A Guide to Buying a Capsule Coffee Machine
If you're looking for quick and easy coffee, a capsule machine is the way to go. They're simple to operate and work with a variety of coffee pods.
Contrary to filter coffee machines, capsule machines usually concentrate on black drinks - espressos and lungos - with some milky options available for lattes and cappuccinos.
1. Simple to use
With a capsule coffee maker, you can get your fix at home without the hassle of a full bean-to-cup or filter machine. If you're a seasoned coffee maker or are just beginning to learn, these machines are designed to be simple to use and run effortlessly. You can select from a range of drinks sizes, temperature and flavours. Some models also feature an integrated milk frothing tool to create cappuccinos and lattes. These models are ideal for busy families that want to grab an espresso before heading out.
There are a variety of capsule coffee machines models available to suit your needs. The budget-friendly models tend to be basic with a few buttons and a clear display, whilst more advanced models allow you to tailor your coffee by altering settings such as the temperature of the water, the type of capsule and bar pressure. Certain models come with an app that allows for more personalisation and recipes suggestions.
The Smeg model has a sleek style that works with any worktop. It is also very quiet and makes it a great choice for families with small children. Our test subjects found it easy to set up and use with a smooth and effortless operation of the lever for the water tank's cap and a responsive, smart touchscreen.
The more expensive models, such as those from Dolce Gusto or Nespresso, offer more customization. You can save your favourite drinks to a button. You can alter the settings to get the most optimal flavor and aroma for your preferred blends. The capsule recycler is available to keep your kitchen clean and free of garbage. The pricier models often come with a built-in milk cup to deliver creamy cappuccinos and lattes, while other models include an additional steam wand which you can operate manually whenever you want.
2. Multi-faceted
While not as versatile as a filter coffee machine or a bean-to-cup coffee machine capsule machines are able to perform admirably in providing consistent and delicious results. Basic models start at less than PS50. A lot of these machines are capable of making frothy milk so you can make cappuccinos and lattes at the touch of the button.
You'll be limited in the kinds of coffee pods that you can choose from because they come pre-packed, with ingredients such as sugar cream, sugar, and ground coffee. You can still expect high-quality brews with most brands. Tassimo and Nescafe offer a range of milky and black coffees, for example.
Certain capsule machines, like the Vertuo line of Nespresso, can be used to create different milky drinks with different capsules. These offer the option of choosing a milky drink such as a latte or cappuccino, from a range of four options, with the machine automatically dispenses the correct amount of milk.
The best pod coffee machines available are also designed to be as user-friendly as possible with easy-to-read digital displays and automatic shut-off functions to save energy. Look for features such as adjustable height trays that can be adjusted to accommodate your cup size, and minimise splashing. Also, look for a removable capsule holder with an easy-to-empty and clean capsule holder. Sleep modes that save energy and eco-friendly settings are a nice addition.
The next level The Morning Machine, a sleek bench top machine that is operated either manually or via an application equipped with precise controls that let you alter the taste and body. You can adjust the temperature setting that has an immediate impact on the flavour of your coffee. Lower temperatures can cause acidity while higher temperatures give it more body and bitterness.
3. Eco-friendly
Since Nestle introduced coffee capsules in 1986, they have had a major impact on how people drink coffee. They're easy to use, quick and make it easy to get a consistently good cup of joe every time. However, they can be quite wasteful. They're typically packaged in plastic and aluminium which are difficult to recycle. Additionally, they usually contain dregs from unused ground coffee that cannot be recycled either.
Research has shown that the use of a capsule coffee maker is more environmentally friendly than drip or filter coffee. This is because single-serve capsules use exactly the same amount of water and coffee, cutting down on the waste of coffee that can happen when you make a large pot. Additionally, heating the water in a single serve capsule uses less energy than making a large-sized pot.
It is important to keep in mind that this research is dependent on the entire 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 about a capsule coffee machine choose one that only uses biodegradable or compostable coffee pods. If you're looking to go a step further, consider buying a recyclable 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 want to reduce your environmental impact further Look for a machine that can be used with Lavazza's A Modo Tiny Eco capsules. These capsules are carbon-neutral recyclable, industrially compostable and constructed from more than 50 percent recycled plastic. Additionally, they're the only capsules that can be added to food waste for council collection.
If you can't find biodegradable or compostable pods for your capsule maker, think about using a bean to cup coffee maker. They're expensive however they're more eco-friendly than pod machines. This is because they grind and brew coffee on demand, rather than brewing a big pot in advance and cooling it down, which consumes electricity. They are also more efficient than drip machines or espresso machine that is on stoves, since 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 perfect solution. The capsules are sealed, and they contain roasted and read more ground beans. They are then placed into the machine and brewed for an exact amount of time. The machines are relatively inexpensive and easy to use, however, they can be costly especially if you opt for top-of-the-line models from major brands. This is especially relevant to the cost of the coffee pods that can be quite expensive.
A capsule coffee maker will still be cheaper than filters or a bean-to cup model. This is because the upfront price of a capsule machine will be less 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 people and you should consider how much you can afford to invest in the machine, and then factor in the cost of the coffee pods that will fit it.
Lavazza Vertuo pop is a capsule machine that's an excellent option for those on a tight budget. This sleek, compact machine utilizes the brand's compostable EcoCaps to give you a premium cup of espresso. The unique brewing process lets it produce a thick crema, despite only producing black coffee. This is a huge improvement over the thin, watery foam that often accompanies espresso drinks made in other pod machines.
The machine has a compact footprint and a simple 4-button panel. It's easy to operate and doesn't require the most counter space. It has a steam wand and a hot beverage function which are both rare features for capsule machines. The jug used to serve coffee is smaller than the glass carafes that are used on less expensive competitors.
Morning Machine, a pod coffee maker that is made by itself is more sophisticated than its competitors and has a number of extra features that make it stand out. The Bloom & Brew option pre-wets ground coffee to create an even stronger, more rich cup. It also offers adjustable settings for temperature, bar pressure, and the amount of coffee extracted. You'll get more flavor from the capsules as compared to basic lungos, espressos and ristrettos, and you can even make your own drip and filter drinks. It can also be connected to your smartphone to make recipes and monitoring of energy consumption.