12 Best Pod Coffee Machine Facts To Make You Look Smart Around The Water Cooler
One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have a bit of an undeserved reputation for their the watery, weak drinks. However, the top pods can offer much more than that.
The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods instead of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It also offers a range of capsules and simple customization.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
One of the best pod coffee makers available on the market, this combination drip and single-serve model offers the best blend of features that we have tested. It comes with a 12-cup carafe which brews grounds in the traditional manner and one-serve that will accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe side has an adjustable timer and it has a "strong" setting that gives more flavor than the normal settings. It comes with an easy-to-folding frother that's built into the carafe to make cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces per hour using any size K-Cup and reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup, or ground coffee (a separate water tank is provided). It is based on Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which analyzes the barcode on each pod to adjust machine settings for a perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's faster at brewing full pots than the Keurig that is the most popular. It also has advanced features such as a 24-hour start, brew intensity control, and automatic shutoff.
It's easy to use, despite having two operating modes, and cleaning process is fairly easy. The reusable pod adapter, needles and mesh filter can be easily removed for cleaning. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space however, it's an excellent option for anyone who needs the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This low-cost cold brew machine creates a smooth, delicious cup. It can create 12 cups at a time and features a programmable timer, 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
If you're already bought in to the trend of pod coffee machines and would like to upgrade the Keurig-style machine you have this is a great alternative. Nespresso's newest espresso machine is sleek, fast and can create five different drinks from one compact, sleek chassis. It's also on sale now, making it a great option for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is extremely simple to use, with a single button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It uses the patented Nespresso pods that have a barcode to tell the machine which kind of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you have the right temperature and pressure for every drink. The pods also spin rapidly when brewing, creating an exquisite layer of foam, also known as crema, that is usually found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawback is that it's louder than other pod-machines and that you cannot reuse the capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules is recyclable, which means you can recycle them at your local UPS store or on Nespresso's website.
The machine is also pretty expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you consider the cost of purchasing the pods. If you're already a pod coffee fan, the cost is a small amount to pay for consistent barista style results. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make cappuccinos and lattes. You can also buy it in bundles that include some of the Nespresso pods as well as a frother. This will help you save money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it comes to brewing, most pod machines use the same pattern - capsules are placed on the top and you press a button, and the coffee is poured out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of those machines that defies convention. It has a unique system for capsules that bind them into the portafilter handle. This lets the machine produce an espresso similar to what you'd find in a cafe, but without the hassle and mess that comes with a traditional espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE capsules which are made from premium coffee beans of the highest quality. Each capsule is stocked with a precise dose of espresso that is then brewed using a unique two-stage process to create an intense crema. The extraction takes place entirely inside the capsule, meaning that the coffee and machine never meet and cleanup is easy.
This machine also comes with a Pannarello steam wand for making milky drinks like cappuccino and macchiato latte. The unique design of this coffee machine, created by renowned 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 integrating modern technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is because excessive air can prevent the hot water from flowing properly and stop the machine from functioning. You will need to wait several minutes before making another cup of coffee to let the air out.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most well-known pod coffee machines on the market. Its compact dimensions, attractive price and user-friendly interface are among the major selling points. But does this little machine live up to the high standards set by the parent company? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to find out.
The Vivy is a basic pod coffee machine, but it isn't sacrificing its performance. It can make drinks with a simple press of a button. Coffeee scans an image of a barcode on the DisC to determine the type of drink to prepare. It also sets the correct amount for water and froth in every drink using Intellibrew technology to ensure an excellent outcome every time.
This makes it very easy to operate - just insert the desired T DISC and select the desired drink size. The Vivy comes with 40 different drinks and a milk jug for making cappuccinos or lattes. It takes only three seconds to heat up and shuts off automatically after five minutes.
It's very easy to clean, too using a cleverly-designed descaler that slides into the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the procedure is quick and simple.
If you sign up your Vivy, you will get a discount on your first order of T-DISCs as well as customized offers, tips and recommendations. You'll also be able to keep track of the condition of your machine, and also see the amount of water it has been using. It is a good idea to register your machine when you purchase it, as well.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a renowned brand with a long history and is a an industry leader in the field of coffee. The company was established 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 high-quality espresso crafted from nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
The company is also committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives that help to safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as eco sustainable as they can be. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint as well as using renewable energy sources. They have also been working to promote regenerative agriculture and are focusing on improving their water resources.
illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their desire to assist their employees in achieving success. They have invested in training programs for their employees and have created a "university" of coffee that educates professionals and consumers alike on how to make the perfect cup of coffee.
In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to be awarded a B-Corp certification, which is an international certification which recognizes companies that value ethics and a sense of purpose. 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 has been dedicated to proving that sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people alike They have the conviction that it is up to everyone to take action.