One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

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

The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods, which are made of treated polypropylene cups that are supposed to degrade in landfill (rather than the notorious K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also comes with a variety of capsule options as well as easy customization.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

One of the best pod coffee makers on the market, this combination single-serve and drip model has the best blend of features we tested. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional grounds and a single-serve side that accepts any type of K-Cup Keurig-like, reusable or Keurig pod. The carafe side comes with an adjustable timer and an "strong" setting that provides more flavor than normal settings. It also comes with a foldaway, built-in frother for lattes and cappuccinos.

The single-serve version can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time, using any size K-Cup or the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cups (a separate reservoir for water is included). It utilizes Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and scans the barcode of each pod to adjust machine 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, brew intensity control and automatic shutoff.

It's easy to use, despite having two operating modes, and cleaning process is fairly easy. The pod adapter that is reusable and needles are easily removable for cleaning, and the filter can be washed in your sink. The device is heavy and bulky for counter space but it's a great choice for those who desire the convenience of pods, or the flexibility of coffee ground.

This low-cost cold brew machine produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It comes with a programmable timer, a built-in milk frother and a reusable filter, and can make 12 cups of java at a time. It also has a huge reservoir for water and a glass carafe for hot coffee.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

If you're already committed to the pod coffee machine trend and are looking to upgrade your Keurig-style machine This is a great alternative. Nespresso's new espresso machine is sleek, efficient and can make five different drinks in one sleek, compact machine. It's available for sale right now and is a great option for anyone with a budget.

The VertuoLine Next heats up very quickly and is extremely easy to use with a single-use button that automatically adapts to the type of capsule you're using. It uses the patented Nespresso pods with barcodes that inform the machine what kind of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you have the correct temperature and pressure for every drink. The pods also spin rapidly while brewing, resulting in a decadent layer of foam, referred to as crema, that is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.

The VertuoLine's only downside is that it's louder than other pod machines and you aren't able to reuse capsules. Fortunately, the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable, so you can drop them off at the local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for free and they'll return them to reuse.

The machine is pricey when contrasted with other pod machines particularly when you add the cost of the pods. However, if you're already bought in to the advantages of pod coffee, it's a low cost to get consistent results that resemble baristas. You can also add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for cappuccinos or lattes. It's also offered in bundles that include sample packs of the Nespresso capsules and milk frother that can save you money in the beginning.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

The majority of pod machines have the same brewing process: you insert a capsule and press a button, and the coffee comes out. However, every now and then a device comes along that blows convention out of the water, like is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It has a completely different system for capsules, locking them into place in a portafilter-like handle. The machine can make espresso that is comparable to the one you can get in cafes, without the mess and hassle of the traditional espresso machine.

The X7.1 is compatible with only Illy MIE pods which are made of top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule is stocked with a precise amount of ground espresso, which is brewed using two stages. This results in a thick crema. The extraction is done entirely inside the capsule. This means that the machine and coffee are not in contact. Cleaning up is easy.

The coffee pod includes a Pannarello Steam Wand for making milky drinks like cappuccino or macchiato latte. The distinctive design of this machine, designed by famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a statement in your home. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons reminiscent of traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly integrating modern technology.

This machine requires more attention, especially when using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can prevent the steam from flowing properly, preventing the machine from working. If this happens, you'll have to wait for a few minutes before preparing another coffee to allow the excess air to escape.

4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x

The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most sought-after coffee machines on the market. Its compact dimensions, attractive price and easy-to-use are the main reasons for buying. Does this little machine meet the high standards set by its parent company's? We took it for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.

The Vivy is a basic pod coffee machine, however it isn't sacrificing performance. It makes drinks at the press of a single button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC to determine what drink it should make. It also automatically adjusts the right amount of froth and water for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to ensure an outstanding result every time.

This makes it easy to use - just insert the desired T DISC and choose your preferred drink size. The Vivy has 40 different drinks as well as a milk jug to make lattes or cappuccinos. It only takes three seconds capsule coffee machine to heat up and it has an auto-shutoff after five minutes.

It's easy to clean, too thanks to a cleverly designed descaler that slides into the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the process is quick and simple.

If you register your Vivy, you will get a discount on your first T-DISCs order, and also specific offers, tips and suggestions. You can also track the condition of your machine, and see how much it's been used. It's a good idea to register your machine at the time you purchase it, too.

5. illycaffe B Pod

illycaffe is a leading player in the world of coffee and an iconic heritage brand, is a world leader. It was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is managed by his descendants and is spread across the world. The family-owned and operated company has a long track record of embracing new technologies in the industry, and 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 implemented numerous initiatives to to protect the environment. They also make sure that their products are as environmentally friendly as possible. They have concentrated on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint as well as using renewable energies. They have also promoted Regenerative farming and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.

Illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their commitment to help their employees succeed. They have invested in training programs for their employees, and have created a "university" of coffee to train professionals and consumers alike on how to make the best cup of coffee.

illycaffe is also the first Italian company to earn the B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies that are committed to ethics and a purpose. The company has also launched its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and has been recognized as one of the top 10 World's Ethical companies for the past seven year. The company is dedicated to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people. They believe that everyone has a responsibility to play.