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 that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods instead of K-Cups or Nespresso pods coffee machines. It also offers a range of capsule options and easy customization.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the best pod coffee makers available on the market, this combination single-serve and drip model has the most comprehensive set of features we tested. It has a 12-cup carafe which is brewed in the traditional manner and single-serve that can accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe has a programmable clock as well as a “strong setting” that makes more flavor. It also comes with a built-in, foldaway frother for lattes and cappuccinos.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces at a time with any size of K-Cup and the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup, or ground coffee (a separate water tank is also included). It makes use of Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and reads the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine’s settings. It’s more efficient than a top Keurig model in brewing a full pot thanks to its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced features like a 24 hour brew start, brew strength control and auto shutoff.
It’s easy to use, despite having two operating modes, and clean-up is relatively painless. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles and mesh filter are easily removed to clean. The unit is a bit heavy and heavy for counter space, however it’s a great choice for those who want the convenience of pods, or the flexibility of coffee ground.
This simple cold brew machine is a great value option that provides a smooth and flavorful cup. It has a programmable timer and a built-in milk froth and a filter that can be reused, and can make 12 cups of java at once. 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 if you are already a fan of pod coffee machines but want to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso’s new espresso maker is stylish, fast, and can make five different drinks with one chassis. It’s currently on sale and is a great choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine is then able to heat up quickly and is easy to use, using a button that adapts automatically to the type of capsule you are using. It utilizes patented Nespresso pods that feature an identifier barcode that tells the machine which type of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures that you get the right temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods spin quickly when brewing, creating an indulgence-inducing layer of foam, also known as crema, which is usually found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine’s only downside is that it’s more loud than other pod-machines and you aren’t able to reuse the capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules is recyclable, so you can recycle them at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website.
The machine is expensive when contrasted with other pod machines, especially if you include the cost of the pods. If you’ve already bought in to the benefits of pod coffee, it’s a low cost to pay for consistent, barista-style results. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make lattes or cappuccinos. It is also available in bundles that include some samples of Nespresso pods as well as a frother. This will save you money up front.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
The majority of pod machines have the same brewing procedure – you simply insert a capsule, press a button and the coffee comes out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of those machines that defies convention. It uses a unique system for capsules that locks them into the portafilter handle. The machine can produce espresso that is as good as the one you can get in a cafe, but without the mess and fuss of an espresso machine that is traditional.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules which are made from premium, high-quality coffee beans. Each capsule coffee machine has precisely proportions of ground espresso that is brewed using a two-stage process. This produces a rich crema. The extraction process is entirely inside the capsule, so the machine and the coffee do not come into contact and cleanup is a breeze.
This coffee pod machine also has a Pannarello steam wand for making milky drinks, such as cappuccino or latte macchiato. Its unique design, created by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to be a standout in your kitchen. Its round, slender shapes and soft-touch buttons are like classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly integrating modern technology.
This machine requires more attention, especially when using the steam wand. This is because excessive air can block the steam from flowing properly making it impossible for the machine to continue working. You will need to wait a few moments before preparing another cup of coffee in order to let the excess air escape.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most sought-after pod coffee machines on the market. The small size, attractive pricing, and the ease of use are important selling points. But does this little machine live up to the high standards set by its parent company? We tried it out at The coffee pods coffee machine Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, however it does not sacrifice performance. It makes drinks at the press of a single button, by reading a unique barcode on each T DISC to determine which drink it has to create. It also automatically adjusts the right amount of froth and water for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to achieve the best results every time.
This makes it very easy to use – just insert the desired T DISC and choose your preferred drink size. There are 40 drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk jug that can be used for making lattes or cappuccinos. It only takes three seconds to warm up and it has an auto-shutoff after five minutes.
The descaler is cleverly designed to fit on the side of your machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the procedure is simple and quick.
If you sign up your Vivy, you will get a discount on your first order of T-DISCs, as well as specific offers, tips and advice. You’ll also be in a position to keep track of the condition of your machine and know how much water it has been using. It is a good idea to register your machine as soon as you buy it, also.
5. Illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe, a leader 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 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 also committed to sustainability and has a variety of initiatives that help to safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as eco friendly as possible. They have a particular focus on efficiency in their energy use and are determined to reduce their carbon footprint as well as the use of renewable energy sources. They also have worked to promote regenerative agriculture, and have a particular focus on enhancing their water resources.
illycaffe’s commitment to sustainability is matched by their commitment to help their employees achieve. They have invested in programs that offer training and professional development for their employees and have developed a “university of coffee machines capsules” that helps to educate consumers and professionals alike on how to get the best Pod coffee machine cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company that has earned the B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies that place a high value on ethics and have a mission. The company also recently launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods. They have also been named one of the world’s Most Ethical Companies for the past 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 part to take on.