Bruvi Brewer Review

About The Bruvi brewing system

The Bruvi brewing system is an innovative single-serve coffee maker that uses pods to brew a variety of coffee beverages with little effort.

What sets Bruvi apart in the competitive landscape is its proprietary B-Pods, which are made with a bio-enzyme that breaks down the plastic material much faster (think a few years instead of a few hundred). Bruvi claims that this unique material means these pods are safe to toss in the trash when you're done, without having to worry about microplastics being left behind.

The pods are also filled with 40% more coffee compared to traditional coffee pods, so users can enjoy a more full-bodied flavor.

In addition to standard brews, Bruvi boasts specialty coffee shop selections like Americanos, espressos, and lattes—all from one machine. Bruvi also boasts a unique a Bean Adapt Technology that's designed to cater the brewing process to each type of coffee.

In terms of pricing, the Bruvi Bundle, which includes the brewing system along with a variety of B-Pods, is priced at around $398, with this bundle frequently being on sale. This includes the brewing machine, a water filter, and a starter pack of assorted B-Pods to allow customers to sample different flavors and styles.

How we tested The Bruvi Brewer

To test the Bruvi brewer, we first cleaned the reservoir, filled it with water, and inserted the filter per the instruction manual.

When we were ready to brew a cup of coffee, we inserted a B-Pod into the pod chamber, ensuring it was properly seated, and closed the lever. We brewed a variety of coffee drinks, varying our selections on the keypad based on our desired beverage type, size, and temperature. When you press the start/stop button, the coffee automatically starts brewing.

While the Bruvi doesn’t have tea pods yet (we hear they are coming later in 2024), we were able to make a quick cup of tea with our own tea bag by selecting “hot water” on the machine without a pod inserted.

What we like

It's customizable and intuitive

Many coffee makers don’t allow you to choose if you want your coffee hotter than a “standard” cup, nor do they always offer multiple size options. But the Bruvi lets you to opt for a hotter cup of coffee and choose from a myriad of size options (from one to 12 ounces per brewing cycle).

Beyond making a super-hot or extra-large cup of coffee, you can even make a lower-acid cup of coffee or an iced coffee drink—or opt to make your cup of coffee extra strong if you're into that.

It brews consistently delicious coffee

The Bruvi system claims that the pods are packed with extra beans and the machine is designed to extract more flavor. While there is no way to definitively know how the machine extracts more flavor, we can confirm that this machine does create an incredibly rich and tasty beverage. In my opinion, the cup of coffee created by the Bruvi is much more rich and satisfying than a Keurig coffee.

Espresso drinks, including lattes, are just as good as those I get at coffee shops. I truly don’t feel like I am compromising on flavor or boldness when I create a drink using a Bruvi versus getting one outside of the home.

The accompanying pods are earth-friendly

The Bruvi brewing system is designed with sustainability in mind, presenting an earth-friendly option for coffee enthusiasts.

One of the system's key eco-friendly features is the use of B-Pods, which are crafted from bio-based and recyclable materials, significantly reducing plastic waste compared to traditional single-use pods.

While the B-Pods are designed to be environmentally friendly, the actual recycling depends on local facilities' capacities to handle bio-based materials. Consumers are encouraged to contact their local recycling centers to confirm acceptance of these materials. Additionally, Bruvi offers resources and support to help consumers participate in the recycling program.

According to their website, however, these pods can be tossed in the trash after use, as they are made for disposal in a landfill because they break down much more rapidly than untreated plastic. They also claim that no microplastics are left behind. (You'll have to take the brand's word for it when it comes to this claim.)

Additionally, Bruvi's Bean Adapt Technology optimizes the extraction process to minimize waste of water and energy, ensuring that each cup is brewed efficiently.

There's a useful hot water setting

I am a big tea drinker, but sometimes I don’t want to wait for my water to boil. And while I can microwave a mug of hot water, I don’t like how my cup gets hot during that process, either.

The Bruvi can dispense hot water the same way it does coffee. To make hot water, simply select the “hot water” option, close the latch without inserting a pod, and hit the “brew” button. Once the water is in the mug, a single cup of tea can be brewed by adding a tea bag. (You can also use this for oatmeal, hot chocolate, and more!)

It comes with a helpful accompanying app

The Bruvi app is designed to enhance the coffee experience for users by offering a personalized approach to their morning routine.

When connected to the machine, the app allows users to choose their preferred brew strength and temperature, and even schedule brewing times.

The app boasts a user-friendly interface, which makes it easy to select from a variety of specialty coffee drinks, keep track of favorite blends, and reorder capsules with ease.

Additionally, the app provides detailed information about the source and flavor notes of each coffee, educating users and allowing them to become connoisseurs of their own coffee experience.

What we don’t like

The waste bin is small (and fills up quickly)

After a pod is used, it automatically falls into a waste bin that is attached to the coffee maker. Unfortunately, this bin only holds six used pods—which means it needs to be emptied fairly often.

While it is easy to empty the bin (just pull it out and dump its contents), if you forget and brew a seventh cup of coffee, you run the risk of making it very difficult to open the bin afterward. It is important to pay attention and avoid overfilling the waste bin to avoid it overflowing and getting stuck.

You have to stick with the brand's proprietary pods

Unlike other pod coffee machines, like Keurig and Nespresso machines and the Instant Dual Pod Plus, you can't use the Bruvi to brew coffee from other brands. Once you commit to the Bruvi, you're stuck with the coffee available in the brand's proprietary B-Pods.

This isn't necessarily a bad thing, especially because Bruvi offers a healthy variety of coffee and espresso pods to choose from. And given that they're all made with more sustainable materials, consumers likely won't want to shop elsewhere.

But these pods are also pricier than typical K-Cups, so you'll need to be mindful of that cost when you invest in the machine.

There are no tea pod offerings (yet)

Even though there is an option on the panel for brewing tea, the brand doesn’t have a corresponding pod to make one, which is disappointing for people who purchase this machine without realizing this lack of option.

But according the brand, there will be matcha latte pods available later in 2024.

What Bruvi owners are saying

Customers like the coffee maker's ease of use, quality, versatility, sturdiness, and customization. They mention that the coffee is not only delicious, but it's premium and has less acidity in the flavor.

One user shared “The Bruvi is great for anyone that can appreciate a good cup of coffee, but isn't so into it that they want the ritual of grinding beans each morning and using a scale and timer.”

However, some users did complain about the high price point of the machine, the requirement to only use the brand's coffee pods, and some reported that their machines stopped working altogether. It does appear that customer service is very responsive if an issue arises, however.

Should you buy a Bruvi Brewer?

Yes, especially if you want the convenience of pod coffee with more flavor and less waste

This brewer makes an incredible cup of coffee in a wide variety of ways, from piping hot to iced. You can also make an Americano, an espresso, a cold brew, and even hot water with this machine, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen.

And since Bruvi's B-Pods are environmentally friendly—and the coffee itself is sustainably sourced—those who take extra steps to care for the plant’s health can feel good about their purchase too.

However, if the fancy upgrades that come with the Bruvi brewer isn’t for you, check out the Instant Dual Pod Plus instead, for an equally quick and easy cup of coffee, with the option of compostable pods.