One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines are often criticized for producing watery, weak drinks. Fortunately, the best pods can provide more than that.

The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods, made from treated polypropylene cups which are supposed to break down in landfill (rather than the notorious K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also offers a range of capsules and simple customisation.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

One of the top pod coffee makers on the market, this combination single-serve and drip models offer the best combination of features that we have tested. It has a 12-cup carafe which brews grounds in the traditional way and a single-serve that accepts any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe has a programmable clock as well as it has a "strong setting" that makes more flavor. It also has a foldaway, built-in frother for cappuccinos and lattes.

The single-serve side brews up to 18 ounces per hour with any size of K-Cup, reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup or ground coffee (a separate water tank is provided). It is based on Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which reads the barcode on each pod to adjust machine settings for the perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's more efficient in brewing full-pots than Keurig's top-rated. It also comes with advanced features, like a 24 hour start, brew intensity controls and an automatic shutoff.

The device is simple to use despite the fact that it comes with two operating modes. It also cleans easily. The reusable pod adapter, needles and mesh filter can be removed for cleaning. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space however it's a great alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.

This low-cost cold brew machine creates a smooth, delicious cup. It has a programmable timer and a built-in milk froth and a reusable filter and can make 12 cups of java at once. It also has a large water reservoir and a glass carafe to serve hot coffee.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

If you're already accustom to the pod coffee machine trend and want to upgrade from your current Keurig-style machine this is a great alternative. Nespresso's newest espresso machine is sleek, efficient and has the ability to make five different drinks in one sleek, compact machine. It's currently on sale which makes it a great choice for those with a tight budget.

The VertuoLine next heats up quickly and is simple to use, using a button that adapts automatically to the type capsule you're using. It makes use of patent-pending Nespresso pods that feature an identifier barcode that tells the machine which kind of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you have the right temperature and pressure for every drink. The capsules spin quickly when they are brewing to create a layer of foam called crema, which is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.

The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine are that it's louder than other pod machines and that you can't reuse used capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules is recyclable, which means you can recycle the capsules at your local UPS store or Nespresso's website.

The machine is costly when compared to other pod machines, especially if you include the cost of the pods. If, however, you've already bought in to the advantages of pod coffee, it's a low price to pay for consistent, barista-style results. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine for lattes or cappuccinos. You can also purchase it in bundles that include some of the Nespresso pods and a frother. This will help you save money upfront.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

The majority of pod machines have a similar brewing process - you simply insert a capsule then press a button and the coffee is brewed. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that defy the norm. It uses a different system for capsules, locking them into place inside a portafilter-like handle. The machine can make espresso that is as good as the one you can get in a cafe without the hassle and mess of an espresso machine that is traditional.

The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules which are made from premium coffee beans of the highest quality. Each capsule is stocked with an exact amount of espresso that is then brewed using a special two-stage process to produce an intense crema. The extraction process is entirely inside the capsule. This means that the machine and the coffee are not in contact. Clean-up is also a breeze.

This coffee pod machine also comes with an Pannarello steam wand for making milky drinks such as cappuccino and macchiato latte. The distinctive design of this coffee pod machine, created by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a statement in your home. Its round, slender shapes and soft-touch buttons are inspired by the classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s while seamlessly integrating modern technology.

One downside of this machine is that it requires a little more attention than other models, especially when you use the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can sometimes prevent the hot water from flowing correctly, preventing the machine from functioning. 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 is one of the most well-known pod coffee machines available on the market. The small size as well as the attractive pricing and ease of operation are all major reasons to buy. 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 find out.

The Vivy is a basic pod coffee maker, but it does not sacrifice the performance. It makes drinks with the push of a button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC in order to determine which drink it needs to create. It also sets the correct amount for water and froth in every drink using Intellibrew Technology to achieve an excellent outcome every time.

This makes it easy to use - just insert the desired T DISC, then select the desired drink size. The Vivy comes with 40 different drinks and a milk jug to make lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to heat up and shuts off automatically after five minutes to conserve energy.

The descaler is designed to slot into the side of your machine. This is a separate procedure however it's fast and easy.

If you register your Vivy, you will receive a discount for your first order of T-DISCs and also personalized offers, tips and advice. You can also track the progress of your machine, and find out how much it's used. It is a good idea to register your machine as soon as you buy it, also.

5. Illycaffe B-Pod

illycaffe is an iconic heritage brand that is a one of the leaders in the coffee industry. Established in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is run by his descendants and spans the globe. The family-owned business has a long more info history of innovation and is famous for its high-quality espresso crafted using nine different varieties of Arabica bean.

The company is also committed to sustainability and has a number 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 as well as using renewable energies. They have also worked to promote regenerative agriculture, and have a particular focus on improving their water resources.

In addition to their commitment to sustainability, illycaffe is determined to help their employees thrive. They have invested in programs that offer training and professional development for their staff and have created a "university of coffee" which helps educate both professionals and consumers on how to get the most optimal cup of coffee.

illycaffe is also the first Italian company to earn a B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies who prioritize ethics and a sense of purpose. The company also recently launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods. They have also been named one of the world's most ethical companies over the past seven years. The company is committed to showing how sustainable quality can benefit the environment as well as people. They believe that everyone has a responsibility to play.