One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

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

The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods made from treated polypropylene cups that are supposed to break down in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also offers a range of capsules and simple customization.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

This single-serve drip coffee maker has the best features of the models we tested. It comes with an insulated 12-cup carafe that makes grounds in the traditional manner and single-serve that can accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe side comes with an adjustable timer and it has a "strong" setting that produces more flavor than normal settings. It also has a built-in, foldaway frother for lattes and cappuccinos.

The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces at a time with any size of K-Cup and reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cups or ground coffee (a separate water tank is provided). It utilizes Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and scans the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's quicker at making full-pots of brew than Keurig's top-rated. It also has advanced features such as a 24-hour start time, brew intensity control, and automatic shutoff.

It's simple to use, despite having two operating modes, and clean-up is relatively painless. The reusable pod adapter, needles and mesh filter are easily removed to clean. The unit is a bit heavy and bulky for counter space but it's an excellent option for those who prefer the convenience of pods or the versatility of coffee ground.

This affordable cold brew maker produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It comes with a timer that can be programmed as well as a built-in milk maker and a filter that can be reused, and can make 12 cups of java in one go. It also has a large water reservoir and a glass carafe for hot brews.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

This is a great choice to consider if you're already a fan of pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's latest espresso machine is stylish, quick and has the ability to create five different drinks from one sleek, compact machine. It's available for sale right now, making it an excellent choice for those with a tight budget.

The VertuoLine Next heats up very quickly and is incredibly easy to use with a single-use button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of patent-pending Nespresso pods that have an identifier barcode that tells the machine which kind of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you get the right temperature and water pressure for every drink. The capsules spin fast while brewing to create the foam, also known as crema. It is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.

The only drawback is that it's more loud than other pod-machines and you can't 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 expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you consider the cost of buying the pods. However, if you're already a believer in the benefits of pod coffee, it's only a small cost to get consistent results that resemble baristas. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for lattes and cappuccinos. You can also buy it in bundles that include a few samples of the Nespresso pods and a frother. This will help you save money upfront.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

When it comes to brewing, most pod machines adhere to the same format: a capsule goes in the top, you press a button, and coffee flows out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that defy the norm. It uses a different system for capsules and locks them in a portafilter-like handle. This allows the machine to make an espresso that is like you would get at a cafe, however 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 is stocked with precisely proportioned amounts of ground espresso, which is then brewed with a specific two-stage process that produces an intense crema. The extraction is done entirely inside the capsule. This means that the coffee and machine are never in contact. Cleaning up is easy.

This coffee pod machine comes with a Pannarello Steam Wand that can be used to make milky drinks like cappuccino or macchiato latte. The distinctive design of this coffee machine, designed by famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a design statement in your living space. Its round but slender forms and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 1960s, while seamlessly integrating advanced technology.

This machine requires more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is because excess air can hinder the flow of hot water, which prevents the machine from functioning effectively. If this happens, you'll need to wait a couple of minutes before preparing another coffee to allow the excess air to escape.

4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x

The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most sought-after pod coffee machines on the market. Its small dimensions, attractive price and easy-to-use are among the major selling points. Does this little machine meet the standards set by its parent company's standards? We tested it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.

The Vivy is a simple pod coffee maker, but it doesn't sacrifice performance. It can make drinks with a simple press of a button. It scans an image of a barcode on the DISC to determine which drink to prepare. It also automatically capsule coffee machine sets the right amount of froth and water for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to achieve an outstanding result every time.

This makes it very easy to use - simply insert the desired T DISC and choose the desired drink size. There are 40 drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk jug for making cappuccinos or lattes. It takes only three seconds to heat and it has an auto-shutoff after five minutes.

The descaler is cleverly designed to fit on the side of the machine. This is a separate procedure however it's fast and easy.

If you sign up for your Vivy, you will receive a discount for your first T-DISCs order, along with personalized offers, tips and advice. You can also keep track of the condition of your machine, and see how much it's been used. It is a good idea when you purchase it.

5. illycaffe B Pod

illycaffe is an iconic heritage brand that is a an industry leader in the field of coffee. Established in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company continues to be managed by his descendants and is spread across the globe. The family-owned company has a long tradition of innovation and is famous for its premium espresso made from nine different types of Arabica bean.

The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented a number initiatives to to protect the environment. They also ensure that their products are as green as is possible. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions as well as using renewable energy sources. They have also worked to promote regenerative farming, and are focusing on improving their water resources.

In addition to their commitments to sustainability, Illycaffe is determined to help their employees succeed. They have invested in programs that offer training and professional development for their staff, and they have also created a "university of coffee" which helps educate consumers and professionals on how to get the most optimal 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 designation which recognizes companies that value ethics and a sense that they have a purpose. The company has also launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods, and they have been named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the past seven years. The company is committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can make a difference for the environment and for people as well and has a strong belief that it is up to everyone to take action.