One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often accused of producing weak, watery drinks. Fortunately, the best ones can offer much more than that.
The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods instead of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It also comes with a variety of capsule options as well as easy customization.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This single-serve drip coffee maker has the most impressive features of the models we tested. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional grounds, and a single-serve side that can accept any type of K-Cup Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe side comes with an adjustable timer as well as it has a "strong" setting that produces more flavor than the normal settings. It also has an integrated, fold-away frother for lattes and cappuccinos.
The single-serve version can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time, using any size K-Cup or the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate reservoir for water is also included). It is based on Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system that reads the barcode on each pod to adjust the machine settings for a perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's quicker at making full-pots of brew than Keurig's top-rated. It also comes with advanced features like a 24-hour start time, 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, needles, and mesh filter are easily removed to clean. It's a bit heavy and heavy for counter space however, it's an excellent alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.
This affordable cold brew maker creates a smooth, delicious cup. It comes with a programmable timer as well as a built-in milk maker and a reusable filter and can make 12 cups of java at once. It has a large reservoir of water, as well as a glass carafe that can hold hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already accustom to the pod coffee machine trend and want to upgrade from your Keurig-style machine, this is an excellent alternative. Nespresso's latest espresso maker is sleek, fast and can create five different drinks on one small chassis. It's on sale now which makes it a great choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine is then able to heat up quickly and is simple to use, using an automatic button that adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of the patented Nespresso capsules with a barcode that tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, ensuring that you get the correct temperature and pressure for each drink. The capsules spin quickly during brewing, creating a layer of foam called crema, which is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine's only downside is that it's louder than other pod-machines and you can't reuse the capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules is recyclable, so you can recycle the capsules at your local UPS store or Nespresso's website.
The machine is also pretty expensive compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you take into account the cost of buying the pods. However, if you're already a believer in the benefits of pod coffee, it's a small price to pay for consistent, barista-style results. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make cappuccinos and lattes. It's also available in bundles that contain a few sample packs of the Nespresso capsules and milk frother, which can help you save money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines have the same brewing procedure - you simply insert a capsule, press a button and the coffee pours out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that eschew the norm. It is a revolutionary system coffee machine with capsules for capsules that locks them into a portafilter handle. This lets the machine produce an espresso like you would get in a cafe, but without the hassle and mess that is typical of an espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE pods that are made from premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule contains an exact amount of espresso ground, which is then brewed using a special two-stage process to produce a thick and rich crema. The extraction takes place entirely inside the capsule, meaning that the coffee and machine never come into contact and cleaning up is easy.
The coffee pod is equipped with a Pannarello Steam Wand to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and macchiato latte. The distinctive design of this coffee pod machine, created by famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a design statement in your home. Its round, slender forms and soft-touch buttons are inspired by traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
The only drawback to this machine is that it needs some more focus than other models, particularly when you are using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can sometimes prevent the steam from flowing properly, preventing the machine from functioning. You'll need to wait some time before making another cup of coffee to let the air go.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most sought-after pod coffee machines available on the market. The small size, attractive pricing and ease of operation are all major reasons to buy. Does this machine meet the standards set by its parent company's standards? We took it for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is a basic pod coffee machine, however it doesn't sacrifice performance. It can create drinks with a single press of a button. It reads a barcode on the T DISC to determine which drink to prepare. It also automatically sets the correct amount of froth and water for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to achieve the best results every time.
This makes it extremely simple to use - just insert the desired T DISC, then select your preferred drink size. The Vivy has 40 different drinks and a milk jug to make lattes or cappuccinos. It takes just three seconds to warm up and automatically shuts off after five minutes to conserve energy.
It's very easy to clean too, with a cleverly designed descaler that slots into the side of the machine. There are separate directions for this, but the process is quick and simple.
As an added benefit, if 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'll also be able to monitor the health of your machine, and also see how much water it's used. It is a good idea to register your machine as soon as you buy it, too.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a market leader in the coffee industry and an famous 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 innovation in the industry, and is renowned for its high quality espresso made from 9 different varieties of Arabica beans.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a range of initiatives that help safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally green as they can. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and utilizing renewable energies. They have also promoted regenerative farming and are focused on improving their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, illycaffe is determined to help their employees thrive. 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 perfect cup of coffee.
In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to earn a B-Corp certification, which is an international designation that recognizes businesses that are committed to ethics and a sense that they have a purpose. The company has also launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods, and has been named one of the World's most ethical companies for the past seven years. The company is committed to proving that sustainable quality can make a difference for the environment and for people as well and has the conviction that it is the responsibility of everyone to take action.