One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are frequently criticised for producing weak, watery drinks. Fortunately, the best pods can provide more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods instead of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It offers a variety of capsule options and is simple to customise.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This coffee maker that is a combination of drip and single-serve has the most impressive features of all the models we tested. It has a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional ground coffee and a single-serve side that can accept any kind of K-Cup Keurig-like, reusable or Keurig pod. The carafe is programmable with a clock as well as an "strong setting" that produces more flavor. It also has a foldaway, built-in frother to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can make up to 18 ounces of coffee at once using any size K-Cup or the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate reservoir for water is also included). It utilizes Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and scans the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's faster at brewing full pots than a leading Keurig. It also comes with advanced features, like 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 pod adapter is reusable, and the needles are easily removable for cleaning and the filter can be washed in the sink. 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 simple cold brew maker is a budget pick that produces a smooth and flavorful cup. It can make 12 cups at a time and features a programmable timer as well as an integrated milk frother, and an coffee filter that is reusable. It also has a huge reservoir of 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 are looking to upgrade the Keurig-style machine you have This is a great alternative. Nespresso's newest espresso machine is sleek, efficient and can make five different drinks on one sleek, compact machine. It's available for sale right now and is a great choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine is then able to heat up quickly and is simple to use, using a button that adapts automatically to the type capsule you're using. It utilizes patented Nespresso pods that feature barcodes that inform the machine which type of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you have the right temperature and pressure for each drink. The capsules spin fast during brewing, creating the foam, also known as crema that is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.
The only downsides to the VertuoLine are that it's a little louder than other pod machines and that you aren't able to reuse the capsules that you've used. 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 expensive when it is compared to other pod makers particularly when you add the cost of the pods. If you've already a believer in the benefits of pod coffee, it's a small cost to get consistently good barista-like results. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make lattes or cappuccinos. It's also available as bundles that include a few samples of Nespresso capsules as well as a milk frother which could save you money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is about brewing, most pod machines use the same pattern - capsules are placed in the top and you press a button, and coffee flows out. But every now and then, there is a machine that breaks convention right out of the water, as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It pod coffee maker is a revolutionary system for capsules that locks them into the portafilter handle. This lets the machine produce an espresso like you would get at a cafe, but without all of the fuss and mess that is typical of an espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules, which are made from premium high-quality coffee beans. Each capsule contains an exact amount of ground espresso that 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 not in contact. Cleaning up is an easy task.
The coffee pod includes a Pannarello Steam Wand for making milky drinks such as cappuccino and latte Macchiato. The unique design of this coffee machine, designed by famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold design statement in your living space. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons inspired by traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly mixing modern technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, especially when using the steam wand. This is because excessive air can prevent the steam from flowing properly and stop the machine from working. If this happens, you'll need to wait for a few minutes before making another cup of coffee to allow the air to let go.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most adored coffee machines on the market. The compact dimensions as well as the attractive pricing and ease of operation are all major selling points. But can this tiny machine live up to the high standards set by its parent company? We tested it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is one of the simplest pod coffee machines available, but it doesn't skimp on performance. It can make drinks with a single press of a button. It scans an image of a barcode on the DISC to determine which drink to prepare. It also automatically determines the correct amount of froth and water for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to ensure an excellent result every time.
This makes it very easy to operate - 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 container for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes just three seconds to heat and it shuts down automatically after five minutes.
It's easy to clean too thanks to a cleverly designed descaler that slots into the side of the machine. There are separate directions for this, but the procedure is quick and simple.
As a bonus, if you register your Vivy through Bosch as a bonus, you'll receive a discount on your first purchase of T DISCs and receive personalized offers, recommendations and advice. You can also monitor the condition of your machine, and find out how much it's used. Registering your machine is also an excellent idea when you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is an iconic brand with a long history and is a one of the leaders in the coffee industry. Founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company continues to be managed by his descendants and spans the world. The family-owned business has a long history of innovation and is renowned for its top-quality espresso that is made from nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
The company is committed to sustainability, and has taken a variety of initiatives to to protect the environment. They also make sure that their products are as green as possible. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint as well as using renewable energy sources. They have also worked to promote regenerative farming, and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.
Illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their determination to help their employees succeed. They have invested in training programs for their employees, and have created an "university" of coffee that educates professionals and consumers alike on how to make the best cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to be awarded a B Corp certification. This certification is given to international companies that place a high value on ethics and have a mission. 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 past seven year. The company is committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can be beneficial to the environment and people alike and has a strong belief that it is up to everyone to do their part.