One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines are often criticized for producing watery, weak drinks. Fortunately, the best ones are more than that.

The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods made from treated polypropylene cups that are designed to degrade in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It comes with a range of capsules and is easy to personalize.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

One of the best pod coffee makers available on the market, this single-serve and drip model has the best blend of features we tested. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional grounds, and a single-serve side that accepts any type of K-Cup Keurig-like, reusable or Keurig pod. The carafe has a programmable clock and an "strong setting" that makes more flavor. It comes with a fold-away frother that is built into the carafe to make cappuccinos and lattes.

The single-serve side is able to brew up to 18 ounces per hour with any size of K-Cup and the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cups or ground coffee (a separate water tank is included). It makes use of Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and scans the barcode of each pod to adjust machine settings. It's quicker than the leading Keurig model in making a full-sized pot of brew with its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions like a 24-hour brew start, brew strength controls, and auto shutoff.

It's simple to use, despite having two different modes of operation, and clean-up is relatively painless. The reusable pod adapter, needles and mesh filter are easily removed to clean. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space however it's a great option for anyone who wants the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.

This low-cost cold brew machine makes a smooth and delicious cup. It comes with a timer that can be programmed and a built-in milk froth and a filter that can be reused, and can make 12 cups of java in one go. It also has a huge reservoir of water and a glass carafe to serve hot coffee.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

This is a great option if you are already a fan of the pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso's newest espresso machine is stylish, quick and has the ability to make five different drinks in one compact, sleek chassis. It's even on sale right now which makes it a great option for anyone with a budget.

The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is extremely simple to use with a single-use button that automatically adjusts to the kind of capsule you're using. It utilizes patent-pending Nespresso pods that feature an identifier barcode that tells the machine which type of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you have the right temperature and water pressure for every drink. The pods also spin rapidly during brewing, creating a decadent layer of foam, known as crema, that is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.

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

The machine is costly when it is compared to other pod makers particularly when you add the cost of the pods. If you're already a pod coffee fan, this is a small price to be paid for consistently barista style results. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make cappuccinos or lattes. It's also available in bundles that include sample packs of the Nespresso capsules and a milk frother which could save you money upfront.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

When it comes to brewing, most pod machines use the same format: capsules are placed on the top and you press a button and coffee flows out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that defy the norm. It is a revolutionary system for capsules that bind them into the portafilter handle. This lets the machine produce an espresso like you would get at a cafe, but without all of the fuss and mess that is typical of an espresso maker.

The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE capsules, which are made from premium coffee beans of the highest quality. Each capsule contains an exact amount of espresso ground, which is then brewed using a special two-stage process to produce an intense crema. The extraction takes place entirely inside the capsule, so the machine and the coffee do not come into contact and cleaning up is easy.

This coffee maker includes a Pannarello Steam Wand that can be used to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and latte Macchiato. The unique design of this coffee pod machine, created by famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a design statement in your living space. Its slender, round forms and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly merging modern technology.

This machine requires a bit more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is because excessive air can block the hot water from flowing correctly making it impossible for the machine to continue working. If this happens, you'll need to wait a couple of minutes before preparing another coffee to allow the air to escape.

4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x

The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most sought-after pod coffee machines on the market. Its compact dimensions, attractive price and easy-to-use are among the major selling points. But does this little machine live up to the high standards set by the parent company? We went for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to find out.

The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, but it does not sacrifice its performance. It can create drinks with a single press of a button. It scans the barcode on the DISC to determine which drink to prepare. It also automatically determines the proper amount of water and froth for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to achieve an outstanding result every time.

It's easy to use - just insert the desired T disc and then select the size of your drink. There are 40 drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk jug for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to heat and it shuts down automatically after five minutes.

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

If you register your Vivy, you will receive a discount for your first order of T-DISCs as well as customized offers, tips and suggestions. You can also track the status of your machine and find out how much it's used. It is a good idea to register your machine when you purchase it, too.

5. Illycaffe B-pod making machines

illycaffe is a well-known brand with a long history and is a leader in the coffee industry. Established in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is still operated by his children and spans the world. The family-owned and operated business has a long tradition of embracing new technologies 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 help preserve the environment. They also make sure that their products are as eco-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 promoted regenerative farming and are focused on improving their water resources.

Illycaffe's commitment towards sustainability is matched by their desire to help their employees succeed. They have invested in programs that provide training and professional development for their staff and they have developed a "university of coffee" that assists in educating consumers and professionals on how to get the best cup of coffee.

In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to earn B-Corp certification. This is an international label which recognizes companies that value ethics and a sense that they have a purpose. The company has also launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods, and they have been named one of the world's most ethical companies for the last seven years. The company has been dedicated to proving that sustainable quality can be beneficial to the environment and for people as well They have the conviction that it is the responsibility of everyone to take action.