One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines have an undeserved reputation for being low-strength, watery drinks. The best ones are much more than that.

The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods instead of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It also has bundles of capsule options as well as easy customization.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

One of the top pod coffee makers on the market, this combination single-serve and drip models offer the best blend of features in our test. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional grounds and a single-serve side that can accept any kind of K-Cup Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe is programmable with a clock as well as an "strong setting" that makes more flavor. It has 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 a the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cups (a separate reservoir for water is included). It utilizes Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system that analyzes the barcode on each pod to adjust the machine's settings to ensure the perfect cup every time. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's faster at brewing full pots than the Keurig that is the most popular. It also has advanced features such as a 24-hour start time, brew intensity control and automatic shutoff.

It's easy to use, despite having two different modes of operation, and cleaning is pretty easy. The pod adapter is reusable, and the needles and mesh filter can be removed to clean. It's quite bulky 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 simple cold brew machine is a great value option that delivers an incredibly smooth and delicious cup. It can make 12 cups at once and has a programmable clock as well as an integrated milk frother as well as an reusable coffee filter. It also has a large water reservoir and a glass carafe for hot brews.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

This is a great option if you are already a fan of pod coffee machines but want to upgrade your current Keurig model. Nespresso's new espresso maker is sleek, fast and can make five different drinks in one small chassis. It's on sale now making it an excellent option for those with a tight budget.

The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is extremely 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 feature a barcode to tell the machine which type of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures that you get the right temperature and water pressure for every drink. The pods spin quickly while brewing, resulting in an indulgence-inducing layer of foam, referred to 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 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 expensive when contrasted with other pod machines in particular when you consider the cost of the pods. If you're already a pod coffee fan, the cost is a small price to pay for consistent barista style results. You can also add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make lattes and cappuccinos. It's also available in bundles that include a few samples of Nespresso capsules and a 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 - capsules are placed on the top and you press a button, and the coffee pods coffee machine oozes out. But every now and then, there is a machine that blows convention out of the water, as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It has a completely different system for capsules that lock them in place in a portafilter-like handle. This lets the machine produce an espresso as good as you'd get in a cafe, but without all of the fuss and mess that comes with a traditional espresso maker.

The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE pods, which are made of top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule contains an exact amount of espresso that is then brewed using a special two-stage process to produce a thick and rich crema. The extraction process is entirely within the capsule. This means that the machine and the coffee are not in contact. Cleaning up is a breeze.

This coffee pod machine also has a Pannarello steam wand that can be used to make milky drinks like cappuccino and macchiato latte. The distinctive design of this coffee machine, designed by renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a design statement in your home. Its slim but round shapes and soft-touch buttons recall the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 1960s, while seamlessly integrating advanced technology.

This machine requires a bit more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. This is because excess air can sometimes block the flow of the hot water, which can prevent the machine from working effectively. You'll need to wait for several minutes before making another cup of coffee in order to let the air escape.

4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x

The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most popular pod coffee machines available on the market. 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 its parent company's? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.

The Vivy is a basic pod coffee machine, however it doesn't sacrifice the performance. It can make drinks with just a simple press of a button. It scans an image of a barcode on the DISC to determine which drink to make. It also automatically adjusts the proper amount of water and froth for each drink, utilizing Intellibrew technology to achieve the best results every time.

This makes it very easy to use - simply insert the desired T DISC and choose the desired drink size. The Vivy has 40 different drinks, as well as a milk jug to make cappuccinos or lattes. It only takes three seconds to heat up and it shuts down automatically after five minutes.

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

As an added benefit, if sign up your Vivy with Bosch as a bonus, you'll receive discounts on your first order of T DISCs. Additionally, you'll receive personalized offers, recommendations and advice. You'll also be able track the status of your machine and know how much water it's used. It's worth registering your machine at the time you purchase it, as well.

5. Illycaffe B-Pod

illycaffe is a well-known heritage brand that is a an industry leader in the field of coffee. Established in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is still run by his descendants and is spread across the world. The family-owned and operated company has a long history of innovating within the field, and is renowned for its high quality espresso, which is made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.

The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented numerous initiatives to help to protect the environment. They also make sure that their products are as environmentally friendly as is possible. They have a particular focus on efficiency in their energy use and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and the use of renewable energies. They also have worked to promote regenerative agriculture and have a strong focus on enhancing their water resources.

In addition to their commitments to sustainability, illycaffe is committed to helping their employees achieve. They have invested in programs to provide training and professional development for their staff and have created an "university of coffee" that assists in educating consumers and professionals alike about how to enjoy the best possible cup of coffee.

illycaffe is also the first Italian company to be awarded an B Corp certification. This designation is awarded to companies that place a high value on ethics and 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 last seven year. 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 take on.