One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines have a bit of an undeserved reputation for their watery, under-strength drinks. Fortunately, the best pods can provide more than that.

The illy Bruvi uses B-pods coffee machines made from treated polypropylene cups which are supposed to degrade in landfill (rather than the notorious K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also comes with a variety of capsule machine coffee options and easy customisation.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

One of the best pod coffee makers available on the market, this combination drip and single-serve model offers the best blend of features in our test. It has a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional grounds and a single-serve side that accepts any kind of K-Cup, Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe side comes with an adjustable timer and a "strong" setting that provides 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 of coffee at once using any size K-Cup, or a reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate water reservoir is included). It utilizes Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule machine coffee system that reads the barcode on each pod to adjust the machine's settings to make an ideal cup every time. It's more efficient than a top Keurig model in making a full-sized pot of brew thanks to its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced features like a 24 hour brew start time, brew strength control, and auto shutoff.

It's easy to use despite having two modes of operation, and cleaning is pretty easy. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles are easily removed for cleaning, and the mesh filter is washable in your sink. It's a bit bulky and heavy for counter space however it's a great option for anyone who wants the convenience of pods coffee machines as well as the versatility of ground coffee.

This affordable cold brew maker produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It can create 12 cups at a time and comes with a programmable clock, an integrated milk frother as well as a coffee filter that is reusable. It also has a huge reservoir of water and a glass carafe for 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, fast and has the ability to make five different drinks on one compact, sleek chassis. It's also on sale now making it an excellent choice for any budget.

The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is easy to use, with a button that adapts automatically to the type capsule you're using. It utilizes patent-pending Nespresso pods that feature an identifier barcode that tells the machine which type of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures you have the correct temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods also spin fast when brewing, creating an exquisite layer of foam, also known as crema. It is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.

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

The machine is also pretty expensive in comparison to other pod coffee pod-making 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 pay for consistent results that resemble baristas. Additionally, you can add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make cappuccinos and lattes. It's also available as bundles that include a few sample packs of the Nespresso capsules and milk frother which could 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 coffee flows out. However, every now and then a device comes along that is a complete blow to the water, like is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It utilizes a different mechanism for capsules and locks them in a portafilter-like handle. The machine can produce espresso that is comparable to the one you can get in a cafe, but without the mess and hassle 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 has precisely proportioned amounts of espresso that is then brewed with a specific two-stage process that produces an intense crema. The extraction happens entirely within the capsule, which means that the coffee and machine never meet, and clean-up is a breeze.

This coffee pod machine also comes with an Pannarello steam wand that can be used to make milky drinks, such as cappuccino or latte macchiato. The unique design of this machine, created by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold design statement in your living space. Its slim but round shapes and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the '60s, while seamlessly integrating advanced technology.

One drawback of this machine is that it needs some more focus than other models, particularly when you are using the steam wand. The reason for this is that too much air can prevent the steam from flowing properly, preventing the machine from working. You'll need to wait some time before making a second coffee to let the excess air escape.

4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x

The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most sought-after coffee machines available. Its small dimensions, attractive price and user-friendly interface are among the major selling points. But can this tiny machine live up to the high standards set by the parent company? We took it for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to find out.

The Vivy is a simple pod coffee maker, but it isn't sacrificing the performance. It makes drinks at the touch of a single button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC to know which drink it has to make. It also automatically sets the correct amount of water and froth for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to achieve the best results every time.

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

The descaler is cleverly designed to fit into the side of your machine. This is a separate procedure, but it's quick and easy.

If you sign up your Vivy, you will get a discount on your first T-DISCs order, as well as personalized offers, tips and suggestions. You can also track the status of your machine, and find out how much it has been used. Registering your machine is an excellent idea when you purchase it.

5. illycaffe B Pod

illycaffe is a renowned 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 run by his descendants. It is a global company. The family-owned business has a long history of innovation and is known for its high-quality espresso crafted from nine different varieties of Arabica bean.

The company is committed to sustainability, and has taken a variety of initiatives to to protect the environment. They also ensure that their products are as green as is possible. They have concentrated on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions as well as using renewable energies. They have also worked to promote regenerative farming, and have a particular focus on enhancing their water resources.

Illycaffe's commitment towards sustainability is matched by their determination to help their employees succeed. They have invested in programs that offer training and professional development for their staff and they have created an "university of coffee" which helps educate both professionals and consumers about how to enjoy the best cup of coffee.

illycaffe is also the first Italian company that has earned the B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies who prioritize ethics and have a mission. The company also introduced its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and has been recognized as one of the top 10 World's ethical companies for the last seven year. The company has been committed to proving that sustainable quality can be beneficial to the environment and people alike and has a strong belief that it is the responsibility of everyone to do their part.