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 use and can be used with a variety of specialty coffee pods.
Unlike filter coffee machines, capsule machines typically concentrate on black drinks, such as lungos and espressos - but with milky options as well for lattes and cappuccinos.
1. Simple to use
With a capsule coffee maker allows you to get your fix at home without the hassle of a full-on bean-to-cup or filter machine. No matter if you're an experienced brewer or just starting out they're designed to be easy to use and run effortlessly. You can select from a variety of beverage sizes, temperatures and flavours to meet your needs. Some models come with an integrated milk frothing tool to make lattes and cappuccinos. These models are a great choice for families who are busy and would like to have an espresso before heading out the door.
There are many different capsule coffee machines models that can be found to meet your requirements. The budget-friendly models tend to be straightforward with a panel of buttons and a clear LCD, whilst more advanced models allow you to customize your coffee by altering settings such as temperature of the water, capsule type and bar pressure. Some models have an app that permits more customization and recipes suggestions.
The slick design of the Smeg model is a big plus with its sleek design that can be easily incorporated on any work surface. It is also very quiet and makes it a great option for families with children. Our test subjects found it easy to set up and used with smooth operation of the water tank's capsule lever and a smart, responsive touchscreen.
More expensive models from likes of Dolce Gusto and Nespresso offer more customisation, allowing you to save your own drinks by pressing a button. You can adjust the settings to get the best flavor and aroma of your favorite blends. The capsule recycler comes with it to keep your kitchen clean and free of garbage. Some of the most expensive models have built-in carafes for lattes or creamy cappuccinos. Others come with a separate steam wand you can manually operate.
2. Multi-faceted
Although capsule machines aren't as flexible as a bean-to- cup machine or a filter machine, they can still provide delicious and consistent results. The simplest models start at less than PS50. A lot of these machines even offer milk frothing making an espresso or cappuccino at the touch of the button.
One thing to keep in mind when using capsule machines is that you will be limited to the type of coffee pods and drinks you can make with it, because they are pre-packaged with ingredients such as ground coffee cream, sugar, and flavourings. But, you can be sure of high-quality coffee from a variety of brands, including the variety of options available from Tassimo and Nescafe, for example which allows you to select from a variety of milky and black coffees.
Some capsule machines, such as the Vertuo line of Nespresso, can be used to make various milky drinks by using different capsules. These machines allow you to 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 best pod machines available in the UK are also built with user-friendly features, like easy-to-read digital displays and automatic shut-off functions that save energy. Look for features like adjustable height trays that can be adjusted to fit the size of your cup and minimize splashing. Also look for a movable capsule holder with an easy-to-empty and clean capsule holder. Other great features include sleep modes that save energy, and eco-friendly settings.
Moving things to the next level The Morning Machine, an elegant benchtop machine that is operated either manually or through an app equipped with precise controls that allow you to alter the taste and body. You can also alter the temperature, which will have a direct effect on the flavor of your coffee. Lower temperatures result in acidity, while higher temperatures impart more body.
3. Environmentally friendly
Since Nestle introduced capsules of coffee in 1986, they have had a major influence on how people consume coffee. They are convenient, quick and easy to make a great cup of coffee each time. However, they can be extremely wasteful. They're typically packed in aluminium and plastic which can be difficult to recycle. In addition, they typically contain dregs of ground coffee that can't be recycled as well.
Research has revealed that using a capsule coffee machine is more sustainable than filter or drip coffee. Single-serve capsules are more environmentally friendly because they use the exact amount of coffee and water which means less the amount of waste. Plus, heating the water in a single-serve capsule uses less energy than making a large-sized pot.
It's important to remember that this research only considers the entire life cycle of coffee production. This includes growing, harvesting transportation, heating and transporting the water. Find a capsule maker that only uses recyclable or biodegradable coffee pods. If you're looking to take it a step further, consider purchasing a recyclable capsule of coffee. These can be filled with ground coffee, and then used in the capsule machine you have - they're usually designed to work with popular systems like Nespresso.
If you're looking to reduce your impact on the environment further, you should consider a machine compatible with Lavazza A Modo Mio Tiny eco capsules. They're industrially compostable carbon neutral and come in a black color that's made from over 50% recycled plastic. Additionally, they're the only capsules that can be used to add food waste for council collection.
If you cannot find compostable or biodegradable pods for your capsule maker, think about using a bean to cup coffee maker. These machines are more expensive however they are also environmentally friendly. This is due to the fact that they grind and brew the coffee at the moment, rather than making a large pot of coffee in advance and cooling it down, which wastes energy. They are also more energy efficient than a drip machine or espresso machine that is on a stove, as they consume less power.
4. Cost-effective
If you're looking for an easy and easy method to make your morning coffee, a capsule maker is the best option. Capsules contain sealed roasted and ground coffee beans that go into the machine and are brewed for a fixed amount of time. The machines are simple to operate and fairly inexpensive however they can be expensive when you select top-of-the-line models from big brands. This is especially true of the cost of the coffee pods that are typically pricey.
A capsule coffee machine is still cheaper than a filter model or a bean-to cup model. The capsule machine is cheaper in the beginning, and you'll save money over time because you won't need to buy filters or ground coffee. The initial cost is a barrier to many people. So, think about the amount you'll be coffee capsules machines able to invest in the machine, and then add the cost of the pods that will fit in the machine.
Lavazza Vertuo pop is a capsule machine that's a great option for those on a tight budget. This sleek, compact machine produces a top-quality espresso with the brand's EcoCaps. Its unique brewing system lets it produce an extremely thick crema, despite only producing black coffee. This is a significant improvement on the thin, watery foam that often accompanies espresso drinks made in other pod machines.
The machine is simple to operate with the four buttons on the front panel and has a small footprint that doesn't occupy any counter space. It comes with steam wands as well as hot beverage capabilities which are both rare features for capsule machines. The jug used to pour the coffee is smaller than glass carafes that are used on less expensive competitors.
The independently-made Morning Machine is a more sophisticated pod coffee machine that comes with a variety of additional options that set it apart from other machines. Its flagship Bloom & Brew setting pre-wets the ground coffee for an even stronger, more rich cup, and it comes with adjustable settings that can alter the amount of coffee extracted as well as temperature, and bar pressure. You will get more out of the capsules than simple lungos, espressos and ristrettos and even make drinks with drips and filters. It can also be connected to your smartphone for recipes and monitoring of energy consumption.