A Guide to Buying a Capsule Coffee Machine
If you're looking for fast and simple coffee, a capsule machine is the way to go. They're simple to operate and can be used with a variety of specialty coffee pods.
Contrary to filter coffee machines capsule coffee machines tend to concentrate on black drinks, such as espressos and lungos with some milky options for cappuccinos and lattes.
1. Simple to use
You can enjoy your coffee fix at home using a capsule machine. It's an excellent alternative to a bean-to-cup or filter machine. These machines are simple to operate and run effortlessly, whether you're a seasoned coffee maker or are just beginning your journey. You can pick from a range of drinks sizes, temperatures and flavors. Some models also come with an integrated milk frothing tool to create cappuccinos and lattes. These models are a great choice for busy families that would like to have an espresso before heading out.
There is a variety of capsule coffee machine models that will meet your needs. These models are affordable and have a simple panel of buttons that display clearly. More advanced models let you alter the brew you make by changing settings such as temperature of water, capsule type and bar pressure. Some have an application for further personalisation and recipe suggestions.
The sleek design of Smeg's model is a big benefit with a sleek and modern design that blends well on any table. It's also extremely quiet and is a great option for families with children. Our testers found it easy to set up and use with smooth operation of the lever for the water tank's cap and a responsive, intelligent touchscreen.
More expensive models from the likes of Dolce Gusto and Nespresso offer more customization, allowing users to save your own drinks to a specific button. You can also alter the settings for your favourite blends to ensure the best flavor and scent. They also come with an efficient capsule recycler that will keep your kitchen neat and free of waste. Some of the more expensive models come with a built-in carafe for whipped cappuccinos or lattes. Others include a separate steam wand you can operate manually.
2. Versatile
While they're not as flexible as a filter coffee maker or a bean-to-cup coffee machine capsule machines can perform admirably in making delicious and consistent results. They also have the benefit of being easy to use and relatively cheap the most basic models cost just PS50. A lot of these machines even allow milk frothing which means you can make an espresso or cappuccino at the push of the button.
You will be limited in the kinds of coffee pods you can use, as they will come pre-packaged, with ingredients like sugar, cream and ground coffee. You can still expect top-quality beverages with the majority of brands. Tassimo and Nescafe offer a range of black and milky coffees for example.
Certain capsule machines, like the Vertuo line of Nespresso, can be used to prepare different milky drinks using different capsules. These machines allow you to choose a milky beverage such as a cappuccino or Latte from a choice of four. The machine will automatically dispense the right amount of milk.
The best pod machines available in the UK are also equipped with user-friendly features, like clear digital displays that are easy to read and automatic shut-off functions that conserve energy. Look for features like drip trays that can be adjusted in height that can be moved up or down to suit the size of your cup, and to minimise splashing, and a removable capsule holder that is easy to empty and clean. Sleep modes that save energy and eco-friendly settings are a nice bonus.
Taking things to the next level is the Morning Machine It's a beautiful bench top machine that can be operated by hand or via an apps, with precise controls that let you adjust the coffee's flavor and body. Among other things, you can adjust the temperature setting which has a direct impact on the flavour of your cup; lower temperatures cause acidity, while higher temperatures give it more body and bitterness.
3. Eco-friendly
Since Nestle introduced capsules of coffee in 1986, they've had a huge influence on how people consume coffee. They are convenient, quick and easy to make a great cup of coffee each time. Unfortunately, they can also be quite wasteful. They are usually packed in plastic and aluminium which are difficult to recycle. Additionally, they usually contain dregs from unused ground coffee that can't be recycled as well.
Research has shown that the use of a capsule coffee maker is more environmentally friendly than drip or filter coffee. This is due to the fact that single-serve capsules use an exact amount of water and coffee and reduce the amount of the amount of coffee machines with pods coffee that is wasted when making a large pot. Additionally heating the water in a single-serve capsule is less energy-intensive than making a large pot.
It's important to remember that this research only considers the entire process of coffee production. This includes growing, harvesting, transporting, and heating the water. Choose a capsule that only uses recycled or biodegradable coffee pods. If you're looking to take it a step further, buy a recyclable capsule for coffee. These capsules can be used to fill your capsule with ground coffee. They're designed to work 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 carbon neutral and come in a black style that's made from over 50 percent recycled plastic. Plus, these are the only capsules that can be added to food waste and then collected by the council.
In the end, if you cannot find biodegradable or compostable coffee pods for your capsule machine, you can try making coffee using a bean-to cup maker. These machines are more expensive but they are also more environmentally friendly. This is due to the fact that they grind and brew coffee at the moment, rather than making a large pot of coffee in advance and cooling it down, which wastes electricity. They are also more energy efficient than drip machines or espresso machine that is on stoves, as they consume less energy.
4. Cost-effective
If you're looking for a quick and convenient way to make your morning cup of coffee, a capsule machine is the perfect solution. The capsules are sealed and include ground and roasted beans. They are then inserted into the machine, and brewed for an exact amount of time. The machines are easy to use and relatively cheap however, they can be costly in the event you opt for premium models made by major brands. This is especially true of the cost of the coffee pods, which are usually quite pricey.
A capsule coffee machine will still be cheaper than a filter model or a bean-to cup model. The capsule model is cheaper in the beginning, and you'll save money in the long run by not having to purchase filters or ground coffee. The initial cost is an obstacle for many. So, think about the amount you'll spend on the machine, and then add on the cost of the pods that will fit in the machine.
Lavazza Vertuo pop is a capsule machine that's an excellent option for those who are on a budget. This sleek and compact machine produces a top-quality espresso using the brand's EcoCaps. The unique brewing process allows it to produce an extremely thick crema, despite only producing black coffee. This is a refreshing alternative to the thin, watery foam that is often served with drinks made with other pod machines.
The machine is simple to use via the four buttons on the front panel and has a small footprint that doesn't take up the counter space. It also has a hot drink function and steam wands for milky drinks, which is rare for capsule machines. However, the jug it dispenses the coffee into doesn't hold the same amount as glass carafes on the cheaper rivals.
Morning Machine, a pod coffee maker created by itself and is more sophisticated than competitors and offers a variety of additional features that make it stand out. Its flagship Bloom & Brew setting pre-wets the ground coffee for a stronger, richer cup and it has adjustable settings that can alter the amount of coffee that is extracted, temperature and bar pressure. This lets you get more out of the capsules than just espresso, ristretto and lungo options, and can even recreate filters and drip-style drinks. It can also connect to your smartphone to display recipes and track the consumption of energy.