One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are frequently criticised for producing weak, watery drinks. Fortunately, the best ones can offer much more than that.
The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods, made from treated polypropylene cups that are designed to break down in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also comes with a variety of capsule options as well as easy customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This single-serve drip coffee maker has the most impressive features of all the models we've tested. It comes with an insulated 12-cup carafe that 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 an "strong setting" that gives you more flavor. It also comes with an easy-to-folding frother that's built into the carafe to make capspuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side is able to brew up to 18 ounces at a single time using any size K-Cup, reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cups or ground coffee (a separate water tank is included). It uses Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and reads the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. It's quicker than the leading Keurig model in making a full pot of coffee using its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions, including a 24-hour brew start time, brew strength control and auto shutoff.
It's easy to use, despite having two modes of operation, and cleaning process is fairly easy. The reusable pod adapter and needles are easily removed for cleaning and the filter can be washed in the sink. It's a bit heavy and heavy for counter space, but it's a great option for anyone who needs the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This affordable cold brew maker produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It has a programmable timer, a built-in milk frother and a reusable filter and can make 12 cups of java at a time. It comes with a large reservoir of water as well as glass carafes to hold hot beverages.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already committed to the pod coffee machine trend and are looking to upgrade your Keurig-style machine This is a great alternative. Nespresso's latest espresso maker is sleek, efficient and can make five different drinks in one compact chassis. It's on sale now, making it an excellent choice for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is incredibly easy to use, with a single button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It uses patented Nespresso pods that feature an identifier barcode that tells the machine which kind of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures that you get the right temperature and water pressure for every drink. The pods spin rapidly during brewing, creating an emulsion known as crema that is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine's only downside is that it's louder than other pod machines and you aren't able to reuse the 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 reuse.
The machine is also pretty expensive in comparison to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you factor in the cost of buying pods. If you're already a coffee pod fan, this is an affordable price to pay for consistent barista-like results. Additionally, you can add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for cappuccinos and lattes. You can also buy it in bundles, which include a few samples of the Nespresso pods as well as a coffee maker. This will make it cheaper to buy the machine in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it comes to brewing, most pod machines use the same format: a capsule goes in the top, you press a button and the coffee oozes out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of those machines that defies the norm. It uses a different system for capsules and locks them in a portafilter-like handle. This allows the machine to create an espresso that's as good as you'd get in a cafe, but without all of the fuss and mess of a traditional espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules, which are made from premium, high-quality coffee beans. Each capsule is stocked with an exact amount of espresso that is then brewed with a specific two-stage process to produce an intense crema. The extraction process is entirely inside the capsule. This means that the machine and coffee are never in contact. Cleaning up is an easy task.
This machine also comes with an Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and latte macchiato. Its unique design, designed by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to stand pod coffee machine out in your kitchen. Its round but slender forms and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 60s and seamlessly integrates modern technology.
The only drawback to this machine is that it needs some more attention than other models, particularly when you are using the steam wand. This is because excess air can stop the flow of hot water, which can prevent the machine from functioning efficiently. If this happens, you'll have 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 machines available. Its small dimensions, attractive price and ease of use are all big selling points. Does this little machine meet the standards set by its parent company's standards? We took it for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to find out.
The Vivy is one of the most simple pod coffee machines available however it doesn't sacrifice on performance. It makes drinks at the press of a single button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC in order to determine what drink it should create. It also sets the proper amount of water and froth in each drink using Intellibrew Technology to achieve an outstanding result every time.
This makes it easy to use - just insert the desired T DISC and choose the size you prefer for your drink. There are 40 different drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk jug for making cappuccinos or lattes. It takes just three seconds to heat up, and has auto-shut-off after five minutes to save energy.
It's very easy to clean thanks to a cleverly designed descaler that fits into the side of the machine. This is a separate procedure, but it's quick and easy.
As an added bonus, if you register your Vivy with Bosch as a bonus, you'll receive a discount on your first purchase of T DISCs. You'll also receive personalized offers, recommendations and suggestions. You can also keep track of the progress of your machine, and find out how much it has been used. It is a good idea to register your machine at the time you purchase it, also.
5. illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe, a 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 operated by his descendants. It spans the globe. The family-owned and operated business has a long tradition of innovating within the field, 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 to safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as eco friendly as possible. They have focused on efficiency in energy use, and are committed to reducing their emissions, as well as the use of renewable energies. They have also promoted regenerative farming and are focused on enhancing their water resources.
illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their commitment to help their employees achieve. They have invested in programs that offer training and professional development for their staff, and they have also created an "university of coffee" that assists in educating consumers and professionals on how to get the best possible cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to be awarded an B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies who prioritize ethics and a purpose. The company has also launched its first line of Nespresso compatible Pods and been named as one of the world's most Ethical companies for the past seven year. The company is committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people. They believe that everyone has a responsibility to take on.