A Vibrant Rant About Best Pod Coffee Machine
A Vibrant Rant About Best Pod Coffee Machine
Blog Article
One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often criticized for making watery, weak drinks. Fortunately, the best pods are more than that.
The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods, made from treated polypropylene cups which are supposed to degrade in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also has bundles of capsule options as well as easy customization.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This combination drip-and-single-serve coffee maker has the best features of the models we tested. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional ground coffee and one-serve side that will accept any kind of K-Cup Keurig-like, reusable or Keurig pod. The carafe's side features an adjustable timer and an "strong" setting that gives more flavor than the normal settings. It also comes with an adjustable frother that folds away and is built into the carafe to make capspuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side brews 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 provided). It utilizes Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and reads the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's more efficient in brewing full-pots than a leading Keurig. It also has advanced features like a 24-hour start time, brew intensity control and an automatic shutoff.
It's easy to use, despite having two different operating modes, and the cleaning process is fairly easy. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles can be removed for cleaning and the filter can be washed in the sink. The unit is a bit heavy and bulky for counter space but it's a great option for those who prefer the convenience of pods or the flexibility of coffee ground.
This simple cold brew maker is a great value option that produces a smooth and flavorful cup. It can make 12 cups at a time and comes with a programmable clock and a milk frother that is integrated and a coffee filter that is reusable. It has a large tank of water and a glass carafe to hold hot brews.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
This is a great option to consider if you're already a fan of the pod coffee machines but want to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso's new espresso machine is sleek, fast and can create five different drinks from one sleek, compact chassis. It's on sale now which makes it a great choice for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine next heats up quickly and is easy to use, with an adjustable button that automatically adjusts to the type capsule you are using. It makes use of patent-pending Nespresso pods with barcodes that inform the machine what kind of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures that you get the correct temperature and pressure for every drink. The pods spin rapidly when they are brewing to create a layer of foam known as crema that is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawback is that it's louder than other pod machines and that you cannot reuse capsules. Fortunately, the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable and you can drop them off at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for free and they'll take them back to reuse.
The machine is costly when contrasted with other pod machines particularly when you add the cost of the pods. If, however, you've already convinced of the benefits of pod coffee, it's a small price to pay for consistent results that resemble baristas. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make lattes or cappuccinos. It's also available as bundles that include a few sample packs of the Nespresso capsules and milk frother that can save you money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
Most pod machines have a similar brewing process - you place a capsule in, press a button and the coffee pours out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that defy the rules of. It has a unique system for capsules that locks them into a portafilter handle. This allows the machine to make an espresso that is like you would get at a cafe, however without the hassle and mess of a traditional espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with only Illy MIE pods which are made of premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule is stocked with a precise amount of espresso ground that is brewed in a two-stage process. This results in a thick crema. The extraction happens entirely capsule coffee makers inside the capsule, which means that the coffee and machine never meet, and clean-up is easy.
The coffee pod also comes with a Pannarello steam wand that can be used to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and macchiato latte. The unique design of this coffee machine, created by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold design statement in your home. Its slim but round shapes and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 60s, while seamlessly integrating advanced technology.
One downside of this machine is that it needs some extra attention than other models, particularly when you use the steam wand. The reason for this is that the excess air can sometimes stop the flow of hot water, which can prevent the machine from functioning properly. If this happens, you'll need to wait a few minutes before making another cup of coffee to allow the excess air to let go.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most sought-after coffee machines on the market. The small dimensions as well as the attractive pricing and the ease of use are important selling points. But can this tiny machine live up to the high standards set by its parent company? We took it for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.
The Vivy is a simple pod coffee maker, but it isn't sacrificing performance. It can make drinks with the push of a button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC in order to determine which drink it has to make. It also sets the correct amount for water and froth in each drink using Intellibrew Technology to produce the best results every time.
It's easy to use - simply insert the desired T disc and select the size of your drink. There are 40 different drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk jug for making cappuccinos or lattes. It takes just three seconds to warm and automatically shuts off after five minutes, to save energy.
The descaler has been designed to fit into the side of your machine. This is a separate process, but it's quick and simple.
If you register your Vivy, you'll receive a discount for your first order of T-DISCs along with specific offers, tips and suggestions. You can also monitor the condition of your machine and see how much it has been used. It is a good idea when you purchase it.
5. illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a renowned brand with a long history and is a leader in the coffee industry. Founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company continues to be managed by his descendants and is spread across the world. The family-owned business has a history of innovation and is renowned for its premium espresso made from nine different varieties of Arabica bean.
The company is committed to sustainability, and has taken a variety of initiatives to help preserve the environment. They also make sure that their products are as eco-friendly as possible. They have a particular focus on energy efficiency, and are determined to reduce their carbon footprint and the use of renewable energies. They also promote the practice of regenerative agriculture and are focusing on improving their water resources.
Illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their commitment to assist their employees in achieving success. They have invested in programs that offer training and professional development for their employees and they have created an "university of coffee" which helps educate both professionals and consumers about how to enjoy the most optimal cup of coffee.
In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to be awarded the B-Corp designation, which is an international designation that recognizes companies that prioritize ethics and a sense of purpose. The company also introduced its first line of Nespresso compatible Pods and been named one of the top 10 World's Ethical companies for the past seven year. The company is committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can make a difference for the environment and people alike, and they have a strong belief that it is the responsibility of everyone to play their part.