A Guide to Buying a Capsule Coffee Machine
If you're looking for a simple and quick coffee, a capsule coffee machine is the best way to go. They are easy to use and can be used with various coffee pods.
Contrary to filter coffee machines capsule coffee machines typically concentrate on black drinks, such as espressos and lungos with a few milky options for cappuccinos and lattes.
1. Simple to use
You can enjoy your morning cup of coffee at home using the capsule machine. It's a great alternative to a bean-to cup or filter machine. Whether you're an experienced coffee maker or just beginning your journey the process, these machines are designed to be simple to use and run smoothly. You can pick from a variety of drink sizes, temperature and flavors. Some models also feature an integrated milk frothing wand to make lattes and cappuccinos. They're a great choice for busy families who want to grab a quick cup of coffee before heading out the door.
There is a variety of capsule coffee machine models that will meet your needs. Budget friendly models tend to feature a basic panel of buttons that display clearly. Advanced models allow you to customize your coffee by altering settings such as the temperature of the water, the type of capsule and bar pressure. Some even have a compatible app for further personalisation and recipe ideas.
The sleek design of the model from Smeg is a major benefit with its sleek design that will blend in well on any table. It is also very quiet and is a great choice for families with young children. Our testers found it easy to set up and used with smooth operation of the lever for the water tank's cap and a smart, responsive touchscreen.
More expensive models from likes of Dolce Gusto and Nespresso offer more customization, allowing you to save drinks that you have customised to a dedicated button. You can adjust the settings to get the most optimal flavour and aroma for your favourite blends. They also include an efficient capsule recycler that will keep your kitchen tidy and free from waste. The more expensive models usually come with a built-in milk cup to deliver creamy cappuccinos and lattes, while some come with steam wands that you can operate manually as needed.
2. Versatile
Although they aren't as versatile as a filter coffee machine or a bean-to-cup coffee machine capsule machines can do an excellent job of making delicious and consistent results. The simplest models start at less than PS50. Many of these machines can also handle milk frothing so you can make lattes or cappuccinos with the click of a button.
One thing to keep in mind when using capsule machines is that you will be limited in the kind of drinks and coffee pods you can make with it, as these will have been packed with ingredients such as ground coffee cream, sugar, and flavourings. But, you can get high-quality coffee from a variety of brands, with the range of options offered by Tassimo and Nescafe, for example that let you pick from a range of milky and black coffees.
Some capsule machines, like the Vertuo line of Nespresso, can be used to create different milky drinks with different capsules. These machines let you select a milky drink such as a cappuccino or latte from a selection of four. The machine will automatically dispensate the correct amount of milk.
The best pod coffee machines uk are also designed to be as user-friendly as is possible, with easy to read digital displays and automatic shut-off functions that help conserve energy. Look for features like drip trays that can be adjusted in height that can be moved up or down to fit the size of your cup, and to reduce splashing and a reusable capsule holder that's easy to empty and clean. Other great features include sleep modes that save energy and eco-friendly settings.
The next level is the Morning Machine, an elegant bench top machine that can be operated manually or by apps with precise controls that let you fine-tune a coffee's flavour and body. You can also alter the temperature, which will have an immediate impact on the flavor of your coffee. Lower temperatures result in acidity while higher temperatures give it more body.
3. Environmentally friendly
Since their introduction by Nestle in 1986 coffee pods (or capsules) have had a massive impact on how people drink coffee. They're easy to use, quick and easy to enjoy a consistently good cup of joe every time. However, they can be extremely wasteful. They are typically packed in plastic and aluminium, which is difficult to recycle. Additionally, they usually contain dregs from unused ground coffee that aren't recycled either.
Despite this, research has shown that, compared to filter and drip coffee, using capsule machines is not as harmful to the environment. This is due to single-serve capsules using exactly the same amount of coffee and water and reduce the amount of coffee waste that can occur when you make a large pot. Plus, it takes less energy to heat the water in a capsule than making a pot of coffee.
It is important to note that this research is based on the complete life-cycle of coffee production, including the cultivation, harvesting and transportation of the beans as well as heating the water. If you're considering capsule coffee machines make sure you choose one that uses only biodegradable or compostable coffee pods. If you're looking to go even further, think about purchasing a reuseable capsule. 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're looking to cut down the environmental impact of your business 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 of more than 50% recycled plastic. Plus, these are the only capsules which can be added to food waste and collected by council.
If you cannot find biodegradable or compostable pods for your capsule maker, think about 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 the process of cooling and brewing a large pot of coffee in advance, which consumes energy. They're also more efficient than a drip or espresso machine which sits on a hob, as they require less energy to operate.
4. Cost-effective
A capsule machine is a fantastic option if you want to make coffee quickly and efficiently in the morning. Capsules contain sealed roasted and ground coffee beans that go into the machine and are brewed for a predetermined amount of time. The machines are easy to use and relatively cheap however, they can be costly if you choose high-end models by big brands. This is particularly relevant to the cost of the coffee pods that can be quite expensive.
A capsule coffee maker will still be cheaper than a filter model or coffee machine capsule a bean-to cup model. The capsule machine is cheaper upfront, and you will save money over time because you won't need to buy filters or ground coffee. The initial cost can be a barrier to many people. So, think about how much money you can spend on the machine, and then add the cost of the pods that go with the machine.
For a capsule coffee machine that offers a budget-friendly option take a look at the Lavazza Vertuo Pop. This compact, stylish machine makes a high-quality espresso with the brand's EcoCaps. The unique brewing method produces a thick and dense crema despite only making black coffee. This is a refreshing change from the thin, watery mousse that is often served with drinks made using other pod machines.
The machine has a compact footprint and a simple four-button panel. It is easy to use, and won't take any counter space. It has steam wands as well as hot beverage capabilities which are both rare features for capsule machines. The jug that it uses to pour the 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 additional features that make it stand out. Its most popular Bloom & Brew setting pre-wets the ground coffee for a stronger, richer cup, and it comes with adjustable settings that can alter the amount of coffee that is extracted as well as temperature and bar pressure. This lets you make more from the capsules than espresso, ristretto and lungo options, and even recreates filters and drip-style drinks. It also allows you to connect to your smartphone to display recipes and track the consumption of energy.