One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines have an undeserved reputation for their the watery, weak drinks. Fortunately, the best ones can offer much more than that.

The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods instead of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It also offers a range of capsule options as well as easy customization.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

One of the best pod coffee makers on the market, this combination single-serve and drip model has the best blend of features that we have tested. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional ground coffee and a single-serve side that can accept any kind of K-Cup Keurig-like, reusable or Keurig pod. The carafe has a programmable clock as well as a "strong setting" that makes more flavor. It has an adjustable frother that folds away and is built into the carafe to make capspuccinos and lattes.

The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces at a single time with any size of K-Cup, reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup, or ground coffee (a separate water tank is provided). It utilizes Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which scans the barcode of each pod to adjust machine settings for an ideal cup every time. 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 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, needles, and mesh filter are easily removed to clean. It's a bit heavy and heavy for counter space, but it's a great alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.

This affordable cold brew maker makes a smooth and delicious cup. It can create 12 cups at a time and has a programmable clock, an integrated milk frother and a 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 a great option for those who are already a fan of the pod coffee machines and want to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso's new espresso maker is sleek, fast, and can make five different drinks on one small chassis. It's on sale now making it an excellent choice for any budget.

The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is simple to use, with a button that adapts automatically to the type capsule you're using. It makes use of patent-pending Nespresso pods that feature an identifier barcode that tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you have the correct temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods spin quickly while brewing, resulting in a decadent layer of foam, referred to as crema, that is usually found on traditional Italian style espresso.

The VertuoLine's only downside is that it's more loud than other pod-machines and that you cannot reuse capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules can be recycled, so you can recycle the capsules at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website.

The machine is also expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, especially 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. Plus, you can add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make cappuccinos and lattes. It is also available in bundles, which include some of the Nespresso pods as well as a coffee maker. This will save you money up front.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

Most pod machines have a similar brewing process - you simply insert a capsule and press a button, and the coffee is brewed. However, every now and then a device comes along that is a complete blow to the water, as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It has a unique system for capsules that bind them into a portafilter handle. The machine produces espresso that is as good as what you would get in a cafe without the hassle and mess of the traditional espresso machine.

The X7.1 is compatible only with Illy MIE pods, which are made of top-quality, high-end website beans. Each capsule has an exact amount of espresso ground that is brewed in two stages. This creates a rich crema. The extraction process is entirely within the capsule. This means that the coffee and machine are not in contact. Cleaning up is a breeze.

This machine also comes with a Pannarello steam wand for making milky drinks, such as cappuccino or latte macchiato. The unique design, developed by famed Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to make a statement in your kitchen. Its slim but round shapes and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 60s while seamlessly integrating modern technology.

One drawback of this machine is that it needs a little more attention than some other models, particularly when you use the steam wand. This is because excess air can stop the flow of hot water, which can prevent the machine from functioning efficiently. If this happens, you'll have to wait for a few minutes before making another cup of coffee to allow the air to be released.

4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x

The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most well-known pod coffee machines on the market. The compact dimensions, attractive pricing and user-friendly are major selling points. But can this tiny machine meet the high standards set by the parent company? We tested it at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.

The Vivy is a simple pod coffee maker, but it does not sacrifice performance. It can make drinks with a single touch. It reads an image of a barcode on the DisC to determine the type of drink to prepare. It also determines the right amount for water and froth in every 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 different drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk jug that can be used for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes just three seconds to heat up and it has an auto-shutoff after five minutes.

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

As an added benefit, if register your Vivy with Bosch as a bonus, you'll receive discounts on your first order of T DISCs and receive personalized offers, suggestions and advice. You can also keep track of the progress of your machine and check how much it has been used. It is an excellent idea as soon as you purchase it.

5. Illycaffe B Pod

illycaffe is a well-known brand with a long history and is a leader in the coffee industry. The company was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still managed by his descendants. It spans the globe. The family-owned company has a long tradition of innovation and is famous for its top-quality espresso that is made using nine different varieties of Arabica bean.

The company is also committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives that help protect the environment and ensure that their products are as eco friendly as possible. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions as well as using renewable energies. They also have worked to promote regenerative farming, and have a particular focus on enhancing their water resources.

Illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their determination to assist their employees in achieving success. They have invested in training programs for their employees and have created an "university" of coffee to train both consumers and professionals on how to make the perfect cup of coffee.

illycaffe is also the first Italian company to be awarded an B Corp certification. This certification is given to international companies that are committed to ethics and 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 over the past seven years. The company is dedicated to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment as well as people. They believe that everyone has a part to take on.