Ever since Consumer Reports began testing pod coffeemakers, DeLonghi’s Nescafé Dolce Gusto line has dominated the top of our coffeemaker Ratings. And although the brand hasn't been pushed from its perch, a Starbucks machine has joined three DeLonghis on the list of top coffeemaker picks. The Starbucks Verismo 600, $160, almost matched the DeLonghi models across our tests earning a place among the winners.
We just completed taste tests of seven pod coffeemakers and the Starbucks falls in behind the $180 DeLonghi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Circolo Flow Stop, the other model that joined our top picks. That DeLonghi is an update to the previously tested DeLonghi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Circolo, $150, that replaces the older models’ joystick (for dispensing hot or cold water) with more precise serving-size choices.
The Starbucks Verismo 600 rose in rank over the older Starbucks Verismo 580, $160, with the addition of serving-size options. With the Verismo 580, regular coffee—as opposed to espresso—was dispensed in only one size.
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Also joining our full coffeemaker Ratings with taste scores is the Nespresso VertuoLine, $300, which can also brew espresso from pods but with a separate process from conventional pod coffeemakers.
Most products we’ve taste-tasted score passably, but some models rank among the lowest overall in our tests because they’re relative slowpokes. The Mr. Coffee BVMC-KG6, $100, was especially plodding with the first cup and offered little beyond consistently hot servings. The Elite Cuisine Dual Cup Pod Brewer EHC-233, $35, makes you wait equally long for the first and subsequent cups, as it requires a full cool-down before it can brew again.
You’ve got many options for making java. Check out our buying guide for coffeemakers before viewing our coffeemaker Ratings of more than 30 pod machines, 76 drip models, and more.
—Ed Perratore (@EdPerratore on Twitter)
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