10 Best Pod Coffee Machine-Related Meetups You Should Attend

One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines have a bit of an undeserved reputation for their watery, under-strength drinks. The best pods are more than just that.

The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods instead of the dreaded K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It has a variety of capsules and is easy to customise.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

This single-serve drip coffee maker offers the best features of the models we have 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 or reusable pod. The carafe has a programmable clock and an "strong setting" that produces more flavor. It also comes with an adjustable frother that folds away and is built into the carafe for lattes and capspuccinos.

The single-serve side can brew 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 also included). It utilizes Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which reads the barcode on each pod to adjust the machine settings for the perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's faster at brewing full pots than a leading Keurig. It also has advanced features, like a 24 hour start time, brew intensity control and automatic shutoff.

It's easy to use, despite having two operating modes, and the cleaning is pretty easy. The reusable pod adapter, needles and mesh filter are easily removed to clean. It's a bit heavy and heavy for counter space, but it's a great option for anyone who needs the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.

This low-cost cold brew machine produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It comes with a timer that can be programmed and a built-in milk froth and a reusable filter and can make 12 cups of java at once. It has a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe to hold hot beverages.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

If you're already accustom to the pod coffee machine trend and want to upgrade from the Keurig-style machine you have, this is an excellent option. Nespresso's newest espresso machine is sleek, efficient and has the ability to make five different drinks on one sleek, compact chassis. It's also on sale now making it an excellent option for those with a tight budget.

The VertuoLine is then able to heat up quickly and is simple to use, thanks to an automatic button that adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of the patented Nespresso capsules that have an identifier on them that informs the machine of what kind of espresso or coffee it is, ensuring you get the correct temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The pods spin rapidly during brewing, creating the foam, also known as crema. It is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.

The only downsides to the VertuoLine are that it's a bit louder than other pod machines and that you can't reuse used capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules is recyclable, which means you can recycle them at your local UPS store or Nespresso's website.

The machine is pricey when compared to other pod machines, especially if you include the cost of the pods. If you're already a pod-coffee fan, this is an affordable price to pay for consistently barista-like results. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make lattes or cappuccinos. It's also offered in bundles that include samples of Nespresso capsules as well as milk frother, which can help you save money upfront.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

When it comes to brewing, most pod machines use the same pattern - a capsule goes in the top and you press a button, and the coffee is poured out. But now and then a device comes along that blows convention out of the water, such as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It uses a unique system for capsules that lock them into the portafilter handle. This allows the machine to create an espresso that's like you would get in a cafe, but without the hassle and mess of a traditional espresso maker.

The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules that are made of premium coffee beans of the highest quality. Each capsule contains precisely proportioned amounts of ground espresso, which is then brewed with a specific two-stage process that produces a thick and rich crema. The extraction process is entirely within the capsule, meaning that the machine and the coffee do not meet and cleaning up is a breeze.

This coffee pod machine comes with a Pannarello Steam Wand for making milky drinks like cappuccino or macchiato latte. The unique design of this machine, designed by famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold design statement in your living space. Its round, slender shapes and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly mixing modern technology.

One drawback of this machine is that it needs some extra attention than some other models, especially when you are using the steam wand. This is because excess air can sometimes block the flow of the hot water, preventing the machine from functioning properly. If this happens, you'll have to wait a couple of minutes before making another cup of coffee to allow the excess air to be released.

4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x

The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most adored coffee machines on the market. The compact dimensions as well as the attractive pricing and ease of operation are all major selling points. But can this tiny machine meet the high standards set by its parent company? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.

The Vivy is one of the most simple pod coffee machines on the market however it doesn't sacrifice on coffee capsules machines performance. It makes drinks with the touch of a single button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC to know what drink it should create. It also automatically determines the correct amount of froth and water for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to produce an outstanding result every time.

This makes it very easy to operate - just insert the desired T DISC and choose the size you prefer for 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 heat and it has an auto-shutoff 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 directions for this, but the procedure is quick and simple.

As an added benefit, if register your Vivy through Bosch, you'll get a discount on your first order of T DISCs. Additionally, you'll receive personalized offers, recommendations and suggestions. You can also track the status of your machine and find out how much it has used. Registering your machine is also recommended 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 is operated by his children and spans across the world. The family-owned business has a 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 to protect the environment. They also make sure that their products are as eco-friendly as is possible. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and utilizing renewable energy sources. They have also worked to promote regenerative agriculture, and have a strong focus on improving their water resources.

illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their commitment to help their employees succeed. They have invested in programs to provide training and professional development for their employees and have created a "university of coffee" that assists in educating consumers and professionals alike about how to enjoy the best possible cup of coffee.

illycaffe is also the first Italian company that has earned a B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies who prioritize ethics and a purpose. The company has also launched its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and was named one of the World's Most ethical companies for the last seven years. The company has been dedicated to demonstrating that sustainable quality can be beneficial to both the environment and people They have a strong belief that it is up to everyone to take action.