One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines have an undeserved reputation for their watery, under-strength drinks. However, the top pods can offer much more than that.

The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods, made from treated polypropylene cups that are supposed to break down in landfill (rather than the hated K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It also has bundles of capsule options and easy customisation.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

This combination drip-and-single-serve coffee maker offers the best coffee machines with pods features of the models we have tested. It comes with an insulated 12-cup carafe that brews grounds in the traditional way, and one-serve that will accept any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe comes with a programmable clock as well as an "strong setting" that gives you more flavor. 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 reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate water reservoir is included). It uses Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and analyzes the barcodes of each pod to adjust machine settings. With its Extreme Brew Technology, it's more efficient in brewing full-pots than a leading Keurig. It also comes with advanced features, like 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 process is fairly easy. 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 however, it's an excellent alternative for anyone looking to enjoy the convenience of pods as well as the versatility of ground coffee.

This basic cold brew machine is a budget pick that delivers smooth and delicious cups. It comes with a timer that can be programmed and a built-in milk froth and a reusable filter, and can make 12 cups of java in one go. It also has a huge water reservoir and a glass carafe to serve hot brews.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

If you're already bought in to the pod coffee machine trend and are looking to upgrade the Keurig-style machine you have, this is an excellent option. Nespresso's latest espresso machine is sleek, fast and can make five different drinks in one sleek, compact machine. It's currently on sale and is a great choice for those with a tight budget.

The VertuoLine Next heats up very quickly and is extremely simple 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 barcodes that inform the machine what kind of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you get the correct temperature and pressure for every drink. The pods spin rapidly during brewing, creating the foam, also known as crema that is typical for traditional Italian style espresso.

The VertuoLine's only downside is that it's louder than other pod-machines and you can't reuse the capsules. Fortunately, the aluminum used in Nespresso pods is recyclable so you can drop them off at your local UPS store or on the Nespresso website for no cost and they'll return them to you to reuse.

The machine is also pretty expensive compared to other pod coffee machines, especially when you consider the cost of buying the pods. If you're already a pod-coffee fan, the cost is a small amount to be paid for consistently barista-style results. Plus, you can add a Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for cappuccinos and lattes. You can also buy it in bundles that include a few samples of the Nespresso pods and a frother. This will make it cheaper to buy the machine in the beginning.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

Most pod pod-making machines have the same brewing process: you insert a capsule, press a button and the coffee pours out. But every now and then, a machine comes along that breaks convention right out of the water, as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It is a revolutionary system for capsules that lock them into a portafilter handle. This allows the machine to produce an espresso like you would get at a cafe, however without all of the fuss and mess that is typical of an espresso maker.

The X7.1 is compatible only with Illy MIE pods, which are made of top-quality, high-end beans. Each capsule has precisely proportions of espresso ground that is brewed using two stages. This produces a rich crema. The extraction happens entirely inside the capsule, which means that the machine and coffee never come into contact and cleaning up is easy.

The coffee pod comes with a Pannarello Steam Wand to make milky drinks like cappuccino or latte Macchiato. Its unique design, designed by famed Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to be a standout in your kitchen. Its round but slender forms and soft-touch buttons recall the classic Italian espresso coffee machine capsule makers of the '60s while seamlessly integrating 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 prevents the machine from working properly. If this happens, you'll need to wait a couple of minutes before making another coffee to allow the air to escape.

4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x

The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most popular coffee machines available. The small size, attractive pricing and the ease of use are major selling points. Does this little machine meet the standards set by its parent company's standards? We took it for a spin at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to find out.

The Vivy is a simple pod coffee machine, but it does not sacrifice its performance. It makes drinks at the press of a single button, by reading a unique barcode on each T DISC to know which drink it needs to make. It also determines the right amount for water and froth in every drink by using Intellibrew Technology to achieve an excellent outcome every time.

This makes it extremely simple to use - simply insert the desired T DISC and select the size you prefer for your drink. The Vivy has 40 different drinks, as well as a milk jug to make cappuccinos or lattes. It takes just three seconds to warm and automatically shuts off after five minutes to conserve energy.

The descaler has been designed to slot into the side of the machine. There are separate instructions for this, but the process is simple and quick.

If you register your Vivy, you'll get a discount on your first order of T-DISCs, along with specific offers, tips and advice. You can also track the status of your machine, and find out how much it has used. Registering your machine is also a good idea immediately after you purchase it.

5. Illycaffe B-Pod

illycaffe is a leading player in the coffee market and famous heritage brand, is a global leader. The company was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy and is still managed by his descendants. It has a presence across the globe. The family-owned and operated business has a long tradition of embracing new technologies within the industry. It is renowned for its top quality espresso, which is made from 9 different varieties of Arabica beans.

The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented a number initiatives to preserve the environment. They also make sure that their products are as environmentally friendly as possible. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing emissions and utilizing renewable energies. They also have worked to promote regenerative agriculture, and are focusing on improving their water resources.

illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their determination to assist their employees in achieving success. They have invested in programs that provide training and professional development for their staff and they have developed a "university of coffee" that helps to educate both professionals and consumers on how to make the best cup of coffee.

illycaffe is also the first Italian company that has earned a B Corp certification. This certification is given to international companies that are committed to ethics and have a mission. The company also recently launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods, and has been named one of the World's most ethical companies for the last seven years. The company has been dedicated to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit both the environment and people and has a strong belief that it is up to everyone to take action.