The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Best Pod Coffee Machine
One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have a bit of an unfair reputation for watery, under-strength drinks. The best coffee pod machine ones are much more than that.
The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods made from treated polypropylene cups which are designed to break down in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It has a variety of capsules and is simple to personalize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the top pod coffee makers on the market, this combination single-serve and drip models offer the best Pod coffee machine blend of features we tested. It comes with a 12-cup carafe which brews grounds in the traditional way and a single-serve that accepts any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe side comes with an adjustable timer as well as an "strong" setting that produces more flavor than standard settings. It also comes with a foldaway, built-in frother to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces per hour with any size of K-Cup and reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup, or ground coffee (a separate water tank is also included). It uses Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system and reads the barcode on each pod to adjust machine's settings to make an ideal cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's quicker at making full-pots of brew than Keurig's top-rated. It also has advanced features, like a 24 hour start time, brew intensity control and an automatic shutoff.
The device is simple to use despite the fact that it comes with two operating modes. It also cleans easily. The pod adapter that is reusable, needles and mesh filter can be easily removed to clean. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space however it's a great alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This simple cold brew machine is a great value option that produces a smooth and flavorful cup. It can create 12 cups at a time and comes with a programmable clock, an integrated milk frother as well as a coffee filter that can be reused. It comes with a large reservoir of water as well as a glass carafe that can hold hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great option for those who are already a fan of the pod coffee maker coffee machines but want to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso’s newest espresso maker is sleek, efficient and can make five different drinks on one chassis. It's even on sale right now, making it a great choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine Next heats up very quickly and is extremely simple to use with a single-use button that automatically adapts to the type of capsule you're using. It utilizes patented Nespresso capsules with an identifier on them that tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, ensuring you have the right temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The capsules spin quickly while brewing to create a layer of foam known as crema. It is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine's biggest drawback is that it's more loud than other pod-machines and you aren't able to reuse the capsules. Fortunately the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable and you can drop them off at the local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for no cost and they'll take them back to recycle.
The machine is pricey when it is compared to other pod makers in particular when you consider the cost of 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 the Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make cappuccinos and lattes. It is also available in bundles, which contain some samples of Nespresso pods and a frother. This will make it cheaper to buy the machine in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
Most pod machines have a similar brewing process - you insert a capsule then press a button and the coffee is brewed. But every now and then, a device comes along that is a complete blow to the water, as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It uses a different system for capsules and locks them in a portafilter-like handle. This lets the machine create an espresso that's as good as you'd get at a cafe, however 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 beans. Each capsule is stocked with a precise amount of ground espresso, which is brewed in a two-stage process. This creates a rich crema. The extraction is performed entirely inside the capsule. This means that the machine and the coffee machines capsules are never in contact. Cleaning up is a breeze.
This coffee pod machine also has an Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks like cappuccino and latte macchiato. The distinctive design of this machine, designed by famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold design statement in your living space. Its slender, round shapes and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly merging modern technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is because excess air can hinder the flow of hot water, which can prevent the machine from working efficiently. You will need to wait a few moments before preparing another cup of coffee in order to let the excess air out.
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 ease of use are among the major selling points. Does this tiny machine meet the high standards set by its parent company's standards? We went for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is one of the simplest pod coffee machines available however it doesn't sacrifice on performance. It can make drinks with the press of a single button, by reading a unique barcode on each T DISC to know which drink it needs to create. It also automatically sets the right amount of froth and water for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to achieve an outstanding result every time.
It's very easy to use - just insert the desired T DISC and select the size of your drink. The Vivy offers 40 different drinks, as well as a milk jug to make cappuccinos or lattes. It takes only three seconds to warm up and automatically shuts off after five minutes to save energy.
The descaler is cleverly designed to fit into the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the procedure is simple and quick.
As a bonus, if you register your Vivy through Bosch, you'll get an extra discount on your first purchase of T DISCs. You'll also receive personalized offers, recommendations and suggestions. You can also track the status of your machine, and see how much it has been used. Registering your machine is also an excellent idea as soon as you purchase it.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a well-known heritage brand that is a leader in the coffee industry. The company was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still operated by his descendants. It is a global company. The family-owned business has a long history of innovation and is famous for its top-quality espresso that is made from nine different types of Arabica bean.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a range of initiatives to protect the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally friendly as possible. They have concentrated on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions as well as using renewable energy sources. They also have worked to promote regenerative farming, and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, illycaffe is committed to helping their employees succeed. They have invested in programs that offer training and professional development for their staff and they have created a "university of coffee" which helps educate both professionals and consumers on how to get the most optimal cup of coffee.
In addition to all of this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to be awarded a B-Corp certification, which is an international certification that recognizes businesses that are committed to ethics and a sense of mission. The company has also launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods, and has been named one of the world's most ethical companies for the last seven years. The company has been committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can make a difference for both the environment and people and has an unshakeable belief that it is up to everyone to play their part.