One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines are often criticized for making watery, weak drinks. However, the top pods can offer much more than that.

The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods, made from treated polypropylene cups that are supposed to degrade in landfill (rather than the dreaded K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also comes with a variety of capsule options as well as easy customisation.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

One of the best pod coffee makers on the market, this combination single-serve and drip models offer the best combination of features we tested. It comes with a 12-cup carafe that makes grounds in the traditional way and one-serve that will accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe is programmable with a clock and a "strong setting" that gives you more flavor. It also comes with a built-in, foldaway frother for cappuccinos and lattes.

The single-serve side can make up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time using any size K-Cup or the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cups (a separate reservoir for water is also included). It is based on Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which scans the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings to ensure a perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's faster at brewing full pots than Keurig's top-rated. It also has advanced features, like a 24 hour start time, brew intensity control, and automatic shutoff.

The device is simple to use despite the fact it comes with two operating modes. It also cleans easily. The reusable pod adapter, needles, and mesh filter can be easily removed to clean. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space however, it's an excellent alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.

This simple cold brew machine is a budget pick that delivers smooth and delicious cups. It can make 12 cups at a time and features a programmable timer, an integrated milk frother and a coffee filter that is reusable. It also has a huge water reservoir and a glass carafe for hot coffee.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

If you're already committed to the trend of pod coffee machines and want to upgrade from your current Keurig-style machine this is a great alternative. Nespresso's latest espresso maker is stylish, fast and can make five different drinks with one chassis. It's even on sale right now which makes it a great option for anyone with a budget.

The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is easy to use, with an automatic button that adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of patent-pending Nespresso pods that feature a barcode to tell the machine what kind of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures that you get the right temperature and water pressure for every drink. The pods also spin rapidly when brewing, creating an exquisite layer of foam, also known as crema, which is usually found on traditional Italian style espresso.

The VertuoLine's biggest drawback is that it's louder than other pod machines and that you cannot reuse the capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules can be recycled, so you can recycle the capsules at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website.

The machine is costly when compared to other pod machines, especially if you include the cost of the pods. If, however, you've already a believer in the advantages of pod coffee, it's a small price to pay for consistent results that resemble baristas. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for cappuccinos or lattes. It's also available in bundles that include samples of Nespresso capsules and a milk frother, which can save you money upfront.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

When it comes to brewing, most pod machines use a similar format - capsules are placed in the top, you press a button, and the coffee oozes out. But now and then a device comes along that breaks convention right out of the water, like is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It has a unique system for capsules that lock them into the portafilter handle. The machine can produce espresso that is similar to what you would get in cafes, without the hassle and mess of a traditional espresso machine.

The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE pods that are made from premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule has a precise dose of espresso that is then brewed using a unique two-stage process that produces an intense crema. The extraction process is entirely inside the capsule. This means that the coffee and machine are not in contact. Clean-up is also a breeze.

This coffee pod machine also has a Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks, such as cappuccino or latte macchiato. The unique design of this machine, created by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a design statement in your living space. Its slender, round forms and soft-touch buttons like classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly integrating modern technology.

This machine requires a bit more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can sometimes prevent the hot water from flowing properly making it impossible for the machine to continue working. You will need to wait for several minutes before making another cup of coffee to let the excess air out.

4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x

The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most sought-after coffee machines available. Its small dimensions, attractive price and ease of use are the main reasons for buying. But can this tiny machine live up to the high standards set by the company that owns it? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.

The Vivy is a basic pod coffee maker, but it isn't sacrificing its performance. It can make drinks with just a single touch. It reads the barcode on the DISC to determine which drink to make. It also automatically adjusts the proper amount of froth and water for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to achieve an excellent result every time.

This makes it extremely simple to use - just insert the desired T DISC and choose the desired drink capsule machine coffee size. The Vivy has 40 different drinks as well as an milk jug that can be used to make cappuccinos or lattes. It takes only three seconds to warm up and automatically shuts off after five minutes, to save energy.

The descaler is cleverly designed to slot into the side of your machine. This is a separate process, but it's quick and easy.

If you sign up for your Vivy, you'll receive a discount for your first order of T-DISCs along with customized offers, tips and suggestions. You can also keep track of the status of your machine and find out how much it's used. It's worth registering your machine at the time you purchase it, as well.

5. illycaffe B-Pod

illycaffe is a market leader in the coffee industry and an famous heritage brand, is a world leader. Established in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is still run by his descendants and is spread across the globe. The family-owned company has a long tradition of innovation and is known for its high-quality espresso crafted from nine different types of Arabica bean.

The company is committed to sustainability, and has implemented numerous initiatives to protect the environment. They also ensure that their products are as environmentally friendly as is possible. They have focused their efforts on efficiency in their energy use and are committed to reducing their emissions, as well as the use of renewable energy sources. They also have worked to promote regenerative farming, and have a strong focus on improving their water resources.

Illycaffe's commitment towards sustainability is matched by their determination to help their employees achieve. They have invested in training programs for their employees and have created an "university" of coffee that educates both consumers and professionals on how to make the perfect cup of coffee.

illycaffe is also the first Italian company that has earned a B Corp certification. This certification is given to international companies that are committed to ethics and have a mission. The company also recently launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods, and they have been named one of the world's Most Ethical Companies for the past seven years. The company is committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people. They believe that everyone has a responsibility to play.