A Guide to Buying a Capsule Coffee Machine
If you're looking for quick and easy coffee, a capsule coffee machine is the way to go. They're simple to operate and work with a variety of specialty coffee pods.
Unlike filter coffee machines, capsule machines usually concentrate on black drinks - lungos and espressos - but with milky options as well for cappuccinos and lattes.
1. Easy to use
You can enjoy your coffee fix at home using a capsule machine. It's an excellent alternative to a bean-to cup or filter machine. These machines are simple to use and operate smoothly, regardless of whether you're an experienced coffee maker or are just beginning your journey. You can select from a range of drinks sizes, temperature and flavors. Some models also feature an integrated milk frothing wand to make cappuccinos and lattes. These models are great for busy families that would like to have an espresso before heading out.
There are many different capsule coffee machines uk models that can be found to meet your requirements. Budget friendly models tend to feature a basic panel of buttons with a clear display. The more advanced models let you customize your coffee by altering settings such as the temperature of the water, the type of capsule, and bar pressure. Some models have an app that lets you have more customization and recipe suggestions.
The sleek design of Smeg's model is a big plus, with a sleek body that blends well on any worktop. It's also quiet when in use making it an ideal option for those with children who get up early. Our testers found it easy to set up and use with a smooth and effortless operation of the lever for the water tank's cap and a responsive, smart touchscreen.
The more expensive models, such as those from Dolce Gusto or Nespresso, provide more personalization. You can save your favorite drinks at the touch of a button. You can alter the settings to get the most optimal flavor and aroma for your preferred blends. They also come with a handy capsule recycler to keep your kitchen tidy and free of waste. Some of the more expensive models come with a built-in carafe for creamy cappuccinos or lattes. Others come with a separate steam wand you can operate manually.
2. Multi-faceted
Although capsule machines aren't as flexible as a bean-to- cup machine or filter machine, they can still produce delicious and consistent results. They also offer the advantage of being simple to use and cost-effective - basic models start at under PS50. Many of these machines can even offer milk frothing making an espresso or cappuccino at the push of the button.
One thing to bear in mind with capsule machines is that you'll be limited to the types of coffee pods and drinks that you can make with it, because they are pre-packaged with ingredients such as ground coffee, cream, sugar and flavorings. You can still expect top-quality coffees from most brands. Tassimo and Nescafe offer a variety of milky and black coffees, for example.
Similarly, some capsule machines can be used with different milky drinks by using different types of capsules, like those manufactured by Nespresso's Vertuo line. These machines let you choose a milky beverage like a cappuccino or the latte from a variety of four. The machine will automatically dispense 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 drip trays that can be adjusted in height that can be moved up and down to fit the size of your cup, and to minimise splashing, and a capsule holder that can be removed that's easy to empty and clean. Energy-saving sleep modes and eco-friendly settings are a nice bonus.
The Morning Machine is a tabletop machine that can be operated manually or via an app. It has precise controls that allow you to fine tune the coffee's body and flavor. You can adjust the temperature setting that has an immediate impact on the flavor of your coffee. Lower temperatures cause acidity, while higher ones give it more body and bitterness.
3. Eco-friendly
Since their introduction by Nestle in 1986 the coffee pods (or capsules) have had a major impact on how people drink coffee. They're convenient, fast and easy to get a consistently good cup of joe every time. However, they can be extremely wasteful. They're usually packed in aluminium and plastic which are difficult to recycle. Additionally, they usually contain dregs of ground coffee that aren't recycled.
Research has shown that using a capsule machine for coffee is more eco-friendly than filter or drip coffee. This is due to the fact that single-serve capsules use exactly the same 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 than the brewing process of a large pot.
However, it's important to remember that this study is dependent on the entire life cycle of coffee production, which includes the cultivation, harvesting and transportation of the beans, as well as heating the water. Look for a capsule machine that only makes use of recycled or biodegradable coffee pods. If you're looking to go a step further, think about purchasing a reusable capsule. These capsules can be used to fill your capsule with ground coffee. They're designed to work with popular systems, such as Nespresso.
If you're looking to lessen your impact on the environment even further, find a machine 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. Additionally, they are the only capsules which can be added to food waste and disposed of by the council.
If you are unable to find biodegradable or compostable pods for your capsule maker, consider using a bean to cup coffee maker. They're costly however they're more environmentally friendly than pod machines. They grind and brew the coffee on demand, rather than brewing a big pot in advance and then cooling it down, which wastes energy. They are also more energy efficient than drip machines or espresso machine that is on stoves, as they use less energy.
4. Cost-effective
A capsule machine is an excellent option if you want 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 specific amount of time. The machines are reasonably priced and easy to use but they can be expensive especially if you opt for top-of-the-line models from the top brands. This is especially in the case of the coffee pods themselves that are typically pricey.
The purchase of a capsule coffee machine is still significantly less expensive than buying an espresso machine or a bean-to-cup filter, though. The capsule machine is less expensive initially, and you'll save money over time because you won't need to buy filters or ground coffee. However, the initial expense could be a hurdle for many people and you should consider how much you can afford to spend on the machine, and then take into account the cost of coffee pods that you will need to fit it.
Lavazza Vertuo pop is a capsule machine that's a great option for those on a budget. This sleek, compact machine delivers a quality espresso using the Lavazza EcoCaps. Its unique brewing system also produces a thick and dense crema despite only brewing black coffee. This is a significant improvement over the thin, watery foam that often is found in espresso drinks made with other pod machines.
The machine has a compact footprint and a simple four-button panel. It is easy to use, and won't take any counter space. It also comes with a hot drink function and a steam wand for milky drinks, which is rare for capsule machines. However, the jug it serves coffee in doesn't hold as much as the glass carafes found on cheaper rivals.
The independently-designed Morning Machine is a more sophisticated pod coffee machine that offers a range of additional options that set it coffee machines with capsules apart from the competition. The Bloom & Brew option pre-wets ground coffee to produce an even stronger, more rich cup. It also has adjustable settings for bar pressure, temperature and the amount of coffee extracted. This allows you to get more out of the capsules than espresso, ristretto and lungo options, and can even recreate the drip and filter-style drinks. It can also connect to your smartphone to display recipes and track energy consumption.