One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have an undeserved reputation for being watery, under-strength drinks. However, the top pods are more than that.
The illy-Bruvi is made 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 comes with a range of capsule options and is easy to customize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the best pod coffee makers available on the market, this combination drip and single-serve model offers the best blend of features we tested. It has a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional grounds and a single-serve side that accepts any type of K-Cup Keurig-like, reusable or Keurig pod. The carafe side comes with a programmable timer and an "strong" setting that provides more flavor than normal settings. It also comes with a foldaway, built-in frother to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can make up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time, using any size K-Cup, or a reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate reservoir for water is included). It utilizes Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and scans the barcode of each
pod capsule coffee machine to adjust the machine's settings. It's faster than a leading Keurig model when it comes to making a full-sized pot of brew using its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions like a 24-hour brew start time, brew strength control and auto shutoff.
The device is easy to use, despite the fact that it comes with two operating modes. It also cleans easily. The pod adapter that is reusable and needles can be removed for cleaning, and the filter can be washed in your sink. The machine is heavy and bulky for counter space but it's a great option for those who want the convenience of pods or the flexibility of coffee ground.
This basic cold brew machine is a great value option that produces smooth and delicious cups. It can create 12 cups at a time and features a programmable timer, an integrated milk frother and a coffee filter that is reusable. It also comes with a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe for hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great option to consider if you're already a fan of the pod coffee machines and want to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso’s newest espresso maker is stylish, fast and can create five different drinks on one compact chassis. It's on sale now which makes it a great option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is easy to use, using a button that adapts automatically to the type of capsule you are using. It utilizes patent-pending Nespresso pods with barcodes that inform the machine what kind of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you get the right temperature and pressure for every drink. The pods spin quickly while brewing, resulting in a decadent layer of foam, known as crema. It is usually found on 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 that you've used. Fortunately, the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable and 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 pricey when it is compared to other
pod and bean coffee machine makers, especially if you include the cost of the pods. If you're already a pod-coffee lover, it's a small price to be paid for consistently barista-style results. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for lattes and cappuccinos. It's also offered in bundles that contain a few samples of Nespresso capsules and milk frother which could save you money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
Most pod machines have a similar brewing process - you place a capsule in then press a button and the coffee pours out. However, every now and then a machine comes along that is a complete blow to the water, such as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It uses a different system for capsules, locking them into place inside a portafilter-like handle. This lets the machine produce an espresso similar to what you'd find 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, high-quality
coffee capsule machine beans. Each capsule contains an exact amount of espresso ground, which is then brewed using a unique two-stage process to create a rich crema. The extraction takes place entirely within the capsule, which means that the coffee and machine never come into contact and cleaning up is easy.
This coffee maker includes a Pannarello Steam Wand to make milky drinks like cappuccino or macchiato latte. Its unique design, created by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to be a standout in your kitchen. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, especially when using the steam wand. This is because excess air can hinder the flow of hot water, which prevents the machine from working effectively. If this happens, you'll have to wait a couple of minutes before making another cup of coffee to allow the air to let go.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most sought-after pod coffee machines available on the market. Its small dimensions, attractive price tag and user-friendly interface are the main reasons for buying. Does this machine meet the standards set by its parent company's? We tested it out at The
coffee machine capsule Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, however it isn't sacrificing the performance. It can make drinks with just a single press of a button. It reads the barcode on the DISC to determine what drink to prepare. It also sets the proper amount of the froth and water in each drink by using Intellibrew Technology to produce an outstanding result every time.
It's easy to use - simply insert the desired T DISC, and select the size of your drink. There are 40 different drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk jug that can be used for making cappuccinos or lattes. It takes only three seconds to warm up and it has an auto-shutoff after five minutes.
It's easy to clean too thanks to a cleverly designed descaler that slots into the side of the machine. This is a different process however it's very quick and easy.
As an added bonus, if you register your Vivy with Bosch, you'll get a discount on your first order of T DISCs and receive personalized offers, suggestions and advice. You'll also be able monitor the health of your machine and see how much water it has been using. Registering your machine is also recommended when you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a well-known brand with a long history and is a one of the leaders in the coffee industry. It was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is run by his descendants and spans across the world. The family-owned company has a long tradition of innovation and is famous for its premium espresso made from nine different types of Arabica bean.
The company is committed to sustainability, and has implemented numerous initiatives to to protect the environment. They also ensure that their products are as environmentally friendly as they can. They have concentrated on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and utilizing renewable energy sources. They have also worked to promote regenerative agriculture and have a strong focus on improving their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, illycaffe is also determined to help their employees succeed. They have invested in programs that offer training and professional development for their staff and they have developed an "university of coffee" that helps to educate 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 B-Corp certification. This is an international designation that recognizes businesses that are committed to ethics and a sense of purpose. The company also introduced its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and was recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical companies for the past seven years. The company has been dedicated to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people alike They have an unshakeable belief that it is up to everyone to play their part.