One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often criticized for producing weak, watery drinks. The top ones are more than just that.
The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods instead of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It also has bundles of capsule options and easy customization.
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 side that brews traditional grounds and one-serve side that will accept any type of K-Cup Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe side comes with an adjustable timer as well as a "strong" setting that produces more flavor than the standard settings. It also has a built-in, foldaway frother for lattes and cappuccinos.
The single-serve version can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at once using any size K-Cup, or a reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cups (a separate water reservoir is included). It makes use of Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and reads the barcode of each pod to adjust machine settings. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's more efficient in brewing full-pots than Keurig's top-rated. It also has advanced features like a 24-hour start, brew intensity controls, and automatic shutoff.
The device is easy to use despite the fact that it has 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 the 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 or the versatility of ground coffee.
This basic cold brew machine is a budget pick that produces an incredibly smooth and delicious cup. It can make 12 cups at once and features a programmable timer as well as an integrated milk frother and an reusable coffee filter. It has a large tank of water, as well as a glass carafe that can hold hot beverages.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is an excellent option if you are already a fan of the pod coffee machines and want to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso's new espresso machine is stylish, quick and has the ability to make five different drinks in one sleek, compact chassis. It's currently on sale and is a great option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine is then able to heat up quickly and is simple to use, with an automatic button that adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It utilizes patent-pending Nespresso pods with barcodes that inform the machine which kind of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you get the right temperature and water pressure for each drink. The capsules spin fast when they are brewing to create the foam, also known as crema that is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.
The only downsides to the VertuoLine is that it's a bit more loud than other pod machines and that you aren't able to reuse the used capsules. Fortunately, the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable and you can drop them off at the local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for free, and they'll return them to you to recycle.
The machine is pricey when compared to other pod machines, especially if you include the cost of the pods. If you're already a coffee pod lover, it's an affordable price to be paid for consistently barista-like results. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make cappuccinos and lattes. It's also available as bundles that include a few samples of Nespresso capsules as well as milk frother that can save you money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines have the same brewing procedure - you place a capsule in then press coffee machine for pods a button and the coffee comes out. But every now and then, there is a machine that blows convention out of the water, as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It has a unique system for capsules that locks them into the portafilter handle. This allows the machine to produce an espresso like you would get at a cafe, but without all of the fuss and mess of a traditional espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE pods, which are made of top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule has a precise dose of espresso that is then brewed using a unique two-stage process to create a rich crema. The extraction process is entirely within the capsule, meaning that the machine and coffee never come into contact and cleanup is easy.
This machine also has an Pannarello steam wand for making milky drinks, such as cappuccino or latte macchiato. Its unique design, designed by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to make a statement in your kitchen. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons are like traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can sometimes block the flow of the hot water, which prevents the machine from working properly. If this happens, you'll need to wait a few minutes before making another cup of coffee to allow the excess air to be released.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most popular pod coffee machines on the market. Its small dimensions, attractive price tag and easy-to-use are among the major selling points. Does this little machine meet the high standards set by the parent company? We tested it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is a basic pod coffee machine, but it isn't sacrificing the performance. It can make drinks with a simple press of a button. It reads an image of a barcode on the DISC to determine what drink to make. It also automatically sets the right amount of water and froth for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to achieve the best results every time.
It's very easy to use - just 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 lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to warm up, and has auto-shut-off after five minutes to conserve energy.
It's very easy to clean thanks to a cleverly designed descaler that fits into the side of the machine. There are separate directions for this, but the procedure is easy and quick.
As a bonus, if you register your Vivy with Bosch, you'll get discounts on your first order of T DISCs and receive personalized offers, suggestions and advice. You can also monitor the status of your machine and check how much it's been used. It's a good idea to register your machine at the time you purchase it, too.
5. Illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a renowned heritage brand and an industry leader in the field of coffee. It was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company continues to be operated by his children and is spread across the world. 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 also committed to sustainability and has a variety of initiatives to protect the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally friendly as possible. They have concentrated on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions and utilizing renewable energies. They also promote regenerative farming and are focused on improving their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, illycaffe is also committed to helping their employees thrive. They have invested in training programs for their employees and have created an "university" of coffee to educate professionals and consumers alike on how to make the perfect cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to be awarded an B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies that place a high value on ethics and have a mission. The company has also launched its first line of Nespresso compatible Pods and been recognized as one of the world's most Ethical companies for the past seven years. The company has been committed to demonstrating that sustainable quality can be beneficial to the environment and for people as well, and they have the conviction that it is up to everyone to take action.