One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines have a bit of an unfair reputation for the watery, weak drinks. However, the top pods are more than that.

The illy Bruvi utilizes B-Pods instead of the dreaded K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It offers a variety of capsule options and is simple to customise.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

This combination drip-and-single-serve coffee maker has the best features of all the models we have tested. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional grounds, and one-serve side that will accept any kind of K-Cup, Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe side comes with an adjustable timer and a "strong" setting that produces more flavor than the normal settings. It comes with an adjustable frother that folds away and is built into the carafe for lattes and capspuccinos.

The single-serve side is able to brew up to 18 ounces at a single time using any size K-Cup and reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cups or ground coffee (a separate water tank is also included). It uses Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system that scans the barcode of each pod to adjust machine's settings to make an ideal cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's faster at brewing full pots than Keurig's top-rated. It also comes with advanced features, like a 24 hour start, brew intensity controls and an automatic shutoff.

The device is simple to use despite the fact it has two operating modes. It also cleans easily. The pod adapter that is reusable, needles, and mesh filter can be easily removed for cleaning. It's a bit bulky and heavy for counter space however it's a great alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.

This simple cold brew machine is a great value option that provides a smooth and flavorful cup. It comes with a programmable timer and a built-in milk froth and a reusable filter, and can make 12 cups of java at a time. It comes with a large reservoir of water and glass carafes to hold hot coffee.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

This is a great option for those who are already a fan of pod coffee machines and want to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso's latest espresso machine is stylish, quick and can make five different drinks in one sleek, compact machine. It's even on sale right now, making it a great option for anyone with a budget.

The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is extremely easy to use with a single-use button that automatically adapts to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of the patented Nespresso capsules with a barcode on them which tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, ensuring you get the correct temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods also spin fast during brewing, creating a decadent layer of foam, referred to as crema, that is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.

The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine is that it's a bit 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 costly when it is compared to other pod makers particularly when you add the cost of the pods. If you're already a pod coffee fan, the cost is a small price to be paid for consistently barista-style results. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for lattes or cappuccinos. It is also available in bundles, which contain some of the Nespresso pods as well as a coffee maker. This will help you save money upfront.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

The majority of pod machines use the same brewing procedure - you place a capsule in then press a button and the coffee pours out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of those machines that defies convention. It uses a unique system for capsules that locks them into a portafilter handle. This lets the machine produce an espresso like you would get at a cafe, however without the hassle and mess that comes with a traditional espresso maker.

The X7.1 is compatible 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 a two-stage process. This produces a rich crema. The extraction process is entirely inside the capsule, so the coffee and machine never come into contact, and clean-up is easy.

This coffee pod machine also comes with an Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and macchiato latte. The unique design of this coffee pod machine, designed by famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a design statement in your home. Its round, slender shapes and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly mixing modern 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 due to the fact that air can 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 cup of 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 adored coffee machines on the market. Its compact dimensions, attractive price and user-friendly interface are the main reasons for buying. Does this machine meet the high standards set by its parent company's? We went for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.

The Vivy is a simple pod coffee maker, but it doesn't sacrifice the performance. It can make drinks with just a simple press of a button. It scans an image of a barcode on the DisC to determine the type of drink to make. It also automatically determines the right amount of froth and water for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to produce an excellent result every time.

This makes it extremely simple to use - just insert the desired T DISC and select the size you prefer for your drink. 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 heat up and automatically shuts off after five minutes, to save energy.

It's very easy to clean using a cleverly-designed descaler that slides into the side of the machine. This is a separate process, but it's quick and easy.

As an added benefit, if register your Vivy with Bosch, you'll get discounts on your first order of T DISCs. Additionally, you'll receive personalized coffee machine for pods offers, suggestions and advice. You can also monitor the progress of your machine and see how much it's been used. It's worth registering your machine as soon as you buy it, also.

5. illycaffe B Pod

illycaffe, a leader 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 is a global company. The family-owned company has a long tradition of innovation and is known for its top-quality espresso that is made from nine different types of Arabica bean.

The company is also committed to sustainability and has a range of initiatives to safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as eco sustainable as they can be. They have focused their efforts on efficiency in their energy use and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and the use of renewable energies. They have also worked to promote regenerative agriculture, and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.

In addition to their commitment to sustainability, illycaffe is committed to helping their employees succeed. They have invested in training programs for their employees and have created an "university" of coffee to train consumers and professionals alike on how to make the perfect cup of coffee.

In addition to all of this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to be awarded a B-Corp certification, which is an international label that recognizes companies that prioritize ethics and a sense that they have a purpose. The company has also launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods. They have also been named one of the world's Most Ethical Companies for the last 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 responsibility to play.