One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines are frequently criticised for making watery, weak drinks. The best pods are more than just that.

The illy Bruvi utilizes B-Pods instead of the dreaded K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It comes with a range of capsule options, and it is easy to personalize.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

This combination drip-and-single-serve coffee maker has the most impressive features of the models we've tested. It has a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional grounds, and one-serve side that will accept any kind of K-Cup Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe is programmable with a clock as well as it has a "strong setting" that gives you more flavor. It has an easy-to-folding frother that's built into the carafe for cappuccinos and lattes.

The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces at a time with any size of K-Cup, reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup, or ground coffee (a separate water tank is provided). It uses Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and analyzes the barcodes of each pod to adjust machine settings. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's more efficient in brewing full-pots than Keurig's top-rated. It also has advanced features like a 24-hour start, brew intensity controls and an automatic shutoff.

It's easy to use, despite having two different operating modes, and cleaning is pretty easy. The pod adapter that is reusable, needles and mesh filter can be removed for cleaning. The machine is heavy and heavy for counter space, however it's a great option for those who want the convenience of pods or the versatility of coffee ground.

This simple cold brew maker is a budget pick that delivers an incredibly smooth and delicious cup. It can make 12 cups at once and comes with a programmable clock as well as an integrated milk frother and an reusable coffee filter. It has a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe to hold hot beverages.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

If you're already bought in to the pod coffee machine trend and would like to upgrade your current Keurig-style machine This is a great option. Nespresso's latest espresso maker is stylish, fast, and can make five different drinks with one small chassis. It's available for sale right now, making it an excellent choice for any budget.

The VertuoLine next heats up quickly and is easy to use, with a button that adapts automatically to the type capsule you are using. It utilizes patented Nespresso pods that have barcodes that inform the machine which type of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures you get the right temperature and water pressure for each drink. The pods spin rapidly when they are brewing to create the foam, also called crema, which is typical of 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 capsules 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 free and they'll return them to you to reuse.

The machine is also pretty expensive in comparison to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you take into account the cost of buying pods. If you're already a pod-coffee fan, this is a small price to pay for consistent barista style results. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make lattes and cappuccinos. You can also buy it in bundles, which contain some of the Nespresso pods as well as a coffee maker. This will make it cheaper to buy the machine in the beginning.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

Most pod machines have the same brewing procedure - you insert a capsule, press a button and the coffee is brewed. But now and then a device comes along that is a complete blow to the water, like is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It utilizes a different mechanism for capsules that lock them in place in a portafilter-like hand. The machine can make espresso that is comparable to the one you can get in cafes, without the mess and fuss of the traditional espresso machine.

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 espresso ground, which is then brewed using a unique two-stage process that produces an intense crema. The extraction process is entirely inside the capsule. This means that the coffee and machine are not in contact. Cleaning up is an easy task.

This coffee maker is equipped with a Pannarello Steam Wand for making milky drinks 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 living space. Its round, slender forms and soft-touch buttons are like traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly mixing modern technology.

This machine requires a bit more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is because excessive air can prevent the hot water from flowing properly making it impossible for the machine to continue functioning. If this happens, you'll have to wait a few minutes before making 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 adored coffee machines on the market. Its small dimensions, attractive price tag and user-friendly interface are among the major selling points. But can this machine meet the high standards set by its parent company? We took it for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.

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 what drink to make. It also automatically adjusts the correct amount of water and froth for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to achieve an outstanding result every time.

This makes it very coffee machines for pods easy to operate - just insert the desired T DISC, then select the size you prefer for your drink. The Vivy offers 40 different drinks, as well as a milk jug for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes just three seconds to heat up and it has an auto-shutoff after five minutes.

The descaler is designed to fit on the side of your machine. This is a separate process however it's very quick and simple.

As an added benefit, if register your Vivy through Bosch and Bosch, you'll receive discounts on your first order of T DISCs. You'll also receive personalized offers, recommendations and tips. You can also track the progress of your machine and see how much it has used. It's worth registering your machine at the time you purchase it, as well.

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. Established in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is still run by his descendants and spans across the globe. The family-owned business has a long history of innovation and is famous for its top-quality espresso that is made from nine different varieties of Arabica bean.

The company is also committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives to protect the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally sustainable as they can be. They have a particular focus on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and also utilizing renewable energy sources. They have also worked to promote regenerative agriculture, and have a strong focus on enhancing their water resources.

illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their determination to help their employees succeed. They have invested in programs that offer training and professional development for their employees and have developed a "university of coffee" that helps to educate consumers and professionals on how to make the most optimal cup of coffee.

illycaffe is also the first Italian company to earn the B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies who prioritize ethics and have a mission. 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 past seven years. The company is committed to demonstrating that sustainable quality can benefit both the environment and people and has the conviction that it is the responsibility of everyone to play their part.