One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines have an unfair reputation for low-strength, watery drinks. However, the top pods can offer much 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 dreaded K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It offers a variety of capsules, and it is easy to personalize.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

This coffee maker that is a combination of drip and single-serve offers the best features of all the models we tested. It comes with a 12-cup carafe that brews grounds in the traditional way and single-serve that can accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe's side features an adjustable timer as well as an "strong" setting that provides more flavor than the standard settings. It also comes with a fold-away frother that is integrated into the carafe to serve lattes and capspuccinos.

The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces at a single time with any size of K-Cup, reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup or ground coffee (a separate water tank is also included). It uses Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system that reads the barcode on each pod to adjust the machine settings for the perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's quicker at making full-pots of brew than Keurig's top-rated. It also comes with advanced features, like a 24 hour start, brew intensity controls and an automatic shutoff.

It's easy to use, despite having two different operating modes, and clean-up is relatively painless. The pod adapter that is reusable and needles are easily removable for cleaning and the filter can be washed in the sink. It's a bit bulky and heavy for counter space, but it's a great option for anyone who needs the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.

This simple cold brew maker is a budget pick that produces a smooth and flavorful cup. It comes with a timer that can be programmed, a built-in milk frother and a reusable filter and can make 12 cups of java in one go. It has a large reservoir of water, as well as a glass carafe that can hold hot brews.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

If you're already bought in to the trend of pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your Keurig-style machine, this is an excellent alternative. Nespresso's newest espresso machine is sleek, efficient and has the ability to make five different drinks on one sleek, compact machine. It's even on sale right now which makes it a great option for those with a tight budget.

The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is simple to use, thanks to an automatic button that adjusts to the type of capsule you are using. It utilizes the patented Nespresso capsules which have an identifier on them that informs the machine of what kind of coffee or espresso it is, ensuring you have the right temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods also spin rapidly during brewing, creating a decadent layer of foam, referred to as crema, which is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.

The only downsides to the VertuoLine are that it's louder than other pod machines and that you can't reuse the capsules that you've used. 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 no cost and they'll return them to you to recycle.

The machine is expensive when compared to other pod machines in particular when you consider the cost of the pods. If you've already bought in to the benefits of pod coffee, it's only a small price to pay for consistently good barista-like results. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ pod making machines milk frother to the machine to make lattes and cappuccinos. It's also available as bundles that include samples of Nespresso capsules as well as a milk frother that can help you save money upfront.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

The majority of pod machines have the same brewing process: you insert a capsule, press a button and the coffee is brewed. But now and then there is a machine that breaks convention right out of the water, like is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It uses a unique system for capsules that bind them into a portafilter handle. The machine produces espresso that is similar to the one you can get in a cafe without the mess and fuss of a traditional espresso machine.

The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules which are made from premium high-quality coffee beans. Each capsule is stocked with precisely proportioned amounts of espresso that is then brewed using a special two-stage process to create a thick and rich crema. The extraction process is entirely inside the capsule, so the coffee and machine never come into contact and cleaning up is a breeze.

This coffee maker is equipped with a Pannarello Steam Wand to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and macchiato latte. Its unique design, created by famed 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 1960s and seamlessly integrates modern technology.

One drawback of this machine is that it requires some more attention than some other models, especially when you are using the steam wand. This is because excess air can sometimes stop the flow of hot water, which can prevent the machine from working effectively. You will need to wait several minutes before making a second coffee to let the air out.

4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x

The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most popular pod coffee machines on the market. The small dimensions, attractive pricing, and ease of operation are all important selling points. But can this tiny machine meet the high standards set by the company that owns it? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.

The Vivy is one of the simplest pod coffee machines available however it doesn't compromise on performance. It makes drinks at the push of a button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC to know which drink it needs to create. It also automatically determines the right amount of froth and water for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to achieve the best results every time.

It is very simple 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 container for making cappuccinos or lattes. It only takes three seconds to heat up and it has an auto-shutoff after five minutes.

It's easy to clean too using a cleverly-designed descaler that slides into the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the procedure is simple and quick.

If you register your Vivy, you will receive a discount for your first order of T-DISCs, and also personalized offers, tips and recommendations. You can also track the status of your machine, and find out how much it has used. It's worth registering your machine as soon as you buy it, also.

5. illycaffe B Pod

illycaffe is a market leader in the coffee market and iconic heritage brand, is a world leader. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still managed by his descendants. It spans the globe. The family-owned and operated company has a long track record of innovating within the field, and is renowned for its high quality espresso, which is made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.

The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented numerous initiatives to help to protect the environment. They also ensure that their products are as green as they can. They have a particular focus on energy efficiency, and are determined to reduce their emissions, and also the use of renewable energy sources. They also promote the practice of regenerative agriculture and are focusing on improving their water resources.

In addition to their commitments to sustainability, Illycaffe is determined to help their employees thrive. They have invested in training programs for their employees, and have created a "university" of coffee that educates professionals and consumers alike on how to make the best cup of coffee.

In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to be awarded B-Corp certification. This is an international certification 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 has been named one of the world's most ethical companies for the last seven years. The company has been committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can be beneficial to the environment and people alike, and they have a strong belief that it is up to everyone to play their part.