One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have a bit of an undeserved reputation for their watery, under-strength drinks. The best ones are much more than just that.
The illy Bruvi utilizes B-Pods instead of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It offers a variety of capsule options and is easy to customise.
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 best combination of features in our test. It comes with an insulated 12-cup carafe that is brewed in the traditional manner and one-serve that will accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe has a programmable clock and it has a "strong setting" that gives you more flavor. It has an easy-to-folding frother that's integrated into the carafe to serve lattes and capspuccinos.
The single-serve side is able to brew up to 18 ounces per hour with any size of K-Cup and reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup, or ground coffee (a separate water tank is also included). It makes use of Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and analyzes the barcodes of each pod to adjust machine settings. It's quicker than the 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, brew strength control and auto shutoff.
The device is simple to use despite the fact that it has two operating modes. It also cleans up easily. The reusable pod adapter, needles and mesh filter can be easily removed to clean. It's a bit bulky and heavy for counter space however, it's an excellent option for anyone who wants the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.
This simple cold brew maker is a budget-friendly option that delivers a smooth and flavorful cup. It can make 12 cups at once and features a programmable timer, an integrated milk frother as well as an coffee filter that is reusable. It comes with a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe that can hold hot beverages.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is an excellent option for those who are already a fan of pod coffee machines but want to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso’s newest espresso maker is stylish, fast and can create five different drinks with one chassis. It's also on sale now, making it a great option for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine next heats up quickly and is simple to use, using an automatic button that adjusts to the type of capsule you are using. It utilizes patent-pending Nespresso capsules with an identifier on them that informs the machine of what kind of espresso or coffee it is, ensuring you have the right temperature and pressure for each drink. The capsules spin fast when they are brewing to create the foam, also known as crema that 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 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 no cost and they'll return them to reuse.
The machine is also pretty expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you consider the cost of purchasing the pods. If you're already a pod coffee fan, this is a small amount to pay for consistent barista style results. Additionally, you can add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for cappuccinos and lattes. It's also available as bundles that contain a few samples of Nespresso capsules and milk frothers which could save you money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it comes to brewing, most pod machines adhere to the same format: capsules are placed in the top and you press a button, and the coffee oozes out. However, every now and then a device comes along that blows convention out of the water, like is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It uses a unique system for capsules that lock them into a portafilter handle. This allows the machine to make an espresso that is as good as you'd get in a cafe, but without all of the fuss and mess that comes with a traditional espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules that are made of premium, high-quality coffee beans. Each capsule contains an exact amount of ground espresso, which is brewed in two stages. This creates a rich crema. The extraction process is completely inside the capsule, which means that the coffee and machine never come into contact, and clean-up is easy.
This machine also has an Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and macchiato latte. The unique design of this machine, created by renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold statement in your home. Its slender, round shapes and soft-touch buttons are like traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly merging modern technology.
This machine requires more attention, especially when using the steam wand. The reason for this is that too much air can prevent the hot water from flowing correctly and stop the machine from working. If this happens, you'll need to wait for a few minutes before making another cup of coffee to allow the air to be released.
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 compact dimensions, attractive price and user-friendly interface are the main reasons for buying. Does this tiny machine meet the high standards set by its parent company's? We took it for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ pod capsule coffee machine to find out.
The Vivy is among the most simple pod coffee machines available, but it doesn't skimp on performance. It can make drinks with the press of a single button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC in order to determine which drink it has to create. It also automatically determines the correct amount of froth and water for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to achieve the best results every time.
This makes it easy to operate - just insert the desired T DISC and select the desired drink size. The Vivy comes with 40 different drinks and a milk jug for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to warm and shuts off automatically after five minutes, to save energy.
It's easy to clean too thanks to a cleverly designed descaler that slides 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 and Bosch, you'll receive a discount on your first purchase of T DISCs. You'll also receive personalised offers, recommendations and advice. You'll also be able track the status of your machine and see the amount of water it has been using. It is a good idea to register your machine when you purchase it, too.
5. Illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a market leader in the coffee market and iconic heritage brand, is a global leader. Established in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company continues to be operated by his children and spans the world. The family-owned and operated company has a long tradition of innovating in the industry, and is renowned for its top quality espresso, which is made from 9 different varieties of Arabica beans.
The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented numerous initiatives to help preserve the environment. They also ensure that their products are as eco-friendly as they can. They have concentrated on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions as well as using renewable energy sources. They have also worked to promote regenerative farming, and are focusing on improving their water resources.
In addition to their commitments to sustainability, illycaffe is determined to help their employees achieve. They have invested in programs to provide training and professional development for their staff, and they have also created a "university of coffee" that assists in educating both professionals and consumers on how to get the best possible cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to be awarded the B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies who prioritize 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 is committed to demonstrating that sustainable quality can be beneficial to the environment and for people as well, and they have a strong belief that it is up to everyone to take action.