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. Fortunately, the best ones can offer much more than that.

The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods, made from treated polypropylene cups which are designed to break down in landfill (rather than the notorious K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It offers a variety of capsule options, and it is easy to customise.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

This coffee maker that is a combination of drip and single-serve has the best features of all the models we have tested. It has a 12-cup carafe that makes grounds in the traditional manner and one-serve that will accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe is programmable with a clock and an "strong setting" that makes more flavor. It also comes with a built-in, foldaway frother for cappuccinos and lattes.

The single-serve version can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at once using any size K-Cup or the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate water reservoir is included). It is based on Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which reads the barcode on each pod to adjust the machine's settings to ensure an ideal cup every time. 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 functions like a 24-hour brew start, brew strength controls, and auto shutoff.

The device is easy to use despite the fact 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. The unit is a bit heavy and bulky for counter space but it's a great choice for those who desire the convenience of pods or the versatility of coffee ground.

This budget-friendly cold brew machine produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It can make 12 cups at once and comes with a programmable clock and a milk frother that is integrated, and a coffee filter that is reusable. It also comes with a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe to serve hot coffee.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

If you're already bought in to the trend of pod coffee machines and want to upgrade from the Keurig-style machine you have This is a great option. Nespresso's new espresso machine is sleek, efficient and can make five different drinks on one sleek, compact machine. It's currently on sale, making it an excellent choice for any budget.

The VertuoLine next heats up quickly and is simple to use, using an adjustable button that automatically adjusts to the type capsule you are using. It uses the patented Nespresso pods that feature barcodes that inform the machine which type of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures you get the right temperature and water pressure for every drink. The capsules spin quickly while brewing to create a layer of foam called crema, which is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.

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

The machine is expensive when it is compared to other pod makers, especially if you include the cost of the pods. However, if you're already convinced of the benefits of pod coffee, it's a small price to pay for consistent, barista-style results. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make cappuccinos or lattes. You can also buy it 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

The majority of pod machines have the same brewing process: you simply insert a capsule and press a button, and the coffee pours out. However, every now and then there is a machine that is a complete blow to the water, such as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It uses a unique system for capsules that locks them into a portafilter handle. The machine can produce espresso that is as good as what you would get in a cafe, but without the mess and fuss of a traditional espresso machine.

The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE pods that are made from top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule has an exact amount of espresso ground that is brewed using two stages. This creates a rich crema. The extraction happens entirely within the capsule, which means that the coffee and machine never come into contact and cleanup is a breeze.

This coffee pod machine includes a Pannarello Steam Wand to make milky beverages like cappuccino or Latte Macchiato. Its unique design, created by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to be a standout in your kitchen. Its round but slender forms and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the '60s and seamlessly integrates modern technology.

This machine requires a bit more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. The reason for this is that the excess air can stop the flow of hot water, which prevents the machine from working properly. It is necessary to wait for several minutes before making a second coffee to let the air escape.

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 small dimensions as well as the attractive pricing and user-friendly are major selling points. Does this little machine meet the high standards set by the parent company? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.

The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, but it isn't sacrificing its performance. It can make drinks with a single 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 correct amount for water and froth in every drink by using Intellibrew Technology to produce the best results every time.

It's very 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 jug that can be used for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes just three seconds to warm up and automatically shuts off after five minutes to conserve energy.

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

If you sign up for your Vivy, you will receive a discount for your first T-DISCs order, and also customized offers, tips and suggestions. You can also monitor the condition of your machine and find out how much it's used. It's a good idea to register your machine at the time you purchase it, too.

5. Illycaffe B Pod

illycaffe is an iconic heritage brand and an industry leader in the field of coffee. Founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is run by his descendants and is spread across the world. The family-owned and operated business has a long track record of embracing new technologies within the industry. It is renowned for its top quality espresso made from 9 different varieties of Arabica beans.

The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented a number initiatives to help protect the environment. They also make sure that their products are as green as they can. They have concentrated on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions as well as using renewable energy sources. They also have worked to promote regenerative agriculture, and have a strong focus coffee capsules machines on enhancing their water resources.

illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their commitment to help their employees achieve. They have invested in programs that provide training and professional development for their employees, and they have also created an "university of coffee" that assists in educating consumers and professionals on how to make the best cup of coffee.

illycaffe is also the first Italian company to be awarded a B Corp certification. This designation is awarded to companies that place a high value on ethics and have a mission. The company also introduced its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and has been named one of the top 10 World's Ethical companies for the past seven years. The company is dedicated to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people. They believe that everyone has a responsibility to take on.