One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often accused of making watery, weak drinks. Fortunately, the best ones can provide more than that.
The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods instead of the dreaded K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It also has bundles of capsule options and easy customization.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This coffee maker that is a combination of drip and single-serve has the best features of all the models we've tested. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional grounds and a single-serve side that accepts any type of K-Cup Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe has a programmable clock as well as an "strong setting" that gives you more flavor. It also comes with a built-in, foldaway frother for cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve version can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at once using any size K-Cup, or a reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate reservoir for water is included). It makes use of Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and scans the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. It's faster than a leading Keurig model when it comes to brewing a full pot using its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced features like a 24 hour brew start, brew strength control, and auto shutoff.
It's easy to use, despite having two operating modes, and the clean-up is relatively painless. The pod adapter that is reusable and needles can be removed for cleaning and the filter can be washed in the sink. It's a bit heavy and heavy for counter space, but it's a great alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.
This low-cost cold brew machine produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It has a programmable timer and a built-in milk froth and a filter that can be reused, and can make 12 cups of java at once. It also has a huge reservoir for water and a glass carafe for hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already accustom to the trend of pod coffee machines and want to upgrade from the Keurig-style machine you have This is a great alternative. Nespresso's latest espresso machine is sleek, efficient and can make five different drinks in one compact, sleek chassis. It's also on sale now which makes it a great option for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is easy to use, using an adjustable button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It utilizes the patented Nespresso pods with barcodes that inform the machine what kind of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures that you get the right temperature and water pressure for every drink. The pods also spin rapidly during brewing, creating an indulgence-inducing layer of foam, also known as crema, that is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine is that it's louder than other pod machines, and that you can't reuse the used capsules. 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 recycle.
The machine is costly when it is compared to other pod makers, especially if you include the cost of the pods. If you're already a coffee pod fan, this is a small price to pay for consistently barista-style results. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make cappuccinos or lattes. It is also available in bundles, which contain some of the Nespresso pods as well as a coffee maker. This will save you money up front.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
Most pod machines have the same brewing procedure - you insert a capsule then press a button and the coffee pours out. However, every now and then a machine comes along that breaks convention right out of the water, as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It utilizes a different mechanism for capsules and locks them in a portafilter-like hand. The machine produces espresso that is as good as the kind you get at cafes, without the mess and fuss of a traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE pods that are made from top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule has precisely proportioned amounts of espresso that is then brewed using a unique two-stage process to produce a thick and rich crema. The extraction process is entirely inside the capsule, which means that the coffee and machine never come into contact and cleanup is easy.
This coffee pod machine includes a Pannarello Steam Wand to make milky drinks like cappuccino or macchiato latte. The unique design, developed by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to stand out in your kitchen. Its round, slender forms and soft-touch buttons are like classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. The reason for this is that too much air can block the hot water from flowing correctly making it impossible for the machine to continue working. It is necessary to wait a few moments before preparing a second coffee to let the air go.
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 as well as the attractive pricing and ease of operation are all important selling points. Does this tiny machine meet the standards set by its parent company's? We tested it at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is one of the simplest pod coffee machines on the market, but it doesn't skimp on performance. It makes drinks with the press of a single button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC to determine which drink it needs to create. It also sets the proper amount of the froth and water in each drink using Intellibrew technology to ensure an outstanding result every time.
This makes it extremely simple to use - just insert the desired T DISC and choose your preferred drink size. 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 heat up and it shuts down automatically after five minutes.
The descaler is cleverly designed to slot into the side of your machine. This is a separate process however it's fast and simple.
As a bonus, if you register your Vivy with Bosch, you'll get an extra discount on your first purchase of T DISCs. You'll also receive personalized offers, recommendations and suggestions. You'll also be in a position to keep track of the condition of your machine, and also see how much water it's used. It's a good idea to register your machine as soon as you buy it, too.
5. illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe, a leader in the coffee industry and an famous heritage brand, is a world leader. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still managed by his descendants. It spans the globe. The family-owned business has a history of innovation and is renowned for its high-quality espresso crafted from nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented numerous initiatives to help to protect the environment. They also ensure that their products are as eco-friendly as they can. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and also utilizing renewable energy sources. They have also coffee machine capsule been working to promote regenerative agriculture, and have a strong focus on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitments to sustainability, illycaffe is also committed to helping their employees achieve. 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 on how to make the best possible cup of coffee.
In addition to all of this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to obtain the B-Corp designation, which is an international designation which recognizes companies that value ethics and a sense of 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 year. The company is committed to showing how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people. They believe that everyone has a role to play.