One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have a bit of an unfair reputation for watery, under-strength drinks. Fortunately, the best pods can offer much more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods in place of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It also offers a range of capsules and simple customization.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the best pod coffee makers available on the market, this combination single-serve and drip model has the most comprehensive set of features in our test. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional grounds, and a single-serve side that can accept any type of K-Cup, Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe side comes with an adjustable timer and it has a "strong" setting that produces more flavor than standard settings. It also comes with an integrated, fold-away frother to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side is able to brew up to 18 ounces at a time with any size of K-Cup and reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup or ground coffee (a separate water tank is also included). It uses 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 a leading Keurig. It also has advanced features such as a 24-hour start time, brew intensity control and automatic shutoff.
The device is simple to use despite the fact it has two operating modes. It also cleans easily. The pod adapter that is reusable and needles are easily removable for cleaning and the filter can be washed in your sink. It's a bit bulky and heavy for counter space however, it's an excellent option for anyone who wants the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This simple cold brew machine is a budget pick that produces smooth and delicious cups. It comes with 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 reservoir of water and a glass carafe for hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already committed to the pod coffee machine trend and want to upgrade from the Keurig-style machine you have this is a great alternative. Nespresso's latest espresso machine is sleek, fast and has the ability to create five different drinks from one compact, sleek chassis. It's also on sale now making it an excellent option for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine next heats up quickly and is simple to use, thanks to an automatic button that adjusts to the type capsule you are using. It uses the patented Nespresso capsules with a barcode on them which tells the machine what kind of espresso or coffee it is, making sure you have the right temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods also spin rapidly during brewing, creating an exquisite layer of foam, also known 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 aren't able to reuse the capsules. Fortunately the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable and you can drop them off at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for no cost and they'll return them to recycle.
The machine is expensive when compared to other pod machines in particular when you consider the cost of the pods. If, however, you've already convinced of the benefits of pod coffee, it's only a small cost to pay for consistent results that resemble baristas. Additionally, you can add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make lattes and cappuccinos. You can also purchase it in bundles, which contain some samples of Nespresso pods as well as a frother. This will save you money up front.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines have the same brewing process: you place a capsule in then press a button and the coffee pours out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of those machines that defies the rules of. It uses a different system for capsules and locks them inside a portafilter-like handle. This lets the machine create an espresso that's like you would get at a cafe, however without the hassle and mess that comes with a traditional espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE pods, which are made of premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule contains a precise amount of ground espresso, which is brewed in a two-stage process. This results in a thick 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 also comes with an Pannarello steam wand that can be used to make milky drinks, such as cappuccino or latte macchiato. Its unique design, created by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to be a coffee machines for pods standout in your kitchen. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of 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 stop the flow of hot water, preventing the machine from functioning efficiently. If this happens, you'll have to wait a few minutes before making another coffee to allow the excess air to escape.
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 tag and easy-to-use are all big selling points. But does this little machine live up to the high standards set by the parent company? We went for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee maker, but it doesn't sacrifice the performance. It makes drinks at the push of a button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC to know which drink it has to make. It also automatically determines the correct amount of froth and water for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to produce the best results every time.
It's very easy to use - just insert the desired T DISC and then select the size of your drink. The Vivy has 40 different drinks as well as a milk jug to make lattes more info or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to warm, and has auto-shut-off after five minutes, to save energy.
It's very easy to clean, too using a cleverly-designed descaler that slides here into the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the process is quick and simple.
If you sign up your Vivy, you will receive a discount on your first T-DISCs order, and also personalized offers, tips and suggestions. You'll also be able track the status of your machine, and also see how much water it has used. Registering your machine is also a good idea immediately after you purchase it.
5. Illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a market leader in the coffee industry and an iconic heritage brand, is a world leader. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still run by his descendants. It has a presence across the globe. The family-owned business has a long history of innovation and is known for read more 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 that help to safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally sustainable as they can be. They have a particular focus on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions as well as using renewable energy sources. They have also promoted Regenerative farming and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.
illycaffe's commitment to 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 created an "university of coffee" that assists in educating consumers and professionals alike on how to make the most optimal cup of coffee.
In addition to all of this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to earn B-Corp certification. This is an international label that recognizes businesses that are committed to ethics and a sense that they have a purpose. The company has also launched its first line of Nespresso compatible Pods and been named one of the top 10 World's ethical companies over the last seven year. The company is dedicated to pods coffee machines demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment as well as people. They believe that everyone has a part to take on.