A Guide to Buying a Capsule Coffee Machine
A capsule coffee machine can allow you to enjoy a quick cup of coffee. They're easy to use and work with a variety of specialty coffee pods.
In contrast to filter coffee machines capsule machines usually focus on black drinks - lungos and espressos - but with milky options as well for cappuccinos and lattes.
1. Easy to use
You can enjoy your morning cup of coffee at home using a capsule machine. It's a great alternative to a bean-to-cup or filter machine. These machines are simple to use and work smoothly, regardless of whether you're a professional brewer or a beginner. You can select from a range of drink sizes, temperatures and flavours to suit your preferences. Some models also feature an integrated milk frothing tool to make lattes and cappuccinos. These models are great for families with busy schedules who want to grab an espresso 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 include a few buttons that display clearly. The more 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. Certain models come with an app that permits more customization and recipes suggestions.
The sleek design of the model from Smeg is a huge benefit with a sleek and modern design that can be easily incorporated on any table. It's also very quiet in use, making it a good alternative for families with children who are up early. It was easy to set up and use with a responsive touchscreen and an easy operation of the water tank capsule lever.
More expensive models from likes of Dolce Gusto and Nespresso offer more customization, allowing users to save your own drinks to a specific button. You can alter the settings to get the best flavor and aroma of your favorite blends. The capsule recycler is available to keep your kitchen clean and free of garbage. Some of the more expensive models come with an inbuilt carafe that can be used for creamy cappuccinos or lattes. Others include an additional steam wand that you can operate manually.
2. Multi-faceted
Although they aren't as versatile as a filter machine or a bean-to-cup coffee machine, capsule machines can still do an excellent job of producing delicious and consistent results. Basic models start at less than PS50. A lot of these machines are capable of milk frothing so you can make lattes or cappuccinos by pressing the button.
One thing to bear in mind when using capsule machines is that you'll be limited to the type of drinks and coffee pods you can make with it, as these will have been pre-packaged with ingredients such as ground coffee, cream, sugar and flavourings. You can still expect high-quality brews with most brands. Tassimo and Nescafe offer a variety of black and milky coffees for example.
Similarly, some capsule machines can also be used with various milky drinks by using different types of capsules, such as those made by Nespresso's Vertuo line. These capsules allow selecting a milky drink like a latte or cappuccino from a choice of four options, with the machine automatically dispensing the correct amount of milk.
The top pod machines available in the UK are also built with user-friendly features, like easy-to-read digital displays and automatic shut-off functions that save energy. Look for features such as height-adjustable trays which can be adjusted to suit the size of your cup, and reduce splashing. Also look for a detachable capsule holder with an easy-to-empty and clean capsule holder. Sleep modes that save energy and eco-friendly settings are a nice addition.
Taking things to the next level The Morning Machine, a sleek bench top machine that can be operated by hand or via an apps with precise controls that allow you to alter the taste and body. You can also alter the temperature, which will have a direct effect on the taste of your coffee. Temperatures that are lower will cause acidity, while higher temperatures impart more body.
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, fast and easy to make a good cup of coffee every time. However, they can be very wasteful. They're typically packed in aluminum and plastic which can be difficult to recycle. Additionally, they contain unusable ground coffee that can't be recycled.
However coffee pods machine studies have shown that when compared to filter or drip coffee, using a capsule machine is less harmful to the environment. Single-serve capsules are eco sustainable because they use the exact amount of water and coffee, reducing the amount of waste. Plus, heating the water in a single-serve mug uses less energy than brewing a large pot.
It's important to remember that this research only considers the entire cycle of coffee production. This includes growing, harvesting transporting, heating, and transporting the water. Choose a capsule that only uses biodegradable or recyclable coffee pods. If you want to take it a step further, you can purchase a recyclable capsule for coffee. They can be filled with ground coffee, and then used in the capsule machine you have - they're typically 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 Mio Tiny Eco capsules. These are industrially compostable carbon neutral and come in a black color that's made from over 50% 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 biodegradable or compostable pods for your capsule maker, you might consider 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 rather than the process of cooling and brewing a large pot of coffee in advance, which consumes energy. They are also more energy efficient than a drip machine or espresso machine that is on stoves, since they consume less energy.
4. Cost-effective
If you're looking for an easy and convenient way to make your morning coffee, a capsule machine is the ideal solution. Capsules are sealed roasts and ground coffee beans that slot into the machine and are brewed for a fixed amount of time. They are fairly inexpensive and easy to use but they can be expensive when you choose high-end models from big brands. This is particularly true for the price of the coffee pods that can be quite expensive.
Buying a capsule coffee machine is still considerably cheaper than getting a filter or bean-to-cup model, though. The capsule machine is less expensive upfront, and you will 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 how much money you can spend on the machine and then add the cost of the pods that go with it.
Lavazza Vertuo pop is a capsule machine that's an excellent choice for those on a budget. This compact, stylish machine uses the brand's compostable EcoCaps to provide a high-quality cup of espresso. The unique brewing process allows it to create a thick crema, despite only making black coffee. This is a significant improvement over the thin, watery foam that often comes with espresso drinks made in other pod machines.
The machine is easy to operate with the four buttons on the panel and has a compact footprint that doesn't occupy any counter space. It has steam wands and a hot beverage function that are not often found for capsule machines. However, the jug it dispensing the coffee into does not hold the same amount as glass carafes found on cheaper rivals.
Morning Machine, a pod coffee maker that is made by itself, 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 an even stronger, more rich cup, and it comes with adjustable settings that allow you to alter the extracted coffee quantity, temperature and bar pressure. This allows you to get more out of the capsules than simple lungo, espresso, and ristretto options, and even recreates drip and filter-style drinks. It also allows you to connect to your smartphone to display recipes and monitor the energy consumption.