One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines are often criticized for making watery, weak drinks. The top ones are more than just that.

The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods, made from treated polypropylene cups which are designed to degrade in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also comes with a variety of capsule options as well as easy customization.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

This combination drip-and-single-serve coffee maker has the most impressive features of the models we've tested. It has a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional grounds and a single-serve side that can accept any type of K-Cup, Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe is programmable with a clock as well as an "strong setting" that makes more flavor. It also has a foldaway, built-in frother for lattes and cappuccinos.

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

It's easy to use despite having two different operating modes, and the cleaning process is fairly easy. The pod adapter that is reusable and needles are easily removed for cleaning, and the filter can be washed in the sink. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space however it's a great alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.

This budget-friendly cold brew machine creates a smooth, delicious cup. It comes with a programmable timer and a built-in milk froth and a filter that can be reused, and can make 12 cups of java at once. It comes with a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe to hold hot beverages.

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 option. Nespresso’s newest espresso maker is sleek, fast and can create five different drinks in one small chassis. It's on sale now, making it an excellent choice for any budget.

The VertuoLine next heats up quickly and is simple to use, with a button that adapts automatically to the type capsule you are using. It utilizes the patented Nespresso capsules with a barcode which tells the machine what kind of espresso or coffee it is, ensuring that you get the correct temperature and pressure for each drink. The capsules spin fast while brewing to create a layer of foam known as crema that is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.

The only downsides to the VertuoLine are that it's a little more loud than other pod machines and that you aren't able to reuse the 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 also pretty expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you factor in the cost of purchasing the pods. If, however, you've already bought in to the benefits of pod coffee, it's a small cost to get consistent, barista-style results. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for lattes and cappuccinos. It's also available in bundles that include samples of Nespresso capsules and milk frother which could help you save money upfront.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

When it is about brewing, most pod coffee pods coffee machine machines adhere to a similar format - capsules are placed on the top, you press a button and the coffee is poured out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that eschew the rules of. It has a completely different system for capsules and locks them in a portafilter-like handle. This allows the machine to make an espresso that is as good as you'd get at a cafe, but without all of the fuss 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 is stocked with an exact amount of ground espresso, which is then brewed using a special two-stage process to produce an intense crema. The extraction process is entirely within the capsule. This means that the coffee and machine are not in contact. Clean-up is also a breeze.

This machine also comes with a Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and macchiato latte. The unique design, developed by famed Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to stand out in your kitchen. Its round but slender forms and soft-touch buttons recall the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 1960s, while seamlessly integrating advanced technology.

This machine requires a bit more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is because excessive air can sometimes prevent the hot water from flowing correctly, preventing the machine from working. You'll need to wait some time before making another cup of coffee in order to let the excess air go.

4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x

The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most popular coffee machines available. Its small dimensions, attractive price and easy-to-use are the main reasons for buying. Does this tiny machine meet the high standards set forth by its parent company's standards? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to find out.

The Vivy is a basic pod coffee machine, however it isn't sacrificing its performance. It can create drinks with a single press of a button. It reads the barcode on the DisC to determine the type of drink to make. It also automatically adjusts the proper amount of water and froth for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to ensure the best results every time.

It's easy to use - simply insert the desired T DISC, and choose the size of your drink. There are 40 different drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk jug for making cappuccinos or lattes. It takes only three seconds to warm, and has auto-shut-off after five minutes, to save energy.

The descaler is designed to fit on the side of the machine. This is a separate procedure however it's very quick and simple.

If you register your Vivy, you'll receive a discount for your first order of T-DISCs, as well as personalized offers, tips and recommendations. You'll also be in a position to keep track of the condition of your machine and see how much water it has been using. Registering your machine is recommended immediately after you purchase it.

5. Illycaffe B-Pod

illycaffe is a market leader in the coffee market and famous heritage brand, is a world leader. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still run by his descendants. It has a presence across the globe. The family-owned business has a long history of innovation and is known for its high-quality espresso crafted using nine different varieties of Arabica bean.

The company is also committed to sustainability and has a range of initiatives that help protect the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally friendly as possible. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and utilizing renewable energies. They also have worked to promote regenerative agriculture, and have a particular focus on improving their water resources.

Illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their commitment to help their employees achieve. They have invested in training programs for their employees and created an "university" of coffee to educate professionals and consumers alike on how to make the most delicious cup of coffee.

In addition to all of this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to earn B-Corp certification. This is an international label that recognizes companies that prioritize ethics and a sense of mission. The company also introduced its first line of Nespresso compatible Pods and been named one of the World's Most ethical companies for the last seven year. The company has been dedicated to demonstrating that sustainable quality can be beneficial to the environment and people alike They have an unshakeable belief that it is up to everyone to play their part.