A Guide to Buying a Capsule Coffee Machine
A capsule coffee maker will make it easy to get a quick cup of coffee. They're simple to operate and work with a variety of specialty coffee pods.
Contrary to filter coffee machines capsule coffee machines tend to focus on black drinks like lungos and espressos, with some milky options for lattes and capspuccinos.
1. Easy to use
You can enjoy your morning cup of coffee at home using capsule machines. It's a great alternative to a bean-to-cup or filter machine. Whether you're an experienced coffee maker or are just beginning to learn the process, these machines are designed to be easy to use and run smoothly. You can select from a variety of drink sizes, temperature and flavors. Some models also come with an integrated milk frothing wand to create cappuccinos and lattes. They're an ideal option for busy families who need an espresso on their way out the door.
There's a wide selection of capsule coffee machine models to suit different needs. The budget-friendly models tend to be straightforward with a simple panel of buttons and a clear display, while more sophisticated models allow you to tailor your coffee 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.
The slick design of Smeg's model is a major benefit with a sleek and modern design that will blend in well on any worktop. It's also extremely quiet, making it an excellent option for families with children. It was simple to set up and use with a responsive touchscreen and an easy operation of the water tank capsule lever.
The more expensive models, such as those from Dolce Gusto or Nespresso, offer a greater level of customisation. You can save your favorite drinks with a click. You can even tweak settings for your preferred blends to ensure the best flavor and scent. They also include a handy capsule recycler to keep your kitchen tidy and free of garbage. The more expensive models usually include a built-in milk carafe to make creamy cappuccinos and lattes, while other models include steam wands that you can manually operate when you need to.
2. Versatile
Although they aren't as versatile as a filter coffee machine or a bean-to-cup machine capsule machines are able to perform admirably in providing consistent and delicious 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 when using a capsule machine is that you'll be limited to the types of coffee pods and drinks you can make with it, as these will have been packed with ingredients such as ground coffee sugar, cream, sugar and flavourings. You can still expect top-quality brews with most brands. Tassimo and Nescafe offer a range of black and milky coffees, for example.
Similar to the capsule machines, some can also be used with different milky drinks by utilizing different types of capsules, such as those made by Nespresso's Vertuo line. These machines let you select a milky beverage like a cappuccino or latte from a selection of four. The machine will automatically give you the right amount of milk.
The best pod machines in the UK are also equipped with easy-to-use features, including easy-to-read digital displays and automatic shut-off functions that save energy. Look for features such as drip trays with adjustable heights, which can be moved up or down to suit the size of your cup and reduce splashing, and a removable capsule holder that's easy to empty and clean. Other attractive features include sleep modes that save energy and eco-friendly settings.
The next level The Morning Machine, a sleek bench top machine that can be operated by hand or by application, with precise controls that allow you to alter the taste and body. Among other things, you can alter the temperature which has a direct impact on the flavour of your coffee. Lower temperatures cause acidity, while higher temperatures give it more body pod coffee machines and bitterness.
3. Eco-friendly
Since Nestle introduced capsules of coffee in 1986 they've had a significant impact on how people drink coffee. They're easy to use, quick and easy to get a consistently good cup of coffee every single time. Unfortunately, they can also be quite wasteful. They are usually packaged in aluminium and plastic, which is difficult to recycle. Additionally, they contain unusable ground coffee that is not recycled.
Research has revealed that the use of a capsule coffee maker is more eco-friendly than filter or drip coffee. This is because single-serve capsules use the exact amount of water and coffee, cutting down on the waste of coffee that can happen when making a large-sized pot. Plus, it takes less energy to heat the water in a capsule compared to the brewing process of a large pot.
However, it's important to note that this research is dependent on the entire life cycle of coffee production, including the cultivation, harvesting and transportation of the beans as well as heating the water. Choose a capsule that only uses recyclable or biodegradable coffee pods. If you want to go further, you can purchase an reusable coffee capsule. They can be filled with ground coffee, and then used in your capsule machine. They're usually designed to work with popular systems like 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 capsules are carbon-neutral and industrially compostable. They are made of over 50% recycled plastic. Furthermore, they're the only capsules which can be added to food waste and collected by the council.
Finally, if you can't find biodegradable or compostable coffee pods for your capsule machine, consider using a bean-to-cup maker. These machines are more expensive, but they are also more green. They grind and prepare coffee on demand rather than brewing and cooling a large pot of coffee in advance, which wastes energy. They are also more energy efficient than a drip machine or espresso machine that is on stoves, since they use less energy.
4. Cost-effective
A capsule machine is a great option if you want to make coffee quickly and efficiently in the morning. The capsules are sealed and contain roasted and ground beans. They are then placed into the machine, and brewed for a specific amount of time. The machines are easy to operate and fairly inexpensive however, they can be costly if you choose premium models made by major brands. This is particularly in the case of the coffee pods themselves that are typically expensive.
A capsule coffee maker 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 over time because you won't need to buy filters or ground coffee. However, the initial cost can still be a barrier for many people, so consider how much you're able to spend on the machine and then take into account the cost of the coffee pods that will fit it.
If you're looking for a capsule coffee maker that is affordable take a look at the Lavazza Vertuo Pop. This sleek, compact machine uses the brand's compostable EcoCaps to give you a premium cup of espresso. Its unique brewing system also produces a thick, rich crema despite only brewing black coffee. This is a refreshing alternative to the thin, watery foam that often accompanies drinks made using other pod machines.
The machine is easy to operate using a panel of four buttons and has a small footprint that won't take up any counter space. It also has hot drinks and steam wands for milky drinks, which is uncommon on capsule machines. The jug it uses to pour the coffee is smaller than glass carafes found on the cheaper machines.
Morning Machine, a pod coffee maker that is made by itself and is more sophisticated than its competitors and offers a variety of additional features that help it stand out. Its flagship Bloom & Brew setting pre-wets the ground coffee to create a stronger, richer cup. It also has adjustable settings that can alter the amount of coffee that is extracted as well as temperature, and bar pressure. This lets you get more out of the capsules than just lungo, espresso, and ristretto options, and even recreates filters and drip-style drinks. It also allows you to connect to your smartphone to display recipes and monitor the energy consumption.