One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines have a bit of an undeserved reputation for being watery, under-strength drinks. However, the top pods can provide more than that.

The illy Bruvi uses B-pods coffee machine instead of the dreaded K-Cups or Nespresso pods. It has a variety of capsules and is easy to personalize.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

One of the top pod coffee makers available on the market, this drip and single-serve model offers the best blend of features that we have tested. It comes with an insulated 12-cup carafe that is brewed in the traditional way, and single-serve that can accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe side has an adjustable timer and it has a "strong" setting that provides more flavor than standard settings. It also comes with an adjustable frother that folds away and is built into the carafe for lattes and capspuccinos.

The single-serve side brews up to 18 ounces per hour with any size of K-Cup and the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup or ground coffee (a separate water tank is included). It utilizes Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system that analyzes the barcode on each pod to adjust the machine settings for the perfect cup every time. It's faster than a leading Keurig model when it comes to making a full pot of coffee with its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions like a 24-hour brew start time, brew strength control, and auto shutoff.

It's simple to use, despite having two operating modes, and clean-up is relatively painless. The reusable pod coffee maker (read the article) adapter, needles and mesh filter can be removed to clean. It's a bit bulky and heavy for counter space however, it's an excellent option for anyone who needs the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.

This affordable cold brew maker produces a smooth, flavorful cup. It can create 12 cups at a time and comes with a programmable clock, an integrated milk frother and an coffee filter that can be reused. It also comes with a large water reservoir and a glass carafe to serve hot coffee.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

If you're already bought in to the pod coffee machine trend and want to upgrade from your Keurig-style machine this is a great alternative. Nespresso's latest espresso machine is sleek, fast and has the ability to create five different drinks from one sleek, compact machine. It's on sale now, making it a great option for anyone with a budget.

The VertuoLine Next is very hot quickly and is extremely easy to use with a single-use button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It makes use of patent-pending Nespresso pods that have a barcode to tell the machine which kind of espresso or coffee is being used. This ensures that you get the right temperature and water pressure for every drink. The capsules spin quickly when they are brewing to create a layer of foam known as crema that is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.

The only downsides to the VertuoLine are that it's more loud than other pod machines and that you can't reuse capsules you've used. Fortunately the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable so you can drop them off at the local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for free, and they'll return them to you to recycle.

The machine is also expensive compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you factor in the cost of buying the pods. If you're already a coffee pod fan, this is a small price to pay for consistent barista-like results. Plus, you can add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine to make cappuccinos and lattes. It's also offered in bundles that include a few samples of Nespresso capsules as well as milk frother, which can save you money in the beginning.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

The majority of pod machines use the same brewing process: you simply insert a capsule coffee machine, press a button and the coffee is brewed. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso is one of the machines that defy the rules of. It uses a different system for capsules and locks them in a portafilter-like hand. This allows the machine to create an espresso that's similar to what you'd find in a cafe, but without the hassle and mess that is typical of an espresso maker.

The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE capsules, which are made from premium coffee machines with capsules beans of the highest quality. Each capsule contains an exact amount of ground espresso that is brewed in 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.

The coffee pod also comes with a Pannarello steam wand for making milky drinks, such as cappuccino or latte macchiato. The unique design of this machine, designed by renowned Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a statement in your home. Its slender, round shapes and soft-touch buttons are reminiscent of classic Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly merging modern technology.

One downside of this machine is that it requires some extra attention than some other models, especially when you are using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can block the flow of the hot water, which can prevent the machine from working effectively. If this happens, you'll have to wait for a few minutes before making another coffee to allow the excess air to be released.

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 small size, attractive pricing and user-friendly are major selling points. Does this machine meet the high standards set forth by its parent company's? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to find out.

The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, but it does not sacrifice performance. It makes drinks at the touch of a single button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC to determine what drink it should make. It also determines the right amount of the froth and water in each drink using Intellibrew Technology to achieve the best results every time.

This makes it easy to use - just insert the desired T DISC, then select the size you prefer for your drink. The Vivy comes with 40 different drinks as well as a milk jug to make cappuccinos or lattes. It only takes three seconds to heat up and it has an auto-shutoff after five minutes.

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

If you sign up for your Vivy, you will get a discount on your first order of T-DISCs and also specific offers, tips and recommendations. You'll also be able to track the status of your machine and see the amount of water it has been using. Registering your machine is also an excellent idea immediately after you purchase it.

5. Illycaffe B Pod

illycaffe is a well-known heritage brand that is a leader in the coffee industry. The company was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still managed by his descendants. It is a global company. The family-owned and operated business has a long track record of innovating within the industry. It is renowned for its high quality espresso, which 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 possible. They have focused on energy efficiency, and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint, as well as the use of renewable energy sources. They have also worked to promote regenerative farming, and have a strong focus on improving their water resources.

In addition to their commitment to sustainability, illycaffe is also committed to helping their employees thrive. They have invested in training programs for their employees, and have created a "university" of coffee machine with capsules that educates consumers and professionals alike on how to make the best cup of coffee.

illycaffe is also the first Italian company to earn an B Corp certification. This certification is given to international companies that are committed to ethics and have a mission. The company has also launched its first line of Nespresso compatible Pods and been recognized as one of the top 10 World's ethical companies for the last seven year. The company is committed to showing how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people. They believe that everyone has a responsibility to play.