Who Is Responsible For An Best Pod Coffee Machine Budget? 12 Top Notch Ways To Spend Your Money
One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines have an undeserved reputation for their low-strength, watery drinks. Fortunately, the best pods can provide more than that.
The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods, which are made of treated polypropylene cups that are designed to degrade in landfill (rather than the dreaded K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It offers a variety of capsule options, and it is easy to customize.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This coffee maker that is a combination of drip and single-serve offers the best features of the models we tested. It has a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional grounds and a single-serve side that accepts any kind of K-Cup, Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe's side features an adjustable timer and a "strong" setting that produces more flavor than normal settings. It also has an integrated, fold-away frother for cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can make up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time, using any size K-Cup or reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista cups (a separate reservoir for water is included). It uses Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and analyzes the barcodes of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. It's more efficient than a top Keurig model in brewing a full pot using its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions, including a 24-hour brew start time, brew strength control and auto shutoff.
It's easy to use despite having two different operating modes, and clean-up is relatively painless. The reusable pod adapter, needles and mesh filter are easily removed to clean. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space however, it's an excellent option for anyone who wants the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This low-cost cold brew machine makes a smooth and delicious cup. It can make 12 cups at a time and has a programmable clock as well as an integrated milk frother as well as a coffee filter that can be reused. It has a large reservoir of water as well as glass carafes to hold hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already bought in to the pod coffee machine trend and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig-style machine This is a great option. Nespresso's latest espresso machine is sleek, fast and can create five different drinks from one compact, sleek 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 incredibly easy to use with a single-use button that automatically adapts to the kind of capsule you're using. It uses patented Nespresso pods with a barcode to tell the machine which kind of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures you have the right temperature and pressure for every drink. The pods also spin rapidly when brewing, creating an indulgence-inducing layer of foam, also known as crema, that is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The only drawback is that it's louder than other pod-machines and you aren't able to reuse capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules is recyclable, so you can recycle the capsules at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website.
The machine is also expensive in comparison to other pod coffee machines, especially when you take into account the cost of buying pods. However, if you're already bought in to the advantages of pod coffee, it's only a small cost to pay for consistent results that resemble baristas. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for cappuccinos or lattes. It's also offered in bundles that include samples of Nespresso capsules as well as milk frother, which can save you money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
Most pod machines have the same brewing procedure - you simply insert a capsule, press a button and the coffee pours out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that eschew convention. It utilizes a different mechanism for capsules and locks them in a portafilter-like handle. The machine can make espresso that is similar to what you would get in cafes, without the mess and fuss of a traditional espresso machine.
The X7.1 is compatible with only illy MIE pods that are made from top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule contains an exact amount of espresso that is then brewed using a unique two-stage process to create a rich crema. The extraction is performed entirely inside the capsule. This means that the machine and coffee are not in contact. Cleaning up is an easy task.
This coffee pod machine also has an Pannarello steam wand for making milky drinks, such as cappuccino or macchiato latte. The unique design of this coffee pod machine, designed by famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold statement in your home. Its slender, round shapes and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly mixing modern technology.
This machine requires a bit more attention, especially when using the steam wand. This is because excess air can sometimes block the flow of the hot water, which can prevent the machine from functioning efficiently. It is necessary to wait for a few moments before preparing another cup of coffee to let the excess air escape.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most popular coffee makers available. The small dimensions, attractive pricing and user-friendly are important selling points. But can this tiny machine live up to the high standards set by the company that owns it? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to find out.
The Vivy is among the most simple pod coffee machines available however it doesn't sacrifice 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 sets the proper amount of the froth and water in each drink using Intellibrew technology to ensure an outstanding result every time.
This makes it easy to operate - just insert the desired T DISC and select the size you prefer for your drink. There are 40 drinks to choose from and the Vivy comes with a milk jug for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to warm and automatically shuts off after five minutes to conserve energy.
It's very easy to clean, too, with a cleverly designed descaler that fits into the side of the machine. There are capsule machine coffee for this, but the procedure is easy and quick.
If you register your Vivy, you'll get a discount on your first order of T-DISCs as well as specific 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 used. It's worth registering your machine at the time you purchase it, as well.
5. illycaffe B Pod
illycaffe is a renowned heritage brand that is a leader in the coffee industry. Established in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company continues to be operated by his children and spans 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 also committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives that help to safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally friendly as possible. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint as well as using renewable energy sources. They have also worked to promote regenerative agriculture and have a strong focus on enhancing their water resources.
Illycaffe's commitment towards sustainability is matched by their determination to help their employees achieve. They have invested in programs that provide training and professional development for their staff and they have created an "university of coffee" which helps educate consumers and professionals alike on how to get the best possible cup of coffee.
illycaffe is also the first Italian company that has earned the B Corp certification. This designation is awarded to companies that place a high value on ethics and a purpose. The company also introduced its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and has been recognized as one of the top 10 World's Ethical companies for the past seven year. The company is committed to demonstrating that sustainable quality can benefit the environment and for people as well, and they have a strong belief that it is the responsibility of everyone to take action.