One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often criticised for producing watery, weak drinks. The best ones are much more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods made from treated polypropylene cups which are designed to degrade in landfill (rather than the notorious 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
One of the top pod coffee makers available on the market, this combination single-serve and drip model has the most comprehensive set of features we tested. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional grounds and a single-serve side that accepts any type of K-Cup, Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe side has an adjustable timer and an "strong" setting that provides more flavor than the normal settings. It comes with an easy-to-folding frother that's integrated into the carafe to serve capspuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side brews up to 18 ounces at a single time with any size of K-Cup and reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cups or ground coffee (a separate water tank is provided). It uses Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and reads the barcode of each pod to adjust machine settings. It's quicker than the leading Keurig model at making a full-sized pot of brew with 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 it has two operating modes. It also cleans up easily. The reusable pod adapter and needles can be removed to clean, and the mesh filter is washable in your sink. The unit is a bit heavy and heavy for counter space, however it's a great option for those who desire the convenience of pods, or the flexibility of coffee ground.
This simple cold brew machine is a great value option that delivers smooth and delicious cups. It comes with a programmable timer, a built-in milk frother and a reusable filter, and can make 12 cups of java in one go. It has a large tank of water as well as a glass carafe to hold hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is an excellent option for those who are already a fan of pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso’s newest espresso maker is sleek, efficient and can make five different drinks on one compact chassis. It's also on sale now which makes it a great option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine Next heats up very quickly and is extremely simple to use by pressing a single button that automatically adapts to the kind of capsule you're using. It uses patented Nespresso pods that have an identifier barcode that tells the machine what kind of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures you have the right temperature and water pressure for each drink. coffee machine with capsules spin rapidly during brewing, creating an emulsion known as crema. It is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.
The only downsides to the VertuoLine are that it's a bit louder than other pod machines, and that you can't 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 recycle.
The machine is also quite expensive compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you consider the cost of purchasing the pods. If you're already a pod coffee fan, this is a small price to pay for consistently barista style results. Additionally, you can add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make lattes and cappuccinos. It's also available in bundles that contain a few sample packs of the Nespresso capsules and a milk frother which could help you save money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines use the same brewing procedure - you insert a capsule, press a button and the coffee pours out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that eschew the rules of. It has a completely different system for capsules and locks them inside a portafilter-like handle. This lets the machine produce an espresso similar to what you'd find at a cafe, however without the hassle 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 an exact amount of ground espresso that is brewed using a two-stage process. This produces a rich crema. The extraction process is entirely inside the capsule, which means that the coffee and machine never meet and cleanup is a breeze.
This coffee maker is equipped with a Pannarello Steam Wand for making milky drinks like cappuccino or macchiato latte. The unique design of this coffee pod machine, designed by renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a design statement in your home. Its round but slender forms and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 60s, while seamlessly integrating advanced technology.
One downside of this machine is that it requires some more attention than other models, especially when you use the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can stop the flow of hot water, preventing the machine from working properly. You will need to wait for a few moments before preparing another cup of coffee in order 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 user-friendly interface are among the major selling points. Does this tiny machine meet the high standards set forth by the parent company? We took it for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to find out.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee maker, but it doesn't sacrifice its performance. It makes drinks with the push of a button, by reading a unique barcode on each T DISC to determine which drink it has to make. It also determines the right amount of water and froth in each drink using Intellibrew technology to ensure an outstanding result every time.
It's very easy to use - just insert the desired T DISC and select the size of your drink. There are 40 drinks to choose from and the Vivy comes with a milk container for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to heat and it has an auto-shutoff after five minutes.
The descaler is cleverly designed to fit on the side of the machine. This is a separate procedure, but it's quick and easy.
As an added benefit, if register your Vivy through Bosch and Bosch, you'll receive a discount on your first order of T DISCs. You'll also receive personalised offers, recommendations and advice. You can also keep track of the status of your machine and see how much it's been used. It is an excellent idea immediately after you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is an iconic heritage brand that is a leader in the coffee industry. The company was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still managed by his descendants. It spans the globe. The family-owned business has a history of innovation and is famous for its high-quality espresso crafted from nine different types of Arabica bean.
The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented a number initiatives to help protect the environment. They also make sure that their products are as green as possible. They have focused their efforts on energy efficiency, and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint, and the use of renewable energy sources. They have also worked to promote regenerative farming, and have a strong focus on improving their water resources.
Illycaffe's commitment towards sustainability is matched by their determination to assist their employees in achieving success. They have invested in programs that provide training and professional development for their employees and have developed a "university of coffee" that assists in educating consumers and professionals on how to get the best possible cup of coffee.
In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to earn a B-Corp certification, 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, and has been named one of the World's most ethical companies over the last seven years. The company has been committed to demonstrating that sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people alike and has an unshakeable belief that it is the responsibility of everyone to do their part.