One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines have a bit of an undeserved reputation for their the watery, weak drinks. The best coffee machines with pods pods 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 notorious K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also has bundles of capsule options and easy customisation.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

One of the best pod coffee makers on the market, this combination single-serve and drip model has the best blend of features in our test. It has a 12-cup carafe that is brewed in the traditional way and a single-serve that accepts any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe comes with a programmable clock and it has a "strong setting" that makes more flavor. It also has an integrated, fold-away frother to make cappuccinos and lattes.

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

It's easy to use, despite having two modes of operation, and cleaning process is fairly easy. The reusable pod adapter and needles can be removed for cleaning, and the filter can be washed in the sink. It's a bit bulky and heavy for counter space however, it's an excellent option for anyone who needs the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.

This simple cold brew maker is a budget pick that produces an incredibly smooth and delicious cup. It comes with a timer that can be programmed and a built-in milk froth and a reusable filter, and can make 12 cups of java in one go. It also has a huge reservoir for water and a glass carafe to serve hot brews.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

If you're already committed to the trend of pod coffee machines and are looking to upgrade the Keurig-style machine you have This is a great alternative. Nespresso's newest espresso machine is sleek, fast and can create five different drinks from one compact, sleek chassis. It's on sale now which makes it a great option for anyone with a budget.

The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is extremely simple to use with a single-use button that automatically adapts to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of patent-pending Nespresso capsules which have an identifier on them that tells the machine what kind of coffee or espresso it is, ensuring that you get the correct temperature and pressure for each drink. The capsules spin fast when they are brewing to create the foam, also called crema, which is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.

The only downsides to the VertuoLine is that it's a little more loud than other pod machines and that you can't reuse used 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 quite expensive compared to other pod coffee machines, particularly when you factor in the cost of buying the pods. If, however, you've already convinced of the benefits of pod coffee, it's a small price to pay for consistent results that resemble baristas. Plus, you can add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make cappuccinos and lattes. It's also available in bundles that include samples of Nespresso capsules and a milk frother, which can help you save money upfront.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

When it comes to brewing, most pod machines follow the same pattern - a capsule goes in the top, you press a button and the coffee is poured out. But 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 in a portafilter-like hand. The machine can produce espresso that is similar to the kind you get at a cafe without the hassle and mess of the traditional espresso machine.

The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules, which are made from premium, high-quality coffee beans. Each capsule is stocked with an exact amount of ground espresso, which is brewed in two stages. This results in a thick crema. The extraction is performed entirely within the capsule coffee machine. This means that the coffee and machine are not in contact. Clean-up is also easy.

This coffee pod machine also has an Pannarello steam wand that can be used to make milky drinks, such as cappuccino or macchiato latte. The unique design of this coffee pod machine, designed by renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold design statement in your home. Its round but slender forms and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the '60s and seamlessly integrates modern technology.

The only drawback to this machine is that it requires some extra attention than some other models, particularly when you use the steam wand. The reason for this is that too much air can prevent the steam from flowing properly, preventing the machine from functioning. You'll need to wait for some time before making another cup of coffee in order to let the excess air 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. The small dimensions, attractive pricing, and user-friendly are important selling points. Does this tiny machine meet the high standards set forth by the parent company? We tested it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.

The Vivy is one of the simplest pod coffee machines available however it doesn't compromise on performance. It can make drinks with the touch of a single button, by reading a unique barcode on each T DISC to determine what drink it should make. It also determines the right amount for the froth and water in each drink using Intellibrew technology to ensure the best results every time.

This makes it very easy to operate - just insert the desired T DISC and choose the size you prefer for your drink. There are 40 drinks to choose from, and the Vivy comes with a milk container for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes just three seconds to heat and it has an auto-shutoff after five minutes.

The descaler has been designed to fit on the side of your machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the procedure is simple and quick.

As a bonus, if you register your Vivy with Bosch as a bonus, you'll receive an extra discount on your first purchase of T DISCs and receive personalized offers, suggestions and advice. You'll also be able to track the status of your machine and see how much water it's used. Registering your machine is also recommended as soon as you purchase it.

5. illycaffe B-Pod

illycaffe is a market leader in the coffee industry and an famous heritage brand, is a global leader. Founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is operated by his children and spans across the globe. The family-owned and operated business has a long tradition of innovating within the industry. It is renowned for its top quality espresso that is made from 9 different varieties of Arabica beans.

The company is committed to sustainability and has taken a variety of initiatives to help to protect the environment. They also ensure that their products are as green as they can. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and utilizing renewable energies. They also promote the practice of regenerative agriculture and are focusing on improving their water resources.

Illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their commitment to help their employees succeed. They have invested in programs that offer training and professional development for their staff, and they have also created an "university of coffee" which helps educate consumers and professionals on how to get the best pod coffee machine possible cup of coffee.

In addition to all of this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to earn the B-Corp designation, which is an international certification that recognizes businesses that are committed to ethics and a sense of 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 last seven years. The company is committed to proving that sustainable quality can make a difference for both the environment and people and has the conviction that it is the responsibility of everyone to do their part.