One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often criticized for producing watery, weak drinks. The top ones are more than that.
The illy Bruvi utilizes B-Pods instead of the dreaded K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It offers a variety 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 drip and single-serve model offers the best combination of features in our test. It comes with an insulated 12-cup carafe that is brewed in the traditional way and single-serve that can accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe comes with a programmable clock and an "strong setting" that makes more flavor. It has an easy-to-folding frother that's built into the carafe to make capspuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces per hour with any size of K-Cup and reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cups or ground coffee (a separate water tank is included). It uses Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and analyzes the barcodes of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. It's faster than a leading Keurig model when it comes to making a full pot of coffee thanks to its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions, including a 24-hour brew start, brew strength control and auto shutoff.
The device is simple 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 and mesh filter are easily removed for cleaning. The device is heavy and heavy for counter space, but it's an excellent option for those who desire the convenience of pods or the versatility of coffee ground.
This low-cost cold brew machine creates a smooth, delicious cup. It can make 12 cups at a time and has a programmable clock and a milk frother that is integrated, and a reusable coffee filter. It has a large tank of water and glass carafes to hold hot beverages.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already accustom to the pod coffee machine trend and would like to upgrade your current Keurig-style machine This is a great option. Nespresso’s newest espresso maker is sleek, fast, and can make five different drinks on one chassis. It's even on sale right now, making it a great choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is easy to use, using a button that adapts automatically to the type capsule you are using. It utilizes patent-pending Nespresso pods that have 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 capsules spin fast when they are brewing to create an emulsion called crema, which is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine is that it's a bit louder than other pod machines, and that you aren't able to reuse the used capsules. Fortunately the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable so you can drop them off at the local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for no cost and they'll take them back to recycle.
The machine is pricey when compared to other pod machines, especially if you include the cost of the pods. However, if you're already bought in to the benefits of pod coffee, it's a low cost to get consistent results that resemble baristas. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for lattes or cappuccinos. It is also available in bundles that include a few samples of the Nespresso pods as well as a frother. This will help you save money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it comes to brewing, most pod machines use the same pattern - capsules are placed in the top, you press a button, and the coffee oozes out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that defy the norm. It utilizes a different mechanism for capsules, locking them into place in a portafilter-like hand. This lets the machine create an espresso that's as good as you'd get at a cafe, but without the hassle and mess of a traditional espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules which are made from premium coffee beans of the highest quality. Each capsule contains precisely proportions of ground espresso, which is brewed using two stages. This produces a rich crema. The extraction is done entirely inside the capsule. This means that the machine and the coffee are never in contact. Clean-up is also a breeze.
The coffee pod comes with a Pannarello Steam Wand to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and latte Macchiato. Its unique design, created by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to stand out in your kitchen. Its slender, round shapes and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
This machine requires more attention, especially when using the steam wand. The reason for this is that the excess air can sometimes block the flow of the hot water, which prevents the machine from functioning efficiently. It is necessary to wait a few moments before preparing another cup of coffee to let the air escape.
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 and user-friendly interface are the main reasons for buying. But can this machine meet the high standards set by the parent company? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to find out.
The Vivy is a basic pod coffee maker, but it doesn't sacrifice performance. It can make drinks with a single press of a button. It scans an image of a barcode on the DISC to determine what drink to make. It also automatically adjusts the right amount of froth and water for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to produce an excellent result every time.
It is very simple to use. Simply insert the desired T DISC, and then select the size of your drink. There are 40 different drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk container for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to warm up and it shuts down automatically after five minutes.
It's very easy to clean too using a cleverly-designed descaler that fits into the side of the machine. This is a separate process, but it's quick and simple.
As an added bonus, if you register your Vivy with Bosch, you'll get a discount on your first order of T DISCs. You'll also receive personalized offers, recommendations and suggestions. You'll also be in a position to monitor the health of your machine and know the amount of water it has been using. It's worth registering your machine when you purchase it, also.
5. illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a market leader in the world of coffee and an famous heritage brand, is a global leader. It was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is still managed by his descendants and spans across the world. The family-owned and operated company has a long track record of embracing innovation within the field, and is known for its premium quality espresso made from 9 different varieties of Arabica beans.
The company is committed to sustainability, and has implemented a number initiatives to preserve the environment. They also make sure that their products are as environmentally friendly as possible. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions as well as using renewable energy sources. They also promote Regenerative farming and are focusing on improving their water resources.
illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their determination to help their employees succeed. They have invested in programs to provide training and professional development for their employees and they have created a "university of coffee" which helps educate consumers and professionals on how to pod-making machines make the best cup of coffee.
In addition to all of this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to be awarded the B-Corp designation, which is an international certification which recognizes companies that value 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 over the last seven years. The company is dedicated to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment as well as people. They believe that everyone has a responsibility to take on.