One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often criticised for producing weak, watery drinks. The top ones are more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods made from treated polypropylene cups that are designed to degrade in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It comes with a range of capsule options, and it is easy to customise.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the best pod coffee makers on the market, this combination single-serve and drip models offer the best combination of features in our test. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional grounds, and one-serve side that will accept any type of K-Cup Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe's side features an adjustable timer as well as an "strong" setting that gives more flavor than the standard settings. It also comes with a fold-away frother that is built into the carafe for lattes and capspuccinos.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces at a single time with any size of K-Cup, reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cups or ground coffee (a separate water tank is also included). It utilizes Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and reads the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's more efficient in brewing full-pots than Keurig's top-rated. It also comes with advanced features such as a 24-hour start, brew intensity controls, and automatic shutoff.
The device is easy to use, despite the fact that it comes with two operating modes. It also cleans up easily. The reusable pod adapter and needles are easily removable to clean, and the mesh filter is washable in the sink. It's a bit bulky and heavy for counter space however, it's an excellent option for anyone who needs the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This basic cold brew machine is a great value option that produces smooth and delicious cups. It can make 12 cups at once and has a programmable clock, an integrated milk frother, and a reusable coffee filter. It has a large tank of water and glass carafes to hold hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great option to consider if you're already a fan of pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso’s newest espresso maker is stylish, fast and can create five different drinks in one chassis. It's on sale now, making it an excellent choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is extremely easy to use with a single-use button that automatically adjusts to the kind of capsule you're using. It uses the patented Nespresso pods that feature barcodes that inform the machine what kind of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures you get the correct temperature and 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 downsides to the VertuoLine is that it's a little louder than other pod machines, and that you can't reuse the used capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules is recyclable, so you can recycle them at your local UPS store or on Nespresso's website.
The machine is also quite expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you take into account the cost of buying pods. If you're already a pod coffee lover, it's an affordable price to pay for consistently barista-like results. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for cappuccinos or lattes. You can also purchase it in bundles, which include some of the Nespresso pods as well as a coffee maker. This will save you money up front.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it comes to brewing, most pod machines follow a similar format - capsules are placed in the top and you press a button and the coffee is poured out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of those machines that defies convention. It is a revolutionary system for capsules that locks them into a portafilter handle. The machine can make espresso that is as good as the kind you get at a cafe, but without the mess and fuss of an espresso machine that is traditional.
The X7.1 is compatible with only Illy MIE pods that are made from premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule contains a precise dose of espresso ground, which is then brewed with a specific two-stage process to produce a rich crema. The extraction happens entirely within the capsule, which means that the machine and coffee never come into contact, and clean-up is easy.
This coffee pod machine includes a Pannarello Steam Wand for making milky beverages like cappuccino or macchiato latte. Its unique design, designed by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to be a standout in your kitchen. Its slender, round forms and soft-touch buttons are inspired by the classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
The only drawback to this machine is that it requires some extra attention than some other models, particularly when you are using the steam wand. This is because excess air can stop the flow of hot water, preventing the machine from functioning efficiently. You will need to wait several minutes before making a second coffee to let the excess air go.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS read more 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most adored coffee makers available. Its small dimensions, attractive price tag and user-friendly interface are among the major selling points. Does this little machine meet the high standards set by its parent company's standards? We tested it at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is a basic pod coffee machine, however it does not sacrifice the performance. It makes drinks at the push of a button, by reading a unique barcode on each T DISC to know which drink it has to make. It also automatically adjusts the correct amount of froth and water for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to produce an outstanding result every time.
It's easy to use. Simply insert the desired T DISC, and select the size of your drink. There are 40 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 it shuts down automatically after five minutes.
The descaler has been designed to fit on the side of the machine. This is a different process however it's fast and simple.
As an added benefit, if sign up your Vivy with Bosch as a bonus, you'll receive discounts on your first purchase of T DISCs and receive personalized offers, suggestions and advice. You'll also be in a position to monitor the health of your machine and know the amount of water it has been using. It is an excellent idea immediately after you purchase it.
5. Illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a market leader in the world of coffee and an famous heritage brand, is a world leader. Established in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is still operated by his children and is spread across the world. 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 also committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives to safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as eco sustainable as they can be. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint as well as using renewable energy sources. They have also promoted regenerative farming and are focused on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitments to sustainability, Illycaffe is determined to help their employees thrive. They have invested in programs that provide training and professional development for their employees, and they have also developed an "university of coffee" which helps educate consumers and professionals alike on how to get the best cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company that has earned the B Corp certification. This designation is awarded to companies who prioritize ethics and a sense of purpose. The company has also launched its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and has been recognized as one of the top 10 World's ethical companies over the last seven years. The company is committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment as well as people. They believe that everyone has a role to play.