One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines are frequently criticized for making watery, weak drinks. The top ones are more than that.

The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods made from treated polypropylene cups which are supposed to break down in landfill (rather than the dreaded K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It comes with a range of capsules, and it is easy to customise.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

One of the best pod coffee makers available on the market, this drip and single-serve model offers the most comprehensive set of features in our test. It comes with a 12-cup carafe which brews grounds in the traditional way and single-serve that can accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe's side features a programmable timer and a "strong" setting that gives more flavor than the standard settings. It also comes with an integrated, fold-away frother for lattes and cappuccinos.

The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time using any size K-Cup, or a reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate reservoir for water is included). It uses Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and scans the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's faster at brewing full pots than the Keurig that is the most popular. It also has advanced features, like a 24 hour start, brew intensity controls and automatic shutoff.

It's simple to use, despite having two different operating modes, and the cleaning is pretty easy. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles are easily removable to clean, and the filter can be washed in the sink. It's a bit bulky and heavy for counter space however, it's an excellent option for anyone who wants the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.

This low-cost cold brew machine makes a smooth and delicious cup. It comes with a programmable timer, a built-in milk frother and a reusable filter, and can make 12 cups of java at once. It comes with a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe to hold hot brews.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

This is a great choice for those who are already a fan of pod coffee machines and want to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso's new espresso maker is stylish, fast and can make five different drinks on one compact chassis. It's currently on sale, making it an excellent option for anyone with a budget.

The VertuoLine Next heats up very quickly and is extremely simple to use, with a single button that automatically adapts to the kind of capsule you're using. It uses patent-pending Nespresso pods that feature an identifier barcode that tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you have the right temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods also spin fast while brewing, resulting in an exquisite layer of foam, referred to as crema, that is usually found on traditional Italian style espresso.

The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine are that it's a bit more loud than other pod machines and that you aren't able to 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 Nespresso's website.

The machine is also expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you consider the cost of purchasing the pods. If you've already convinced of the advantages of pod coffee, it's a small cost to get consistent, barista-style results. Plus, you can add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for cappuccinos and lattes. You can also purchase it in bundles, which coffee machines with capsules contain some samples of Nespresso pods as well as a frother. This will make it cheaper to buy the machine in the beginning.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

The majority of pod machines use the same brewing procedure - you simply insert a capsule then press a button and the coffee pours out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of those machines that defies the norm. It has a unique system for capsules that lock them into a portafilter handle. This lets the machine create an espresso that's similar to what you'd find at 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 pods that are made from premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule has a precise amount of espresso ground that is brewed using two stages. This produces a rich crema. The extraction happens entirely within the capsule, so the machine and the coffee do not meet and cleanup is a breeze.

The coffee pod is equipped with a Pannarello Steam Wand that can be used to make milky beverages like cappuccino or latte Macchiato. The distinctive design of this coffee machine, created by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold design statement in your home. Its slender, round shapes and soft-touch buttons are inspired by traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly mixing modern technology.

One drawback of this machine is that it needs some more attention than other models, particularly when you are using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can sometimes prevent the hot water from flowing correctly and stop the machine from functioning. It is necessary to wait several minutes before making a second coffee to let the air go.

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 small dimensions, attractive pricing and the ease of use are important selling points. But can this tiny machine meet the high standards set by the parent company? We went for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.

The Vivy is a basic pod coffee machine, but it does not sacrifice the performance. It can make drinks with just a simple press of a button. It reads the barcode on the DISC to determine which drink to make. It also sets the proper amount of the froth and water in each drink using Intellibrew Technology to achieve an excellent outcome every time.

This makes it extremely simple to use - simply insert the desired T DISC and select your preferred drink size. The Vivy offers 40 different drinks, as well as a milk jug for making cappuccinos or lattes. It takes only three seconds to warm and automatically shuts off after five minutes to conserve energy.

The descaler is cleverly designed to fit on the side of your machine. This is a different process, but it's quick and simple.

If you register your Vivy, you will get a discount on your first order of T-DISCs, and also customized offers, tips and suggestions. You'll also be able monitor the health of your machine and know how much water it's used. It's worth registering your machine as soon as you buy it, as well.

5. Illycaffe B Pod

illycaffe is a well-known heritage brand and leader in the coffee industry. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still operated by his descendants. It spans the globe. The family-owned and operated company has a long track record of embracing new technologies within the industry. It is renowned for its high quality espresso that is made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.

The company is committed to sustainability, and has taken a variety of initiatives to help protect the environment. They also ensure that their products are as eco-friendly as possible. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions and utilizing renewable energy sources. They also have worked to promote regenerative farming, and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.

Illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their determination to help their employees succeed. They have invested in training programs for their employees and created an "university" of coffee to educate both consumers and professionals on how to make the perfect cup of coffee.

illycaffe is also the first Italian company to be awarded the B Corp certification. This designation is awarded to companies that place a high value on ethics and a sense of purpose. The company also recently launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods. They have also been named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the last seven years. The company is dedicated to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people. They believe that everyone has a responsibility to take on.