One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines have an undeserved reputation for being low-strength, watery drinks. However, the top pods are more than that.

The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods made from treated polypropylene cups that are designed to break down in landfill (rather than the dreaded K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It comes with a range of capsules and is simple to customize.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

One of the top pod coffee makers available on the market, this single-serve and drip models offer the most comprehensive set of features in our test. It comes with a 12-cup carafe which is brewed in the traditional manner and single-serve that can accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe side has a programmable timer and it has a "strong" setting that provides more flavor than standard settings. It comes with an easy-to-folding frother that's built into the carafe for lattes and capspuccinos.

The single-serve side brews up to 18 ounces per hour using any size K-Cup and reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup or ground coffee (a separate water tank is also included). It uses Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and analyzes the barcodes of each pod to adjust machine settings. It's more efficient than a top Keurig model at making a full pot of coffee with its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions, including a 24-hour brew start, brew strength controls and auto shutoff.

The device is easy to use despite the fact that it comes with two operating modes. It also cleans up easily. The reusable pod adapter and needles can be removed to clean, and the mesh filter is washable in the sink. It's a bit bulky and heavy for counter space however, it's an excellent alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.

This basic cold brew machine is a budget pick that provides an incredibly smooth and delicious cup. It comes with a programmable timer and a built-in milk froth and a reusable filter, and can make 12 cups of java in one go. It also has a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe for hot brews.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

If you're already committed to the trend of pod coffee machines and would like to upgrade your current Keurig-style machine, this is an excellent option. Nespresso's new espresso machine is stylish, quick and can make five different drinks on one compact, sleek chassis. It's even on sale right now, making it a great option for those with a tight budget.

The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is extremely simple to use with a single-use button that automatically adapts to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of the patented Nespresso pods with barcodes that inform the machine which kind of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures you get the correct temperature and pressure for every drink. The pods spin quickly when brewing, creating an indulgence-inducing layer of foam, referred to as crema, which is usually found on traditional Italian style espresso.

The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine is that it's a little more loud than other pod machines, and that you can't reuse the capsules you've used. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules can be recycled, so you can recycle them at your local UPS store or Nespresso's website.

The machine is expensive when it is compared to other pod makers, especially if you include the cost of the pods. If, however, you've already convinced of the advantages of pod coffee, it's a low cost to get consistent, barista-style results. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for lattes or cappuccinos. You can also purchase it in bundles, which contain some samples of Nespresso pods as well as a coffee maker. This will save you money up front.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

When it is time to brew, the majority of pod machines use the same format: capsules are placed in the top and you press a button and the coffee is poured out. But now and then a machine comes along that is a complete blow to the water, as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It is a revolutionary system for capsules that locks them into a portafilter handle. The machine can produce espresso that is comparable to the kind you get at a cafe, but without the hassle and mess of the traditional espresso machine.

The X7.1 is compatible with only Illy MIE pods, which are made of premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule is stocked with a precise dose of ground espresso, which is then brewed using a unique two-stage process to create an intense crema. The extraction takes place completely inside the capsule, which means that the coffee and machine never come into contact and cleanup is easy.

The coffee pod is equipped with a Pannarello Steam Wand that can be used to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and macchiato latte. Its unique design, created by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to be a standout in your kitchen. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 60s, while seamlessly integrating advanced technology.

The only drawback to this machine is that it requires some extra focus than other models, particularly when you are using the steam wand. The reason for this is that the excess air can sometimes stop the flow of hot water, which prevents the machine from functioning properly. You will need to wait for a few moments before preparing another cup of coffee to let the excess air escape.

4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x

The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most adored coffee makers available. The small dimensions, attractive pricing, and the ease of use are important selling points. Does this machine meet the standards set by the parent company? We tested it at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.

The Vivy is a simple pod coffee maker, but it does not sacrifice performance. It makes drinks with the touch of a single button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC in order to determine which drink it has to make. It also automatically adjusts the correct amount of water and froth for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to achieve the best results every time.

This makes it extremely simple to use - simply insert the desired T DISC, then select your preferred drink size. There are 40 different drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk jug that can be used for making cappuccinos or lattes. It takes just three seconds to warm, and here has auto-shut-off after five minutes, to save energy.

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

If you sign up your Vivy, you'll receive a discount for your first order of T-DISCs as well as personalized offers, tips and advice. You can also monitor the condition of your machine, and check how much it's used. It's worth registering your machine at the time you purchase it, too.

5. illycaffe B Pod

illycaffe is a leading player in the coffee industry and an famous heritage brand, is a world leader. Founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is run by his descendants and is spread across the world. The family-owned business has a history of innovation and is renowned for its premium espresso made from nine different varieties of Arabica bean.

The company is committed to sustainability, and has implemented a number initiatives to help preserve the environment. They also ensure that their products are as green as they can. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions as well as using renewable energy sources. They also promote the practice of regenerative agriculture and are focusing on improving their water resources.

In addition to their commitment to sustainability, illycaffe is also committed to helping their employees achieve. They have invested in training programs for their employees and have created an "university" of coffee to train both consumers and professionals on how to make the best cup of coffee.

illycaffe is also the first Italian company that has earned an 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 they have been named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the past seven years. The company has been committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can be beneficial to the environment and people alike and has an unshakeable belief that it is the responsibility of everyone to take action.