One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often criticised for making watery, weak 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 break down in landfill (rather than the notorious K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It offers a variety of capsule options and is simple to customise.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers on the market, this combination single-serve and drip models offer the most comprehensive set of features in our test. It comes with a 12-cup carafe which is brewed in the traditional way and a single-serve that accepts any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe comes with a programmable clock as well as it has a "strong setting" that makes more flavor. It also comes with a fold-away frother that is built into the carafe to make lattes and capspuccinos.
The single-serve side is able to brew up to 18 ounces per hour with any size of K-Cup, the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup, or ground coffee (a separate water tank is also included). It uses Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and scans 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 a leading Keurig. It also comes with advanced features such as a 24-hour start, brew intensity control, 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 can be removed for cleaning, and the filter can be washed in your sink. The device is heavy and bulky for counter space but it's an excellent option for those who want the convenience of pods or the versatility of coffee ground.
This simple cold brew maker is a great value option that provides smooth and delicious cups. It can make 12 cups at once and comes with a programmable clock as well as an integrated milk frother and a coffee filter that can be reused. It also has a large water reservoir and a glass carafe to serve hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already accustom to the trend of pod coffee machines and would like to upgrade your current Keurig-style machine this is a great option. Nespresso's new espresso maker is sleek, efficient and can make five different drinks on one chassis. It's available for sale right now which makes it a great choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine is then able to heat up quickly and is easy to use, using an automatic button that adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It uses the patented Nespresso capsules with a barcode on them that tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, ensuring that you have the right temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods spin quickly during brewing, creating a decadent layer of foam, known as crema, which is usually found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine are that it's a little 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 and you can drop them off at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for free and they'll return them to you to reuse.
The machine is also expensive in comparison to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you take into account the cost of buying pods. If you've already a believer in the benefits of pod coffee, it's a small cost to get consistent, barista-style results. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for cappuccinos and lattes. It is also available in bundles that include a few samples of the Nespresso pods and a frother. This will save you money up front.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is time to brew, the majority of pod machines adhere to a similar format - a capsule goes in the top, you press a button and the coffee oozes out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that defy convention. It uses a unique system for capsules that locks them into the portafilter handle. This lets the machine create an espresso that's as good as you'd get in a cafe, but without the hassle and mess that comes with 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 is stocked with an exact amount of ground espresso that is brewed in a two-stage process. This results in a thick crema. The extraction is done entirely inside the capsule. This means that the machine and coffee are not in contact. Clean-up is also easy.
This coffee pod machine also has an Pannarello steam wand that can be used to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and macchiato latte. The unique design of this coffee machine, designed by famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold statement in your home. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons evoke the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 1960s and seamlessly integrates modern technology.
The only drawback to this machine is that it needs some extra attention than some other models, particularly when you use the steam wand. This is because excess air can sometimes block the flow of the hot water, which can prevent the machine from functioning effectively. If this happens, you'll have to wait a few minutes before making another coffee to allow the excess air to escape.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most popular coffee machines available. Its compact dimensions, attractive price tag and ease of use are all big selling points. But can this machine meet the high standards set by the company that owns it? We took it for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is among the most simple pod coffee machines available, but it doesn't skimp on performance. It can create drinks with a simple press of a button. It reads an image of a barcode on the DISC to determine what drink to make. It also automatically determines the right amount of froth and water for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to achieve an excellent result every time.
This makes it extremely simple to use - simply insert the desired T DISC and select your preferred drink size. The Vivy has 40 different drinks and a milk jug for making cappuccinos or lattes. It takes only three seconds to heat and shuts off automatically after five minutes.
The descaler has been designed to slot into the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the procedure is easy and quick.
If you sign up your Vivy, you will get a discount on your first order of T-DISCs, along with customized offers, tips and recommendations. You can also monitor the condition of your machine, and find out how much it's been used. It's worth registering your machine as soon as you buy it, too.
5. illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a leading coffee pod machine player in the coffee industry and an iconic heritage brand, is a world leader. The company was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still managed by his descendants. It spans the globe. The family-owned and operated company has a long history of embracing new technologies within the industry. It is renowned for its top quality espresso made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.
The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented a number initiatives to preserve the environment. They also ensure that their products are as green as they can. They have a particular focus 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 agriculture and have a particular focus on improving their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, Illycaffe is committed to helping their employees achieve. They have invested in training programs for their employees and have created an "university" of coffee that educates both consumers and professionals on how to make the most delicious cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company that has earned a B Corp certification. This designation is awarded to companies who prioritize ethics and a purpose. The company also introduced its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and was named as one of the world's most ethical companies over the last seven years. The company is committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people. They believe that everyone has a role to play.