A Provocative Rant About Best Pod Coffee Machine
One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are frequently criticized for producing watery, weak drinks. The best pods are more than that.
The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods instead of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It has a variety of capsule options and is simple to personalize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the best pod coffee makers on the market, this combination single-serve and drip models offer the best blend of features we tested. It has a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional ground coffee and a single-serve side that accepts any type of K-Cup Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe's side features an adjustable timer as well as a "strong" setting that produces more flavor than the standard settings. It also has a built-in, foldaway 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 reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate reservoir for water is also included). It makes use of Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and scans the barcode of each pod 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 thanks to its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced features like a 24 hour brew start time, brew strength control, and auto shutoff.
It's simple to use, despite having two different operating modes, and the cleaning is pretty easy. The reusable pod adapter, needles and mesh filter are easily removed for cleaning. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space, but it's a great option for anyone who needs the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.
This budget-friendly cold brew machine produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It comes with a programmable timer, a built-in milk frother and a reusable filter, and can make 12 cups of java in one go. It also has a huge water reservoir and a glass carafe to serve hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already bought in to the pod coffee machine trend and want to upgrade from the Keurig-style machine you have this is a great alternative. Nespresso's newest espresso machine is sleek, fast and can make five different drinks on one sleek, compact chassis. It's currently on sale and is a great choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine Next can be heated up quickly and is extremely easy to use, with a single button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of patent-pending Nespresso pods with barcodes that inform the machine what kind of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you have the right temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods spin rapidly when they are brewing to create a layer of foam called crema, which is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.
The only downsides to the VertuoLine is that it's more loud than other pod machines, and that you can't reuse used capsules. Fortunately the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable, so you can drop them off at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for free and they'll return them to reuse.
The machine is expensive when compared to other pod machines, especially if you include the cost of the pods. If you're already a pod coffee fan, the cost is an affordable price to be paid for consistently barista style results. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for cappuccinos and lattes. You can also purchase it in bundles, which include a few samples of the Nespresso pods as well as a coffee maker. This will make it cheaper to buy the machine in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is about brewing, most pod machines use the same format: capsules are placed on the top, you press a button, and the coffee oozes out. But 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 has a unique system for capsules that bind them into the portafilter handle. The machine can produce espresso that is as good as the one you can get in a cafe without the hassle and mess of an espresso machine that is traditional.
The X7.1 is compatible with only illy MIE pods, which are made of premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule is stocked with precisely proportioned amounts of espresso that is then brewed with a specific two-stage process to create a thick and rich crema. The extraction process is completely inside the capsule, so the coffee and machine never meet, and clean-up is a breeze.
This coffee pod machine includes a Pannarello Steam Wand for making milky beverages like cappuccino or latte Macchiato. The unique design, developed by famed 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 '60s and seamlessly integrates modern technology.
The only drawback to this machine is that it requires a little more focus than other models, particularly when you use the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can block the steam from flowing properly making it impossible for the machine to continue working. If this happens, you'll need to wait a couple of minutes before preparing another coffee to allow the air to escape.
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 all big selling points. Does this tiny machine meet the standards set by the parent company? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to find out.
The Vivy is one of the most simple pod coffee machines on the market however it doesn't compromise on performance. It can make drinks with just a simple press of a button. It reads a barcode on the T DisC to determine the type of drink to prepare. It also automatically adjusts the correct amount of water and froth for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to ensure the best results every time.
This makes it easy to operate - just insert the desired T DISC and choose the desired drink size. The Vivy offers 40 different drinks, as well as an milk jug that can be used to make cappuccinos or lattes. It takes only three seconds to warm up and automatically shuts off after five minutes, to save energy.
It's very easy to clean thanks to a cleverly designed descaler that fits into the side of the machine. This is a different process, but it's quick and simple.
If you sign up your Vivy, you will receive a discount on your first T-DISCs order, along with personalized offers, tips and suggestions. You'll also be able keep track of the condition of your machine, and also see how much water it has been using. It's worth registering your machine as soon as you buy it, too.
5. illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is an iconic brand with a long history and is a leader in the coffee industry. It was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is still managed by his descendants and is spread across the globe. The family-owned business has a history of innovation and is known for its premium espresso made from nine different types of Arabica bean.
The company is committed to sustainability, and has implemented a number initiatives to help to protect the environment. They also ensure that their products are as environmentally friendly as is possible. They have concentrated on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and also utilizing renewable energy sources. They have also worked to promote regenerative farming, 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 thrive. coffee capsules machines have invested in training programs for their employees, and have created a "university" of coffee that educates consumers and professionals alike on how to make the perfect cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to earn an B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies that are committed to ethics and have a mission. The company has also launched its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and has been named as one of the world's most Ethical companies for the past seven years. The company is committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment as well as people. They believe that everyone has a responsibility to play.