One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

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

The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods made from treated polypropylene cups that are designed to break down in landfill (rather than the notorious 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 combination single-serve and drip models offer the best blend of features we tested. It has a 12-cup carafe which is brewed in the traditional way and single-serve that can accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe's side features a programmable timer and a "strong" setting that produces more flavor than the normal settings. It also comes with an integrated, fold-away frother for cappuccinos and lattes.

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 also included). It uses Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and reads the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. It's faster than a leading Keurig model in brewing a full pot thanks to its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced features like a 24 hour brew start, brew strength control, and auto shutoff.

It's easy to use, despite having two different operating modes, and 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. The unit is a bit heavy and bulky for counter space but it's an excellent option for those who prefer the convenience of pods or the versatility of coffee ground.

This simple cold brew maker is a budget-friendly option that produces an incredibly smooth and delicious cup. It has a programmable timer, a built-in milk frother and a reusable filter and can make 12 cups of java at a time. It comes with a large reservoir of water, as well as glass carafes to hold hot brews.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

This is a great choice to consider if you're already a fan of pod coffee machines but want to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's new espresso maker is sleek, fast and can create five different drinks with one chassis. It's currently on sale which makes it a great option for anyone with a budget.

The VertuoLine next heats up quickly and is easy to use, with an adjustable button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you are using. It utilizes patent-pending Nespresso pods with barcodes that inform the machine what kind of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you have the correct temperature and pressure for every drink. The pods also spin rapidly during brewing, creating an exquisite layer of foam, known as crema. It is typically 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 the 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 no cost and they'll return them to reuse.

The machine is also pretty expensive 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 advantages of pod coffee, it's a low cost to pay for consistent results that resemble baristas. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make lattes or cappuccinos. It is also available in bundles, which include some of the Nespresso pods and a frother. This will help you save money upfront.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

When it comes to brewing, most pod machines use a similar format - capsules are placed in the top and you press a button and the coffee is poured out. But every 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 lock them into the portafilter handle. This allows the machine to produce an espresso like you would get at a cafe, however without all of the fuss and mess that comes with a traditional espresso maker.

The X7.1 is compatible only with illy MIE pods which are made of premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule has precisely proportioned amounts of ground espresso, which is then brewed using a unique two-stage process to create a rich crema. The extraction is done entirely within the capsule. This means that the machine and coffee are never in contact. Cleaning up is easy.

This coffee pod machine also comes with an Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and latte macchiato. The unique design of this machine, created by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold design statement in your living space. Its slender, round shapes and soft-touch buttons are inspired by traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly integrating modern technology.

One downside of this machine is that it needs a little more focus than other models, especially when you are using the steam wand. The reason for this is that too much air can block the steam from flowing properly and stop the machine from working. You will need to wait for some time before making another cup of coffee to let the air escape.

4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x

The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most popular coffee makers available. Its compact dimensions, attractive price and ease of use are among the major selling points. But does this little machine meet the high standards set by the parent company? We tested it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.

The Vivy is among the most simple pod coffee machines on the market however it doesn't compromise on performance. It can create drinks with a single touch. It scans an image of a barcode on the DISC to determine which drink to prepare. It also sets the proper amount for water and froth in each drink using Intellibrew Technology to produce the best results every time.

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

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

As an added benefit, if sign up your Vivy with Bosch as a bonus, you'll receive discounts on your first order of T DISCs and receive personalized offers, recommendations and suggestions. You can also monitor the progress of your machine, and check how much it has been used. Registering your machine is also recommended when you purchase it.

5. illycaffe B-Pod

illycaffe is a well-known brand with a long history and is a an industry leader in the field of coffee. The company was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still here managed by his descendants. It spans the globe. The family-owned business has a history of innovation and is renowned for its premium espresso made from nine different types of Arabica bean.

The company is also committed to sustainability and has a variety of initiatives that help safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally friendly as possible. They have focused their efforts on efficiency in energy use, and are determined to reduce their carbon footprint and also the use of renewable energies. They have also promoted the practice of regenerative agriculture and are focusing on improving their water resources.

Illycaffe's commitment towards sustainability is matched by their desire to assist their employees in achieving success. They have invested in training programs for their employees, and have created a "university" of coffee to educate professionals and consumers alike on how to make the most delicious cup of coffee.

In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to obtain B-Corp certification. This is an international designation which recognizes companies that value ethics and a sense of mission. The company also introduced its first line of Nespresso compatible Pods and been named as one of the top 10 World's ethical companies for the last seven years. The company is committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can make a difference for both the environment and people and has a strong belief that it is the responsibility of everyone to take action.