One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines have a bit of an undeserved reputation for being the watery, weak drinks. The best pods are more than just that.

The illy Bruvi uses B-pods coffee machine, which are made of treated polypropylene cups which are designed to break down in landfill (rather than the notorious K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also has bundles of capsule options and easy customization.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

One of the best pod coffee makers on the market, this drip and single-serve model offers the most comprehensive set of features in our test. It comes with a 12-cup carafe which is brewed in the traditional way, and one-serve that will accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe side comes with a programmable timer and it has a "strong" setting that produces more flavor than the standard settings. It also comes with an easy-to-folding frother that's built into the carafe to make capspuccinos and lattes.

The single-serve version can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at once using any size K-Cup or the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cups (a separate reservoir for water is included). It uses Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system, which analyzes the barcode on each pod to adjust machine's settings to ensure a perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's more efficient in brewing full-pots than a leading Keurig. It also has advanced features, like a 24 hour start time, brew intensity control, and automatic shutoff.

It's easy to use despite having two different operating modes, and the cleaning is pretty easy. 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 option for anyone who wants the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.

This basic cold brew machine is a budget pick that provides smooth and delicious cups. It comes with a timer that can be programmed, a built-in milk frother and a reusable filter and can make 12 cups of java at a time. It comes with a large reservoir of water and a glass carafe to hold hot coffee.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

If you're already committed to the trend of pod coffee machines and would like to upgrade the Keurig-style machine you have This is a great option. Nespresso's latest espresso maker is stylish, fast and can create five different drinks on one compact chassis. It's available for sale right now and is a great option for anyone with a 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 patented Nespresso capsules which have a barcode on them which tells the machine what kind of espresso or coffee pods machine it is, ensuring you get the right temperature and amount of water pressure for each drink. The capsules spin fast while brewing to create the foam, also known as crema that is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.

The only drawback is that it's more loud than other pod-machines and you aren't able to reuse the 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 expensive compared to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you take into account the cost of purchasing the pods. If you've already convinced of the advantages of pod coffee, it's a low cost to get consistent results that resemble baristas. 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 samples of Nespresso pods as well as a frother. This will save you money up front.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

When it is about brewing, most pod machines use the same format: capsules are placed in the top and then you press a button and the coffee is poured out. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of those machines that defies the rules of. It has a unique system for capsules that lock them into the portafilter handle. The machine can make espresso that is as good as what you would get in a cafe, but 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 pods machine beans of the highest quality. Each capsule contains a precise amount of ground espresso that is brewed in a two-stage process. This results in a thick crema. The extraction is performed entirely within the capsule. This means that the machine and the coffee are never in contact. Clean-up is also a breeze.

The coffee pod includes a Pannarello Steam Wand to make milky drinks like cappuccino or Latte Macchiato. The unique design of this coffee machine, created by renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold statement in your home. Its round but slender forms and soft-touch buttons evoke the classic Italian espresso coffee machine and pods makers of the 1960s while seamlessly integrating modern technology.

This machine requires more attention, especially when using the steam wand. The reason for this is that the excess air can block the flow of the hot water, which can prevent the machine from working properly. You will need to wait a few moments before preparing another cup of coffee in order to let the air out.

4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x

The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most sought-after coffee makers available. The compact dimensions, attractive pricing, and the ease of use are major selling points. Does this little machine meet the high standards set forth by the parent company? We tested it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.

The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, but it does not sacrifice performance. It makes drinks with the press of a single button, reading a bespoke barcode on each T DISC to know which drink it needs to make. It also determines the right amount for water and froth in each drink using Intellibrew Technology to produce the best results every time.

It's very easy to use - just insert the desired T DISC and select the size of your drink. There are 40 drinks to choose from and the Vivy comes with a milk jug that can be used for making cappuccinos or lattes. It takes only three seconds to heat up, and has auto-shut-off after five minutes to conserve energy.

The descaler is cleverly designed to slot into the side of your machine. This is a separate procedure, but it's quick and simple.

If you sign up for your Vivy, you will get a discount on your first order of T-DISCs along with personalized offers, tips and recommendations. You can also track the condition of your machine and check how much it's been used. It's worth registering your machine at the time you purchase it, too.

5. Illycaffe B-Pod

illycaffe is a renowned brand with a long history and is a 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 business has a history of innovation and is renowned for its premium espresso made using nine different varieties of Arabica bean.

The company is also committed to sustainability and has a variety of initiatives to protect the environment and ensure that their products are as eco friendly as possible. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions and utilizing renewable energies. They also promote Regenerative farming and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.

In addition to their commitments to sustainability, illycaffe is also committed to helping their employees succeed. They have invested in training programs for their employees and have created an "university" of coffee to educate both consumers and professionals on how to make the best cup of coffee.

illycaffe is also the first Italian company to be awarded an B Corp certification. This certification is given to international companies that place a high value on ethics and a purpose. The company also recently introduced their first line of Nespresso compatible pods, and they have been named one of the World's most ethical companies over the last seven years. The company has been dedicated to demonstrating that sustainable quality can make a difference for the environment and people alike They have the conviction that it is up to everyone to take action.