One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines are frequently criticized for making watery, weak drinks. The best ones are much more than that.

The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods, made from treated polypropylene cups that are designed to degrade in landfill (rather than the dreaded 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 best pod coffee makers on the market, this single-serve and drip model has the most comprehensive set of features we tested. It has a 12-cup carafe which brews grounds in the traditional way and one-serve that will accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe's side features an adjustable timer as well as an "strong" setting that gives more flavor than normal settings. It has an adjustable frother that folds away and is integrated into the carafe to serve capspuccinos and lattes.

The single-serve side can make up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time using any size K-Cup or reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cups (a separate water reservoir is included). It uses Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system that analyzes the barcode on each pod to adjust machine's settings to ensure an ideal cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's more efficient in brewing full-pots than the Keurig that is the most popular. It also comes with advanced features such as a 24-hour start time, brew intensity control, and 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 that is reusable, needles and mesh filter are easily removed to clean. It's a bit bulky and heavy for counter space however, it's an excellent option for anyone who wants the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.

This simple cold brew maker is a great value option that delivers an incredibly smooth and delicious cup. It comes with a timer that can be programmed as well as a built-in milk maker and a filter that can be reused, and can make 12 cups of java at once. It also has a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe to serve hot coffee.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

This is a great choice to consider if you're already a fan of pod coffee machines and want to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's latest espresso machine is sleek, efficient and can create five different drinks from one sleek, compact chassis. It's also on sale now making it an excellent choice for any budget.

The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is easy to use, with an adjustable button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It uses patent-pending Nespresso capsules that have an identifier on them that informs the machine of what kind of coffee or espresso it is, ensuring that you get the correct temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The capsules spin fast when they are brewing to create the foam, also called crema, which is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.

The only drawback is that it's more loud than other pod-machines and you aren't able to reuse the 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 take them back to reuse.

The machine is also pretty expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you take into account the cost of buying pods. If you're already a coffee pod lover, it's an affordable price to pay for consistently barista style results. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make lattes and cappuccinos. It's also available in bundles that contain a few sample packs of the Nespresso capsules as well as milk frothers that can save you money upfront.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

Most pod machines have the same brewing process: you simply insert a capsule then press a button and the coffee pours out. But now and then a machine comes along that breaks convention right out of the water, as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It is a revolutionary system for capsules that locks them into a portafilter handle. The machine produces espresso that is as good as the one you can get in a cafe without the mess and fuss of a traditional espresso machine.

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

This coffee pod machine is equipped with a Pannarello Steam Wand to make milky beverages like cappuccino or macchiato latte. The distinctive design of this coffee pod machine, designed by renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a statement in your home. Its round, slender shapes and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly mixing modern technology.

This machine requires more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can hinder the flow of hot water, which can prevent the machine from functioning efficiently. If this happens, you'll need to wait a couple of minutes before making another coffee to allow the air to be released.

4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x

The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most popular coffee machines on the market. The small dimensions as well as the attractive pricing and user-friendly are major reasons to buy. But can this tiny machine meet the high standards set by the company that owns it? We went for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to find out.

The Vivy is a basic pod coffee machine, however it isn't sacrificing performance. It can make drinks with just a simple press of a button. It reads an image of a barcode on the DisC to determine the type of drink to make. It also sets the proper amount for water and froth in each drink using Intellibrew Technology to produce an outstanding result 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 cappuccinos or lattes. It takes just three seconds to warm up, and has auto-shut-off after five minutes to save energy.

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

If you sign up your Vivy, you will get a discount on your first order of T-DISCs along with personalized offers, tips and recommendations. You'll also be able to track the status of your machine, and also see how much water it has been using. It's a good idea to register your machine when you purchase it, as well.

5. Illycaffe B-Pod

illycaffe is a leading player in the world of coffee and an famous heritage brand, is a world leader. Established in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is run by his descendants and spans across the world. The family-owned company has a long tradition 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 that help to protect the environment and ensure that their products are as eco friendly as possible. They have a particular focus on efficiency in their energy use and are determined to reduce their carbon footprint as well as the use of renewable energy sources. They also promote regenerative farming and are focused on enhancing their water resources.

In addition to their commitments to sustainability, Illycaffe is determined to help their employees succeed. They have invested in programs that offer training and professional development for their employees and they have created a "university of coffee" that helps to educate consumers and professionals about how to enjoy pod-making machines the best cup of coffee.

illycaffe is also the first Italian company that has earned a B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies that place a high value on ethics and have a mission. The company has also launched its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and was named one of the top 10 World's Ethical companies for the past seven years. The company is committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment as well as people. They believe that everyone has a role to play.