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. Fortunately, the best ones can offer much more than that.

The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods, made from treated polypropylene cups which are supposed to degrade in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also offers a range of capsule options as well as easy 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 comes with a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional ground coffee and one-serve side that will accept any type of K-Cup Keurig-like, reusable or Keurig pod. The carafe comes with a programmable clock and a "strong setting" that gives you more flavor. It comes with a fold-away frother that is integrated into the carafe to serve capspuccinos and lattes.

The single-serve side 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 also included). It utilizes Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which scans the barcode of each pod to adjust machine's settings to make the perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's more efficient in brewing full-pots than Keurig's top-rated. It also has advanced features such as a 24-hour start, brew intensity controls, and automatic shutoff.

It's easy to use despite having two different modes of operation, and cleaning process is fairly easy. The reusable pod adapter and needles can be removed to clean, and the filter can be washed in your sink. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space however it's a great option for anyone who needs the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.

This simple cold brew maker is a budget-friendly option that provides smooth and delicious cups. It can make 12 cups at a time and has a programmable clock and a milk frother that is integrated, and a coffee filter that is reusable. It comes with a large reservoir of water as well as glass carafes to hold hot coffee.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

If you're already accustom to the trend of pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your Keurig-style machine, this is an excellent option. Nespresso's new espresso maker is sleek, fast and can create five different drinks with one chassis. It's even on sale right now which makes it a great option for anyone with a budget.

The VertuoLine will then heat up quickly and is easy to use, using an adjustable button that automatically adjusts to the type capsule you are using. It makes use of patented Nespresso capsules that have a barcode on them that informs the machine of what kind of coffee or espresso it is, ensuring that you have the right temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The capsules spin fast while brewing to create a layer of foam known as crema that is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.

The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine is that it's louder than other pod machines, and that you can't reuse the capsules that you've used. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules is recyclable, which means you can recycle them at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website.

The machine is expensive when it is compared to other pod makers in particular when you consider the cost of the pods. If you're already a pod-coffee fan, the cost is a small price to pay for consistent barista-like results. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make lattes or cappuccinos. It's also available as bundles that contain a few samples of Nespresso capsules and milk frothers that can save you money upfront.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

The majority of pod machines have a similar brewing process - you place a capsule in then press a button and the coffee is brewed. However, every now and then a machine comes along that blows convention out of the water, as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It utilizes a different mechanism for capsules, locking them into place in a portafilter-like hand. The machine produces espresso that is as good as the kind you get at a cafe without the mess and hassle of the traditional espresso machine.

The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE capsules that are made of premium, high-quality coffee beans. Each capsule has a precise amount of ground espresso, which is brewed in two stages. This produces a rich crema. The extraction takes place entirely inside the capsule, which means that the coffee and machine never meet and cleanup is a breeze.

This coffee pod machine also comes with a Pannarello steam wand for making milky drinks such as cappuccino and latte macchiato. The unique design of this machine, created by renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold statement in your home. Its round, slender forms and soft-touch buttons are inspired by classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly mixing modern technology.

This machine requires a bit more attention, especially when using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can stop the flow of hot water, which prevents the machine from working effectively. If this happens, you'll have to wait for a few minutes before preparing another coffee to allow the air to escape.

4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x

The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most popular coffee makers available. Its compact dimensions, attractive price and ease of use are all big selling points. But can this machine meet the high standards set by its parent company? We tested it at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.

The Vivy is one of the simplest pod coffee machines on the market however it doesn't sacrifice on performance. It can create drinks with a simple press of a button. It reads the barcode on the DisC to determine the type of drink to prepare. It also automatically adjusts the correct amount of froth and water for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to produce an outstanding result every time.

This makes it easy to operate - just insert the desired T DISC and select your preferred drink size. There are 40 drinks to choose from and the Vivy comes with a milk container for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to heat up, and has auto-shut-off after five minutes to save energy.

The descaler has been designed to slot into the side of your machine. This is a separate process, but it's quick and easy.

If you register your Vivy, you'll get a discount on your first order of T-DISCs as well as customized offers, tips and advice. You'll also be able to keep track of the condition of pod and bean coffee machine your machine, and also see how much water it has been using. It's a good idea to register your machine when you purchase it, as well.

5. illycaffe B-Pod

illycaffe is an iconic heritage brand and an industry leader in the field of coffee. Established in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is still operated by his children and spans the world. The family-owned company has a long tradition of innovation and is renowned for its top-quality espresso that is made using nine different varieties of Arabica bean.

The company is committed to sustainability, and has implemented a number initiatives to help protect the environment. They also make sure that their products are as eco-friendly as is possible. They have focused their efforts on energy efficiency, and are determined to reduce their carbon footprint and also the use of renewable energies. They also promote Regenerative farming and are focusing on improving their water resources.

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

In addition to all of this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to be awarded a B-Corp certification, which is an international label which recognizes companies that value ethics and a sense that they have a purpose. 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 dedicated to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment as well as people. They believe that everyone has a responsibility to play.