One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines have a bit of 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 degrade in landfill (rather than the dreaded K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It offers a variety of capsules and is easy to customise.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

One of the top pod coffee makers available on the market, this combination single-serve and drip models offer the best blend of features in our test. It comes with a 12-cup carafe that is brewed in the traditional manner and a single-serve that accepts any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe side comes with an adjustable timer and it has a "strong" setting that gives more flavor than normal settings. It also comes with an adjustable frother that folds away and is built into the carafe for lattes and capspuccinos.

The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces at a single time with any size of K-Cup and reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cups or ground coffee (a separate water tank is also included). It makes use of Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and reads the barcode of each pod to adjust machine settings. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's quicker at making full-pots of brew than Keurig's top-rated. It also has advanced features like a 24-hour start, brew intensity control, and automatic shutoff.

The device is simple to use, despite the fact that it has two operating modes. It also cleans easily. The reusable pod adapter, needles and mesh filter can be removed to clean. The machine is heavy and heavy for counter space, however it's a great choice for those who desire the convenience of pods or the versatility of coffee ground.

This simple cold brew machine is a budget pick that provides smooth and delicious cups. It can make 12 cups at a time and comes with a programmable clock, an integrated milk frother as well as an coffee filter that is reusable. It also comes with a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe to serve hot brews.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

If you're already bought in to the trend of pod coffee machines and want to upgrade from your current Keurig-style machine This is a great alternative. Nespresso's latest espresso machine is stylish, quick and can make five different drinks on one sleek, compact chassis. It's currently on sale, making it an excellent option for anyone with a budget.

The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is simple to use, using an adjustable button that automatically adjusts to the type capsule you're using. It utilizes patented Nespresso pods that have an identifier barcode that tells the machine which type of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures that you get the right temperature and pressure for each drink. The capsules spin fast during brewing, creating an emulsion called crema, which is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.

The only drawback is that it's louder than other pod machines and you can't reuse the capsules. Fortunately, the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable and you can drop them off at the local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for free, and they'll return them to reuse.

The machine is also quite expensive compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you consider the cost of purchasing the pods. However, if you're already a believer in the advantages of pod coffee, it's a small cost to get consistently good barista-like results. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for cappuccinos or lattes. You can also purchase it in bundles, which contain some samples of Nespresso pods as well as a coffee maker. This will save you money up front.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

When it is time to brew, the majority of pod machines use the same pattern - capsules are placed on the top and you press a button and the coffee oozes out. However, every now and then a machine comes along that blows convention out of the water, like is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It utilizes a different mechanism for capsules that lock them in place inside a portafilter-like handle. The machine can produce espresso that is comparable to what you would get in a cafe without the mess and fuss of the traditional espresso machine.

The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules, which are made from premium, high-quality coffee beans. Each capsule is stocked with an exact amount of espresso ground that is brewed in a two-stage process. This produces a rich crema. The extraction happens entirely inside the capsule, meaning that the machine and coffee never meet and cleaning up is easy.

This coffee pod machine also comes with a Pannarello steam wand for making milky drinks, such as cappuccino or macchiato latte. The unique design, developed by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to stand out in your kitchen. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons evoke the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 60s, while seamlessly integrating advanced technology.

The only drawback to this machine is that it requires some more focus than other models, especially when you are using the steam wand. This is because excessive air can sometimes prevent the hot water from flowing correctly and stop the machine from functioning. If this happens, you'll need to wait a few 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 adored coffee machines available. The compact dimensions, attractive pricing, and ease coffee machine and pods of operation are all major selling points. But does this little machine meet the high standards set by the company that owns it? We went for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.

The Vivy is a simple pod coffee maker, but it does not sacrifice the performance. It can create drinks with a single press of a button. It scans the barcode on the DISC to determine which drink to prepare. It also sets the proper amount for water and froth in every drink by using Intellibrew technology to ensure an outstanding result every time.

This makes it extremely simple to use - just insert the desired T DISC and select the desired drink size. The Vivy has 40 different drinks and an milk jug that can be used to make lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to warm up and automatically shuts off after five minutes, to save energy.

It's very easy to clean using a cleverly-designed descaler that slots into the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the process is quick and simple.

If you sign up your Vivy, you'll receive a discount for your first T-DISCs order, along with specific offers, tips and suggestions. You'll also be able monitor the health of your machine and know how much water it's used. It's worth registering your machine as soon as you buy it, too.

5. illycaffe B Pod

illycaffe is a renowned heritage brand that is a one of the leaders in the coffee industry. Founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is managed by his descendants and is spread across the globe. The family-owned and operated business has a long tradition of embracing innovation within the industry. It is known for its premium quality espresso that is made from 9 different varieties of Arabica beans.

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 environmentally green as they can. They have concentrated on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and utilizing renewable energy sources. They also have worked to promote regenerative agriculture and have a strong focus on enhancing their water resources.

In addition to their commitments to sustainability, Illycaffe is determined to help their employees succeed. They have invested in training programs for their employees, and have created a "university" of coffee to train both consumers and professionals on how to make the best cup of coffee.

illycaffe is also the first Italian company to earn a B Corp certification. This certification is given to international companies who prioritize ethics and a sense of purpose. The company also recently introduced their first line of Nespresso compatible pods. They have also been named one of the world's most ethical companies for the past seven years. The company has been committed to demonstrating that sustainable quality can be beneficial to the environment and people alike and has an unshakeable belief that it is the responsibility of everyone to do their part.