One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are frequently criticized for making watery, weak drinks. However, the top pods are more than that.
The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods, made from treated polypropylene cups that are designed to degrade in landfill (rather than the notorious K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also offers a range of capsule options and easy customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This combination drip-and-single-serve coffee maker offers the best features of the models we tested. It has a 12-cup carafe which makes grounds in the traditional way and one-serve that will accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe comes with a programmable clock and it has a "strong setting" that makes more flavor. It has a fold-away frother that is built into the carafe for lattes and capspuccinos.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time, using any size K-Cup, or a reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate reservoir for water is also included). It uses Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and reads the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. It's faster than a leading Keurig model at making a full pot of coffee with its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions like a 24-hour brew start, brew strength controls, and auto shutoff.
It's simple to use, despite having two operating modes, and clean-up is relatively painless. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles, and mesh filter are easily removed to clean. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space however, it's an excellent alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This basic cold brew machine is a budget pick that delivers a smooth and flavorful cup. It can make 12 cups at once and comes with a programmable clock and a milk frother that is integrated as well as an coffee filter that is reusable. It also has a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe for hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already committed to the trend of pod coffee machines and would like to upgrade your current Keurig-style machine, this is an excellent alternative. Nespresso's newest espresso machine is stylish, quick and has the ability to make five different drinks in one sleek, compact chassis. It's also on sale now which makes it a great option for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine Next heats up very quickly and is extremely simple to use with a single-use button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of patented Nespresso pods that feature an identifier barcode that tells the machine which kind of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures that you get the right temperature and water pressure for each drink. The pods also spin fast while brewing, resulting in an exquisite layer of foam, also known as crema, that is usually found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine's biggest drawback is that it's louder than other pod-machines and you aren't able to reuse capsules. Fortunately, the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable so 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 recycle.
The machine is also expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you consider the cost of purchasing the pods. However, if you're already bought in to the benefits of pod coffee, it's only a small cost to pay for consistent results that resemble baristas. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make lattes or cappuccinos. You can also buy 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 is about brewing, most pod machines adhere to a similar format - capsules are placed on the top, you press a button and the coffee is poured out. But now and then a device comes along that is a complete blow to the water, like is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It has a unique system for capsules that lock them into the portafilter handle. This allows the machine to produce an espresso as good as you'd get in a cafe, but without the hassle and mess that is typical of an espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with only illy MIE pods that are made from top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule is stocked with a precise amount of ground espresso that is brewed using two stages. This results in a thick crema. The extraction is done entirely inside the capsule. This means that the machine and the coffee are not in contact. Clean-up is also an easy task.
This machine also comes with an Pannarello steam wand for making milky drinks, such as cappuccino or macchiato latte. Its unique design, designed by famed Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to stand out in your kitchen. Its round but slender forms and soft-touch buttons evoke the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 1960s and seamlessly integrates modern technology.
This machine requires more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is because excessive air can block the hot water from flowing correctly making it impossible for the machine to continue working. If this happens, you'll need to wait for a few minutes before preparing another coffee to allow the air to be released.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most adored coffee makers available. The small size, attractive pricing and user-friendly are major selling points. But does this little machine meet the high standards set by its parent company? We tested it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, but it isn't sacrificing the performance. It makes drinks at the press of a single button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC to know which drink it needs to create. It also sets the correct amount of the froth and water in each drink by using Intellibrew technology to ensure the best results every time.
This makes it very easy to use - just 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 for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes just three seconds to warm up and automatically shuts off after five minutes to conserve energy.
The descaler is cleverly designed to slot into the side of your machine. This is a separate procedure however it's very quick and simple.
If you register your Vivy, you'll get a discount on your first order of T-DISCs, as well as customized offers, tips and recommendations. You can also monitor the status of your machine and check how much it has used. It's worth registering your machine as soon as you buy it, also.
5. Illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is an iconic heritage brand and one of the leaders in the coffee industry. The company was established 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 innovating in the industry, and is renowned for its high quality espresso, which is made from 9 different varieties of Arabica beans.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives that help protect the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally friendly as possible. They have a particular focus on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions and also utilizing renewable energies. They have also promoted Regenerative farming and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitments to sustainability, illycaffe is committed to helping their employees achieve. They have invested in training programs for their employees, and have created a "university" of coffee to educate consumers and professionals alike on how to make the best cup of coffee.
In addition to all of this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to earn the B-Corp designation, which is an international designation which recognizes companies that value ethics and a sense that they have a purpose. The company also recently introduced 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 has been committed to proving that sustainable quality can benefit both the environment and people They have a strong belief that it is the responsibility of coffee machines capsules everyone to take action.