One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are frequently criticised for producing watery, weak drinks. Fortunately, the best pods are more than that.
The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods, which are made of treated polypropylene cups that are designed to break down in landfill (rather than the dreaded K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It comes with a range of capsules and is simple to customise.
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 a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional grounds, and one-serve side that will accept any type of K-Cup, Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe side comes with an adjustable timer as well as it has a "strong" setting that produces more flavor than the normal settings. It also comes with a fold-away frother that is integrated into the carafe to serve capspuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side is able to brew up to 18 ounces at a time with any size of K-Cup and reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup, or ground coffee (a separate water tank is also included). It utilizes Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system that reads the barcode on each pod to adjust machine's settings to make a perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's more efficient in brewing full-pots than a leading Keurig. It also comes with advanced features such as a 24-hour start, brew intensity control and automatic shutoff.
It's simple to use, despite having two operating modes, and the cleaning process is fairly easy. The reusable pod adapter, needles and mesh filter can be removed for cleaning. The unit is a bit heavy and bulky for counter space but it's an excellent option for those who prefer the convenience of pods, or the versatility of coffee ground.
This simple cold brew machine is a budget pick that provides smooth and delicious cups. It can make 12 cups at once and has a programmable clock, an integrated milk frother as well as a coffee filter that can be reused. It has a large tank of water as well as glass carafes to hold hot beverages.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already accustom to the pod coffee machine trend and are looking to upgrade the Keurig-style machine you have, this is an excellent option. Nespresso's new espresso machine is sleek, fast and has the ability to create five different drinks from one compact, sleek chassis. It's even on sale right now, making it a great choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine Next can be heated up quickly and is incredibly easy to use with a single-use button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of patented Nespresso pods that have barcodes that inform the machine what kind of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures you have the right temperature and pressure for every drink. The capsules spin quickly while brewing to create an emulsion known as crema that is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.
The only downsides to the VertuoLine are that it's more loud than other pod machines, and that you can't reuse the capsules 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 no cost and they'll take them back to reuse.
The machine is also quite expensive in comparison to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you consider the cost of buying the pods. If, however, you've already bought in to the benefits of pod coffee, it's only a small cost to pay for consistently good barista-like results. Additionally, you can add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for lattes and cappuccinos. You can also purchase it in bundles, which include some of the Nespresso pods as well as a frother. This will make it cheaper to buy the machine in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is time to brew, the majority of pod machines use the same format: a capsule goes in the top, you press a button and the coffee is poured out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that defy the norm. It has a unique system for capsules that bind them into the portafilter handle. This lets the machine make an espresso that is as good as you'd get at a cafe, but without all of the fuss and mess of a traditional espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible only with Illy MIE pods which are made of premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule has precisely proportions of ground espresso that is brewed using a two-stage process. This results in a thick crema. The extraction happens entirely within the capsule, which means that the coffee and machine never meet, and clean-up is easy.
The coffee pod is equipped with a Pannarello Steam Wand to make milky drinks like cappuccino or macchiato latte. Its unique design, designed by famed Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to make a statement 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 needs some more attention than some other models, especially when you use the steam wand. The reason for this is that too much air can block the steam from flowing properly, preventing the machine from working. If this happens, you'll have to wait a couple of 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 is one of the most popular pod coffee machines available on the market. The small size, attractive pricing, and user-friendly are major selling points. But does this little machine meet the high standards set by the company that owns it? We went 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 a barcode on the T DISC to determine which drink to make. It also sets the correct amount for the froth and water in each drink using Intellibrew Technology to produce an outstanding result every time.
It's easy to use - just insert the desired T disc and then select the size of your drink. There are 40 different drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk container for making cappuccinos or lattes. It takes just three seconds to warm up and shuts off automatically after five minutes, to save energy.
It's easy to clean, with a cleverly designed descaler that slides into the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the procedure is easy and quick.
As a bonus, if you register your Vivy through Bosch as a bonus, you'll receive discounts on your first purchase of T DISCs. Additionally, you'll receive personalized offers, suggestions and tips. You can also track the status of your machine, and check how much it's used. It is an excellent idea as soon as 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. Established in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company continues to be operated by coffee machine capsule his children and is spread across the globe. The family-owned business has a long history of innovation and is renowned for its premium espresso made from nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented numerous initiatives to help preserve the environment. They also ensure that their products are as eco-friendly as is possible. They have concentrated on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint as well as using renewable energy sources. They also have worked to promote regenerative farming, and have a strong focus on enhancing their water resources.
Illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their desire to help their employees achieve. They have invested in training programs for their employees, and have created an "university" of coffee to educate both consumers and professionals on how to make the perfect cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company that has earned the B Corp certification. This certification is given to international companies that place a high value on ethics and have a mission. The company also introduced its first line of Nespresso compatible Pods and been named one of the world's most ethical companies for the last seven year. The company is committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people. They believe that everyone has a part to play.