One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines are often criticized for making watery, weak drinks. Fortunately, the best ones can offer much more than that.

The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods, made from treated polypropylene cups that are supposed to degrade in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also has bundles of capsule options as well as easy customization.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

One of the top pod coffee makers available on the market, this drip and single-serve model offers the best blend of features that we have tested. It comes with a 12-cup carafe which makes grounds in the traditional way and a single-serve that accepts any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe is programmable with a clock as well as a "strong setting" that gives you more flavor. It also comes with a foldaway, built-in 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 reservoir for water is included). It is based on Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system and analyzes the barcode on each pod to adjust the machine settings for the perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's faster at brewing full pots than the Keurig that is the most popular. It also comes with advanced features, like a 24 hour start, brew intensity control and automatic shutoff.

It's easy to use despite having two operating modes, and cleaning is pretty easy. The pod adapter that is reusable and needles can be removed for cleaning, and the filter can be washed in the sink. It's a bit heavy and heavy for counter space, but it's a great option for anyone who needs the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.

This affordable cold brew maker makes a smooth and delicious cup. It comes with a timer that can be programmed and a built-in milk froth and a filter that can be reused, and can make 12 cups of java at a time. It also has a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe for hot coffee.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

This is a great choice for those who are already a fan of pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's new espresso maker is sleek, fast, and can make five different drinks with one compact chassis. It's even on sale right now which makes it a great choice for any budget.

The VertuoLine next heats up quickly and is easy to use, with an automatic button that adjusts to the type capsule you are using. It utilizes patented Nespresso capsules which have a barcode which tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, ensuring that you get the correct temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The capsules spin fast during brewing, creating the foam, also known as crema that is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.

The only downsides to the VertuoLine is that it's a little louder than other pod machines, and that you can't reuse capsules you've used. 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 no cost and they'll return them to recycle.

The machine is also pretty expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you take into account the cost of buying the pods. If you're already a pod coffee lover, it's an affordable price to pay for consistently barista-like results. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for cappuccinos or lattes. It's also available as bundles that include a few samples of Nespresso capsules as well as milk frothers, which can save you money upfront.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

The majority of pod machines use a similar brewing process - you simply insert a capsule, press a button and the coffee is brewed. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that defy the norm. It has a completely different system for capsules that lock them in place inside a portafilter-like handle. This allows the machine to create an espresso that's like you would get in a cafe, but without all of the fuss and mess that comes with a traditional espresso maker.

The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules, which are made from premium high-quality coffee beans. Each capsule is stocked with a precise dose of espresso ground, which is then brewed with a specific two-stage process to produce a thick and rich crema. The extraction process is entirely inside the capsule. This means that the coffee and machine are never in contact. Clean-up is also a breeze.

The coffee pod also has a Pannarello steam wand for making milky drinks, such as cappuccino or latte macchiato. Its unique design, created by famed Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to make a statement in your kitchen. Its round, slender shapes and soft-touch buttons are inspired by traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly mixing modern technology.

This machine requires more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is because excess air can sometimes block the flow of the hot water, which prevents the machine from functioning effectively. If this happens, you'll need to wait a few minutes before making another coffee to allow the excess air to let go.

4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x

The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most well-known pod coffee machines available on the market. The small dimensions, attractive pricing and user-friendly are major reasons to buy. But does this little machine live up to the high standards set by its parent company? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.

The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, but it isn't sacrificing its performance. It makes drinks at the push of a button, by reading a unique barcode on each T DISC to determine which drink it needs to create. It also sets the correct amount of water and froth in each drink by using Intellibrew Technology to produce an outstanding result every time.

This makes it very easy to operate - just insert the desired T DISC and choose your preferred drink size. The Vivy has 40 different drinks as well as a milk jug for making cappuccinos or lattes. It takes just three seconds to heat up and it has an auto-shutoff after five minutes.

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

If you sign up your Vivy, you will receive a discount for your first order of T-DISCs, and also specific offers, tips and advice. You'll also be able to track the status of your machine and know how much water it's been using. Registering your machine is also recommended as soon as you purchase it.

5. Illycaffe B Pod

illycaffe is a well-known heritage coffee machine for pods brand and an industry leader in the field of coffee. The company was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still run by his descendants. It spans the globe. The family-owned business has a long history of innovation and is renowned for its top-quality espresso that is made from nine different varieties of Arabica bean.

The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented numerous initiatives to help preserve the environment. They also make sure that their products are as green as is possible. They have focused their efforts on efficiency in energy use, and are determined to reduce their carbon footprint, as well as the use of renewable energy sources. They have also been working to promote regenerative agriculture and have a strong focus on improving their water resources.

Illycaffe's commitment towards sustainability is matched by their commitment to help 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 best cup of coffee.

In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to earn B-Corp certification. This is an international certification that recognizes companies that prioritize ethics and a sense of purpose. 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 is committed to proving that sustainable quality can benefit both the environment and people, and they have the conviction that it is the responsibility of everyone to take action.