One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines have a bit of an undeserved reputation for being low-strength, watery drinks. The best ones are much more than just that.

The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods, made from treated polypropylene cups which are designed to break down in landfill (rather than the dreaded K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also has bundles of capsules and simple customisation.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

This combination drip-and-single-serve coffee maker offers the best features of all the models we 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's side features a programmable timer and an "strong" setting that gives more flavor than standard settings. It also comes with a fold-away frother that is built into the carafe to make cappuccinos and lattes.

The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces at a single time using any size K-Cup, reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup, or ground coffee (a separate water tank is also included). It utilizes Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and reads the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. It's more efficient than a top Keurig model at brewing a full pot thanks to its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions like a 24-hour brew start, brew strength control and auto shutoff.

The device is simple to use, despite the fact that it has two operating modes. It also cleans easily. The pod adapter that is reusable and needles are easily removed for cleaning, and the filter can be washed in your sink. It's a bit heavy and heavy for counter space however, it's an excellent alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.

This basic cold brew machine is a great value option that delivers a smooth and flavorful cup. It can make 12 cups at a time and features a programmable timer, an integrated milk frother and an reusable coffee filter. It also has a large water reservoir 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 are looking to upgrade your Keurig-style machine this is a great alternative. Nespresso's latest espresso maker is sleek, fast and can make five different drinks in one small chassis. It's on sale now which makes it a great option for anyone with a budget.

The VertuoLine Next can be heated up quickly and is extremely simple to use with a single-use button that automatically adapts to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of patented Nespresso pods that feature a barcode to tell the machine what kind of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you have the right temperature and pressure for each drink. The capsules spin quickly during brewing, creating the foam, also known as crema. It is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.

The only drawback is that it's louder than other pod machines and you aren't able to reuse capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules is recyclable, so you can recycle them at your local UPS store or Nespresso's website.

The machine is also quite expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you factor in the cost of buying the pods. If you're already a pod-coffee lover, it's an affordable price to be paid for consistently barista style results. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for cappuccinos or lattes. It's also offered in bundles that include a few samples of Nespresso capsules as well as a milk frother that can help you save money upfront.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

When it is time to brew, the majority of pod machines use the same format: capsules are placed in the top and you press a button, and the coffee oozes out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that defy convention. It is a revolutionary system for capsules that locks them into the portafilter handle. This allows the machine to produce an espresso as good as you'd get in a cafe, but without the hassle and mess that is typical of an 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 espresso that is then brewed using a unique two-stage process to produce an intense crema. The extraction happens completely inside the capsule, so the machine and coffee never come into contact and cleanup is easy.

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

This machine requires more attention, especially when using the steam wand. The reason for this is that too much air can block the hot water from flowing correctly and stop the machine from working. It is necessary to wait for a few moments before preparing another cup of coffee to let the excess air 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 ease of operation are all important selling points. Does this tiny machine meet the high standards set forth by its parent company's? We tested it at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.

The Vivy is a basic pod coffee machine, but it does not sacrifice the performance. It can create drinks with a simple press of a button. It scans an image of a barcode on the DisC to determine the type of drink to make. It also automatically sets the correct amount of water and froth for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to achieve an outstanding result every time.

This makes it easy to operate - just insert the desired T DISC and choose the size you prefer for your drink. The Vivy has 40 different drinks as well as a milk jug to make cappuccinos or lattes. It takes only three seconds to warm up, and has auto-shut-off after five minutes to save energy.

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

As an added bonus, if you sign up your Vivy with Bosch as a bonus, you'll receive discounts on your first purchase of T DISCs and receive personalized offers, suggestions and advice. You can also monitor the progress of your machine and see how much it's been used. Registering your machine is an excellent idea as soon as you purchase it.

5. Illycaffe B Pod

illycaffe is a well-known brand with a long history and is a one of the leaders in the coffee industry. It was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is managed by his descendants and is spread across the world. The family-owned company has a long tradition of innovation and is known for its high-quality espresso crafted from nine different types of Arabica bean.

The company is committed to sustainability, and has implemented numerous initiatives to help to protect the environment. They also make sure that their products are as green as possible. They have focused on efficiency in energy use, and are committed to reducing their emissions, and also the use of renewable energy sources. They have also promoted Regenerative farming and are focusing on improving 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 also created an "university of coffee" that helps to educate consumers and professionals alike on how to make the most optimal cup of coffee.

In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to be awarded the B-Corp designation, which is an international certification that recognizes companies that prioritize ethics and a sense of mission. The company has also launched its first line of Nespresso compatible Pods and been named as one of the world's most ethical companies over the last seven year. The company is committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment as well as people. They believe that everyone has a responsibility to play.