One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines are frequently accused of making watery, weak drinks. Fortunately, the best pods are more than that.

The illy Bruvi utilizes B-Pods in place of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It comes with a range of capsules and is easy to customize.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

This coffee maker that is a combination of drip and single-serve has the best features of the models we've tested. It has an insulated 12-cup carafe that makes grounds in the traditional manner and a single-serve that accepts any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe comes with a programmable clock as well as it has a "strong setting" that produces more flavor. It has an easy-to-folding frother that's integrated into the carafe to serve capspuccinos and lattes.

The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time, using any size K-Cup or reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista cups (a separate water reservoir is included). It is based on Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system that reads the barcode on each pod to adjust the machine's settings to ensure a perfect cup every time. It's quicker than the leading Keurig model when it comes to brewing a full pot thanks to its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions, including a 24-hour brew start, brew strength control, and auto shutoff.

It's easy to use despite having two operating modes, and clean-up is relatively painless. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles can be removed for cleaning and the mesh filter is washable in the sink. The machine is 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 low-cost cold brew machine produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It can make 12 cups at a time and has a programmable clock and a milk frother that is integrated as well as a coffee filter that is reusable. It also has 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 pod coffee machine trend and want to upgrade from your Keurig-style machine, this is an excellent alternative. Nespresso's latest espresso machine is sleek, fast and has the ability to make five different drinks on one compact, sleek chassis. It's available for sale right now, making it an excellent option for anyone with a budget.

The VertuoLine is then able to heat up quickly and is easy to use, with a button that adapts automatically to the type capsule you're using. It makes use of patented Nespresso capsules with a barcode on them that tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, making sure you get the correct temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The pods also spin rapidly while brewing, resulting in an indulgence-inducing layer of foam, also known as crema, which is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.

The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine is that it's a bit more loud than other pod machines, and that you can't reuse capsules that you've used. Fortunately the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable, so you can drop them off at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for no cost and they'll return them to recycle.

The machine is expensive when compared to other pod machines particularly when you add the cost of the pods. However, if you're already bought in to the advantages of pod coffee, it's only a small cost to pay for consistently good barista-like results. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for lattes and cappuccinos. It's also offered in bundles that include sample packs of the Nespresso capsules as well as milk frothers that can save you money upfront.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

The majority of pod machines have the same brewing procedure - you place a capsule in and press a button, and the coffee is brewed. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of those machines that defies convention. It has a completely different system for capsules that lock them in place inside a portafilter-like handle. The machine produces espresso that is as good as the kind you get at cafes, without the mess and hassle of a 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 ground espresso, which is then brewed using a unique two-stage process that produces an intense crema. The extraction is done entirely inside the capsule. This means that the machine and the coffee are not in contact. Clean-up is also a breeze.

This coffee maker includes a Pannarello Steam Wand to make milky beverages like cappuccino or latte Macchiato. Its unique design, designed by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to be a standout in your kitchen. Its slender, round forms and soft-touch buttons like traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly mixing modern technology.

One downside of this machine is that it needs some extra attention than some other models, particularly when you use the steam wand. The reason for this is that too much air can block the hot water from flowing properly coffee machines capsules making it impossible for the machine to continue working. If this happens, you'll have 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 is one of the most sought-after pod coffee machines available on the market. The compact dimensions, attractive pricing, and ease of operation are all major selling points. But can this machine meet the high standards set by the parent company? We tested it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.

The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, however it isn't sacrificing its performance. It makes drinks with the press of a single button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC to determine which drink it has to create. It also determines the right amount of water and froth in each drink using Intellibrew Technology to produce an excellent outcome every time.

This makes it extremely simple to operate - just insert the desired T DISC, then select the desired drink size. The Vivy offers 40 different drinks as well as an milk jug that can be used to make lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to heat and shuts off automatically after five minutes.

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

If you register your Vivy, you'll receive a discount on your first order of T-DISCs and also personalized offers, tips and suggestions. You can also track the progress of your machine, and find out how much it's used. Registering your machine is a good idea when you purchase it.

5. Illycaffe B-Pod

illycaffe is a leading player in the coffee market and iconic heritage brand, is a world leader. It was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is still operated by his children and is spread across the world. The family-owned business has a long history of innovation and is known for its high-quality espresso crafted using nine different varieties of Arabica bean.

The company is also committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives to safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally green as they can. They have a particular focus on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions as well as using renewable energies. They also promote the practice of regenerative agriculture and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.

Illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their determination to help their employees achieve. They have invested in training programs for their employees and created a "university" of coffee that educates professionals and consumers alike on how to make the best cup of coffee.

illycaffe is also the first Italian company that has earned the B Corp certification. This certification is given to international companies who prioritize ethics and a sense of purpose. The company also recently 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 has been dedicated to demonstrating that sustainable quality can make a difference for both the environment and people and has an unshakeable belief that it is up to everyone to do their part.