One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often accused of producing weak, watery drinks. Fortunately, the best pods are more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods instead of the dreaded K-Cups or 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 available on the market, this single-serve and drip models offer the most comprehensive set of features in our test. It has a 12-cup carafe which brews grounds in the traditional way, and a single-serve that accepts any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe side has a programmable timer and it has a "strong" setting that provides more flavor than standard settings. It has an easy-to-folding frother that's integrated into the carafe to serve capspuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces at a single time using any size K-Cup and reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cups or ground coffee (a separate water tank is also included). It uses Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and analyzes the barcodes of each pod to adjust machine settings. It's faster than a leading Keurig model when it comes to making a full-sized pot of brew thanks to its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced features like a 24 hour brew start, brew strength controls and auto shutoff.
The device is easy to use despite the fact that it comes with two operating modes. It also cleans up easily. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles are easily removed for cleaning and the filter can be washed in the sink. The unit is a bit heavy and bulky for counter space but it's a great choice for those who desire the convenience of pods, or the versatility of coffee ground.
This simple cold brew machine is a budget-friendly option that produces a smooth and flavorful cup. It can create 12 cups at a time and has a programmable clock and a milk frother that is integrated and a reusable coffee filter. It also has a huge water reservoir and a glass carafe for hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great option for those who are already a fan of the pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's latest espresso maker is stylish, fast and can make five different drinks with one chassis. It's currently on sale and is a great choice for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is incredibly easy to use with a single-use button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It utilizes patent-pending Nespresso pods with barcodes that inform the machine what kind of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures that you get the right temperature and water pressure for each drink. The pods spin quickly during brewing, creating a decadent layer of foam, referred to as crema, that is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine are that it's louder than other pod machines, and that you can't reuse the capsules that you've used. 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 take them back to reuse.
The machine is also quite expensive in comparison to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you factor in the cost of buying pods. If, however, you've already convinced of the advantages of pod coffee, it's a small price to pay for consistently good barista-like results. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make lattes or cappuccinos. You can also purchase it in bundles that include a few samples of the Nespresso pods as well as a coffee maker. This will help you save money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is time to brew, the majority of pod machines follow a similar format - 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 eschew the rules of. It has a completely different system for capsules that lock them in place inside a portafilter-like handle. This allows the machine to make an espresso that is like you would get at a cafe, however without the hassle and mess that is typical of an espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE capsules that are made of premium high-quality coffee beans. Each capsule has precisely proportions of espresso ground that is brewed using a two-stage process. This results in a thick crema. The extraction process is entirely within the capsule. This means that the machine and coffee are not in contact. Cleaning up is an easy task.
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, created by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a design statement in your home. Its round but slender forms and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the '60s, while seamlessly integrating advanced technology.
One downside of this machine is that it needs some extra focus than other models, especially when you use the steam wand. This is because excess air can hinder the flow of hot water, preventing the machine from functioning efficiently. If this happens, you'll have to wait for a few minutes before preparing another coffee to allow the excess air to 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 dimensions, attractive pricing, and user-friendly are important selling points. But does this little machine live up to the high standards set by its parent company? We went for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is among the simplest pod coffee machines on the market, but it doesn't skimp on performance. It makes drinks with the press of a single button, by reading a unique barcode on each T DISC to know which drink it has to create. It also determines the right amount for water and froth in every drink by using Intellibrew Technology to achieve an excellent outcome every time.
This makes it extremely simple to operate - just insert the desired T DISC, then select your preferred drink size. There are 40 drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk jug that can be used for making cappuccinos or lattes. It takes just three seconds to heat up and automatically shuts off after five minutes to conserve energy.
The descaler is cleverly designed to slot into the side of your machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the procedure is simple and quick.
As an added benefit, if register your Vivy with Bosch as a bonus, you'll receive an extra discount on your first purchase of T DISCs. You'll also receive personalized offers, recommendations and advice. You'll also be in a position to keep track of the condition of your machine and know how much water it has been using. It is a good idea to register your machine when you purchase it, as well.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a renowned heritage brand and leader in the coffee industry. It was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company continues to be run by his descendants and is spread across the world. The family-owned and operated company has a long track record of embracing innovation coffee machines with capsules within the field, and is renowned for its high quality espresso that is made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a range of initiatives to protect the environment and ensure that their products are as eco sustainable as they can be. They have concentrated on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and also utilizing renewable energies. They also have worked to promote regenerative farming, and have a strong focus on improving their water resources.
Illycaffe's commitment towards sustainability is matched by their desire to help their employees achieve. They have invested in programs that offer training and professional development for their employees, and they have also developed an "university of coffee" which helps educate consumers and professionals on how to get the best cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company that has earned a B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies who prioritize ethics and have a mission. The company also recently 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 is committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment as well as people. They believe that everyone has a responsibility to take on.