One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have an undeserved reputation for being watery, under-strength drinks. The top ones are more than that.
The illy Bruvi utilizes B-Pods instead of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It also offers a range of capsules and simple customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This coffee maker that is a combination of drip and single-serve has the most impressive features of the models we tested. It has an insulated 12-cup carafe that brews grounds in the traditional way and a single-serve that accepts any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe side comes with a programmable timer and a "strong" setting that produces more flavor than standard settings. It also comes with an adjustable frother that folds away and is integrated into the carafe to serve lattes and capspuccinos.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces at a time with any size of K-Cup, reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cups or ground coffee (a separate water tank is also included). It is based on Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which reads the barcode on each pod to adjust the machine's settings to make a perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's faster at brewing full pots than Keurig's top-rated. It also has advanced features like a 24-hour start, brew intensity controls, and automatic shutoff.
It's easy to use, despite having two different operating modes, and cleaning process is fairly easy. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles are easily removed to clean, and the mesh filter is washable in the sink. The device is heavy and bulky for counter space but it's an excellent option for those who desire the convenience of pods or the versatility of coffee ground.
This simple cold brew machine is a great value option that provides smooth and delicious cups. It has a programmable timer, a built-in milk frother and a reusable filter, and can make 12 cups of java at a time. It also has a large water reservoir and a glass carafe to serve hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is an excellent option if you are already a fan of the pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso’s newest espresso maker is stylish, fast and can create five different drinks on one compact chassis. It's currently on sale, making it an excellent option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine Next can be heated up quickly and is extremely simple to use, with a single button that automatically adapts to the type of capsule you're using. It uses patent-pending Nespresso capsules with a barcode on them which tells the machine what kind of espresso or coffee it is, ensuring that you get the right temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods also spin rapidly during brewing, creating an exquisite layer of foam, referred to as crema, which is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawback is that it's louder than other pod machines and that you cannot reuse capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules can be recycled, so you can recycle the capsules at your local UPS store or on Nespresso's website.
The machine is also quite expensive compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you take into account the cost of buying the pods. If you're already a pod-coffee fan, this is a small amount to pay for consistently barista-like results. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make lattes or cappuccinos. You can also purchase it in bundles, which contain 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
Most pod machines have the same brewing process: you simply insert a capsule, press a button and the coffee comes out. But every now and then, a device comes along that blows convention out of the water, such as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It uses a unique system for capsules that lock them into a portafilter handle. The machine produces espresso that is as good as what you would get in a cafe without the hassle and mess of the traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible only with illy MIE pods that are made from top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule has precisely proportions of ground espresso that is brewed in two stages. This results in a thick crema. The extraction takes place entirely inside the capsule, meaning that the coffee and machine never come into contact and cleaning up is a breeze.
This coffee maker comes with a Pannarello Steam Wand for making milky drinks like cappuccino or latte Macchiato. The unique design of this machine, created by famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold design statement in your living space. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons recall the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the '60s while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
This machine requires more attention, especially 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. You'll need to wait for a few moments before preparing another cup of coffee to let the excess air out.
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 and user-friendly interface are the main reasons for buying. Does this little machine meet the high standards set by the parent company? We tested it at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is one of the most simple pod coffee machines on the market however it doesn't sacrifice on performance. It can make drinks with the press of a single button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC in order to determine which drink it needs to make. It also automatically determines the correct amount of water and froth for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to achieve an outstanding result every time.
This makes it very easy to use - just insert the desired T DISC, then select the size you prefer for your drink. The Vivy offers 40 different drinks, as well as an milk jug that can be used to make lattes or cappuccinos. It takes just three seconds to warm up and it shuts down automatically after five minutes.
The descaler is designed to slot into the side of your machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the process is simple and quick.
If you register your Vivy, you'll get a discount on your first order of T-DISCs, along with personalized offers, tips and recommendations. You can also keep track of the condition of your pods coffee machine machine and check how much it's used. Registering your machine is also an excellent idea as soon as you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe, a leader in the world of coffee and an famous heritage brand, is a global leader. The company was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still run by his descendants. It is a global company. The family-owned company has a long tradition of innovation and is famous for its top-quality espresso that is made from nine different types of Arabica bean.
The company is committed to sustainability, and has implemented a number initiatives to to protect the environment. They also ensure that their products are as green 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 focusing on enhancing their water resources.
illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their determination to assist their employees in achieving success. They have invested in programs that provide training and professional development for their employees and have created a "university of coffee" which helps educate consumers and professionals alike on how to make the best cup of coffee.
In addition to all of this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to be awarded a B-Corp certification, which is an international label that recognizes businesses that are committed to ethics and a sense of purpose. The company has also launched its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and was recognized as one of the top 10 World's Ethical companies for the past seven year. The company has been committed to demonstrating that sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people alike They have the conviction that it is the responsibility of everyone to do their part.