One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are frequently accused of producing watery, weak drinks. The best ones are much more than just that.
The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods instead of the dreaded K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It also comes with a variety of capsules and simple customization.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the best pod coffee makers on the market, this single-serve and drip model has the best combination of features we tested. It has a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional ground coffee and a single-serve side that can accept any kind 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 the standard settings. It also has a built-in, foldaway frother for cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at once using any size K-Cup or reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista cups (a separate water reservoir is included). It utilizes Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which 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 controls and an automatic shutoff.
The device is easy to use despite the fact that it comes with two operating modes. It also cleans easily. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles are easily removable to clean, and the filter can be washed in your sink. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space, but it's a great alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This affordable cold brew maker produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It comes with a timer that can be programmed and a built-in milk froth and a reusable filter and can make 12 cups of java at once. It has a large reservoir of water, as well as a glass carafe to hold hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is an excellent option if you are already a fan of pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso's latest espresso maker is sleek, fast, and can make five different drinks in one chassis. It's on sale now which makes it a great option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is extremely simple to use with a single-use button that automatically adapts to the type of capsule you're using. It uses patent-pending Nespresso capsules with a barcode on them that tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, making sure you get the right temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods spin rapidly when they are brewing to create a layer of foam known as crema. It is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine's biggest drawback is that it's louder than other pod-machines and you can't reuse capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules is recyclable, which means you can recycle the capsules at your local UPS store or on Nespresso's website.
The machine is also expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you take into account the cost of buying the pods. If you're already a coffee pod fan, the cost is a small amount to be paid for consistently barista style results. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make lattes and cappuccinos. It's also offered in bundles that contain a few samples of Nespresso capsules as well as milk frothers, which can save you money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is about brewing, most pod machines adhere to the same pattern - capsules are placed on the top and you press a button and the coffee oozes out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that eschew the rules of. It has a completely different system for capsules and locks them in a portafilter-like handle. The machine can make espresso that is similar to the one you can get in a cafe without the mess and hassle of an espresso machine that is traditional.
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 espresso ground, which is then brewed using a unique two-stage process to create an intense crema. The extraction process is entirely inside the capsule. This means that the coffee and machine are never in contact. Cleaning up is easy.
This coffee pod machine comes with a Pannarello Steam Wand that can be used to make milky drinks like cappuccino or latte Macchiato. Its unique design, designed by famed Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to stand out in your kitchen. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons are like classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly merging modern technology.
One downside of this machine is that it needs a little more attention than other models, especially when you are using the steam wand. The reason for this is that the excess air can sometimes block the flow of the hot water, preventing the machine from working effectively. If this happens, you'll have to wait for 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 available. Its small dimensions, attractive price and easy-to-use are the main reasons for buying. But can this machine meet the high standards set by its parent company? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is a basic pod coffee machine, but it doesn't sacrifice performance. It makes drinks with the press of a single button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC to know which drink it needs to create. It also determines the right amount for the froth and water in each drink by using Intellibrew technology to ensure an excellent outcome every time.
This makes it extremely simple to operate - just insert the desired T DISC and select your preferred drink size. There are 40 drinks to choose from and the Vivy comes with a milk jug that coffee machines with pods can be used for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes just three seconds to warm up and it has an auto-shutoff after five minutes.
It's easy to clean too using a cleverly-designed descaler that fits into the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the procedure is quick and simple.
As a bonus, if you register your Vivy through Bosch, you'll get a discount on your first order of T DISCs. Additionally, you'll receive personalized offers, recommendations and advice. You'll also be able track the status of your machine, and also see how much water it's been using. It is an excellent idea when you purchase it.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a renowned heritage brand that is a one of the leaders in the coffee industry. It was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is operated by his children and is spread across the globe. The family-owned business has a history of innovation and is known for its premium espresso made from nine different types of Arabica bean.
The company is committed to sustainability, and has taken a variety of initiatives to help preserve the environment. They also make sure that their products are as environmentally friendly as is possible. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions as well as using renewable energy sources. They have also worked to promote regenerative farming, and have a strong focus on improving their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, Illycaffe is determined 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 best cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company that has earned an B Corp certification. This designation is awarded to companies that place a high value on 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 last seven years. The company has been committed to demonstrating that sustainable quality can benefit both the environment and people They have an unshakeable belief that it is up to everyone to play their part.