One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines have an unfair reputation for the watery, weak drinks. The top ones are more than that.

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

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

This combination drip-and-single-serve coffee maker has the best features of the models we have tested. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional grounds and a single-serve side that can accept any kind of K-Cup Keurig-like, reusable or Keurig pod. The carafe's side features an adjustable timer and it has a "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 a reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate reservoir for water is also included). It uses Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system that analyzes the barcode on each pod to adjust the machine settings for a perfect cup every time. It's quicker than the leading Keurig model in making a full pot of coffee thanks to its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions, including a 24-hour brew start time, brew strength control and auto shutoff.

It's easy to use, despite having two modes of operation, and clean-up is relatively painless. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles can be removed for cleaning and the mesh filter is washable in your sink. It's a bit bulky and heavy for counter space, but it's a great alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.

This simple cold brew maker is a budget pick that produces a smooth and flavorful cup. It can create 12 cups at a time and comes with a programmable clock, an integrated milk frother as well as an coffee filter that is reusable. It has a large tank of water, as well as glass carafes to hold hot beverages.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

This is a great choice if you are already a fan of the pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso's latest espresso machine is sleek, efficient and can make five different drinks on one sleek, compact chassis. It's even on sale right now, making it a great option for those with a tight budget.

The VertuoLine Next can be heated up quickly and is extremely simple to use, with a single button that automatically adapts to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of the patented Nespresso capsules which have an identifier on them that tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, ensuring you get the correct temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The pods spin quickly while brewing, resulting in an indulgence-inducing layer of foam, referred to as crema, which is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.

The only downsides to the VertuoLine are that it's more loud than other pod machines, and that you can't reuse the capsules that you've used. Fortunately the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable and 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 also quite expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you consider the cost of buying pods. However, if you're already a believer in the advantages of pod coffee, it's a small cost to pay for consistent, barista-style results. Plus, you can add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make lattes and cappuccinos. It's also offered in bundles that include sample packs of the Nespresso capsules and a milk frother which could help you save money upfront.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

The majority of pod machines have the same brewing procedure - you insert a capsule, press a button and the coffee pours out. However, every now and then a machine comes along that is a complete blow to the water, such as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It uses a different system for capsules, locking them into place in a portafilter-like handle. This lets the machine make an espresso that is like you would get at a cafe, however without all of the fuss and mess that comes with a traditional espresso maker.

The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE pods, which are made of premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule contains precisely proportions of ground espresso that is brewed using a two-stage process. This results in a thick crema. The extraction happens entirely within the capsule, meaning that the coffee and machine never come into contact, and clean-up is easy.

This coffee pod machine is equipped with a Pannarello Steam Wand for making milky drinks such as cappuccino and Latte Macchiato. The distinctive design of this coffee machine, created by famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold statement in your home. Its slim, round forms and soft-touch buttons recall the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 1960s and seamlessly integrates modern technology.

This machine requires a bit more attention, especially when using the steam wand. The reason for this is that the excess air can hinder the flow of hot water, preventing the machine from working properly. If this happens, you'll need to wait a few minutes before preparing another coffee to allow the air to escape.

4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x

The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most sought-after pod coffee machines on the market. Its compact dimensions, attractive price and easy-to-use are the main reasons for buying. Does this machine meet the high standards set forth by its parent company's standards? We tested it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.

The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, but it doesn't sacrifice the performance. It can make drinks with just a simple press of a button. It scans an image of a barcode on the DISC to determine what drink to prepare. It also sets the correct amount of water and froth in each drink using Intellibrew Technology to produce the best results every time.

This makes it very easy to operate - just insert the desired T DISC and select 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 it shuts down automatically after five minutes.

The descaler is cleverly designed to fit into the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the process is simple and quick.

If you register your Vivy, you'll get a discount on your first order of T-DISCs, and also personalized offers, tips and recommendations. You can also keep track of the progress of your machine and see how much it has used. It's worth registering your machine when you purchase it, too.

5. illycaffe B Pod

illycaffe is an iconic heritage brand and leader in the coffee industry. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still run by his descendants. It is a global company. The family-owned company has a long tradition of innovation and is known for its premium espresso made using nine different varieties of Arabica bean.

The company is committed to sustainability and has taken a variety of initiatives to help protect the environment. They also make sure that their products are as environmentally friendly as they can. They have focused on efficiency in energy use, and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint, and also the use of renewable energies. They also promote Regenerative farming and are focusing on improving their water resources.

illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their determination to assist their employees in achieving success. They coffee pod machines have invested in programs to provide training and professional development for their employees and they have developed an "university of coffee" that assists in educating consumers and professionals alike on how to make the best cup of coffee.

In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to earn B-Corp certification. This is an international certification that recognizes businesses that are committed to ethics and a sense of purpose. The company has also launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods, and has been named one of the World's most ethical companies for the last seven years. The company is committed to showing how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people. They believe that everyone has a responsibility to take on.