A Guide to Buying a Capsule Coffee Machine
A capsule coffee machine can make it simple to make an instant cup of coffee. They're simple to use and can be paired with a range of speciality coffee pods.
Unlike filter coffee machines, capsule machines typically focus on black drinks - lungos and espressos - but with a few milky options for cappuccinos and lattes.
1. Simple to use
With a capsule coffee machine, you can get your fix at home without the hassle of a full-on bean-to-cup or filter machine. Whether you're an experienced coffee maker or are just beginning to learn the process, these machines are designed to be easy to use and operate smoothly. You can pick from a variety of drink sizes, temperatures and flavors. Some models also come with an integrated milk frothing wand to make lattes and cappuccinos. These models are a great choice for families with busy schedules who want to grab a cup of coffee before heading out.
There's a wide selection of capsule coffee machine uk models that can meet the needs of different people. The budget-friendly models tend to be basic with a panel of buttons and a clear LCD, whilst more advanced models let you customize your brew via settings like water temperature, capsule type and bar pressure. Some models have an app that allows for more customization and recipes suggestions.
The slick design of the Smeg model is a huge plus with its sleek design that can be easily incorporated on any work surface. It's also extremely quiet during use making it an ideal alternative for families with children who get up early. Our testers found it simple to set up and use, with a smooth operation of the lever for the water tank's cap 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 specific button. You can alter the settings to achieve the best taste and aroma of your favorite blends. The capsule recycler comes with it to keep your kitchen tidy and free of trash. The pricier models often include a built-in milk carafe to deliver creamy cappuccinos and lattes, while others bundle steam wands that can be operated manually as needed.
2. Versatile
While they're not as flexible as a filter machine or a bean-to-cup coffee machine capsule machines are able to do an excellent job of making delicious and consistent results. They also have the benefit of being easy to use and affordable - basic models start at less than PS50. Many of these machines are capable of frothering milk, allowing you to make cappuccinos or lattes with the click of the button.
You will be limited in the types of coffee pods that you can choose from, as they will come pre-packed, with ingredients such as sugar cream, sugar, and ground coffee. However, you can expect good quality brews from most brands, including the variety of options available from Tassimo and Nescafe for instance that let you pick from a variety of black and milky coffees.
Similar to the capsule machines, some can also be used with various milky drinks by using different capsules, such as those made by Nespresso's Vertuo line. These machines allow you to choose a milky beverage such as a cappuccino or latte from a selection of four. The machine will automatically dispense the right 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 turn-off functions to conserve energy. Look for features like height-adjustable trays which can be adjusted to accommodate the size of your cup, and reduce 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 a nice addition.
Taking things to the next level The Morning Machine, a sleek benchtop machine that is operated either manually or via an apps with precise controls that let you alter the taste and body. You can also alter the temperature, which has a direct effect 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 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 typically packaged in plastic and aluminum, which is difficult to recycle. Plus, they contain unused ground coffee that can't be recycled.
Research has shown that using a capsule coffee machine 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 amount of coffee that is wasted when making a large pot. Furthermore, it takes less energy to heat the water in a capsule than the brewing process of a large pot.
It is important to remember 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 is made of biodegradable or recyclable coffee pods. If you want to go further, you can purchase an recyclable coffee capsule. These can be filled with ground coffee and placed in the capsule machine you have - they're usually designed to be compatible with popular systems such as Nespresso.
If you're looking to reduce your impact on the environment even further, find a machine compatible with Lavazza A Modo Mio Tiny Eco capsules. These capsules are completely carbon neutral, industrially compostable and made of more than 50 percent recycled plastic. They're also 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, consider using a bean-to-cup maker. These machines are more expensive, however they are also green. This is because they grind and brew the coffee on demand, rather than making a large pot of coffee in advance and then cooling it down, which uses energy. They're also more efficient than a drip or espresso machine which sits on a hob, since they require less power to run.
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 include ground and roasted beans. They are then placed into the machine and brewed for a precise amount of time. coffee capsule machine are reasonably priced and easy to use, but they can be expensive if you go for high-end models from major brands. This can be especially in the case of the coffee pods which can be quite expensive.
Buying a capsule coffee machine is still considerably cheaper than getting an espresso machine or a bean-to-cup filter, though. This is because the upfront cost of a capsule coffee machine will be less and you'll save money in the long run by not having to buy filters or ground coffee. However, the initial expense can still be a barrier for many people, so consider how much you're able to spend on a machine and then factor in the cost of the coffee pods that go with it.
If you're looking for a capsule machine that offers a budget-friendly option, look no further than the Lavazza Vertuo Pop. This sleek and compact machine makes a high-quality espresso using the brand's EcoCaps. The unique brewing method produces a thick crema despite only making black coffee. This is a welcome change from the thin, watery mousse that is typically served with drinks made with other pod machines.
The machine is easy to use via the four buttons on the panel and has a small footprint that doesn't occupy any counter space. It comes with a steam wand and hot beverage functions that are not often found for capsule machines. The jug that it uses to pour the coffee is smaller than glass carafes found on the cheaper machines.
Morning Machine, a pod coffee maker that is made by itself is more sophisticated than competitors and comes with a range of additional features that make it stand out. The Bloom & Brew option pre-wets ground coffee, resulting in an extra-strong, richer cup. It also offers adjustable settings for bar pressure, temperature, and the amount of coffee extracted. This allows you to get more out of the capsules than simple ristretto, espresso and lungo options, and can even recreate drip and filter-style drinks. It can also connect to your smartphone to display recipes, and monitor energy consumption.