One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have an undeserved reputation for their watery, under-strength drinks. The best ones are much more than that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods instead of the dreaded K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It offers a variety of capsule options and is easy to personalize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This combination drip-and-single-serve coffee maker offers the best features of all the models we tested. It comes with a 12-cup carafe which brews grounds in the traditional way and single-serve that can accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe has a programmable clock as well as an "strong setting" that produces more flavor. It has an adjustable frother that folds away and is built into the carafe for cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces per hour with any size of K-Cup, reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup or ground coffee (a separate water tank is also included). It is based on Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system and scans the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine settings for the perfect cup every time. It's faster than a leading Keurig model at making a full-sized pot of brew with its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced features like a 24 hour brew start, brew strength control and auto shutoff.
The device is easy to use despite the fact it has two operating modes. It also cleans up easily. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles and mesh filter can be easily removed for cleaning. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space however, it's an excellent alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.
This simple cold brew maker is a budget pick that delivers a smooth and flavorful cup. It can create 12 cups at a time and has a programmable clock as well as an integrated milk frother and a coffee filter that is reusable. It also has a huge reservoir of water and a glass carafe for hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is an excellent option to consider if you're already a fan of the pod coffee machines but want to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso's newest espresso machine is sleek, efficient and has the ability to make five different drinks in one sleek, compact chassis. It's also on sale now, making it a great option for anyone with a budget.
The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is easy to use, using an adjustable button that automatically adjusts to the type capsule you're using. It utilizes the patented Nespresso pods that feature barcodes that inform the machine which type of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures you get the correct temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods also spin rapidly during brewing, creating a decadent layer of foam, referred to as crema, which is usually found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only downsides to the VertuoLine is that it's a bit louder than other pod machines and that you can't reuse the capsules that you've used. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules is recyclable, so you can recycle the capsules at your local UPS store or Nespresso's website.
The machine is also expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you consider the cost of buying the pods. If you're already a pod coffee fan, this is an affordable price to pay for consistent barista style results. Additionally, you can add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make lattes and cappuccinos. It's also offered in bundles that contain a few sample packs of the Nespresso capsules as well as milk frother, which can help you save money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines use a similar brewing process - you simply insert a capsule and press a button, and the coffee is brewed. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that eschew convention. It uses a different system for capsules that lock them in place in a portafilter-like handle. The machine produces espresso that is as good as the one you can get in cafes, without the mess and fuss of a traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible with only Illy MIE pods which are made of top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule has a precise amount of espresso ground that is brewed in a two-stage process. This creates a rich crema. The extraction happens entirely within the capsule, which means that the machine and the coffee do not come into contact, and clean-up is easy.
This coffee pod machine comes with a Pannarello Steam Wand for making milky drinks such as cappuccino and latte Macchiato. Its unique design, designed by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to be a standout in your kitchen. Its round but slender forms and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 1960s while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
This machine requires more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is because excess air can stop the flow of hot water, preventing the machine from functioning effectively. You'll need to wait for some time before making a second coffee to let the excess air go.
4. coffee pods coffee machine is one of the most well-known pod coffee machines available on the market. The small dimensions, attractive pricing, and user-friendly are major reasons to buy. Does this machine meet the high standards set by its parent company's? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to find out.
The Vivy is one of the simplest pod coffee machines on the market however it doesn't compromise on performance. It makes drinks with the press of a single button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC to know which drink it has to create. It also automatically adjusts the proper amount of froth and water for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to ensure an excellent result every time.
It's very easy to use - just insert the desired T disc and choose 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 automatically shuts off after five minutes to save energy.
The descaler has been designed to slot into the side of the machine. This is a separate process, but it's quick and simple.
If you register your Vivy, you'll receive a discount on your first order of T-DISCs along with customized offers, tips and recommendations. You can also keep track of the condition of your machine and find out how much it's been used. It's worth registering your machine as soon as you buy it, also.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a leading player in the world of coffee and an iconic heritage brand, is a global leader. The company was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still run by his descendants. It is a global company. The family-owned and operated company has a long track record of innovating within the field, and is known for its premium quality espresso, which is made from 9 different varieties of Arabica beans.
The company is committed to sustainability, and has implemented a number initiatives to help to protect the environment. They also make sure that their products are as environmentally friendly as is possible. They have a particular focus on energy efficiency, and are determined to reduce their carbon footprint, and also the use of renewable energies. They also promote the practice of regenerative agriculture and are focusing on improving their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, illycaffe is also determined to help their employees achieve. They have invested in programs to provide training and professional development for their employees, and they have also developed a "university of coffee" which helps educate consumers and professionals on how to get the best possible cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company that has earned an B Corp certification. This designation is awarded to companies who prioritize ethics and have a mission. The company also recently launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods, and they have been named one of the World's most ethical companies over the past seven years. The company has been committed to proving that sustainable quality can be beneficial to the environment and for people as well, and they have the conviction that it is the responsibility of everyone to do their part.