One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines have a bit of an undeserved reputation for their watery, under-strength drinks. The best ones are much more than that.

The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods made from treated polypropylene cups which are supposed to degrade in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It offers a variety of capsules and is simple to customize.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

One of the top pod coffee makers available on the market, this combination single-serve and drip models offer the best combination of features in our test. It has a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional ground coffee and a single-serve side that accepts any type of K-Cup, Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe comes with a programmable clock and an "strong setting" that gives you more flavor. It also has a built-in, foldaway frother to make cappuccinos and lattes.

The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces at a single time using any size K-Cup and reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cups or ground coffee (a separate water tank is included). It utilizes Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system and reads the barcode on each pod to adjust the machine's settings to ensure the perfect cup every time. It's faster than a leading Keurig model in making a full-sized pot of brew using its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced features like a 24 hour brew start time, brew strength control, and auto shutoff.

It's easy to use, despite having two operating modes, and the cleaning process is fairly easy. The pod adapter that is reusable and needles are easily removed for cleaning and the mesh filter is washable in the sink. The device is heavy and heavy for counter space, however it's an excellent option for those who want the convenience of pods, or the versatility of coffee ground.

This affordable cold brew maker makes a smooth and delicious cup. It comes with a programmable timer and a built-in milk froth and a filter that can be reused, and can make 12 cups of java at a time. It has a large tank of water and a glass carafe that can hold hot coffee.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

This is an excellent option if you are already a fan of pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso’s newest espresso maker is stylish, fast and can make five different drinks in one compact chassis. It's also on sale now making it an excellent choice for any budget.

The VertuoLine is then able to heat up quickly and is easy to use, thanks to a button that adapts automatically to the type capsule you are using. It uses the patented Nespresso pods with a barcode to tell the machine which type of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures you get the right temperature and pressure for every drink. The pods also spin rapidly while brewing, resulting in a decadent layer of foam, known 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 can't reuse the capsules. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules can be recycled, so you can recycle them at your local UPS store or Nespresso's website.

The machine is also pretty expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you consider the cost of purchasing the pods. If you're already a coffee pod fan, this is a small price to pay for consistently barista-like results. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for lattes and cappuccinos. It's also available as bundles that include a few samples of Nespresso capsules and milk frother that can save you money in the beginning.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

When it is about brewing, most pod machines use a similar format - a capsule goes in the top and you press a button and the coffee is poured out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that eschew the norm. It uses a unique system for capsules that locks them into the portafilter handle. The machine can make espresso that is comparable to the kind you get at a cafe without the mess and fuss of a traditional espresso machine.

The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules which are made from premium coffee beans of the highest quality. Each capsule has precisely proportions of ground espresso that is brewed using two stages. This results in a thick crema. The extraction process is entirely inside the capsule. This means that the machine and coffee are not in contact. Cleaning up is a breeze.

This coffee pod machine comes with a Pannarello Steam Wand for making milky drinks such as cappuccino and Latte Macchiato. The unique design of this machine, created by the renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold design 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 merging modern technology.

This machine requires more attention, especially when using the steam wand. This is because excess air can stop the flow of hot water, preventing the machine from functioning efficiently. If this happens, you'll need to wait for a few minutes before making another coffee to allow the excess air to escape.

4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x

The Bosch TAS1106GB Automatic Coffee Machine - Peach - Best Choice Tassimo Vivy is one of the most well-known Infinissima Pod Coffee Machine in Red And Black coffee machines on the market. The compact dimensions, attractive pricing and the ease of use are major selling points. But does this little machine live up to the high standards set by the parent company? We tested it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.

The Vivy is a basic pod coffee machine, but it does not sacrifice performance. It makes drinks with the push of a button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC to know which drink it needs to make. It also sets the proper amount for water and froth in every drink by using Intellibrew technology to ensure an outstanding result every time.

This makes it very easy to use - simply insert the desired T DISC, then select the desired drink size. The Vivy has 40 different drinks and an milk jug that can be used to make cappuccinos or lattes. It takes just three seconds to heat up and shuts off automatically after five minutes, to save energy.

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

If you sign up your Vivy, you will get a discount on your first order of T-DISCs and also personalized offers, tips and suggestions. You can also track the status 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, also.

5. Illycaffe B-Pod

illycaffe is a renowned heritage brand and an industry leader in the field of coffee. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still managed by his descendants. It is a global company. The family-owned and operated business has a long tradition of innovating in the industry, and is renowned for its high quality espresso made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.

The company is committed to sustainability, and has implemented numerous initiatives to help protect the environment. They also ensure that their products are as eco-friendly as possible. They have focused their efforts on energy efficiency, and are determined to reduce their emissions, and also the use of renewable energy sources. They have also promoted Regenerative farming and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.

In addition to their commitment to sustainability, Illycaffe is committed to helping their employees thrive. They have invested in training programs for their employees, and have created an "university" of coffee that educates both consumers and professionals on how to make the perfect cup of coffee.

In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to be awarded B-Corp certification. This is an international label which recognizes companies that value ethics and a sense that they have a purpose. The company has also launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods, and they have been named one of the world's Most Ethical Companies for the last seven years. The company is committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment as well as people. They believe that everyone has a responsibility to play.