A Guide to Buying a Capsule Coffee Machine
If you want simple and quick coffee, a capsule machine is the way to go. They're simple to operate and can be used with a range of speciality coffee pods.
Contrary to filter coffee machines, capsule machines typically concentrate on black drinks - lungos and espressos, with some milky options available for cappuccinos and lattes.
1. Simple 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 just beginning your journey they're designed to be user-friendly and run smoothly. You can pick from a range of drinks sizes, temperature and flavours. Some models also feature an integrated milk frothing tool to make lattes and cappuccinos. They're a great choice for busy families who are looking to grab an espresso on their way out the door.
There are a wide variety of capsule coffee machine models that will meet your needs. The models that are budget-friendly tend to have a simple panel of buttons that display clearly. More advanced models let you customize your coffee by altering settings like the temperature of the water, the type of capsule, and bar pressure. Some have an app for further personalisation and recipe ideas.
The slick design of the Smeg model is a huge plus with its sleek design that blends well on any table. It's also quiet when in use making it an ideal alternative for families with young children who wake up early. Our testers found it easy to set up and used, with a smooth operation of the lever on the cap of the water tank and a responsive, intelligent touchscreen.
The more expensive models, such as the ones from Dolce Gusto or Nespresso, offer more customisation. You can save your most-loved drinks at the touch of a button. You can tweak settings to get the best taste and aroma for your preferred blends. The capsule recycler is included to ensure your kitchen is clean and free of trash. The more expensive models usually include a built-in milk carafe that can make delicious cappuccinos as well as lattes, while some come with a separate steam wand that can be operated manually as needed.
2. Multi-faceted
Although capsule machines are not as versatile as a bean-to cup machine or a filter machine, they can still produce delicious and reliable results. They also have the benefit of being simple to use and cost-effective - basic models start at less than PS50. A lot of these machines can also handle milk frothing so you can make lattes or cappuccinos by pressing the button.
You will be limited in the kinds of coffee pods you can use because they come pre-packaged, with ingredients like sugar, cream, and ground coffee. You can still expect high-quality beverages with the majority of brands. Tassimo and Nescafe offer a range of black and milky coffees for example.
Similarly, some capsule machines can also be used with different milky drinks by using different types of capsules, like those produced by Nespresso's Vertuo line. These machines let you select a milky beverage such as a cappuccino or Latte from a choice of four. The machine will automatically dispensate the right amount of milk.
The best pod machines available in the UK are also built with user-friendly features, like simple-to-read digital displays as well as automatic shut-off functions that save energy. You should look for features such as height-adjustable trays which can be adjusted to fit your cup size, and minimize splashing. Also look for a movable capsule holder that is easy to empty and clean capsule holder. Other great features include energy-saving sleep modes and eco-friendly settings.
Moving things to the next level The Morning Machine, a sleek benchtop machine that can be operated manually or by application, with precise pod making machines controls that let you adjust the coffee's flavor and body. Among other things, you can alter the temperature, which has a direct impact on the flavor of your coffee; lower temperatures can cause acidity while higher ones give it more body and bitterness.
3. Eco-friendly
Since Nestle introduced coffee capsules in 1986, they've had a huge impact on how people drink coffee. They are convenient, fast and easy to make a good cup of coffee each time. Unfortunately, they are also quite wasteful. They are usually packaged in plastic and aluminum, which is difficult to recycle. Additionally, they contain unusable ground coffee that is not recycled.
Despite this, research has shown that compared to filter and drip coffee, using a capsule machine is not as detrimental to the environment. Single-serve capsules are eco friendly because they use the exact amount of water and coffee and reduce the amount of waste. Additionally, it requires less energy to heat the water in a capsule compared to making a pot of coffee.
It is important to keep in mind that this study only examines the entire process of coffee production. This includes growing, harvesting transportation, heating and transporting the water. If you're considering capsule coffee machines choose one that is made from biodegradable or compostable coffee pods. And if you want to go even further, you could consider purchasing the recyclable capsule. They can be filled with ground coffee and used in the capsule machine you have - they're usually designed to be compatible with popular systems such as Nespresso.
If you're looking to lessen your impact on the environment further, consider purchasing an appliance that works with Lavazza A Modo Mio Tiny eco capsules. They're compostable in a way that is industrially and carbon-neutral. They're available in a black color which is made from more than 50% recycled plastic. Additionally, they are the only capsules which can be added to food waste and disposed of by council.
If you are unable to find biodegradable or compostable pods for your capsule maker, you might consider using a bean to cup coffee maker. They're expensive, but they're more sustainable than pod machines. This is because they grind and brew the coffee on demand, instead of brewing a big pot in advance, and then cooling it down, which consumes electricity. They are also more energy efficient than drip machines or espresso machine that is on a stove, as they consume less energy.
4. Cost-effective
If you're looking for a quick and easy method to make your morning coffee, a capsule maker 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 simple to use, but they can be expensive especially if you opt for top-of-the-line models from the top brands. This can be especially true of the cost of the coffee pods themselves which can be quite pricey.
A capsule coffee machine is still cheaper than filter models or a bean-to cup model. 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 So, think about how much you can afford to spend on a machine and then factor in the cost of the coffee pods that go with it.
If you're looking for a capsule machine that offers a budget-friendly option take a look at the Lavazza Vertuo Pop. This compact, stylish machine utilizes the brand's compostable EcoCaps to deliver a quality cup of espresso. The unique brewing method produces a thick and dense crema despite only making black coffee. This is a huge improvement on the thin foam that usually accompanies espresso drinks made in other pod machines.
The machine is simple to operate using the four buttons on the panel and has a compact footprint that won't take up the counter space. It has steam wands as well as hot beverage capabilities that are not often found for capsule machines. The jug it uses to pour the coffee is smaller than the glass carafes found on the cheaper machines.
The independently-made Morning Machine is a more sophisticated pod coffee maker that offers a range of additional options that set it apart from its rivals. The Bloom & Brew option pre-wets ground coffee, resulting in a stronger, richer cup. It also offers adjustable settings for bar pressure, temperature, and the amount of coffee extracted. You'll get more flavor from the capsules compared to simple lungos, espressos, and ristrettos, and you can even make drinks with drips and filters. It also allows you to connect to your smartphone to display recipes, and monitor the consumption of energy.