One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

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

The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods made from treated polypropylene cups which are designed to break down in landfill (rather than the notorious K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also comes with a variety of capsule options and easy customisation.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

This combination drip-and-single-serve coffee maker has the Best Pod Coffee Machine features of the models we've tested. It comes with an insulated 12-cup carafe that is brewed in the traditional manner and single-serve that can accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe's side features an adjustable timer and it has a "strong" setting that produces more flavor than normal settings. It also comes with an integrated, fold-away frother for cappuccinos and lattes.

The single-serve side can make up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time, using any size K-Cup or the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cups (a separate reservoir for water is also included). It uses Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system that scans the barcode of each pod to adjust machine's settings to make an ideal cup every time. It's quicker than the leading Keurig model in brewing a full pot using its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions like a 24-hour brew start, 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 is reusable, and the needles and mesh filter can be removed for cleaning. The unit is a bit heavy and bulky for counter space but it's an excellent option for those who want the convenience of pods or the versatility of coffee ground.

This budget-friendly cold brew machine makes a smooth and delicious cup. It comes with a programmable timer as well as a built-in milk maker and a reusable filter and can make 12 cups of java at once. It has a large reservoir of water, as well as a glass carafe that can hold hot brews.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

If you're already bought in to the trend of pod coffee machines and want to upgrade from your current Keurig-style machine, this is an excellent alternative. Nespresso's newest espresso machine is sleek, efficient and has the ability to create five different drinks from one sleek, compact 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 incredibly easy to use by pressing a single button that automatically adapts to the type of capsule you're using. It utilizes patent-pending Nespresso pods that have a barcode to tell the machine which type of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures that you get the right temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods spin quickly during brewing, creating an exquisite layer of foam, also known as crema. It is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.

The only drawbacks to the VertuoLine are that it's louder than other pod machines, and that you aren't able to reuse the capsules that you've used. The aluminum used in Nespresso capsules can be recycled, so you can recycle the capsules at your local UPS store or on Nespresso's website.

The machine is also pretty expensive compared to other pod coffee pod-making machines, especially when you take into account the cost of purchasing the pods. If, however, you've already bought in to the advantages of pod coffee, it's a small cost to pay for consistent, barista-style results. You can also add an Nespresso Aeroccino+ Milk Frother to your machine to make lattes or cappuccinos. It's also available in bundles that include a few sample packs of the Nespresso capsules and milk frother, which can 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 comes out. But every now and then, a device comes along that blows convention out of the water, as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It uses a different system for capsules and locks them inside a portafilter-like handle. This lets the machine make an espresso that is like you would get at a cafe, but without the hassle and mess of a traditional espresso maker.

The X7.1 is compatible only with Illy MIE pods, which are made of top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule contains precisely proportioned amounts of espresso ground, which is then brewed using a unique two-stage process to create a rich crema. The extraction process is entirely inside the capsule, so the machine and coffee never come into contact and cleanup is a breeze.

This coffee pod machine is equipped with a Pannarello Steam Wand to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and latte Macchiato. Its unique design, created by famed Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to stand out in your kitchen. Its round but slender forms and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 60s while seamlessly integrating modern technology.

One downside of this machine is that it requires a little more focus than other models, especially when you use the steam wand. The reason for this is that the excess air can sometimes hinder the flow of hot water, which can prevent the machine from functioning properly. You'll 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 popular coffee machines on the market. Its compact dimensions, attractive price and easy-to-use are all big selling points. Does this machine meet the high standards set forth by its parent company's standards? We took it for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.

The Vivy is a basic pod coffee machine, but it does not sacrifice its performance. It can make drinks with just a simple press of a button. It scans a barcode on the T DISC to determine what drink to prepare. It also automatically determines the right amount of water and froth for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to produce an excellent result every time.

It's easy to use. Simply insert the desired T DISC, and then select the size of your drink. The Vivy has 40 different drinks and an milk jug that can be used to make lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to heat up and shuts off automatically after five minutes to conserve energy.

It's easy to clean too thanks to a cleverly designed descaler that fits into the side of the machine. There are separate directions for this, but the procedure is easy and quick.

If you register your Vivy, you'll receive a discount for your first order of T-DISCs, and also customized offers, tips and suggestions. You can also keep track of the condition of your machine, and find out how much it has been used. It's worth registering your machine at the time you purchase it, also.

5. Illycaffe B-Pod

illycaffe is a leading player in the coffee machines capsules industry and an iconic heritage brand, is a global leader. The company was established in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still operated by his descendants. It has a presence 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 protect the environment. They also make sure that their products are as green as possible. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions as well as using renewable energies. They also promote the practice of regenerative agriculture and are focusing on enhancing their water resources.

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

In addition to this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to earn a B-Corp certification, which is an international designation which recognizes companies that value ethics and a sense of purpose. The company has also launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods coffee machine, and has 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 role to play.