A Guide to Buying a Capsule Coffee Machine
If you're looking for simple and quick coffee, a capsule coffee machine is the best way to go. They're simple to operate and work with a range of speciality coffee pods.
Contrary to filter coffee machines, capsule coffee machines typically concentrate on black drinks such as lungos and espressos, with a few milky choices for capspuccinos and lattes.
1. Simple to use
With a capsule coffee machine allows you to get your fix at home without the hassle of a full-on bean-to cup or filter machine. If you're a seasoned brewer or just starting out, these machines are designed to be easy to use and operate smoothly. You can choose from a variety of drink sizes, temperatures and flavours to suit your preferences. Some models also feature an integrated milk frothing wand to create cappuccinos and lattes. These models are great for families with busy schedules who want to grab a cup of coffee before heading out.
There are many different capsule coffee machines in the UK available to suit your needs. The models that are budget-friendly tend to feature a basic panel of buttons with a clear display. Advanced models let you customize your brew by changing settings such as the temperature of the water, the type of capsule, and bar pressure. Some models even come with a compatible app for further personalisation and recipe ideas.
The sleek design of Smeg's model is a major benefit, with a sleek body that blends well on any table. It's also extremely quiet and is a great option for families with children. It was easy to set up and use, with a responsive touchscreen as well as fluid operation of the lever of the water tank.
The more expensive models, such as the ones from Dolce Gusto or Nespresso, offer more personalization. You can save your favorite drinks at the touch of a button. You can even alter the settings for your favorite blends to get the best taste and aroma. The capsule recycler is available to ensure your kitchen is clean and free of garbage. Some of the more expensive models include a built-in carafe for creamy cappuccinos or lattes. Others include an additional steam wand which you can operate manually.
2. Multi-faceted
While not as versatile as a filter coffee maker or a bean-to-cup coffee machine, capsule machines can still do an excellent job of making delicious and consistent results. Basic models start at less than PS50. A lot of these machines even froth milk which means you can make an espresso or cappuccino at the touch of an button.
You'll be limited in the types of coffee pods that you can choose from since they are packaged with ingredients such as sugar, cream, and ground coffee. Nonetheless, you can still get high-quality coffee from a variety of brands, including the variety of options offered by Tassimo and Nescafe, for example that let you pick from a variety of black and milky coffees.
Similar to the capsule machines, some can be used with different milky drinks by utilizing different capsules, like those produced by Nespresso's Vertuo line. These machines allow you to choose a milky beverage such as a cappuccino, or Latte from a choice of four. The machine will automatically dispensate the right amount of milk.
The top pod coffee machines in the UK are also designed to be as user-friendly as possible with easy-to-read digital displays as well as automatic shut-off functions to save energy. You should look for features such as height-adjustable trays that can be adjusted to fit your cup size, and minimize splashing. Also, look for a removable capsule holder that is easy to empty and clean capsule holder. Other attractive features include energy-saving sleep modes, and eco-friendly settings.
The next level is the Morning Machine It's a beautiful bench top machine that can be operated by hand or through an application, with precise controls that allow you to adjust the coffee's flavor and body. You can alter the temperature setting that has an immediate impact on the flavour of your cup; lower temperatures can cause acidity while higher ones give it more body and bitterness.
3. Eco-friendly
Since their introduction by Nestle in 1986, coffee pods (or capsules) have had a massive impact on how people consume coffee. They are convenient, quick and easy to make a great cup of coffee every single time. However, they can be extremely wasteful. They are typically packaged in aluminium and plastic, which is difficult to recycle. Additionally, they usually contain dregs of unutilised ground coffee that aren't recycled either.
Despite this, research has shown that when compared to filter or drip coffee, a capsule machine is not as harmful to the environment. This is due to single-serve capsules using the exact amount of water and coffee which reduces the amount of coffee that is wasted when making a large-sized pot. Plus heating the water in a single-serve capsule requires less energy than making a large pot.
It is important to keep in mind that this research is only 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. Choose a capsule that is made of biodegradable coffee pods machine or recyclable coffee pods. And if you want to go even further, consider buying a reusable capsule. These can be filled with ground coffee and used in your capsule machine. They're usually designed to be compatible with popular systems such as Nespresso.
If you're looking to reduce your environmental impact even further, find an appliance that is compatible with Lavazza A Modo Mio Tiny Eco capsules. These are industrially compostable carbon neutral and come in a black design made 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 are unable to find compostable or biodegradable pods for your capsule maker, think about using a bean to cup coffee maker. These machines are more expensive however, they are also more green. They grind and brew coffee on demand, instead of brewing a big pot in advance and cooling it down, which wastes electricity. They're also more efficient than a drip or espresso machine which sits on a hob, as they require less power to operate.
4. Cost-effective
A capsule machine is a great option if you want to make coffee quickly and conveniently in the morning. Capsules contain sealed roasted and ground coffee beans that are inserted into the machine and are brewed for a fixed amount of time. The machines are relatively inexpensive and easy to use but they can be expensive when you choose high-end models from the top brands. This is particularly true for the price of the coffee pods, which can be quite expensive.
A capsule coffee maker is still cheaper than filters or a bean-to-cup model. The capsule machine is cheaper in the beginning, and you'll save money in the long run by not having to purchase filters or ground coffee. However, the initial expense isn't a deterrent for many, so consider the amount you're able to spend on the machine, and then take into account the cost of the coffee pods that you will need to fit it.
Lavazza Vertuo pop is a capsule machine that is an excellent choice for those who are on a budget. This sleek, compact machine makes use of the brand's compostable EcoCaps to provide a high-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 typically served with drinks made with other pod machines.
The machine is easy to use via a panel of four buttons and has a compact footprint that won't take up too much counter space. It also offers a hot drink function and a steam wand for milky drinks, which are uncommon for capsule machines. The jug that it uses to serve coffee is smaller than the glass carafes found on the cheaper machines.
The independently-made Morning Machine is a more sophisticated pod coffee machine that provides a variety of additional options that sets it apart from other machines. The Bloom & Brew option pre-wets ground coffee to produce a stronger, richer cup. It also has adjustable settings for bar pressure, temperature, and the amount of coffee that is extracted. You can get more from the capsules than simple lungos, espressos and ristrettos, and you can even make your own drip and filter drinks. It also allows you to connect to your smartphone to display recipes and track energy consumption.