One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines have a bit of an undeserved reputation for being low-strength, watery drinks. Fortunately, the best pods can offer much more than that.

The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods, made from treated polypropylene cups that are supposed to break down in landfill (rather than the notorious K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also offers a range of capsule options as well as easy customisation.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

One of the top pod coffee makers on the market, this drip and single-serve model offers the best blend of features we tested. It comes with a 12-cup carafe which brews grounds in the traditional way and a single-serve that accepts any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe has a programmable clock as well as an "strong setting" that gives you more flavor. It comes with a fold-away frother that is built into the carafe for capspuccinos and lattes.

The single-serve side can make up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time using any size K-Cup, or a reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista cups (a separate water reservoir is included). It utilizes Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system that analyzes the barcode on each pod to adjust the machine settings for an ideal cup every time. It's quicker than the leading Keurig model at brewing a full pot thanks to its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced features like a 24 hour brew start time, brew strength control and auto shutoff.

It's simple to use, despite having two operating modes, and clean-up is relatively painless. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles, and mesh filter can be removed to clean. It's a bit heavy 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 creates a smooth, delicious cup. It can create 12 cups at a time and has a programmable clock as well as an integrated milk frother as well as a coffee filter that can be reused. It also has a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe for hot brews.

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 style machine. Nespresso's new espresso maker is stylish, fast and can create five different drinks on one chassis. It's currently on sale 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 adjustable button that automatically adjusts to the type capsule you are using. It utilizes patented Nespresso capsules that have a barcode on them that tells the machine what kind of espresso or coffee it is, making sure you get the correct temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The pods spin quickly when brewing, creating a decadent layer of foam, known as crema, that is typically 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 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 return them to you to reuse.

The machine is also pretty expensive in comparison to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you factor in the cost of purchasing the pods. If you're already a pod-coffee fan, this is a small amount to pay for consistently barista-like results. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make cappuccinos and lattes. It is also available in bundles, which contain a few samples of the Nespresso pods and a frother. This will make it cheaper to buy the machine in the beginning.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

When it is about brewing, most pod machines use the same format: a capsule goes in the top and then you press a button, and the coffee oozes out. But every now and then, a device comes along that breaks convention right out of the water, as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It utilizes a different mechanism for capsules, locking them into place in a portafilter-like hand. The machine can make espresso that is comparable to what you would get in cafes, without the mess and hassle of a traditional espresso machine.

The X7.1 is compatible only with illy MIE pods which are made of premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule has a precise dose of espresso ground, which is then brewed using a unique two-stage process to produce an intense crema. The extraction is done entirely within the capsule. This means that the machine and coffee are not in contact. Cleaning up is easy.

This machine also comes with a Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and macchiato latte. Its unique design, designed by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to stand out in your kitchen. Its round, slender forms and soft-touch buttons reminiscent of traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly merging modern technology.

This machine requires a bit more attention, especially when using the steam wand. The reason for this is that too much air can prevent the hot water from flowing properly and stop the machine from working. You'll need to wait a few moments before preparing another cup of coffee in order to let the air escape.

4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x

The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most well-known pod coffee machines available on the market. Its compact dimensions, attractive price tag and user-friendly interface are among the major selling points. But can this tiny 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 basic pod coffee maker, but it isn't sacrificing performance. It makes drinks with the touch of a single button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC in order to determine which drink it needs to create. It also automatically adjusts the proper amount of froth and water for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to ensure an outstanding result every time.

This makes it easy to operate - just insert the desired T DISC and select the desired drink size. There are 40 different drinks to choose from and the Vivy comes with a milk container for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to warm up and shuts off automatically after five minutes to save energy.

It's easy to clean too using a cleverly-designed descaler capsule coffee machine that slots into the side of the machine. There are separate directions for this, but the process is quick and simple.

If you sign up your Vivy, you'll get a discount on your first T-DISCs order, and also specific offers, tips and suggestions. You'll also be able monitor the health of your machine and know how much water it's been using. It is recommended immediately after you purchase it.

5. illycaffe B-Pod

illycaffe is a market leader in the coffee market and iconic heritage brand, is a world leader. Established in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is still operated by his children and spans across the globe. The family-owned business has a history of innovation and is renowned for its high-quality espresso crafted from nine different varieties of Arabica bean.

The company is also committed to sustainability and has a range of initiatives to protect the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally friendly as possible. They have concentrated on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions as well as using renewable energy sources. They also promote regenerative farming and are focused on improving their water resources.

Illycaffe's commitment towards sustainability is matched by their desire to help their employees achieve. They have invested in programs to provide training and professional development for their staff, and they have also created a "university of coffee" which helps educate both professionals and consumers about how to enjoy the most optimal cup of coffee.

illycaffe is also the first Italian company that has earned an B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies who prioritize ethics and a sense of purpose. The company also recently introduced 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 showing how sustainable quality can benefit the environment as well as people. They believe that everyone has a responsibility to take on.