A Guide to Buying a Capsule Coffee Machine
If you're looking for simple and quick coffee, a capsule coffee machine is the way to go. They are easy to use and work with a variety of coffee pods.
In contrast to filter coffee machines capsule machines tend to concentrate on black drinks, such as espressos and lungos - with some milky options available for lattes and cappuccinos.
1. Simple to use
With a capsule-based coffee maker, you can enjoy your coffee at home without the hassle of a full bean-to-cup or filter machine. No matter if you're an experienced coffee maker or are just beginning to learn the process, these machines are designed to be user-friendly and operate effortlessly. You can pick from a variety of beverage sizes, temperatures, and flavors to meet your needs. Some models have an integrated milk maker to make lattes or cappuccinos. They're a convenient option for busy families who need coffee in a hurry before heading out the door.
There are a variety of capsule coffee machines models that will meet your needs. The models that are budget-friendly tend to have a simple panel of buttons with a clear display. More advanced models let you alter your coffee by altering settings such as temperature of water, capsule type and bar pressure. Certain models come with an app that lets you have more personalisation and recipes suggestions.
The Smeg model has a sleek design that is a perfect match with any work surface. It's also quiet when in use which makes it a great option for those with children who get up early. Our test subjects found it easy to set up and use with a smooth and effortless operation of the lever on the cap of the water tank and a responsive, intelligent touchscreen.
The more expensive models from the likes of Dolce Gusto and Nespresso offer more customization, allowing you to save drinks that you have customised to a dedicated button. You can even tweak settings for your favorite blends to get the best taste and aroma. They also come with a handy capsule recycler to keep your kitchen tidy and free of waste. Some of the more expensive models include a built-in carafe for creamy cappuccinos or lattes. Others include an additional steam wand which you can manually operate.
2. Multi-faceted
Although they aren't as versatile as a filter coffee machine or a bean-to-cup machine capsule machines can perform admirably in making delicious and consistent results. They also have the advantage of being simple to use and relatively cheap the most basic models cost just PS50. A lot of these machines even froth milk making an espresso or cappuccino at the touch of the button.
One thing to keep in mind when using capsule machines is that you'll be limited in the kind of drinks and coffee pods you can use with it, as these will have been packed with ingredients such as ground coffee cream, sugar, and flavorings. You can still expect premium coffees from most brands. Tassimo and Nescafe offer various black and milky coffees for instance.
In the same way, certain capsule machines can also be used with various milky drinks using different types of capsules, like those manufactured by Nespresso's Vertuo line. These machines let you choose a milky beverage such as a cappuccino or Latte from a choice of four. The machine will automatically dispense the correct amount of milk.
The top pod machines available in the UK are also equipped with user-friendly features, such as simple-to-read digital displays as well as automatic shut-off features that help save energy. You should look for features such as height-adjustable trays that can be adjusted to accommodate the size of your cup, and minimize splashing. Also look for a movable capsule holder with an easy-to-empty and clean capsule holder that is easy to empty and clean. Energy-saving sleep modes and eco-friendly settings are a nice bonus.
Moving things to the next level The Morning Machine, a sleek benchtop machine that is operated either manually or via an app equipped with precise controls that allow you to adjust the coffee's flavor and body. You can also adjust the temperature, which will have an impact directly on the taste of your coffee. Lower temperatures result in acidity while higher temperatures give it more body.
3. Eco-friendly
Since their introduction by Nestle in 1986 the coffee pods (or capsules) have made a huge impact on the way people consume coffee. They're convenient, fast and easy to get a consistently great cup of joe every time. However, they're also extremely wasteful. They're typically packed in aluminum and plastic which are difficult to recycle. In addition, they are filled with unneeded ground coffee that is not recycled.
Research has revealed that the use of a capsule coffee maker is more sustainable than drip or filter coffee. Single-serve capsules are environmentally friendly because they use the exact amount of water and coffee which means less the amount of waste. Additionally, heating the water in a single-serve mug is less energy-intensive than making a large-sized pot.
However, it's important to note that this study is dependent on the entire life-cycle of coffee production, including the cultivation, harvesting and transportation of the beans, as well as heating the water. If you're thinking of purchasing a capsule coffee machine make sure you choose one that uses only biodegradable or compostable coffee pods. If you want to go further, consider purchasing a reused coffee capsule. They can be filled with ground coffee and used in your capsule machine - they're usually designed to work with popular systems like Nespresso.
If you're looking to lessen your impact on the environment even further, find an appliance that is compatible with Lavazza A Modo Mio Tiny eco capsules. These are industrially compostable and carbon-neutral. They're available in a black color made of more than 50% recycled plastic. Plus, they're the only capsules that can be added to food waste for council collection.
Finally, if you can't find biodegradable or compostable coffee pods for your capsule machine, consider using a bean-to-cup coffee maker. They're expensive however they're more eco-friendly than pod machines. This is due to the fact that they grind and brew the coffee on demand, instead of making a large pot in advance, and then cooling it down, which consumes energy. They're also more efficient than a drip or espresso machine that is sat on a stove, since they require less power to operate.
4. Cost-effective
A capsule machine is a fantastic option if you want to make coffee quickly and easily in the morning. Capsules contain sealed roasted and ground coffee beans that go into the machine and are brewed for a specific amount of time. The machines are simple to use and relatively cheap, but can be costly if you choose high-end models by big brands. This is especially relevant to the price of the coffee pods themselves, which are usually quite pricey.
A capsule coffee maker will still be cheaper than filters or a bean-to cup model. This is due to the upfront cost of a capsule coffee machine will be lower and you'll save money over the long term by not having to purchase filters or ground coffee. However, the initial cost isn't a deterrent for many and you should consider how much you can afford to spend on a machine and then take into account the cost of coffee pods that you will need to fit it.
Lavazza Vertuo pop is a capsule machine that's an excellent option for those who are on a budget. This sleek, compact machine uses the brand's compostable EcoCaps to give you a premium cup of espresso. Its unique brewing system also produces a thick crema despite only making black coffee. This is a refreshing alternative to the thin, watery slush that often accompanies drinks made using other pod machines.
The machine has a small footprint and a simple 4-button panel. It is easy to use, and won't require much counter space. It also has hot drinks and a steam wand for milky drinks, which are rare for capsule machines. The jug used to serve coffee is smaller than the glass carafes on cheaper competitors.
The independently-made Morning Machine is a more sophisticated pod coffee maker that provides a variety of additional options that set it apart from the competition. Its most popular Bloom & Brew setting pre-wets the ground coffee to create a richer, stronger cup and it has adjustable settings that coffee pod machines can alter the amount of coffee that is extracted as well as the temperature and bar pressure. You will get more out of the capsules compared to simple ristrettos, espressos and lungos and you can make drip and filter drinks. It can also be linked to your smartphone to make recipes and energy consumption monitoring.