One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines are often accused of producing weak, watery drinks. The best pods are more than that.

The illy Bruvi uses B-Pods, made from treated polypropylene cups which are supposed to break down in landfill (rather than the dreaded K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It comes with a range of capsule options and is easy to customize.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

This coffee maker that is a combination of drip and single-serve has the most impressive features of the models we've tested. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe side that brews traditional ground coffee and a single-serve side that can accept any kind of K-Cup, Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe side comes with a programmable timer and it has a "strong" setting that produces more flavor than normal settings. It also comes with an adjustable frother that folds away and is built into the carafe to make cappuccinos and lattes.

The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time using any size K-Cup or reuseable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate reservoir for water is also included). It uses Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and reads the barcode of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. It's faster than a leading Keurig model when it comes to making a full pot of coffee thanks to its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions like a 24-hour brew start, brew strength control and auto shutoff.

The device is simple to use despite the fact it comes with two operating modes. It also cleans up easily. The pod adapter that is reusable, needles, and mesh filter can be easily removed for cleaning. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space, but it's a great option for anyone who needs the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.

This basic cold brew machine is a budget pick that produces an incredibly smooth and delicious cup. It can create 12 cups at a time and comes with a programmable clock, an integrated milk frother and a coffee filter that can be reused. It has a large tank of water, as well as a glass carafe that can hold hot beverages.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

This is an excellent option if you are already a fan of the pod coffee machines but want to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso’s newest espresso maker is sleek, efficient and can create five different drinks on one compact chassis. It's on sale now, making it a great option for those with a tight budget.

The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is incredibly easy to use, with a single button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It utilizes patented Nespresso capsules with an identifier on them that tells the machine what kind of espresso or coffee it is, ensuring that you get the correct temperature and pressure for each drink. The pods also spin fast when brewing, creating an indulgence-inducing layer of foam, referred to as crema, which is usually 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 can be recycled, so you can recycle the capsules at your local UPS store or on Nespresso's website.

The machine is expensive when contrasted with other pod machines, especially if you include the cost of the pods. If you've already convinced of the advantages of pod coffee, it's only a small cost to pay for consistent, barista-style results. Plus, you can add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make lattes and cappuccinos. It's also offered in bundles that include sample packs of the Nespresso capsules as well as a milk frother, which can save you money in the beginning.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

Most pod machines have the same brewing procedure - you simply insert a capsule then press a button and the coffee is brewed. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of those machines that defies convention. It utilizes a different mechanism for capsules and locks them in a portafilter-like hand. This lets the machine create an espresso that's similar to what you'd find 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 capsules that are made of premium, high-quality coffee beans. Each capsule is stocked with a precise dose of espresso ground, which is then brewed using a unique two-stage process to create a thick and rich crema. The extraction happens entirely inside the capsule, which means that the coffee and machine never meet and cleanup is a breeze.

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

This machine requires more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. The reason for this is that the excess air can stop the flow of hot water, preventing the machine from working effectively. If this happens, you'll need to wait a few minutes before preparing another coffee to allow the excess air to let go.

4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x

The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most well-known pod coffee machines available on the market. The compact dimensions, attractive pricing and user-friendly are major reasons to buy. But can this tiny machine meet the high standards set by its parent company? We tested it at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.

The Vivy is one of the simplest pod coffee machines that are available however it doesn't sacrifice on performance. It can create drinks with a single press of a button. It reads a barcode on the T DISC to determine which drink to make. It also determines the right amount for the froth and water in each drink by using Intellibrew Technology to achieve an outstanding result every time.

It is very simple to use - just insert the desired T DISC and then select the size of your drink. There are 40 different drinks to choose from and the Vivy comes with a milk container for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes just three seconds to warm and automatically shuts off after five minutes to save energy.

The descaler is cleverly designed to fit into the side of the machine. This is a different process however it's very quick and easy.

If you register your Vivy, you'll receive a discount for your first order of T-DISCs as well as customized offers, tips and recommendations. You'll also be able keep track of the condition of your machine and know how much water it's been using. It is a good idea to register your machine at the time you purchase it, as well.

5. Illycaffe B Pod

illycaffe, a leader in the world of coffee and an famous heritage brand, is a global leader. Founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is still run by his descendants and spans across the world. The family-owned business has a history of innovation and is renowned for its top-quality espresso that is made from nine different types of Arabica bean.

The company is also committed to sustainability and has a range of initiatives that help safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as eco sustainable as they can be. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and utilizing renewable energy sources. They have also pods coffee machines promoted the practice of regenerative agriculture and are focusing on improving their water resources.

illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their commitment to assist their employees in achieving success. They have invested in training programs for their employees, and have created a "university" of coffee to train both consumers and professionals on how to make the perfect 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 designation that recognizes businesses that are committed to ethics and a sense that they have 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 past seven years. The company is committed to demonstrating how 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.