A Guide to Buying a Capsule Coffee Machine
If you're looking for fast and simple coffee, a capsule coffee machine is the way to go. They're easy to use and can be paired with a range of speciality coffee pods.
In contrast to filter coffee machines capsule machines typically concentrate on black drinks, such as lungos and espressos - but with milky options as well for lattes and cappuccinos.
1. Easy to use
You can get your coffee fix at home using a capsule machine. It's an excellent alternative to a bean-to cup or filter machine. No matter if you're an experienced brewer or just starting out, these machines are designed to be easy to use and run effortlessly. You can select from a variety of beverage sizes, temperatures and flavours to suit your preferences. Some models also feature an integrated milk frothing tool to make cappuccinos and lattes. These models are ideal for families with busy schedules who would like to have a cup of coffee before leaving for work.
There are many different capsule coffee machines uk models that will meet your needs. The models that are budget-friendly tend to have a simple panel of buttons with a clear display. The more advanced models let you alter your brew by changing settings like temperature of water, capsule type, and bar pressure. Certain models come with an app that allows for more personalisation and recipes suggestions.
The slick design of Smeg's model is a major benefit, with a sleek body that can be easily incorporated on any table. It's also extremely quiet during use making it an ideal option for those with children who are up early. Our test subjects found it easy to set up and use, with a smooth operation of the water tank's capsule lever and a smart, responsive touchscreen.
More expensive models from the likes of Dolce Gusto and Nespresso offer more customization, allowing you to save your own drinks by pressing a button. You can adjust the settings to get the most optimal taste and aroma for your favourite blends. The capsule recycler comes with it to keep your kitchen tidy and free of waste. Some of the more expensive models come with built-in carafes for creamy cappuccinos or lattes. Some models come with an additional steam wand which you can operate manually.
2. Multi-faceted
Although capsule machines aren't as flexible as a bean to cup machine or filter machine, they are able to produce delicious and consistently good results. They also have the benefit of being simple to use and cost-effective the most basic models cost less than PS50. Many of these machines even froth milk which means you can make a cappuccino or latte at the push of the button.
One thing to keep in mind with capsule machines is that you'll be limited in the kind of drinks and coffee pods you can make with it, as these will have been pre-packaged with ingredients such as ground coffee cream, sugar, and flavourings. You can still expect high-quality beverages with the majority of brands. Tassimo and Nescafe offer various milky and black coffees, for instance.
Similarly, some capsule machines can also be used with different milky drinks using different types of capsules, like those manufactured by Nespresso's Vertuo line. These capsules allow selecting a milky drink such as a latte, or cappuccino, from a range of four, and the machine automatically dispensing the right amount of milk.
The best pod coffee machines available are also designed to be as user-friendly as they can with clear digital displays as well as automatic shut-off functions to save energy. Look for features such as adjustable height trays that can be adjusted to fit the size of your cup, and minimize splashing. Also, look for a removable capsule holder with an easy-to-empty and clean capsule holder that is easy to empty and clean. Sleep modes that save energy and eco-friendly settings are another nice extra.
Moving things to the next level The Morning Machine, an elegant benchtop machine that can be operated by hand or via an apps equipped with precise controls that let you adjust the coffee's flavor and body. You can also alter the temperature, which has an immediate impact on the flavor of your coffee. Lower temperatures cause acidity while higher temperatures impart more body.
3. Eco-friendly
Since their introduction by Nestle in 1986 coffee pods (or capsules) have made a huge impact on the way people drink coffee. They're easy to use, quick and allow you to get a consistently great cup of coffee every single time. Unfortunately, they can also be quite wasteful. They are usually packed in plastic and aluminium which are difficult to recycle. Additionally, they contain unusable ground coffee that cannot be recycled.
Research has proven that the use of a capsule coffee maker is more sustainable than drip or filter coffee. Single-serve capsules are eco green because they consume the exact amount of coffee and water, reducing the amount of waste. Additionally, heating the water in a single-serve capsule is less energy-intensive than brewing a large pot.
It is important to remember that this research is based on the complete life cycle of coffee production, which includes the growing, harvesting, and transportation of the beans, as well as heating the water. If you're thinking of purchasing capsule coffee machines make sure you choose one that only uses biodegradable or compostable coffee pods. If you want to go further, you can purchase a reusable capsule for coffee. These capsules can be used to fill your capsule machine with coffee ground. They're designed to be compatible with popular systems such as Nespresso.
If you want to reduce your impact on the environment Look for a machine that can be used with Lavazza's A Modo Tiny Eco capsules. These capsules are completely carbon neutral and industrially compostable. They are made from more than 50% recycled plastic. Additionally, they're the only capsules that can be used to add food waste for council collection.
In the end, if you cannot find any compostable or biodegradable coffee pods for your capsule machine, you can try using a bean-to-cup maker. These machines are more expensive, but they are also more environmentally friendly. They grind and brew coffee on demand, instead of brewing a big pot in advance and then cooling it down, which consumes electricity. They are also more efficient than a drip machine or espresso machine on a stove, as they use less energy.
4. Cost-effective
A capsule machine is an excellent option for those who want to make coffee quickly and easily in the morning. The capsules are sealed, and they contain ground and roasted beans. They are then placed into the machine and brewed for a precise amount of time. The machines are simple to operate and fairly inexpensive, but can be costly when you select premium models made by major brands. This is particularly relevant to the cost of the coffee pods which can be very expensive.
A capsule coffee maker is still less expensive than filter models 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 in the end by not having to purchase filters or ground coffee. However, the initial expense isn't a deterrent for many capsule coffee machines people So, think about the amount you're able to invest in the machine, and then take into account the cost of the coffee pods that will fit it.
If you're looking for a capsule coffee maker that is affordable take a look at the Lavazza Vertuo Pop. This compact, stylish machine uses the brand's compostable EcoCaps to give you a premium cup of espresso. The unique brewing method produces a thick, rich crema despite only making black coffee. This is a significant improvement on the thin foam that typically comes with espresso drinks made in other pod machines.
The machine is simple to operate with the four buttons on the panel and has a compact footprint that won't take up any counter space. It also comes with hot drinks and a steam wand for milky drinks, which are uncommon on capsule machines. The jug used to serve coffee is smaller than glass carafes on cheaper competitors.
The independently-designed Morning Machine is a more sophisticated pod coffee maker that provides a variety of extra options that set it apart from other machines. The Bloom & Brew option pre-wets ground coffee to create a stronger, richer cup. It also offers adjustable settings for bar pressure, temperature and the amount of coffee that is extracted. You will get more out of the capsules than simple lungos, espressos and ristrettos and you can make drinks that drip or filter. It can also be connected to your smartphone to display recipes and monitor energy consumption.