A Guide to Buying a Capsule Coffee Machine
If you're looking for a fast and simple coffee, a capsule coffee machine is the way to go. They are simple to use and can work with different coffee pods.
Unlike filter coffee machines, capsule machines usually concentrate on black drinks - lungos and espressos - but with some milky options available for lattes and cappuccinos.
1. Simple to use
With a capsule coffee machine, you can get your fix at home without the fuss of a full-on bean-to cup or filter machine. If you're a seasoned coffee maker or just beginning your journey they're designed to be easy to use and operate smoothly. You can select from a variety of beverage sizes, temperatures, and flavors to meet your needs. Some models come with an integrated milk frothing wand to make cappuccinos and lattes. These models are great for families with busy schedules who would like to have a cup of coffee before leaving for work.
There's a wide selection of capsule coffee machine models to suit different needs. The budget-friendly options tend to be simple with a few buttons and a clear display, while more sophisticated models allow you to tailor the brew by altering settings like temperature of the water, capsule type and bar pressure. Some models even come with a compatible application for further personalisation and recipe ideas.
Smeg’s model has a sleek design that blends in well with any work surface. It's also quiet when in use, making it a good option for those with children who are up early. It was simple to set up and use, with a responsive touchscreen as well as fluid operation of the lever for the water tank.
More expensive models from the likes of Dolce Gusto and Nespresso offer more customisation, allowing you to save your own drinks to a specific button. You can alter the settings to achieve the best flavour and aroma for your preferred blends. They also come with a handy capsule recycler to keep your kitchen neat and free from waste. The more expensive models usually have a built-in milk carafe to deliver creamy cappuccinos and lattes, while others bundle an additional steam wand which can be operated manually when you need to.
2. Versatile
While they're not as flexible as a filter machine or a bean-to-cup machine capsule machines can perform admirably in producing delicious and consistent results. The simplest models start at less than PS50. A lot of these machines can also handle milk frothing so you can make lattes or cappuccinos at the touch of the button.
One thing to bear in mind when using capsule machines is that you will be limited to the type of drinks and coffee pods you can use with it, because they are pre-packaged with ingredients such as ground coffee sugar, cream, sugar and flavorings. But, you can get high-quality brews from most brands, and there is a wide range of options offered by Tassimo and Nescafe for instance, allowing you to choose from a wide selection of black and milky coffees.
Similar to the capsule machines, some can also be used with different milky drinks using different capsules, such as those made by Nespresso's Vertuo line. These machines allow you to select a milky beverage such as a cappuccino, or latte from a selection of four. The machine will automatically dispensate the correct amount of milk.
The best pod machines available in the UK are also designed with user-friendly features, like clear digital displays that are easy to read and automatic shut-off functions that conserve energy. You should look for features such as adjustable height trays that can be adjusted to accommodate your cup size, and minimise splashing. Also, look for a removable capsule holder that is easy to empty and clean capsule holder. Sleep modes that save energy and eco-friendly settings are a nice bonus.
Moving things to the next level The Morning Machine, a sleek bench top machine that is operated either manually or via an apps equipped with precise controls that let you alter the taste and body. You can also alter the temperature, which has a direct effect on the taste of your coffee. Lower temperatures result in acidity, while higher temperatures impart more body.
3. Eco-friendly
Since their introduction by Nestle in 1986 coffee coffee machines with capsules pods (or capsules) have made a huge impact on how people consume coffee. They're easy to use, quick and make it easy to enjoy a consistently good cup of coffee every single time. Unfortunately, they can also be quite wasteful. They're usually packaged in plastic and aluminium which are difficult to recycle. Plus, they contain unused ground coffee that cannot be recycled.
Despite this, research has shown that, compared to filter and drip coffee, capsule machines is less detrimental to the environment. Single-serve capsules are environmentally sustainable because they use the exact amount of coffee and water which means less the amount of waste. Additionally, it requires less energy to heat the water in a capsule compared to to brew a whole pot.
It is important to remember that this study is based on the complete life cycle of coffee production, which includes growing, harvesting and transporting the beans as well as heating the water. Look for a capsule machine that only makes use of biodegradable or recyclable coffee pods. If you'd like to go further, think about purchasing the reusable capsule. These capsules can be used to fill your capsule machine with ground coffee. They're designed to work with popular systems, such as Nespresso.
If you're looking to lessen your environmental impact even further, find a machine compatible with Lavazza A Modo Mio Tiny Eco capsules. They're compostable in a way that is industrially carbon neutral and come in a black style made of more than 50 percent recycled plastic. Plus, these are the only capsules that can be added to food waste and disposed of by the council.
If you cannot 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 green. They grind and brew coffee on demand rather than brewing and cooling 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 a stove, as they consume less energy.
4. Cost-effective
A capsule machine is a fantastic alternative if you wish to make coffee quickly and conveniently in the morning. Capsules are made of sealed roasted and ground coffee beans that slot into the machine and are brewed for a fixed amount of time. The machines are relatively inexpensive and simple to use, however they can be costly especially if you opt for top-of-the-line models from major brands. This is particularly applicable to the coffee pods which can be very expensive.
Buying a capsule coffee machine is still a lot cheaper than purchasing an espresso machine or a bean-to-cup filter, though. 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, consider the amount you'll be able to spend on the machine, and then add the cost of the pods that go with the machine.
Lavazza Vertuo pop is an espresso machine that is an excellent option for those on a budget. This sleek, compact machine utilizes 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 huge improvement on the thin, watery foam that often comes with espresso drinks made in other pod machines.
The machine is compact in its footprint and a simple four-button panel. It is simple to use and doesn't require much counter space. It has a steam wand and a hot beverage function which are both rare features for capsule machines. The jug used to serve coffee is smaller than the glass carafes found on the cheaper machines.
Morning Machine, a pod coffee maker created by itself and is more sophisticated than its competitors and has a number of additional features that help it stand out. The Bloom & Brew option pre-wets ground coffee, resulting in a stronger, richer cup. It also has adjustable settings for bar pressure, temperature, and the amount of coffee that is extracted. You'll get more flavor from the capsules compared to simple ristrettos, espressos and lungos, and you can even make your own drip and filter drinks. It can also be linked to your smartphone to make recipes and for monitoring energy consumption.