One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have an undeserved reputation for their low-strength, watery drinks. The best pods are more than just that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods in place of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It comes with a range of capsule options, and it is easy to customise.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers on the market, this single-serve and drip models offer the best combination of features in our test. It has a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional ground coffee and a single-serve side that can accept any type of K-Cup Keurig-like, reusable or Keurig pod. The carafe side comes with an adjustable timer as well as an "strong" setting that produces more flavor than standard settings. It comes with a fold-away frother that is integrated into the carafe to serve lattes and capspuccinos.
The single-serve side is able to brew up to 18 ounces per hour using any size K-Cup and the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup, or ground coffee (a separate water tank is provided). It uses Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and reads the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. 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, brew intensity control and an automatic shutoff.
The device is simple to use despite the fact it has two operating modes. It also cleans up easily. The reusable pod adapter and needles are easily removable for cleaning, and the filter can be washed in your sink. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space however, it's an excellent option for anyone who needs the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This basic cold brew machine is a great value option that delivers a smooth and flavorful cup. It has a programmable timer and a built-in milk froth and a reusable filter, and can make 12 cups of java in one go. It also has a huge reservoir of water and a glass carafe to serve hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great choice if you are already a fan of pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's new espresso maker is sleek, efficient and can make five different drinks on one chassis. It's currently on sale which makes it a great choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is extremely simple to use with a single-use button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It utilizes patented Nespresso pods that feature a barcode to tell the machine which type 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 while brewing to create the foam, also called crema, which is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine is that it's a bit more loud than other pod machines, and that you aren't able to reuse the capsules 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 reuse.
The machine is also pretty expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you consider the cost of purchasing the pods. If you're already a coffee pod fan, the cost is a small price to pay for consistent barista-like results. Plus, you can add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to coffee machine with capsules the machine for lattes and cappuccinos. It's also available as bundles that include a few sample packs of the Nespresso capsules and a milk frother that can help you save money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is about brewing, most pod machines adhere to a similar format - capsules are placed in the top and you press a button and the coffee is poured out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of those machines that defies the norm. It uses a different system for capsules, locking them into place inside a portafilter-like handle. The machine produces espresso that is comparable to what you would get in cafes, without the mess and hassle of the traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible only with Illy MIE pods, which are made of top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule has precisely proportions of ground espresso that is brewed using two stages. This creates a rich crema. The extraction process is completely inside the capsule, meaning that the coffee and machine never come into contact and cleaning up is a breeze.
This coffee pod machine is equipped with a Pannarello Steam Wand to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and Latte Macchiato. The distinctive design of this coffee pod machine, created 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 like traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is because excess air can sometimes stop the flow of hot water, preventing the machine from working effectively. It is necessary to wait for a few moments before preparing 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 popular pod coffee machines on the market. Its small dimensions, attractive price and easy-to-use are among the major selling points. Does this tiny machine meet the high standards set by the parent company? We tested it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is a basic pod coffee maker, but it doesn't sacrifice the performance. It makes drinks at the press of a single button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC to determine which drink it has to create. It also automatically determines the proper amount of froth and water for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to ensure the best results every time.
It is very simple to use - simply 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 only three seconds to heat and it has an auto-shutoff after five minutes.
The descaler is cleverly designed to fit into the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the procedure is quick and simple.
If you register your Vivy, you'll get a discount on your first T-DISCs order, as well as personalized offers, tips and advice. You can also monitor the condition of your machine and see how much it has used. Registering your machine is recommended as soon as you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a market leader in the world of coffee and an famous heritage brand, is a world leader. Founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is still operated by his children and spans the globe. The family-owned business has a long history of innovation and is known for its top-quality espresso that is made using nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
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 a particular focus on energy efficiency, and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and also the use of renewable energy sources. They also promote Regenerative farming and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, Illycaffe is determined to help their employees achieve. They have invested in training programs for their employees and have created an "university" of coffee to train professionals and consumers alike on how to make the perfect 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 that they have a purpose. The company also introduced its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and has been named one of the top 10 World's Ethical companies for the past seven years. The company is committed to showing how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people. They believe that everyone has a part to take on.