10 Tell-Tale Signs You Must See To Find A New Best Pod Coffee Machine
One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often accused of making watery, weak drinks. The top ones are more than just that.
The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods instead of the dreaded K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It also offers a range of capsule options and easy customization.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This coffee maker that is a combination of drip and single-serve offers the best features of all the models we have 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 and an "strong" setting that provides more flavor than the normal settings. It also comes with a built-in, foldaway frother to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve version can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at once using any size K-Cup, or a the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate water reservoir is included). It uses Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and reads the barcode of each pod to adjust machine settings. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's faster at brewing full pots than Keurig's top-rated. It also has advanced features, like a 24 hour start, brew intensity controls and automatic shutoff.
It's easy to use, despite having two different modes of operation, and cleaning process is fairly easy. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles are easily removed for cleaning and the mesh filter is washable in your sink. The device is heavy and bulky for counter space but it's an excellent option for those who want the convenience of pods, or the flexibility of coffee ground.
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 at once. It has a large reservoir of water, as well as a glass carafe to hold hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already bought in to the pod coffee machine trend and want to upgrade from your Keurig-style machine, this is an excellent alternative. Nespresso's latest espresso machine is sleek, efficient and can make five different drinks on one sleek, compact machine. It's on sale now making it an excellent choice for any budget.
The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is simple to use, with an automatic button that adjusts to the type capsule you are using. It uses patented Nespresso capsules with a barcode which tells the machine what kind of espresso or coffee it is, making sure you have the right temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The capsules spin fast during brewing, creating an emulsion known as crema that is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine's only downside is that it's louder than other pod-machines and you can't reuse capsules. Fortunately, the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable, so you can drop them off at the local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for free, and they'll take them back to reuse.
The machine is pricey when compared to other pod machines, especially if you include the cost of the pods. If you're already a coffee pod lover, it's a small amount 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's also available in bundles that include a few sample packs of the Nespresso capsules and milk frothers which could save you money in the beginning.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is time to brew, the majority of pod machines adhere to the same format: a capsule goes in the top, you press a button and the coffee is poured out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of those machines that defies the norm. It uses a different system for capsules that lock them in place inside a portafilter-like handle. The machine can produce espresso that is as good as the one you can get in cafes, without the hassle and mess of a traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible only with Illy MIE pods that are made from top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule contains an exact amount of ground espresso that is brewed using two stages. This results in a thick crema. The extraction takes place completely inside the capsule, meaning that the machine and coffee never meet and cleanup is easy.
The coffee pod comes with a Pannarello Steam Wand to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and macchiato latte. The unique design of this machine, created by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold design statement in your home. Its round but slender forms and soft-touch buttons evoke the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 60s and seamlessly integrates modern technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can prevent the hot water from flowing correctly and stop the machine from working. You'll need to wait for some time before making another cup of coffee to let the air go.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most adored coffee makers available. The compact dimensions, attractive pricing and user-friendly are major reasons to buy. Does this little machine meet the high standards set by the parent company? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is one of the most simple pod coffee machine s on the market however it doesn't compromise on performance. It makes drinks with the touch of a single button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC to know which drink it needs to make. It also determines the right amount for water and froth in each drink by using Intellibrew Technology to produce an excellent outcome every time.
This makes it very easy to use - just insert the desired T DISC and choose the desired drink size. There are 40 different drinks to choose from and the Vivy comes with a milk container for making cappuccinos or lattes. It takes just three seconds to warm and automatically shuts off after five minutes to save energy.
It's very easy to clean too using a cleverly-designed descaler that fits into the side of the machine. This is a separate procedure however it's fast and easy.
If you sign up for your Vivy, you will receive a discount on your first order of T-DISCs, as well as customized offers, tips and suggestions. You can also keep track of the condition of your machine and find out how much it's been used. Registering your machine is a good idea as soon as you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is an iconic heritage brand that is a an industry leader in the field of coffee. The company was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still managed by his descendants. It has a presence across the globe. The family-owned business has a long history of innovation and is renowned for its premium espresso made using nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
The company is committed to sustainability, and has implemented numerous initiatives to help to protect the environment. They also ensure that their products are as eco-friendly as possible. They have concentrated on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions and also utilizing renewable energy sources. They also promote regenerative farming and are focused on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, illycaffe is determined to help their employees thrive. They have invested in training programs for their employees and have created a "university" of coffee to train both consumers and professionals on how to make the most delicious cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company to be awarded a B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies that are committed to ethics and a sense of purpose. The company has also launched its first line of Nespresso compatible Pods and been recognized as one of the World's Most ethical companies for the last seven year. The company has been dedicated to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit both the environment and people and has a strong belief that it is the responsibility of everyone to do their part.