11 Ways To Completely Redesign Your Best Pod Coffee Machine

One of the Best Pod Coffee Makers on the Market

Pod coffee machines have a bit of an unfair reputation for the watery, weak drinks. Fortunately, the best pods are more than that.

The illy Bruvi makes use of B-Pods, which are made of treated polypropylene cups which are designed to break down in landfill (rather than the dreaded K-Cups and Nespresso pods). It has a variety of capsules and is simple to customize.

1. Cuisinart DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System

One of the top pod coffee makers available on the market, this combination drip and single-serve model offers the best blend of features we tested. It has a 12-cup carafe which brews grounds in the traditional way and a single-serve that accepts any K-Cup or Keurig-like pod. The carafe is programmable with a clock and an "strong setting" that makes more flavor. It also comes with an easy-to-folding frother that's built into the carafe to make capspuccinos and lattes.

The single-serve side can brew up to 18 ounces at a single time using any size K-Cup and reusable Cuisinart HomeBarista filter cup, or ground coffee (a separate water tank is included). It uses Nespresso's VertuoLine capsule system and analyzes the barcode on each pod to adjust the machine's settings to ensure a perfect cup every time. It's more efficient than a top Keurig model in making a full pot of coffee with its Extreme Brew technology and has advanced functions, including a 24-hour brew start time, brew strength control and auto shutoff.

The device is simple to use despite the fact it has two operating modes. It also cleans easily. The pod adapter that is reusable, needles, and mesh filter are easily removed to clean. It's quite bulky and heavy for counter space however it's a great option for anyone who wants 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 features a programmable timer and a milk frother that is integrated and an coffee filter that is reusable. It comes with a large reservoir of water, as well as a glass carafe that can hold hot coffee.

2. Nespresso VertuoLine Next

If you're already accustom to the pod coffee machine trend and are looking to upgrade your Keurig-style machine This is a great option. Nespresso's newest espresso machine is stylish, quick and has the ability to create five different drinks from one compact, sleek chassis. It's on sale now, making it an excellent choice for those with a tight budget.

The VertuoLine is then able to heat up quickly and is easy to use, thanks to an automatic button that adjusts to the type of capsule you're using. It uses the patented Nespresso pods that have an identifier barcode that tells the machine which type of coffee or espresso is being used. This ensures you have the correct temperature and pressure for each drink. The capsules spin fast during brewing, creating a layer of foam known as crema. It is typical of traditional Italian style espresso.

The only downsides to the VertuoLine is that it's a bit louder than other pod machines, and that you aren't able to reuse the capsules you've used. 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 free, and they'll take them back to recycle.

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

3. Illy X7.1 Iperespresso

The majority of pod machines have the same brewing process: you simply insert a capsule and press a button, and the coffee pours out. However, every now and then a device comes along that breaks convention right out of the water, like is the case with the Illy X7.1 Iperespresso. It uses a unique system for capsules that bind them into a portafilter handle. The machine can make espresso that is comparable to the one you can get in a cafe, but without the mess and hassle of an espresso machine that is traditional.

The X7.1 is compatible with illy MIE pods that are made from premium, high-quality beans. Each capsule is stocked with a precise amount of espresso ground that is brewed in a two-stage process. This results in a thick crema. The extraction is done entirely inside the capsule. This means that the coffee and machine are never in contact. Clean-up is also a breeze.

The coffee pod is equipped with a Pannarello Steam Wand that can be used to make milky beverages like cappuccino or Latte Macchiato. Its unique design, created by the famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi, is sure to make a statement in your kitchen. Its slender, round forms 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 more focus than other models, particularly when you are using the steam wand. This is due to the fact that air can block the steam from flowing properly making it impossible for the machine to continue working. If this happens, you'll need to wait a couple of minutes before preparing another coffee to allow the excess air to escape.

4. Bosch Tassimo Vivy 2 TAS 140x

The Bosch Tassimo Vivy is one of the most sought-after pod coffee machines available on the market. The compact dimensions, attractive pricing and the ease of use are important selling points. Does this little machine meet the high standards set forth by its parent company's? We tested it at The Coffee Bazaar headquarters.

The Vivy is a basic pod coffee maker, but it does not sacrifice performance. It can make drinks with just a single press of a button. It reads an image of a barcode on the DisC to determine the type of drink to prepare. It also sets the proper amount of the froth and water in each drink using Intellibrew Technology to achieve an outstanding result every time.

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

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

As an added bonus, if you register your Vivy through Bosch as a bonus, you'll receive discounts on your first order of T DISCs and receive personalised offers, recommendations and suggestions. You can also keep track of the status of your machine and check how much it's been used. It's a good idea to register your machine when you purchase it, too.

5. illycaffe B Pod

illycaffe, a leader in the coffee market and iconic heritage brand, is a global leader. Established in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the company is managed by his descendants and is spread across the world. The family-owned and operated business has a long history of embracing new technologies within the industry. It is renowned for its high quality espresso made from 9 different types of Arabica beans.

The company is also committed to sustainability and has a variety of initiatives that help protect the environment and ensure that their products are as environmentally friendly as possible. They have focused on energy efficiency and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint as well as using renewable energy sources. They have also promoted the practice of regenerative agriculture and are focusing on improving capsule coffee makers their water resources.

Illycaffe's commitment to sustainability is matched by their determination to help their employees achieve. They have invested in training programs for their employees and created an "university" of coffee to train consumers and professionals alike on how to make the perfect cup of coffee.

In addition to all of this, illycaffe recently became the first Italian company to earn B-Corp certification. This is an international designation that recognizes companies that prioritize ethics and a sense of purpose. The company has also launched its first line of Nespresso compatible pods and was named as one of the top 10 World's ethical companies over the last seven years. The company is committed to demonstrating how sustainable quality can benefit the environment and people. They believe that everyone has a part to play.