One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines are frequently criticised for producing watery, weak drinks. However, the top pods are more than that.

The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods in place of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It offers a variety of capsule options and is easy to customise.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

One of the top pod coffee makers available on the market, this combination single-serve and drip model has the best combination of features in our test. It has a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional ground coffee and a single-serve side that accepts any kind of K-Cup, Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe side comes with an adjustable timer and an "strong" setting that produces more flavor than standard settings. It also comes with an easy-to-folding frother that's built into the carafe to make capspuccinos and lattes.

The single-serve version can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time, using any size K-Cup, or a reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate reservoir for water is also included). It uses Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and scans the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's faster at brewing full pots than the Keurig that is the most popular. It also has advanced features such as a 24-hour start time, brew intensity control and an automatic shutoff.

The device is simple to use, despite the fact that it comes with two operating modes. It also cleans up easily. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles, and mesh filter can be easily removed for cleaning. It's a bit bulky and heavy for counter space however it's a great option for anyone who needs the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.

This simple cold brew machine is a budget pick that produces an incredibly smooth and delicious cup. It can create 12 cups at a time and comes with a programmable clock, an integrated milk frother as well as an coffee filter that is reusable. It has a large reservoir of water, as well as a glass carafe that can hold hot beverages.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

This is an excellent option if you are already a fan of the pod coffee machines and want to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's new espresso maker is stylish, fast and can make five different drinks on one compact chassis. It's on sale now making it an excellent option for anyone with a budget.

The VertuoLine is then able to heat up quickly and is simple to use, thanks to an adjustable button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you are using. It makes use of patented Nespresso capsules that have a barcode on them which tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, making sure you get the correct temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The capsules spin quickly when they are brewing to create a layer of foam known as crema that is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.

The VertuoLine's biggest drawback is that it's louder than other pod machines and you aren't able to reuse the capsules. Fortunately the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable and you can drop them off at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for free and they'll return them to reuse.

The machine is costly when contrasted with other pod machines particularly when you add the cost of the pods. If you're already a pod-coffee fan, this is an affordable price to pay for consistently barista-style results. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make cappuccinos or lattes. You can also purchase it in bundles, which contain a few samples of the Nespresso pods as well as a coffee maker. This will make it cheaper to buy the machine in the beginning.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

Most pod machines have the same brewing procedure - you simply insert a capsule then press a button and the coffee comes out. But now and then a device comes along that is a complete blow to the water, such as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It uses a different system for capsules that lock them in place inside a portafilter-like handle. This allows the machine to create an espresso that's similar to what you'd find in a cafe, but without the hassle and mess that comes with a traditional espresso maker.

The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules which are made from premium high-quality coffee beans. Each capsule has an exact amount of espresso that is then brewed with a specific two-stage process to create a thick and rich crema. The extraction happens completely inside the capsule, so the machine and the coffee do not come into contact and cleanup is a breeze.

This coffee pod machine is equipped with a Pannarello Steam Wand for making milky beverages like cappuccino or latte Macchiato. Its unique design, designed by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to make a statement in your kitchen. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons recall the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the '60s, while seamlessly integrating advanced technology.

The only drawback to this machine is that it coffee machines with capsules needs some extra attention than some other models, especially when you are using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can hinder the flow of hot water, preventing the machine from working effectively. If this happens, you'll have to wait a couple of minutes before making another coffee to allow the air to escape.

4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x

The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most sought-after coffee machines on the market. The small dimensions, attractive pricing, and user-friendly are important selling points. Does this little machine meet the standards set by its parent company's? We tested it at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.

The Vivy is among the simplest pod coffee machines that are available, but it doesn't skimp on performance. It can make drinks with just a single touch. It reads a barcode on the T 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 produce the best results every time.

It's easy to use. Simply insert the desired T disc and select the size of your drink. There are 40 drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk jug that can be used for making lattes or cappuccinos. It only takes three seconds to heat and it has an auto-shutoff after five minutes.

It's easy to clean, too, with a cleverly designed descaler that slots into the side of the machine. This is a separate procedure however it's fast and easy.

If you sign up your Vivy, you will receive a discount on your first T-DISCs order, and also specific offers, tips and suggestions. You'll also be able track the status of your machine and see how much water it's used. It's worth registering your machine when you purchase it, as well.

5. illycaffe B Pod

illycaffe is a renowned heritage brand and an industry leader in the field of coffee. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still operated by his descendants. It is a global company. The family-owned business has a history of innovation and is renowned for its high-quality espresso crafted using nine different varieties of Arabica bean.

The company is committed to sustainability, and has implemented a number initiatives to help preserve the environment. They also make sure that their products are as eco-friendly as is possible. They have focused on efficiency in energy use, and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint as well as the use of renewable energy sources. They also have worked to promote regenerative agriculture, and have a strong focus on improving their water resources.

In addition to their commitments to sustainability, illycaffe is also determined to help their employees thrive. They have invested in programs that offer training and professional development for their employees, and they have also developed an "university of coffee" that assists in educating both professionals and consumers on how to make the most optimal cup of coffee.

In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to earn the B-Corp designation, which is an international certification that recognizes companies that prioritize ethics and a sense of mission. The company has also launched its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and has been named as one of the world's most Ethical companies for the past seven year. The company is committed to showing how sustainable quality can benefit the environment as well as people. They believe that everyone has a part to take on.