One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines have an undeserved reputation for their low-strength, watery drinks. However, the top pods are 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 hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also has bundles of capsule options and 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 glass carafe 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's side features an adjustable timer and a "strong" setting that produces more flavor than standard settings. It has an adjustable frother that folds away and 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 the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate reservoir for water is also included). It utilizes Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and reads the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. It's faster than a leading Keurig model when it comes to brewing a full pot thanks to its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced features like a 24 hour brew start, brew strength controls, and auto shutoff.

The device is easy 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 can be removed to clean. It's a bit bulky 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 basic cold brew machine is a budget pick that produces a smooth and flavorful cup. It can create 12 cups at a time and features a programmable timer as well as an integrated milk frother and a reusable coffee filter. It comes with a large reservoir of water and glass carafes to hold hot beverages.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

If you're already bought in to the pod coffee machine trend and are looking to upgrade the Keurig-style machine you have, this is an excellent alternative. Nespresso's latest espresso machine is stylish, quick and can make five different drinks on one compact, sleek chassis. It's currently on sale which makes it a great choice for those with a tight budget.

The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is simple to use, using a button that adapts automatically to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of the patented Nespresso capsules with an identifier on them which tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, ensuring that you get the correct temperature and pressure for each drink. The capsules spin quickly during brewing, creating an emulsion known as crema that is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.

The only drawback is that it's louder than other pod-machines and you can't reuse the capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules is recyclable, which means you can recycle the capsules at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website.

The machine is pricey when compared to other pod machines in particular when you consider the cost of the pods. However, if you're already convinced of the benefits of pod coffee, it's a small cost to pay for consistent, barista-style results. Additionally, you can add a 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, which can save you money upfront.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

When it comes to brewing, most pod machines use a similar format - capsules are placed on the top and 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 is a revolutionary system for capsules that lock them into the portafilter handle. This lets the machine make an espresso that is as good as you'd get at a cafe, however without the hassle and pods coffee machines mess that is typical of an espresso maker.

The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE capsules that are made of premium coffee beans of the highest quality. Each capsule contains a precise dose of espresso ground, which is then brewed using a unique two-stage process to create a rich crema. The extraction happens entirely inside the capsule, which means that the machine and the coffee do not meet and cleaning up is a breeze.

The coffee pod comes with a Pannarello Steam Wand to make milky drinks like cappuccino or macchiato latte. Its unique design, designed by famed Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to stand out 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.

One downside of this machine is that it requires a little more attention than other models, especially when you are using the steam wand. This is because excess air can sometimes hinder the flow of hot water, preventing the machine from working properly. If this happens, you'll need to wait a few minutes before making another coffee to allow the air to let go.

4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x

The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most popular coffee machines on the market. Its compact dimensions, attractive price and user-friendly interface are among the major selling points. Does this machine meet the high standards set forth by its parent company's standards? We tested it at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.

The Vivy is among the most simple pod coffee machines available, but it doesn't skimp on performance. It can make drinks with the press of a single button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC to know which drink it has to create. It also sets the proper amount of the froth and water in each drink using Intellibrew technology to ensure the best results every time.

It's very easy to use. Simply insert the desired T DISC, and choose the size of your drink. The Vivy offers 40 different drinks, as well as an milk jug that can be used to make lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to warm and automatically shuts off after five minutes, to save energy.

The descaler is designed to slot into the side of your machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the procedure is easy and quick.

If you sign up for your Vivy, you'll get a discount on your first T-DISCs order, as well as customized offers, tips and suggestions. You'll also be able to keep track of the condition of your machine, and also see how much water it's used. Registering your machine is an excellent idea immediately after you purchase it.

5. Illycaffe B-Pod

illycaffe is a leading player in the world of coffee and an iconic heritage brand, is a global leader. The company was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still run by his descendants. It spans the globe. The family-owned company has a long tradition of innovation and is known for its premium espresso made using nine different varieties of Arabica bean.

The company is also committed to sustainability and has a variety of initiatives to safeguard 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 have also worked to promote regenerative farming, and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.

In addition to their commitment to sustainability, Illycaffe is determined to help their employees achieve. They have invested in training programs for their employees and created a "university" of coffee to train consumers and professionals alike on how to make the most delicious cup of coffee.

illycaffe is also the first Italian company to be awarded an B Corp certification. This designation is awarded to companies that place a high value on ethics and have a mission. The company has also launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods, and has been named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the last seven years. The company has been dedicated to demonstrating that sustainable quality can make a difference for both the environment and people They have an unshakeable belief that it is the responsibility of everyone to play their part.