One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

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

The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods instead of K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It comes with a range of capsules, and it is easy to customise.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

This single-serve drip coffee maker offers the best features of all the models we have tested. It has an insulated 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 has a programmable clock as well as it has a "strong setting" that produces more flavor. It also comes with an integrated, fold-away frother for cappuccinos and lattes.

The single-serve side is able to brew up to 18 ounces at a time with any size of K-Cup, the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup or ground coffee (a separate water tank is included). It makes use of Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and scans the barcode of each pod to adjust machine settings. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's quicker at making full-pots of brew than a leading Keurig. It also comes with advanced features such as a 24-hour start, brew intensity control and automatic shutoff.

It's simple to use, despite having two operating modes, and the clean-up is relatively painless. The reusable pod adapter and needles are easily removed for cleaning, and the mesh filter is washable in the sink. It's a bit heavy and heavy for counter space, but it's a great alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods or the versatility of ground coffee.

This simple cold brew machine is a great value option that provides smooth and delicious cups. It can make 12 cups at a time and comes with a programmable clock as well as an integrated milk frother and an reusable coffee filter. It has a large reservoir of water, as well as a glass carafe that can hold hot coffee.

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 option. Nespresso's latest espresso machine is sleek, efficient and has the ability to create five different drinks from one compact, sleek chassis. It's also on sale now, making 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 button that automatically adapts to the type of capsule you're using. It utilizes patented Nespresso pods with barcodes that inform the machine which type of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures that you get the right temperature and water pressure for every drink. The pods also spin fast during brewing, creating an indulgence-inducing layer of foam, also known as crema, that is typically found on traditional Italian style espresso.

The only downsides to the VertuoLine are that it's louder than other pod machines and that you can't reuse 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 the Nespresso website.

The machine is also quite expensive when compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you factor in the cost of buying the pods. However, if you're already bought in to the benefits of pod coffee, it's only a small cost to get consistent, barista-style results. Additionally, you can add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for cappuccinos and lattes. It is also available in bundles, which contain some of the Nespresso pods as well as a frother. This will help you save money upfront.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

The majority of pod machines have the same brewing process: you place a capsule in then press a button and the coffee pours out. However, every now and then a machine comes along that blows convention out of the water, such as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It uses a different system for capsules and locks them in a portafilter-like hand. The machine can produce espresso that is comparable to what you would get in cafes, without the hassle and mess of the traditional espresso machine.

The X7.1 is compatible with Illy MIE capsules that are made of premium coffee beans of the highest quality. Each capsule has precisely proportions of ground espresso that is brewed using a two-stage process. This produces a rich crema. The extraction takes place entirely inside the capsule, meaning that the coffee and machine never come into contact and cleaning up is easy.

This coffee maker includes a Pannarello Steam Wand that can be used to make milky beverages like cappuccino or macchiato latte. The distinctive design of this coffee machine, created by renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a bold statement in your home. Its slim but round shapes and soft-touch buttons recall the classic Italian espresso coffee makers of the 1960s and seamlessly integrates modern technology.

This machine requires a bit more attention, especially when using the steam wand. This is because excess air can block the flow of the hot water, which can prevent the machine from functioning efficiently. It is necessary to wait for some time before making another cup of coffee in order to let the air escape.

4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x

The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most popular coffee machines on the market. Its small dimensions, attractive price tag and ease of use are among the major selling points. But does this little machine live up to the high standards set by the company that owns it? We went for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to discover.

The Vivy is a basic pod coffee machine (http://users.atw.Hu/), however it isn't sacrificing performance. It makes drinks with the touch of a single button, by reading a unique barcode on each T DISC in order to determine what drink it should create. It also sets the proper amount of water and froth in every drink by using Intellibrew Technology to achieve the best results every time.

This makes it extremely simple to operate - just insert the desired T DISC, then select your preferred drink size. There are 40 drinks to choose from and the Vivy comes with a milk container for making lattes or cappuccinos. It takes only three seconds to warm, and has auto-shut-off after five minutes, to save energy.

The descaler is cleverly designed to slot into the side of the machine. This is a separate process however it's fast and easy.

As a bonus, if you register your Vivy through Bosch and Bosch, you'll receive discounts on your first order of T DISCs. You'll also receive personalised offers, recommendations and tips. You can also monitor the status of your machine, and find out how much it's been used. It's a good idea to register your machine as soon as you buy it, as well.

5. illycaffe B-Pod

illycaffe is a market leader in the coffee market and iconic heritage brand, is a world leader. Founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is still run by his descendants and spans the globe. The family-owned and operated company has a long history of embracing new technologies within the field, and is renowned for its high quality espresso, which is made from 9 different varieties of Arabica beans.

The company is also committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives that help to safeguard the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally green as they can. They have concentrated on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions and utilizing renewable energies. They also promote regenerative farming and are focused on improving their water resources.

Illycaffe's commitment towards 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 an "university" of coffee to train professionals and consumers alike on how to make the most delicious cup of coffee.

illycaffe is also the first Italian company that has earned a B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies who prioritize ethics and have a mission. The company also recently launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods coffee machines, and has been named one of the World's most ethical companies over the past seven years. The company is committed to showing how sustainable quality can benefit the environment as well as people. They believe that everyone has a part to play.