One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have a bit of an undeserved reputation for their the watery, weak drinks. The top ones are more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods instead of the dreaded K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It also has bundles of capsule options as well as easy customization.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers available on the market, this single-serve and drip model has the best blend of features in our test. It has a 12-cup glass carafe 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 an "strong" setting that provides more flavor than normal settings. It also comes with a foldaway, built-in frother to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side is able to brew up to 18 ounces at a single time using any size K-Cup, reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup, or ground coffee (a separate water tank is included). It uses Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and scans the barcode of each pod to adjust machine settings. It's more efficient than a top Keurig model when it comes to making a full-sized pot of brew with its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced features like a 24 hour brew start time, brew strength control, and auto shutoff.
It's easy to use, despite having two operating modes, and the cleaning is pretty easy. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles and mesh filter are easily removed for cleaning. It's a bit heavy and heavy for counter space however it's a great alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.
This affordable cold brew maker makes a smooth and delicious cup. It has a programmable timer and a built-in milk froth and a filter that can be reused, and can make 12 cups of java at a time. It comes with a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe that can hold hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already committed to the pod coffee machine trend and want to upgrade from your Keurig-style machine, this is an excellent alternative. Nespresso’s newest espresso maker is sleek, fast and can create five different drinks with one chassis. It's on sale now, making it a great choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine Next can be heated up quickly and is extremely easy to use with a single-use button that automatically adjusts to the kind of capsule you're using. It makes use of patented Nespresso pods that have a barcode to tell the machine what kind of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures that you get the right temperature and pressure for every drink. The capsules spin quickly during brewing, creating the foam, also known as crema that is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawback is that it's louder than other pod-machines and that you cannot reuse the 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 take them back to recycle.
The machine is pricey when contrasted with other pod machines particularly when you add the cost of the pods. If you're already a pod coffee fan, the cost is an affordable price to pay for consistent barista-style results. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for lattes or cappuccinos. You can also buy it in bundles, which include a few samples of the Nespresso pods and a frother. This will make it cheaper to buy the machine in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines use a similar brewing process - you insert a capsule and press a button, and the coffee comes out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that eschew the norm. It has a unique system for capsules that locks them into a portafilter handle. This allows the machine to make an espresso that is as good as you'd get in a cafe, but without the hassle and mess that is typical of an espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with only Illy MIE pods, which are made of top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule contains an exact amount of ground espresso, which is then brewed with a specific two-stage process to produce an intense crema. The extraction is performed entirely inside the capsule. This means that the machine and coffee are not in contact. Cleaning up is a breeze.
This coffee maker is equipped with a Pannarello Steam Wand for making milky drinks like cappuccino or latte Macchiato. The distinctive design of this machine, created by famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold design statement in your home. Its slim but round shapes and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 1960s and seamlessly integrates modern technology.
One drawback of this machine is that it needs some extra focus than other models, particularly when you use the steam wand. The reason for this is that the excess air can block the coffee machines for pods flow of the hot water, which can prevent the machine from working efficiently. If this happens, you'll have to wait a few minutes before preparing another coffee to allow the air to let go.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most sought-after coffee machines on the market. Its compact dimensions, attractive price and ease of use are among the major selling points. Does this little machine meet the high standards set by the parent company? We went for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to find out.
The Vivy is a basic pod coffee machine, but it does not sacrifice its performance. It makes drinks at the touch of a single button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC to determine which drink it has to make. It also automatically adjusts the proper amount of water and froth for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to ensure an outstanding result every time.
This makes it very easy to operate - just insert the desired T DISC, then select the size you prefer for your drink. The Vivy comes with 40 different drinks as well as a milk jug for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes just three seconds to heat up and shuts off automatically after five minutes.
The descaler has been designed to fit into the side of your machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the process is quick and simple.
As an added benefit, if sign up your Vivy with Bosch as a bonus, you'll receive an extra discount on your first order of T DISCs. You'll also receive personalized offers, recommendations and tips. You'll also be able keep track of the condition of your machine and see the amount of water it has been using. It is an excellent idea as soon as you purchase it.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe, a leader in the coffee market and famous heritage brand, is a world leader. Founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is operated by his children and spans across the globe. The family-owned and operated company has a long tradition of innovating within the industry. It is known for its premium quality espresso that is made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.
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 environmentally friendly as is possible. They have a particular focus on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions and utilizing renewable energy sources. They have also been working to promote regenerative farming, and have a particular focus on enhancing their water resources.
Illycaffe's commitment towards sustainability is matched by their desire to assist their employees in achieving success. They have invested in training programs for their employees and created a "university" of coffee to train 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 companies that prioritize ethics and a sense that they have a purpose. The company also recently launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods, and they have been named one of the World's most ethical companies over the past seven years. The company is committed to showing how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people. They believe that everyone has a responsibility to play.