One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have a bit of an undeserved reputation for being watery, under-strength drinks. However, the top pods are more than that.
The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods made from treated polypropylene cups which are supposed to degrade in landfill (rather than the dreaded K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It comes with a range of capsule options and is easy to customize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the best pod coffee makers on the market, this drip and single-serve model offers the best blend of features in our test. It comes with an insulated 12-cup carafe that makes grounds in the traditional way, and one-serve that will accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe side comes with an adjustable timer and an "strong" setting that provides more flavor than standard settings. It also comes with an easy-to-folding frother that's built into the carafe to make capspuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve version can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time, using any size K-Cup, or a the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate water reservoir is included). It utilizes Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and analyzes the barcodes of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. It's quicker than the leading Keurig model at brewing a full pot with 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 different modes of operation, and cleaning process is fairly easy. 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 a great option for anyone who needs the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This basic cold brew machine is a budget pick that produces a smooth and flavorful cup. It comes with a timer that can be programmed as well as a built-in milk maker and a reusable filter, and can make 12 cups of java at a time. It also comes with a large water reservoir and a glass carafe for hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great option to consider if you're already a fan of the pod coffee machines and want to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso's latest espresso maker is sleek, efficient and can make five different drinks on one chassis. It's on sale now, making it a great option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine Next can be heated up quickly and is extremely easy to use with a single-use button that automatically adjusts to the kind of capsule you're using. It utilizes the patented Nespresso capsules that have a barcode that tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, ensuring you get the correct temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The pods also spin fast while brewing, resulting in a decadent layer of foam, referred to as crema, which is typically 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 the capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules can be recycled, so you can recycle them at your local UPS store or on Nespresso's website.
The machine is costly when contrasted with other pod machines, especially if you include the cost of the pods. If, however, you've already convinced of the benefits of pod coffee, it's a low cost to get consistent results that resemble baristas. Additionally, you can add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make lattes and cappuccinos. It's also available as bundles that include samples of Nespresso capsules and milk frother that can save you money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
Most pod machines have a similar brewing process - you insert a capsule then press a button and the coffee pours out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of those machines that defies convention. It utilizes a different mechanism for capsules, locking them into place in a portafilter-like handle. This lets the machine produce an espresso as good as you'd get at a cafe, however 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, which is brewed in two stages. This creates a rich crema. The extraction is performed entirely inside the capsule. This means that the machine and the coffee are never in contact. Cleaning up is an easy task.
The coffee pod is equipped with a Pannarello Steam Wand for making milky beverages like cappuccino or Latte Macchiato. Its unique design, designed by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to stand out in your kitchen. Its slender, round forms and soft-touch buttons are inspired by the classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly mixing 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 prevent the hot water from flowing correctly, preventing the machine from functioning. It is necessary to wait for some time before making another cup of coffee in order to let the air out.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most well-known pod coffee machines available on the market. The small size as well as the attractive pricing and user-friendly are major selling points. Does this machine meet the high standards set forth by its parent company's standards? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to find out.
The Vivy is among the simplest pod coffee machines that are available, but it doesn't skimp on performance. It can make drinks with a single touch. It reads the barcode on the DISC to determine which drink to make. It also sets the correct amount for water and froth in each drink by using Intellibrew technology to ensure the best results every time.
It is very simple to use - just insert the desired T DISC and choose the size of your drink. There are 40 different drinks to choose from and the Vivy comes with a milk container for making cappuccinos or lattes. It takes just three seconds to warm and automatically shuts off after five minutes to conserve energy.
It's easy to clean, too, with a cleverly designed descaler that slides into the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the process is quick and simple.
As an added bonus, if you register your Vivy with Bosch, you'll get an extra discount on your first purchase of T DISCs and receive personalized offers, suggestions and advice. You can also track the condition of your machine, and see how much it's been used. Registering your machine is also an excellent idea as soon as you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a well-known heritage brand and an industry leader in the field of coffee. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still operated by his descendants. It spans the globe. best coffee pod machine The family-owned company has a long tradition of innovation and is famous for its premium espresso made using nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
The company is committed to sustainability, and has implemented numerous initiatives to help protect the environment. They also make sure that their products are as environmentally friendly as is possible. They have a particular focus on efficiency in their energy use and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint as well as the use of renewable energies. They also have worked to promote regenerative farming, and have a particular focus on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitments to sustainability, illycaffe is determined to help their employees achieve. They have invested in programs to provide training and professional development for their employees and they have created an "university of coffee" that helps to educate consumers and professionals alike on how to make the best possible cup of coffee.
In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to obtain B-Corp certification. This is an international designation that recognizes companies that prioritize ethics and a sense of purpose. The company has also launched its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and has been named one of the top 10 World's ethical companies over the last seven years. The company is committed to proving that sustainable quality can be beneficial to both the environment and people, and they have a strong belief that it is the responsibility of everyone to play their part.