One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have an undeserved reputation for their watery, under-strength drinks. Fortunately, the best pods can offer much more than that.
The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods, made from treated polypropylene cups that are designed to degrade in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also offers a range of capsules and simple customisation.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This single-serve drip coffee maker has the best features of all the models we've tested. It has a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional grounds, and a single-serve side that can accept any kind of K-Cup Keurig-like, reusable or Keurig pod. The carafe has a programmable clock and an "strong setting" that gives you more flavor. It also comes with a foldaway, built-in frother to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side is able to brew up to 18 ounces at a time with any size of K-Cup, reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cups or ground coffee (a separate water tank is also included). It utilizes Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and reads the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's more efficient in brewing full-pots than Keurig's top-rated. pods coffee machine comes with advanced features, like a 24 hour start, brew intensity controls, and automatic shutoff.
The device is easy to use despite the fact it has two operating modes. It also cleans up easily. The reusable pod adapter and needles can be removed for cleaning and the mesh filter is washable in your sink. The device is heavy and heavy for counter space, but it's a great choice for those who prefer the convenience of pods, or the flexibility of coffee ground.
This low-cost cold brew machine produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It comes with a timer that can be programmed, a built-in milk frother and a reusable filter, and can make 12 cups of java in one go. It also has a huge reservoir for water and a glass carafe to serve hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great option if you are already a fan of the pod coffee machines but want to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso's new espresso maker is sleek, fast and can make five different drinks with one chassis. It's available for sale right now and is a great choice for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is incredibly easy to use with a single-use button that automatically adapts to the type of capsule you're using. It utilizes patent-pending Nespresso pods that have barcodes that inform the machine which type of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures that you get the right temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods also spin fast when brewing, creating an indulgence-inducing layer of foam, referred to as crema, which is usually found on 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. 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 recycle.
The machine is costly when it is compared to other pod makers in particular when you consider the cost of the pods. However, if you're already bought in to the advantages of pod coffee, it's only a small cost to get consistently good barista-like results. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for cappuccinos or lattes. You can also purchase it in bundles, which contain some of the Nespresso pods as well as a frother. This will make it cheaper to buy the machine in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is about brewing, most pod machines use a similar format - capsules are placed on the top and you press a button and coffee flows out. But now and then a machine comes along that blows convention out of the water, such as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It has a completely different system for capsules and locks them inside a portafilter-like handle. This allows the machine to create an espresso that's like you would get at a cafe, however without all of the fuss and mess that comes with 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 precisely proportions of ground espresso, which is brewed in two stages. This creates a rich crema. The extraction process is entirely within the capsule, meaning that the coffee and machine never come into contact and cleaning up is a breeze.
The coffee pod also has a Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks, such as cappuccino or latte macchiato. The distinctive design of this coffee pod machine, created by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold design statement in your living space. Its slim but round shapes and soft-touch buttons recall the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 60s while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
One drawback of this machine is that it needs some extra focus than other models, particularly when you use the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can prevent the hot water from flowing correctly making it impossible for the machine to continue functioning. You'll need to wait several minutes before making another cup of coffee to let the excess air out.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most popular pod coffee machines available on the market. Its small dimensions, attractive price tag and ease of use are all big selling points. Does this tiny machine meet the standards set by the parent company? We tested it at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is one of the most simple pod coffee machines on the market, but it doesn't skimp on performance. It makes drinks at the push of a button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC to know what drink it should make. It also determines the right amount of the froth and water in each drink using Intellibrew Technology to produce an outstanding result every time.
It's very easy to use. Simply insert the desired T DISC, and then select the size of your drink. The Vivy has 40 different drinks, as well as a milk jug to make cappuccinos or lattes. It takes only three seconds to warm up and it has an auto-shutoff after five minutes.
It's very easy to clean too using a cleverly-designed descaler that slots into the side of the machine. This is a separate process however it's fast and easy.
If you register your Vivy, you will receive a discount for your first T-DISCs order, and also customized offers, tips and recommendations. You'll also be in a position to monitor the health of your machine and see how much water it's used. It is a good idea when you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe, a leader in the coffee industry and an iconic heritage brand, is a world leader. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still managed by his descendants. It is a global company. The family-owned business has a long history of innovation and is famous for its top-quality espresso that is made from 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 green as they can. They have a particular focus on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and also utilizing renewable energy sources. They also promote regenerative farming and are focused on improving their water resources.
In addition to their commitments to sustainability, illycaffe is committed to helping their employees achieve. They have invested in programs to provide training and professional development for their employees, and they have also created an "university of coffee" that assists in educating both professionals and consumers on how to make the best cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company that has earned an B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies that place a high value on ethics and a sense of purpose. The company also recently introduced their first line of Nespresso compatible pods. They have also 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 be beneficial to the environment and for people as well They have an unshakeable belief that it is the responsibility of everyone to do their part.