One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often criticised for producing watery, weak drinks. However, the top pods can provide more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods in place of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It comes with a range of capsules and is simple to customise.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the best pod coffee makers available on the market, this combination drip and single-serve model offers the best combination of features that we have tested. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional ground coffee and a single-serve side that can accept any type of K-Cup, Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe has a programmable clock as well as a "strong setting" that makes more flavor. It comes with an adjustable frother that folds away and is built into the carafe to make lattes and capspuccinos.
The single-serve side can make up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time using any size K-Cup, or a reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista cups (a separate reservoir for water is also included). It makes use of Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and reads the barcode of each pod to adjust machine settings. It's quicker than the leading Keurig model in making a full-sized pot of brew thanks to its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions like a 24-hour brew start, brew strength controls, and auto shutoff.
It's easy to use, despite having two different operating modes, and cleaning process is fairly easy. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles can be removed for cleaning and the mesh filter is washable in the sink. The device is heavy and heavy for counter space, however it's a great option for those who want the convenience of pods, or the flexibility of coffee ground.
This basic cold brew machine is a budget-friendly option that provides smooth and delicious cups. It can make 12 cups at a time and features a programmable timer, an integrated milk frother as well as a coffee filter that is reusable. It also has a huge water reservoir and a glass carafe to serve hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great choice to consider if you're already a fan of pod coffee machines and want to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's new espresso maker is sleek, fast and can make five different drinks in one small chassis. It's also on sale now, making it a great choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine is then able to heat up quickly and is easy to use, using a button that adapts automatically to the type of capsule you are using. It uses the patented Nespresso pods that feature barcodes that inform the machine what kind of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you have the correct temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods spin rapidly during brewing, creating the foam, also called crema, which is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine are that it's a bit more loud than other pod machines, and that you can't reuse the 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 return them to you to reuse.
The machine is also pretty expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you consider the cost of purchasing 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 a Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make lattes or cappuccinos. It's also offered in bundles that include sample packs of the Nespresso capsules as well as milk frothers, which can save you money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is about brewing, most pod machines adhere to the same format: a capsule goes in the top and you press a button and coffee flows out. But now and then a device comes along that breaks convention right out of the water, like is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It utilizes a different mechanism for capsules and locks them in a portafilter-like handle. The machine produces espresso that is similar to the kind you get at a cafe, but without the hassle and mess of an espresso machine that is traditional.
The X7.1 is compatible with only illy MIE pods, which are made of top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule is stocked with precisely proportions of espresso ground that is brewed using a two-stage process. This results in a thick crema. The extraction takes place entirely within the capsule, which means that the machine and coffee never come into contact, and clean-up is easy.
The coffee pod also comes with a Pannarello steam wand that can be used to make milky drinks like cappuccino and latte macchiato. Its unique design, created by famed Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to be a standout in your kitchen. Its round, slender forms and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly merging modern technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, especially when using the steam wand. This is because excess air can sometimes stop the flow of hot water, which can prevent the machine from functioning effectively. If this happens, you'll have to wait for a few 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 has become one of the most popular coffee machines on the market. The compact dimensions, attractive pricing and the ease of use are major selling points. But can this tiny machine live up to the high standards set by the parent company? We tested it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is one of the most simple pod coffee machines available however it doesn't compromise on performance. It makes drinks at the push of a button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC in order to determine which drink it has to coffee machines with capsules make. It also automatically determines the correct amount of water and froth for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to produce an outstanding result every time.
This makes it very easy to use - simply insert the desired T DISC and choose the size you prefer for your drink. There are 40 drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk jug that can be used for making cappuccinos or lattes. It takes just three seconds to warm up and it shuts down automatically after five minutes.
It's very easy to clean, too using a cleverly-designed descaler that slides into the side of the machine. This is a different process however it's fast and easy.
If you sign up for your Vivy, you will get a discount on your first order of T-DISCs, as well as specific offers, tips and recommendations. You can also keep track of the progress of your machine, and find out how much it's used. Registering your machine is also a good idea as soon as you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a well-known heritage brand and one of the leaders in the coffee industry. It was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is managed by his descendants and spans the world. The family-owned business has a long history of innovation and is renowned for its premium espresso made from nine different types of Arabica bean.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a variety of initiatives to protect the environment and ensure that their products are as eco green as they can. They have focused their efforts on efficiency in energy use, and are determined to reduce their carbon footprint, and the use of renewable energies. They also promote regenerative farming and are focused on improving their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, Illycaffe is committed to helping their employees succeed. They have invested in programs that provide training and professional development for their staff and they have developed a "university of coffee" that assists in educating both professionals and consumers on how to get the most optimal cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to be awarded the B Corp certification. This certification is given to international companies that are committed to ethics and a purpose. The company also recently launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods, and has been named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the last seven years. The company is committed to proving that sustainable quality can be beneficial to both the environment and people and has an unshakeable belief that it is the responsibility of everyone to take action.