One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often criticised for making watery, weak drinks. However, the top pods are more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods, made from treated polypropylene cups that are supposed to break down in landfill (rather than the dreaded K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It comes with a range of capsules and is easy to personalize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the best pod coffee makers on the market, this drip and single-serve model offers the best combination of features we tested. It has a 12-cup carafe that is brewed in the traditional way and one-serve that will accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe's side features a programmable timer and an "strong" setting that gives more flavor than normal settings. It comes with a fold-away frother that is built into the carafe for lattes and capspuccinos.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time, using any size K-Cup, or a reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista cups (a separate water reservoir is included). It utilizes Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system that reads the barcode on each pod to adjust the machine's settings to make the perfect cup every time. It's more efficient than a top Keurig model when it comes to making a full-sized pot of brew thanks to its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions like a 24-hour brew start, brew strength control, and auto shutoff.
The device is easy to use despite the fact that it comes with two operating modes. It also cleans easily. The reusable pod adapter and needles are easily removable to clean, and the mesh filter is washable in your sink. It's a bit bulky and heavy for counter space, but it's a great option for anyone who wants the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This simple cold brew maker is a budget pick that produces smooth and delicious cups. It can make 12 cups at once and features a programmable timer and a milk frother that is integrated as well as an coffee filter that can be reused. It also has a huge water reservoir and a glass carafe for hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already accustom to the pod coffee machine trend and would like to upgrade your Keurig-style machine this is a great option. Nespresso's newest espresso machine is sleek, efficient and has the ability to make five different drinks in one sleek, compact chassis. It's currently on sale, making it an excellent choice for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is extremely easy to use, with a single button that automatically adapts to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of the patented Nespresso pods that feature an identifier barcode that tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures that you get the right temperature and pressure for every drink. The pods also spin fast during brewing, creating an indulgence-inducing 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 louder than other pod machines and you can't reuse the capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules is recyclable, which means you can recycle them at your local UPS store or Nespresso's website.
The machine is also pretty expensive in comparison to other pod coffee machines, especially when you factor in the cost of buying the pods. If you're already a pod coffee fan, this is an affordable price to pay for consistent barista style results. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for lattes or cappuccinos. It's also available in bundles that contain a few sample packs of the Nespresso capsules and milk frother which could save you money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it comes to brewing, most pod machines use the same pattern - capsules are placed in the top and then you press a button and coffee flows out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that defy the norm. It utilizes a different mechanism for capsules, locking them into place in a portafilter-like handle. The machine can produce espresso that is comparable to the kind you get at a cafe, but without the mess and fuss of the traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible 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 using a unique two-stage process to produce a rich crema. The extraction happens completely inside the capsule, so the machine and the coffee do not meet and cleaning up is a breeze.
The coffee pod also has an Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks, such as cappuccino or latte macchiato. The unique design of this coffee machine, designed by famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold design statement in your home. Its slender, round shapes and soft-touch buttons are like traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
One drawback of this machine is that it needs a little more attention than other models, especially when you are using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can sometimes prevent the steam from flowing properly, preventing the machine from working. If this happens, you'll need to wait a couple of minutes before making another cup of coffee to allow the air to escape.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most sought-after pod coffee machines available on the market. The small size, attractive pricing, and the ease of use are important selling points. Does this little machine meet the standards set by the parent company? We tested it at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee maker, but it does not sacrifice performance. It makes drinks with the press of a single button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC to determine which drink it has to make. It also automatically sets the right amount of froth and water for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to produce an outstanding result 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 jug for making cappuccinos or lattes. It only takes three seconds to heat up and it shuts down automatically after five minutes.
The descaler is cleverly designed to fit on the side of your machine. This is a different process however it's very quick and easy.
As an added benefit, if sign up your Vivy with Bosch and Bosch, you'll receive discounts on your first order of T DISCs. You'll also receive personalized offers, recommendations and suggestions. You'll also be able to monitor the health of your machine, and also see how much water it has used. Registering your machine is also recommended when you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a renowned heritage brand and one of the leaders in the coffee industry. The company was established 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 high-quality espresso crafted using nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
The company is committed to sustainability, and has pod and bean coffee machine implemented numerous initiatives to help preserve the environment. They also make sure that their products are as eco-friendly as is possible. They have a particular focus on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and utilizing renewable energy sources. They also have worked to promote regenerative agriculture and have a strong focus on improving their water resources.
Illycaffe's commitment towards sustainability is matched by their desire to help their employees succeed. They have invested in training programs for their employees and have created an "university" of coffee to train professionals and consumers alike on how to make the best cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to earn a B Corp certification. This designation is awarded to companies that place a high value on ethics and a 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 dedicated to demonstrating how sustainable quality can be beneficial to both the environment and people and has an unshakeable belief that it is the responsibility of everyone to take action.