One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often criticized for producing weak, watery drinks. The best ones are much more than just that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods, which are made of treated polypropylene cups which are designed to degrade in landfill (rather than the dreaded K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It offers a variety of capsule options, and it is easy to personalize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This coffee maker that is a combination of drip and single-serve offers the best features of all the models we tested. It comes with a 12-cup carafe which brews grounds in the traditional way and a single-serve that accepts any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe is programmable with a clock and an "strong setting" that gives you more flavor. It also has a foldaway, built-in frother for cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces at a time using any size K-Cup, the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup or ground coffee (a separate water tank is provided). It makes use of Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and analyzes the barcodes of each pod to adjust machine settings. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's more efficient in brewing full-pots than the Keurig that is the most popular. It also comes with advanced features, like a 24 hour start time, brew intensity control, and automatic shutoff.
It's easy to use despite having two operating modes, and the cleaning process is fairly easy. The pod adapter that is reusable and needles are easily removable for cleaning, and the mesh filter is washable in the sink. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space however it's a great option for anyone who wants the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.
This basic cold brew machine is a budget pick that produces smooth and delicious cups. It can make 12 cups at once and features a programmable timer as well as an integrated milk frother, and an coffee filter that can be reused. It also has a huge reservoir for water and a glass carafe to serve hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already bought in to the trend of pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade the Keurig-style machine you have This is a great alternative. Nespresso's latest espresso machine is stylish, quick and has the ability to make five different drinks in one sleek, compact machine. It's also on sale now making it an excellent option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine is then able to heat up quickly and is easy to use, with an automatic button that adjusts to the type of capsule you are using. It uses the patented Nespresso capsules with a barcode which tells the machine what kind of espresso or coffee it is, ensuring you get the right temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The pods also spin fast when brewing, creating an exquisite layer of foam, also known as crema. It is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only downsides to the VertuoLine are that it's louder than other pod machines and that you can't reuse capsules you've used. 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 free, and they'll return them to reuse.
The machine is also expensive compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you take into account the cost of buying pods. If you're already a pod-coffee fan, this is a small amount to pay for consistently barista-style results. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make cappuccinos and lattes. It's also available in bundles that include samples of Nespresso capsules and milk frother that can save you money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is about brewing, most pod machines use the same pattern - capsules are placed on the top, you press a button and the coffee oozes out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that eschew the rules of. It has a unique system for capsules that lock them into the portafilter handle. This lets the machine make an espresso that is like you would get at a cafe, however without the hassle and mess of a traditional espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible only with Illy MIE pods, which are made of top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule contains precisely proportioned amounts of espresso ground, which is then brewed using a unique two-stage process that produces an intense crema. The extraction is done entirely inside the capsule. This means that the machine and the coffee are not in contact. Cleaning up is a breeze.
This coffee pod machine also has a Pannarello steam wand that can be used to make milky drinks, such as cappuccino or latte macchiato. The distinctive design of this coffee pod machine, designed by famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a design statement in your living space. Its slender, round forms and soft-touch buttons are inspired by traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
One downside of this machine is that it requires some extra attention than other models, especially when you use the steam wand. This is because excessive air can prevent the hot water from flowing correctly, preventing the machine from working. If this happens, you'll need to wait for a few minutes before making another cup of coffee to allow the air to let go.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most popular pod coffee machines available on the market. Its small dimensions, attractive price and ease of use are the main reasons for buying. Does this tiny machine meet the high standards set by its parent company's standards? We tested it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is a basic pod coffee maker, but it does not sacrifice performance. It makes drinks with the push of a button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC in order to determine what drink it should create. It also automatically adjusts the proper amount of froth and water for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to ensure an excellent result every time.
This makes it extremely simple to use - just insert the desired T DISC and select the desired drink size. The Vivy comes with 40 different drinks and a milk jug to make lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to warm up, and has auto-shut-off after five minutes to save energy.
It's easy to clean, with a cleverly designed descaler that slots 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, you'll get discounts on your first order of T DISCs. You'll also receive personalized offers, recommendations and advice. You'll also be able keep track of the condition of your machine, and also see how much water it has used. It's a good idea to register your machine at the time you purchase it, also.
5. Illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a leading player in the world of coffee and an iconic heritage brand, is a global leader. Founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company continues to be run by his descendants and spans the world. The family-owned and operated company has a long tradition of embracing innovation within the industry. It is renowned for its top quality espresso that is made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.
The company is committed to sustainability, and has taken a variety of initiatives to to protect the environment. They also ensure that their products are as eco-friendly as is possible. They have a particular focus on energy efficiency, and are determined to reduce their carbon footprint, as well as the use of renewable energies. They have also worked to promote regenerative farming, and have a strong focus on improving their water resources.
In addition to their commitments to sustainability, Illycaffe is committed to helping their employees thrive. They have invested in training programs for their employees and created a "university" of coffee to educate consumers and professionals alike on how to make the best cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company that has earned an coffee machine capsule B Corp certification. This designation is awarded to companies who prioritize ethics and a 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 past seven years. The company has been dedicated to proving that sustainable quality can benefit the environment and for people as well, and they have the conviction that it is up to everyone to play their part.