One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines have a bit of an unfair reputation for watery, under-strength drinks. However, the top pods are more than that.

The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods, made from treated polypropylene cups which are supposed to break down in landfill (rather than the notorious K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It comes with a range of capsule options, and it is easy to customize.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

One of the top pod coffee makers available on the market, this single-serve and drip models offer the most comprehensive set of features we tested. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional grounds and one-serve side that will accept any kind of K-Cup Keurig-like, reusable or Keurig pod. The carafe side has an adjustable timer and it has a "strong" setting that produces more flavor than normal settings. It comes with an easy-to-folding frother that's built into the carafe for capspuccinos and lattes.

The single-serve version can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time, using any size K-Cup or reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate reservoir for water is included). It utilizes Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system and analyzes the barcode on each pod to adjust the machine's settings to ensure a perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's quicker at making full-pots of brew than a leading Keurig. It also comes with advanced features such as a 24-hour start, brew intensity control and an automatic shutoff.

The device is easy to use despite the fact it has two operating modes. It also cleans easily. The reusable pod adapter, needles and mesh filter are easily removed to clean. It's a bit bulky and heavy for counter space however, it's an excellent option for anyone who wants the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.

This low-cost cold brew machine produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It has a programmable timer, a built-in milk frother and a reusable filter, and can make 12 cups of java in one go. It also comes with a large reservoir for water and a glass carafe to serve hot brews.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

If you're already committed to the pod coffee machine trend and are looking to upgrade the Keurig-style machine you have This is a great option. Nespresso's new espresso maker is sleek, fast and can create five different drinks in one compact chassis. It's even on sale right now which makes it a great choice for any budget.

The VertuoLine Next heats up very quickly and is extremely easy to use with a single-use button that automatically adapts to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of patent-pending Nespresso pods that have an identifier barcode that tells the machine which type of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you get the right temperature and pressure for every drink. The pods spin rapidly while brewing to create a layer of foam known as crema that is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.

The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine is that it's more loud than other pod machines, and that you can't reuse the used capsules. Fortunately the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable so you can drop them off at the local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for free and they'll take them back to reuse.

The machine is costly when contrasted with other pod machines, especially if you include the cost of the pods. If you're already a pod-coffee fan, this is a small amount to pay for consistently barista style results. Additionally, you can add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make cappuccinos and lattes. It is also available in bundles, which include a few samples of the Nespresso pods as well as a coffee maker. This will help you save money upfront.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

The majority of pod machines use a similar brewing process - you simply insert a capsule then press a button and the coffee is brewed. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of those machines that defies the rules of. It has a completely different system for capsules and locks them in a portafilter-like hand. The machine produces espresso that is similar to the kind you get at a cafe, but without the mess and hassle of an espresso machine that is traditional.

The X7.1 is compatible with only Illy MIE pods that are made from top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule contains a precise amount of espresso ground that is brewed in two stages. This results in a thick crema. The extraction is done entirely within the capsule. This means that the machine and coffee are never in contact. Clean-up is also easy.

The coffee pod also has an Pannarello steam wand that can be used to make milky drinks, such as cappuccino or latte macchiato. Its unique design, designed by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to stand out in your kitchen. Its round but slender forms and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 60s, while seamlessly integrating advanced technology.

This machine requires a bit more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can sometimes block the flow of the hot water, which prevents the machine from functioning effectively. You will need to wait several minutes before making a second coffee to let the air go.

4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x

The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most adored coffee machines available. The compact dimensions as well as the attractive pricing and user-friendly are important selling points. But can this tiny machine live up to the high standards set by the parent company? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.

The Vivy is among the most simple pod coffee machines that are available however it doesn't compromise on performance. It can make drinks with just a single press of a button. It reads a barcode on the T DISC to determine which drink to make. It also automatically determines the right amount of water and froth for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to ensure an excellent result every time.

It is very simple to use - simply insert the desired T DISC and then select the size of your drink. The Vivy offers 40 different drinks as well as a milk jug to make lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to heat and it has an auto-shutoff after five minutes.

The descaler has been designed to fit on the side of your machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the process is easy and quick.

As a bonus, if you register your Vivy pod coffee makers through Bosch, you'll get a discount on your first purchase of T DISCs. You'll also receive personalized offers, recommendations and advice. You'll also be in a position to monitor the health of your machine and see the amount of water it has used. Registering your machine is also recommended as soon as you purchase it.

5. Illycaffe B Pod

illycaffe is a well-known heritage brand and leader in the coffee industry. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still operated by his descendants. It is a global company. The family-owned and operated company has a long track record of innovating 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 numerous initiatives to to protect the environment. They also ensure that their products are as environmentally friendly as they can. They have a particular focus on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions and utilizing renewable energies. They have also been working to promote regenerative agriculture, and have a particular focus on improving their water resources.

illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their desire to help their employees achieve. They have invested in training programs for their employees and have created a "university" of coffee to educate professionals and consumers alike on how to make the most delicious cup of coffee.

In addition to all of this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to obtain a B-Corp certification, which is an international certification that recognizes companies that prioritize ethics and a sense of mission. The company also recently introduced 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 dedicated to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment as well as people. They believe that everyone has a part to take on.