One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have a bit of an undeserved reputation for being low-strength, watery drinks. Fortunately, the best ones can provide more than that.
The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods, made from treated polypropylene cups that are designed to break down in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It offers a variety of capsule options and is easy to personalize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This combination drip-and-single-serve coffee maker has the most impressive features of all the models we tested. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional ground coffee and one-serve side that will accept any kind of K-Cup, Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe side comes with a programmable timer and it has a "strong" setting that provides more flavor than the normal settings. It 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 single time with any size of K-Cup and 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. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's more efficient in brewing full-pots than Keurig's top-rated. It also comes with advanced features, like a 24 hour start, brew intensity control, and automatic shutoff.
The device is easy to use despite the fact it comes with two operating modes. It also cleans easily. The reusable pod adapter and needles can be removed to clean, and the filter can be washed in the sink. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space however, it's an excellent alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This affordable cold brew maker produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It comes with a timer that can be programmed as well as a built-in milk maker and a filter that can be reused, and can make 12 cups of java in one go. It has a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe to hold hot beverages.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is an excellent option for those who are already a fan of pod coffee machines but want to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso's latest espresso machine is stylish, quick and has the ability to create five different drinks from one sleek, compact chassis. It's currently on sale which makes it a great choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is incredibly easy to use by pressing a single button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of the patented Nespresso pods that have a barcode to tell the machine what kind of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures you have the right temperature and water pressure for every drink. The capsules spin fast during brewing, creating an emulsion known as crema that is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine's only downside is that it's more loud than other pod-machines and that you cannot reuse capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules is recyclable, so you can recycle the capsules at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website.
The machine is also pretty expensive compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you take into account the cost of buying pods. However, if you're already convinced of the advantages of pod coffee, it's only a small cost to pay for consistent results that resemble baristas. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for cappuccinos or lattes. It's also offered in bundles that include a few samples of Nespresso capsules as well as milk frother that can save you money in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is about brewing, most pod machines adhere to a similar format - a capsule goes in the top and then you press a button and coffee flows out. But every now and then, there is a machine that is a complete blow to the water, such as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It uses a different system for capsules, locking them into place in a portafilter-like hand. The machine can make espresso that is as good as the one you can get in cafes, without the hassle and mess of a traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible only with illy MIE pods that are made from premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule contains precisely proportions of espresso ground that is brewed using two stages. This results in a thick crema. The extraction is performed entirely within the capsule. This means that the coffee and machine are not in contact. Cleaning up is an easy task.
The coffee pod comes with a Pannarello Steam Wand to make milky drinks like cappuccino or latte Macchiato. Its unique design, created by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to stand out in your kitchen. Its slim but round shapes and soft-touch buttons evoke the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the '60s, while seamlessly integrating advanced technology.
One drawback of this machine is that it requires a little more attention than some other models, particularly when you are using the steam wand. The reason for this is that the excess air can block the flow of the hot water, preventing the machine from working properly. If this happens, you'll have to wait a few minutes before making another cup of coffee to allow the air to be released.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most adored coffee makers available. Its small dimensions, attractive price and user-friendly interface are all big selling points. But does this little machine live up to the high standards set by the parent company? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, but it doesn't sacrifice the performance. It makes drinks with the push of a button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC to determine what drink it should make. It also automatically determines the proper amount of froth and water for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to achieve an outstanding result every time.
This makes it easy to use - just insert the desired T DISC, then select the desired drink size. The Vivy comes with 40 different drinks as well as an milk jug that can be used to make cappuccinos or lattes. It only takes three seconds to heat up and it shuts down automatically after five minutes.
It's very easy to clean, too using a cleverly-designed descaler that fits into the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the procedure is simple and quick.
If you click here sign up your Vivy, you'll receive a discount for your first T-DISCs order, as well as specific offers, tips and suggestions. You can also track the progress of your machine, and find out how much it's used. It is a good idea to register your machine when you purchase it, as well.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a leading player in the coffee industry and an famous heritage brand, is a global leader. Established in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company continues to be operated by his children and is spread across the globe. The family-owned and operated company has a long track record of innovating within the industry. It is renowned for its high quality espresso, which is made from 9 different varieties of Arabica beans.
The company is committed to sustainability, and has implemented numerous initiatives to preserve the environment. They also make sure that their products are as green as is possible. They have focused on energy efficiency, and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and also the use of renewable energies. They have also been working to promote regenerative agriculture, and are focusing on improving their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, Illycaffe is committed to helping their employees succeed. They have invested in training programs for their employees and created a "university" of coffee to educate professionals and consumers alike on how to make the most delicious cup of coffee.
In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to be awarded a B-Corp certification, which is an international label which recognizes companies that value ethics and a sense of purpose. 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 dedicated to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people. They believe that everyone has a role to play.