. You'll also be in a position to track the status of your machine, and also see how much water it's used. Registering your machine is a good idea immediately after you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a leading player in the coffee industry and an famous heritage brand, is a global leader. Established in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company continues to be operated by his children and spans the world. The family-owned and operated company has a long track record of innovating within the field, and is renowned for its high quality espresso made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives that help safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as eco green as they can. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and also utilizing renewable energies. They also have worked to promote regenerative agriculture and have a strong focus on improving their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, Illycaffe is committed to helping their employees succeed. They have invested in programs that provide training and professional development for their staff and they have created an "university of coffee" that helps to educate consumers and professionals on how to get the pod coffee machines most optimal cup of coffee.
In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to obtain the B-Corp designation, which is an international certification that recognizes businesses that are committed to ethics and a sense of purpose. The company has also launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods. They have also been named one of the world's Most Ethical Companies for the last seven years. The company has been committed to demonstrating that sustainable quality can be beneficial to the environment and people alike, and they have an unshakeable belief that it is up to everyone to do their part.