One of the best coffee pod machine Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines are often criticised for producing watery, weak drinks. The top ones are more than just 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 hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It comes with a range of capsules, and it is easy to customise.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

One of the top pod coffee makers available on the market, this drip and single-serve model offers the most comprehensive set of features that we have tested. It has an insulated 12-cup carafe that brews grounds in the traditional way, and single-serve that can accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe is programmable with a clock as well as a "strong setting" that produces more flavor. It also comes with a built-in, foldaway frother for cappuccinos and lattes.

The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces at a time using any size K-Cup, reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup, or ground coffee (a separate water tank is provided). It uses Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and scans the barcode of each pod to adjust machine settings. It's faster than a leading Keurig model at making a full pot of coffee with 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 different operating modes, and the clean-up is relatively painless. The pod adapter that is reusable and needles can be removed for cleaning, and the filter can be washed in your sink. It's a bit heavy and heavy for counter space, but it's a great option for anyone who needs the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.

This affordable cold brew maker produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It can make 12 cups at once and features a programmable timer, an integrated milk frother and an coffee filter that is reusable. It also has a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe to serve hot coffee.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

This is a great choice for those who are already a fan of the pod coffee machines but want to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso's new espresso maker is sleek, fast and can create five different drinks on one chassis. It's even on sale right now making it an excellent option for those with a tight budget.

The VertuoLine next heats up quickly and is easy to use, thanks to an adjustable button that automatically adjusts to the type capsule you are using. It uses the patented Nespresso capsules which have an identifier on them that informs the machine of what kind of espresso or coffee it is, ensuring you have the right temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The capsules spin fast while brewing to create an emulsion known as crema that is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.

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

The machine is also pretty expensive in comparison to other pod coffee machines, especially when you factor in the cost of buying the pods. If, however, you've already bought in to the benefits of pod coffee, it's a small cost to pay for 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 a few sample packs of the Nespresso capsules and milk frothers that can save you money in the beginning.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

The majority of pod machines use the same brewing procedure - you simply 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, like is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It has a completely different system for capsules, locking them into place inside a portafilter-like handle. This lets the machine create an espresso that's as good as you'd get in a cafe, but without all of the fuss and mess that is typical of an espresso maker.

The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE pods, which are made of top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule is stocked with an exact amount of ground espresso that is brewed in two stages. This results in a thick crema. The extraction happens completely inside the capsule, which means that the machine and the coffee do not come into contact and cleaning up is a breeze.

The coffee pod also comes with a Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and macchiato latte. Its unique design, created by famed Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to be a standout in your kitchen. Its round but slender forms and soft-touch buttons evoke the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 1960s, while seamlessly integrating advanced technology.

This machine requires a bit more attention, especially when using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can stop the flow of hot water, which prevents the machine from working efficiently. If this happens, you'll have to wait a few minutes before making 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 adored coffee machines available. The small dimensions as well as the attractive pricing and user-friendly are important selling points. Does this little machine meet the high standards set by its parent company's? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.

The Vivy is one of the most simple pod coffee machines available, but it doesn't skimp on performance. It can create drinks with a simple press of a button. It reads an image of a barcode on the DisC to determine the type of drink to make. It also determines the right amount for the froth and water in each drink using Intellibrew technology to ensure an excellent outcome every time.

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

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

As an added bonus, if you register your Vivy through Bosch, you'll get an extra discount on your first order of T DISCs and receive personalized offers, recommendations and suggestions. You can also keep track of the status of your machine, and see how much it has used. Registering your machine is also an excellent idea when you purchase it.

5. Illycaffe B Pod

illycaffe is a renowned brand with a long history and is a one of the leaders in the coffee industry. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still managed by his descendants. It spans the globe. The family-owned and operated company has a long track record of embracing innovation within the industry. It is renowned for its top quality espresso, which is made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.

The company is committed to sustainability, and has implemented a number initiatives to help to protect the environment. They also ensure that their products are as green as possible. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and utilizing renewable energy sources. They have also been working to promote regenerative agriculture, and have a particular focus on enhancing their water resources.

illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their determination to help their employees achieve. They have invested in programs to provide training and professional development for their staff and they have created an "university of coffee" which helps educate consumers and professionals about how to enjoy the most optimal cup of coffee.

In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to obtain the B-Corp designation, which is an international label that recognizes businesses that are committed to ethics and a sense that they have a purpose. The company also introduced its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and was named as one of the world's most Ethical companies for the past seven years. The company has been committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can make a difference for the environment and people alike, and they have a strong belief that it is the responsibility of everyone to play their part.