10 Facts About Best Pod Coffee Machine That Will Instantly Put You In An Optimistic Mood

One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines have an unfair reputation for the watery, weak drinks. Fortunately, the best pods can provide more than that.

The illy-Bruvi is made of B-Pods made from treated polypropylene cups that are designed to degrade in landfill (rather than the dreaded K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It comes with a range of capsule options 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 in our test. It comes with a 12-cup glass carafe that brews traditional grounds and a single-serve side that can accept any kind of K-Cup, Keurig-like or reusable pod. The carafe's side features a programmable timer and a "strong" setting that provides more flavor than the normal settings. It also comes with an easy-to-folding frother that's built into the carafe to make cappuccinos and lattes.

The single-serve side can make up to 18 ounces of coffee at a time, using any size K-Cup, or a the reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista cup (a separate reservoir for water is also included). It utilizes Nespresso VertuoLine capsules and analyzes the barcodes of each pod to adjust the machine's settings. It's more efficient than a top Keurig model at making a full-sized pot of brew with its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions, including a 24-hour brew start, brew strength control and auto shutoff.

It's easy to use despite having two different operating modes, and cleaning is pretty easy. The pod adapter that is reusable and needles are easily removable for cleaning, and the filter can be washed in your sink. The device is heavy and heavy for counter space, however it's a great choice for those who prefer the convenience of pods, or the flexibility of coffee ground.

This simple cold brew machine is a budget pick that produces smooth and delicious cups. It can make 12 cups at a time and features a programmable timer as well as an integrated milk frother as well as an reusable coffee filter. It has a large reservoir of water and glass carafes to hold hot brews.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

This is an excellent option if you are already a fan of the pod coffee machines and want to upgrade your current Keurig style machine. Nespresso's new espresso maker is sleek, efficient and can create five different drinks with one small chassis. It's even on sale right now making it an excellent choice for any budget.

The VertuoLine next heats up quickly and is easy to use, using an adjustable button that automatically adjusts to the type of capsule you are using. It utilizes patent-pending Nespresso pods that have a barcode to tell the machine which type of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you get the right temperature and water pressure for each drink. The pods spin rapidly during brewing, creating the foam, also known as crema. It is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.

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

The machine is expensive when it is compared to other pod makers in particular when you consider the cost of the pods. If you're already a coffee pod fan, the cost is a small price to be paid for consistently barista-style results. Additionally, you can add the Nespresso Aeroccino+ milk frother to the machine for cappuccinos and lattes. It's also offered in bundles that include sample packs of the Nespresso capsules as well as milk frother that can save you money upfront.

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

The majority of pod machines have the same brewing procedure - you simply insert a capsule and press a button, and the coffee comes out. But now and then a machine comes along that is a complete blow to the water, as is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It utilizes a different mechanism for capsules that lock them in place in a portafilter-like handle. This allows the machine to make an espresso that is like you would get at a cafe, but without all of the fuss and mess of a traditional espresso maker.

The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE capsules which are made from premium, high-quality coffee beans. Each capsule contains precisely proportioned amounts of ground espresso, which is then brewed with a specific two-stage process that produces a thick and rich crema. The extraction process is entirely within the capsule, which means that the machine and the coffee do not come into contact and cleaning up is easy.

This machine also has a Pannarello steam wand to make milky drinks such as cappuccino and latte macchiato. The distinctive design of this machine, created by famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi is sure to make a statement in your home. Its round, slender forms and soft-touch buttons are inspired by traditional Italian espresso makers from the 1960s, while seamlessly integrating modern technology.

This machine requires a bit more attention, particularly when using the steam wand. The reason for this is that the excess air can sometimes hinder the flow of hot water, which prevents the machine from functioning efficiently. If this happens, you'll need to wait a few minutes before making another coffee to allow the excess air to escape.

4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x

The Bosch Tassimo Vivy has become one of the most adored coffee machines on the market. The small dimensions, attractive pricing and the ease of use are major reasons to buy. But does this little machine meet the high standards set by the parent company? We tried it out at The Coffee Bazaar HQ to find out.

The Vivy is a basic pod coffee maker, but it doesn't sacrifice the performance. It makes drinks with the push of a button, analyzing a personalised barcode on each T DISC to know what drink it should make. It also automatically determines the correct amount of froth and water for each drink, using Intellibrew technology to ensure the best results every time.

This makes it easy to operate - just insert the desired T DISC and select the size you prefer for your drink. There are 40 drinks to choose from and the Vivy comes with a milk jug for making lattes or cappuccinos. It only takes three seconds to warm up and it shuts down automatically after five minutes.

It's very easy to clean using a cleverly-designed descaler that fits into the side of the machine. There are separate directions for this, but the process is simple and quick.

As a bonus, if you register your Vivy through Bosch and Bosch, you'll receive an extra discount on your first order of T DISCs. You'll also receive personalized offers, suggestions and tips. You can also monitor the status of your machine and check how much it's used. Registering your machine is also an excellent idea immediately after you purchase it.

5. illycaffe B-Pod

illycaffe is an iconic heritage brand that is a one of the leaders in the coffee industry. Founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company continues to be run by his descendants and is spread across the globe. The family-owned company has a long tradition of innovation and is known for its top-quality espresso that is made from nine different varieties of Arabica bean.

The company is also committed to sustainability and has a range of initiatives that help protect the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally green as they can. They have a particular focus on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and utilizing renewable energies. They have also worked to promote regenerative agriculture and have a particular focus on enhancing their water resources.

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

illycaffe is also the first Italian company that has earned an B Corp certification. This international designation recognizes companies that place a high pod coffee maker value on ethics and a purpose. The company also recently launched their first line of Nespresso compatible pods. They have also been named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the last seven years. 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.