A Guide to Buying a Capsule Coffee Machine
A capsule coffee machine can make it easy to get an instant cup of coffee. They are easy to use and can work with a variety of coffee pods.
Contrary to filter coffee machines capsule coffee machines tend to focus on black drinks such as lungos and espressos. They also have a few milky choices for lattes and capspuccinos.
1. Simple to use
With a capsule coffee maker you can enjoy your coffee at home without the fuss of a full-on bean-to-cup or filter machine. These machines are easy to use and operate smoothly, regardless of whether you're an experienced coffee maker or are just beginning your journey. You can pick from a variety of drink sizes, temperatures and flavors. Some models include an integrated milk frother to make cappuccinos or lattes. They're a great option for busy families that are looking to grab a quick cup of coffee before heading out the door.
There is a variety of capsule coffee machine models that can meet the needs of different people. The budget-friendly options tend to be straightforward with a simple panel of buttons and a clear display, whilst more advanced models let you customize the brew by altering settings such as water temperature, capsule type and bar pressure. Some have an app for further personalisation and recipe ideas.
The Smeg model has a sleek design that is a perfect match with any work surface. It's also quiet and makes it a great choice for families with children. Our testers found it easy to set up and used with a smooth and effortless operation of the lever on the cap of the water tank and a responsive, intelligent touchscreen.
More expensive models from likes of Dolce Gusto and Nespresso offer more customisation, allowing you to save personalised drinks to a dedicated button. You can even tweak settings for your preferred blends to get the best taste and scent. They also include an easy capsule recycler to keep your kitchen neat and free from waste. Some of the most expensive models have an inbuilt carafe that can be used for lattes or creamy cappuccinos. Others come with a separate steam wand you can manually operate.
2. Multi-faceted
Although they aren't as versatile as a filter coffee maker or a bean-to-cup machine, capsule machines can still perform admirably in providing consistent and delicious results. Basic models start at less than PS50. A lot of these machines can also handle frothering milk, allowing you to make cappuccinos and lattes by pressing one button.
There are a few limitations to the types of coffee pods available since they are pre-packaged, with ingredients like sugar, cream and ground coffee. You can still expect top-quality brews with most brands. Tassimo and Nescafe offer various black and milky coffees for example.
Similar to the capsule machines, some can also be used with various milky drinks by utilizing different capsules, like those manufactured by Nespresso's Vertuo line. These offer the option of selecting a milky beverage like a latte or cappuccino from a selection of four, with the machine automatically dispensing the right amount of milk.
The best pod coffee machines available are also designed to be as user-friendly as is possible, with easy to read digital displays as well as automatic shut-off functions to save energy. Look for features like drip trays with adjustable heights that can be moved up or down to fit the size of your cup and reduce splashing, and a removable capsule holder that's easy to empty and clean. Sleep modes that save energy and eco-friendly settings are a nice bonus.
The Morning Machine is a tabletop machine that can be operated by hand or through an application. It comes with precise controls that allow you to fine tune the coffee's body as well as flavour. Among other things, you can alter the temperature, which has a direct influence on the taste of your coffee; lower temperatures can cause acidity while higher temperatures give it more body and bitterness.
3. Eco-friendly
Since their introduction by Nestle in 1986 the coffee pods (or capsules) have had a major impact on the way people consume coffee. They're convenient, fast and make it easy to get a consistently great cup of joe every time. Unfortunately, they can also be quite wasteful. They are usually packaged in plastic and aluminum which are difficult to recycle. Additionally, they contain unusable ground coffee that cannot be recycled.
Research has proven that using a capsule coffee machine is more environmentally friendly than filter or drip coffee. This is because single-serve capsules use exactly the same amount of coffee and water which reduces coffee waste that can occur when making a large pot. Additionally, it requires less energy to heat the water in a capsule than to brew a whole pot.
However, it's important to note that this research is only based on the total life cycle of coffee production, including growing, harvesting and transporting the beans, as well as heating the water. Find a capsule maker that only makes use of recyclable or biodegradable coffee pods. And if you want to go a step further, think about purchasing the reuseable capsule. They can be filled with ground coffee and placed in your capsule machine - they're typically designed to be compatible with popular systems such as Nespresso.
If you're looking to cut down your environmental impact further, look for a machine that works with Lavazza's A Modo Mio Tiny Eco capsules. They're compostable in a way that is industrially and carbon-neutral. They're available in a black design that's made from over 50% recycled plastic. Additionally, they're the only capsules that can be used to add food waste for council collection.
If you are unable to find compostable or biodegradable coffee pods to fit into your capsule machine, try using a bean-to-cup coffee maker. These machines are more expensive, however they are also green. They grind and brew coffee on demand rather than making and cooling a huge pot of coffee in advance, which wastes energy. They are also more energy efficient than a drip machine or espresso machine that is on a stove, as they consume less power.
4. Cost-effective
If you're looking for an easy and easy method to make your morning coffee, a capsule maker is the best option. 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 easy to operate and fairly inexpensive however they can be expensive if you choose high-end models by big brands. This is particularly relevant to the price of the coffee pods themselves, which are usually quite pricey.
A capsule coffee machine is still less expensive than filters or a bean-to-cup model. The capsule machine is less expensive initially, and you'll save money over time because you won't need to buy filters or ground coffee. However, the initial expense can still be a barrier for many people, so consider the amount you're able to spend on a machine and then take into account the cost of the coffee pods that you will need to fit it.
If you're looking for a capsule coffee maker that offers a pod coffee machines budget-friendly option take a look at the Lavazza Vertuo Pop. This compact, stylish machine utilizes the brand's compostable EcoCaps to deliver a quality cup of espresso. The unique brewing method produces a thick crema despite only brewing black coffee. This is a welcome contrast to the thin, watery mousse that is often served with drinks made using other pod machines.
The machine is compact in its footprint and a simple four-button control panel. It is easy to use, and won't take the most counter space. It also offers hot drinks as well as a steam wand for milky drinks, which are uncommon for capsule machines. However, the jug that it serves coffee in doesn't hold the same amount as glass carafes that are found on less expensive competitors.
The independently-made Morning Machine is a more sophisticated pod coffee machine that provides a variety of additional options that set it apart from its rivals. The Bloom & Brew option pre-wets ground coffee to produce a stronger, richer cup. It also offers adjustable settings for temperature, bar pressure, and the amount of coffee that is extracted. This lets you make more from the capsules than just lungo, espresso, and ristretto options, and can even recreate drip and filter-style drinks. It also allows you to connect to your smartphone to display recipes, and monitor energy consumption.