3 Common Reasons Why Your Best Pod Coffee Machine Isn't Performing (And How To Fix It)
3 Common Reasons Why Your Best Pod Coffee Machine Isn't Performing (And How To Fix It)
Blog Article
One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market
Pod coffee machines are often criticized for producing weak, watery drinks. Fortunately, the best pods can provide more than that.
The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods instead of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It has a variety of capsule options, and it is easy to customise.
1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System
This combination drip-and-single-serve coffee maker offers the best features of all the models we've tested. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional ground coffee and one-serve side that will accept any type of K-Cup Keurig-like, reusable or Keurig pod. The carafe comes with a programmable clock as well as an "strong setting" that gives you more flavor. It also has a foldaway, built-in frother for cappuccinos and lattes.
The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces per hour using any size K-Cup and the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cups or ground coffee (a separate water tank is included). It uses Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which reads the barcode on each pod to adjust machine's settings to make an ideal cup every time. It's quicker than the leading Keurig model when it comes to making a full-sized pot of brew 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 cleaning process is fairly easy. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles are easily removed to clean, and the filter can be washed in your sink. It's a bit heavy and heavy for counter space, but it's a great option for anyone who wants the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.
This basic cold brew machine is a budget pick that provides a smooth and flavorful cup. It can make 12 cups at once and comes with a programmable clock, an integrated milk frother as well as a coffee filter that can be reused. It has a large reservoir of water, as well as a glass carafe that can hold hot coffee.
2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next
If you're already bought in to the trend of pod coffee machines and want to upgrade from the Keurig-style machine you have this is a great option. Nespresso's newest espresso machine is sleek, efficient and has the ability to make five different drinks on one sleek, compact machine. It's also on sale now making it an excellent option for those with a tight budget.
The VertuoLine Next can be heated up quickly and is incredibly easy to use by pressing a single button that automatically adapts to the kind of capsule you're using. It utilizes the patented Nespresso pods that have an identifier barcode that tells the machine what kind of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures you have the correct temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods also spin rapidly while brewing, resulting in an exquisite layer of foam, referred to as crema, which is usually found on traditional Italian style espresso.
The VertuoLine's only downside is that it's louder than other pod machines and you can't 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 pricey when it is compared to other pod makers particularly when you add the cost of the pods. If you're already a pod-coffee fan, the cost is a small price to pay for consistently barista style results. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for lattes or cappuccinos. It's also available in bundles that include a few samples of Nespresso capsules as well as a milk frother which could help you save money upfront.
3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso
When it is about brewing, most pod machines adhere to the same pattern - a capsule goes in the top, you press a button and coffee flows out. But every now and then, a machine comes along that is a complete blow to the water, like is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It utilizes a different mechanism for capsules and locks them inside a portafilter-like handle. This allows the machine to create an espresso that's as good coffee machine for pods as you'd get at a cafe, but without all of the fuss and mess that is typical of an espresso maker.
The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules which are made from premium coffee beans of the highest quality. Each capsule contains precisely proportions of espresso ground that is brewed using two stages. This creates a rich crema. The extraction is done entirely inside the capsule. This means that the machine and coffee are not in contact. Clean-up is also an easy task.
This machine also has a Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks like cappuccino and macchiato latte. The distinctive design of this coffee machine, created by famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold statement in your home. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons inspired by the classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly merging modern technology.
One downside of this machine is that it needs some extra focus than other models, especially when you use the steam wand. The reason for this is that too much air can block the hot water from flowing correctly and stop the machine from functioning. If this happens, you'll have to wait for a few minutes before making another coffee to allow the excess air to escape.
4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most well-known pod coffee machines available on the market. Its compact dimensions, attractive price tag and ease of use are all big selling points. But does this little machine meet the high standards set by its parent company? We tested it at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.
The Vivy is among the most simple pod coffee machines that are available however it doesn't sacrifice on performance. It can make drinks with the push of a button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC to know which drink it has to create. It also automatically sets the proper amount of water and froth for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to achieve an outstanding result every time.
It is very simple to use - just insert the desired T DISC, and choose the size of your drink. There are 40 drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk jug that can be used for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to warm up, and has auto-shut-off after five minutes to save energy.
It's very easy to clean too, with a cleverly designed descaler that slides into the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the procedure is easy and quick.
As a bonus, if you register your Vivy with Bosch, you'll get discounts on your first purchase of T DISCs and receive personalized offers, recommendations and tips. You can also track the condition of your machine, and find out how much it has used. It's a good idea to register your machine at the time you purchase it, also.
5. Illycaffe B-Pod
illycaffe is a renowned heritage brand that is a one of the leaders in the coffee industry. Established in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is still managed by his descendants and spans across the world. The family-owned and operated company has a long track record of embracing innovation within the industry. It is renowned for its high quality espresso made from 9 different varieties of Arabica beans.
The company is committed to sustainability, and has implemented a number initiatives to help preserve the environment. They also make sure that their products are as environmentally friendly as is possible. They have focused their efforts on energy efficiency, and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint, and the use of renewable energy sources. They have also been working to promote regenerative farming, and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.
In addition to their commitment to sustainability, illycaffe is committed to helping their employees thrive. They have invested in programs to provide training and professional development for their staff and have created an "university of coffee" which helps educate consumers and professionals alike on how to make the most optimal 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 designation that recognizes businesses that are committed to ethics and a sense that they have a purpose. The company has also 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 is committed to showing how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people. They believe that everyone has a role to take on.