A Guide to Buying a Capsule Coffee Machine
A capsule coffee machine will make it simple to make a quick cup of coffee. They're easy to use and work with a variety of specialty coffee pods.
Contrary to filter coffee machines capsule coffee machines tend to focus on black drinks such as lungos and espressos. They also have a few milky choices for lattes and capspuccinos.
1. Simple to use
With a capsule coffee maker, you can get your fix at home without the hassle of a full bean-to-cup or filter machine. Whether you're an experienced brewer or just starting out they're designed to be simple to use and run effortlessly. You can pick from a variety of drink sizes, temperatures and flavors to match your tastes. Some models also feature an integrated milk frothing tool to make cappuccinos and lattes. These models are ideal for families with busy schedules who want to grab an espresso before heading out.
There are many different capsule coffee machines uk models available to suit your needs. The budget-friendly options tend to be straightforward with a panel of buttons and a clear display while more sophisticated models allow you to customize your brew via settings like water temperature, capsule type and bar pressure. Some models have an app that permits more customization and recipes suggestions.
The slick design of Smeg's model is a big benefit, with a sleek body that will blend in well on any table. It's also very quiet in use which makes it a great alternative for families with children who get up early. Our testers found it easy to set up and used, with a smooth operation of the water tank's capsule lever and a responsive, smart touchscreen.
More expensive models from likes of Dolce Gusto and Nespresso offer more customization, allowing you to save drinks that you have customised to a specific button. You can even alter the settings for your preferred blends to get the best taste and aroma. They also include an efficient capsule recycler that will keep your kitchen neat and free of garbage. The pricier models often come with a built-in milk cup to deliver creamy cappuccinos and lattes, while some come with steam wands that you can operate manually as needed.
2. Multi-faceted
Although capsule machines are not as flexible as a bean-to- cup machine or a filter machine, they are able to yield delicious and consistent results. The simplest models start at less than PS50. A lot of these machines are capable of frothering milk, allowing you to make cappuccinos or lattes at the touch of the button.
One thing to bear in mind with capsule machines is that you will be limited to the types of coffee pods and drinks you can make with it, because they are pre-packaged with ingredients such as ground coffee, cream, sugar and flavorings. You can still expect premium coffees from most brands. Tassimo and Nescafe offer a variety of black and milky coffees for instance.
Some capsule machines, like the Vertuo line of Nespresso can be used to make different milky drinks using different capsules. These machines allow you to select a milky beverage like a cappuccino or Latte from a choice of four. The machine will automatically dispense the right amount of milk.
The top pod machines in the UK are also built with easy-to-use features, including simple-to-read digital displays as well as automatic shut-off features that help save energy. Look for features such as height-adjustable drip trays, which can be moved up and down to fit your cup size and reduce splashing, and a reusable capsule holder that's easy to empty and clean. Sleep modes that save energy and eco-friendly settings are a nice addition.
Moving things to the next level is the Morning Machine, a sleek bench top machine that can be operated manually or by apps, 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 flavor of your coffee. Lower temperatures cause acidity, while higher temperatures give it more body and bitterness.
3. Environmentally friendly
Since Nestle introduced coffee capsules in 1986, they have had a major influence on how people consume coffee. They are convenient, fast and easy to make a perfect cup of coffee every single time. However, they can be quite wasteful. They are usually packaged in plastic and aluminum, which is difficult to recycle. In addition, they typically contain dregs of ground coffee that can't be recycled as well.
However, research has shown that, compared to filter and drip coffee, a capsule machine is less detrimental to the environment. This is due to single-serve capsules using an exact amount of water and coffee and reduce the amount of the waste of coffee that can happen when making a large-sized pot. Plus heating the water in a single-serve capsule requires less energy than brewing a large pot.
It is important to note that this study is dependent on the entire life cycle of coffee production, including growing, harvesting and transporting the beans, as well as heating the water. Look for a capsule machine that is made of recycled or biodegradable pod-making machines coffee pods. And if you want to go further, you could consider purchasing a reusable capsule. They can be filled with ground coffee and used in the capsule machine you have - they're typically designed to be compatible with popular systems such as Nespresso.
If you want to reduce the environmental impact of your business, look for a machine that can be used with Lavazza's A Modo Tiny Eco capsules. These capsules are completely carbon neutral and industrially compostable. They are made of over 50% recycled plastic. Furthermore, they're the only capsules that can be added to food waste and disposed of by 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. They're expensive however they're more environmentally friendly than pod machines. This is because they grind and brew the coffee at the moment, rather than making a large pot in advance and then cooling it down, which consumes energy. They're also more efficient than a drip or espresso machine that sits on a hob, since they require less power to operate.
4. Cost-effective
If you're looking for an easy and convenient way to make your morning cup of coffee, a capsule maker is the ideal solution. Capsules are made of sealed roasted and ground coffee beans that go into the machine and are brewed for a predetermined amount of time. They are fairly inexpensive and simple to use, however, they can be costly especially if you opt for top-of-the-line models from big brands. This is particularly in the case of the coffee pods that are typically pricey.
Buying a capsule coffee machine is still significantly less expensive than buying the bean-to-cup or filter model however. The capsule machine is less expensive initially, and you'll save money over time by not buying filters or ground coffee. The initial cost can be a barrier to many people. Consider the amount you'll be able to invest in the machine, and then add the pods that go with the machine.
Lavazza Vertuo pop is a capsule 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. Its unique brewing technology also allows it to create an extremely thick crema, despite only producing black coffee. This is a welcome improvement over the thin foam that typically accompanies espresso drinks made in other pod machines.
The machine is compact in its footprint and a simple four-button control panel. It's easy to operate and doesn't require any counter space. It also comes with hot drinks and a steam wand for milky drinks, which is rare for capsule machines. However, the jug that it serves coffee in doesn't hold the same amount as glass carafes on the cheaper rivals.
The independently-made Morning Machine is a more sophisticated pod coffee maker that comes with a variety of additional options that sets it apart from its rivals. The Bloom & Brew option pre-wets ground coffee to produce an even stronger, more rich cup. It also offers adjustable settings for bar pressure, temperature, and the amount of coffee that is extracted. You can get more from the capsules as compared to basic lungos, espressos, and ristrettos and you can make drinks that drip or filter. It can also be linked to your smartphone to make recipes and for monitoring energy consumption.