One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines are frequently criticised for producing watery, weak drinks. Fortunately, the best pods are more than that.

The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods, which are made of treated polypropylene cups that are designed to break down in landfill (rather than the notorious K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It comes with a range of capsule options and is easy to customise.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

This coffee maker that is a combination of drip and single-serve offers the best features of all the models we have tested. It has a 12-cup carafe that brews grounds in the traditional way and a single-serve that accepts any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe side has a programmable timer and an "strong" setting that provides more flavor than standard settings. It also comes with a built-in, foldaway frother for lattes and cappuccinos.

The single-serve side is able to brew up to 18 ounces per hour with any size of K-Cup and reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cups or ground coffee (a separate water tank is provided). It makes use of Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and scans the barcode of each pod to adjust machine settings. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's faster at brewing full pots than a leading Keurig. It also comes with advanced features, like a 24 hour start, brew intensity control, and automatic shutoff.

It's easy to use, despite having two modes of operation, and cleaning is pretty easy. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles and mesh filter are easily removed for cleaning. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space however it's a great option for anyone who needs the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.

This low-cost cold brew machine produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It can make 12 cups at once and comes with a programmable clock and a milk frother that is integrated, and a coffee filter that can be reused. It also has a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe for hot coffee.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

If you're already bought in to the trend of pod coffee machines and would like to upgrade your current Keurig-style machine, this is an excellent option. Nespresso's latest espresso machine is sleek, efficient and can make five different drinks on one sleek, compact machine. It's on sale now, making it a great choice for any budget.

The VertuoLine is then able to heat up quickly and is easy to use, thanks to an automatic button that adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It uses patent-pending Nespresso capsules which have an identifier on them that tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, making sure you get the right temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The capsules spin fast while brewing to create a layer of foam known as crema that is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.

The only drawback is that it's louder than other pod-machines and that you cannot reuse the 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 take them back to reuse.

The machine is costly when it is compared to other pod makers in particular when you consider the cost of the pods. If you're already a pod-coffee fan, this is an affordable price to be paid for consistently barista-style results. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make cappuccinos or lattes. It's also available in bundles that contain a few sample packs of the Nespresso capsules as well as milk frothers that can save you money upfront.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

When it comes to brewing, most pod machines adhere to the same pattern - a capsule goes in the top, you press a button, and the coffee is poured out. But now and then a machine comes along that blows convention out of the water, such as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It utilizes a different mechanism 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 a cafe, but without the hassle and mess of a traditional espresso machine.

The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE pods that are made from premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule has precisely proportioned amounts of ground espresso, which is then brewed with a specific two-stage process to produce a rich crema. The extraction process is entirely within the capsule. This means that the coffee and machine coffee pods machines are not in contact. Clean-up is also easy.

This coffee pod machine is equipped with a Pannarello Steam Wand for making milky drinks such as cappuccino and macchiato latte. Its unique design, created by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to stand out in your kitchen. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly mixing modern technology.

The only drawback to this machine is that it requires some more attention than other models, particularly when you are using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can stop the flow of hot water, preventing the machine from functioning effectively. If this happens, you'll have to wait a couple of minutes before making another coffee to allow the air to be released.

4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x

The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most popular coffee makers available. The small dimensions, attractive pricing, and ease of operation are all important selling points. But does this little machine live up to the high standards set by the company that owns it? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.

The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, but it isn't sacrificing its performance. It makes drinks at the touch of a single button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC to determine which drink it has to create. It also sets the proper amount of water and froth in each drink by using Intellibrew Technology to produce the best results every time.

This makes it extremely simple to operate - just insert the desired T DISC and choose your preferred drink size. There are 40 drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk jug for making cappuccinos or lattes. It takes just three seconds to warm up and shuts off automatically after five minutes.

The descaler has been designed to slot into the side of your machine. There are separate directions for this, but the procedure is quick and simple.

As an added bonus, if you register your Vivy with Bosch and Bosch, you'll receive a discount on your first purchase of T DISCs. Additionally, you'll receive personalised offers, recommendations and suggestions. You'll also be able monitor the health of your machine and see how much water it's used. Registering your machine is also a good idea as soon as you purchase it.

5. illycaffe B-Pod

illycaffe is a market leader in the world of coffee and an famous heritage brand, is a global leader. Founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is operated by his children and spans the globe. The family-owned company has a long tradition of innovation and is famous for its top-quality espresso that is made from nine different types of Arabica bean.

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

In addition to their commitment to sustainability, illycaffe is also committed to helping their employees achieve. They have invested in programs that provide training and professional development for their staff and they have created a "university of coffee" which helps educate both professionals and consumers about how to enjoy the best cup of coffee.

illycaffe is also the first Italian company to earn a B Corp certification. This certification is given to international companies that are committed to ethics and a purpose. The company has also launched its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and was recognized as one of the top 10 World's ethical companies over the last seven years. The company is committed to proving that sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people alike and has a strong belief that it is up to everyone to take action.