One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have an undeserved reputation for being low-strength, watery drinks. The best pods are more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods instead of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It comes with a range of capsule options, and it is easy to personalize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers on the market, this drip and single-serve model offers the most comprehensive set of features in our test. It has a 12-cup glass carafe side 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 has an adjustable timer and it has a "strong" setting that produces more flavor than standard settings. It also comes with a foldaway, built-in frother for lattes and cappuccinos.
The single-serve version can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time, using any size K-Cup or the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cups (a separate water reservoir is included). It makes use of Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and scans the barcode of each pod to adjust machine settings. It's quicker than the leading Keurig model in brewing a full pot using its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions like a 24-hour brew start, brew strength control and auto shutoff.
It's easy to use, despite having two different operating modes, and the cleaning is pretty easy. The reusable pod adapter, needles, and mesh filter can be easily removed to clean. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space, but it's a great alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This basic cold brew machine is a budget-friendly option that provides smooth and delicious cups. It can create 12 cups at a time and features a programmable timer as well as an integrated milk frother and a reusable coffee filter. It also comes with a large reservoir for water and a glass carafe to serve hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great option for those who are already a fan of pod coffee machines and want to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's latest espresso machine is sleek, efficient and can make five different drinks in one compact, sleek chassis. It's even on sale right now, making it a great option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is simple to use, using an adjustable button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you are using. It makes use of patented Nespresso capsules with an identifier on them that tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, ensuring that you get the right temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The capsules spin fast while brewing to create a layer of foam known as crema that is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine is that it's a little louder than other pod machines and that you can't reuse capsules that you've used. Fortunately the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable, so 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 also quite expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you take into account the cost of buying the pods. If you've already convinced of the benefits of pod coffee, it's only a small cost to get consistent, barista-style results. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for lattes or cappuccinos. You can also purchase it in bundles, which include some 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 about brewing, most pod machines use the same 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 defy the rules of. It uses a different system for capsules and locks them in a portafilter-like hand. The machine can make espresso that is similar to the one you can get in a cafe, but without the hassle and mess of a traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible only with illy MIE pods, which are made of premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule contains an exact amount of ground espresso that is brewed in two stages. This creates a rich crema. The extraction is performed entirely within the capsule. This means that the machine and the coffee are not in contact. Clean-up is also an easy task.
The coffee pod comes with a Pannarello Steam Wand for making milky drinks like cappuccino or Latte Macchiato. Its unique design, created by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to make a statement in your kitchen. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons inspired by traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
One downside of this machine is that it requires a little more attention than other models, especially when you are using the steam wand. The reason for this is that the excess air can hinder the flow of hot water, which can prevent the machine from functioning properly. If this happens, you'll need to wait a couple of minutes before making another cup of coffee to allow the excess air to be released.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most popular pod coffee machines available on the market. The small dimensions, attractive pricing, and the ease of use are important selling points. Does this little machine meet the standards set by its parent company's? We took it for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is among the simplest pod coffee machines on the market however it doesn't sacrifice on performance. It can make drinks with just a single press of a button. It reads an image of a barcode on the DISC to determine which drink to make. It also sets the proper amount for water and froth in every drink by using Intellibrew technology to ensure the best results every time.
This makes it easy to use - simply insert the desired T DISC, then select the desired drink size. There are 40 drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk jug for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to heat up, and has auto-shut-off after five minutes to conserve energy.
The descaler is cleverly designed to fit on the side of your machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the process is simple and quick.
As an added benefit, if sign up your Vivy with Bosch and Bosch, you'll receive discounts on your first purchase of T DISCs. Additionally, you'll receive personalized offers, recommendations and tips. You can also track the progress of your machine and check how much it has used. Registering your machine is also a good idea when you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a well-known heritage brand capsule machine coffee and one of the leaders in the coffee industry. Established in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is still operated by his children and spans the world. The family-owned and operated business has a long track record of embracing new technologies within the field, and is renowned for its top quality espresso made from 9 different varieties of Arabica beans.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a range of initiatives that help to safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as eco sustainable as they can be. They have a particular focus on energy efficiency, and are determined to reduce their carbon footprint, and also the use of renewable energies. They also promote regenerative farming and are focused on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, illycaffe is also committed to helping their employees thrive. They have invested in programs to provide training and professional development for their employees, and they have also created an "university of coffee" which helps educate consumers and professionals alike about how to enjoy the best cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to be awarded an B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies that place a high value on ethics and a purpose. The company also introduced its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and has been recognized as one of the World's Most ethical companies for the last seven years. The company has been dedicated to proving that sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people alike and has a strong belief that it is up to everyone to take action.