A Guide to Buying a Capsule Coffee Machine
A capsule coffee machine can make it easy to get a quick cup of coffee. They are easy to use and can be used with various coffee pods.
Contrary to filter coffee machines, capsule coffee machines typically concentrate on black drinks like lungos and espressos. They also have some milky options for capspuccinos and lattes.
1. Simple to use
With a capsule coffee maker you can enjoy your coffee at home without the fuss of a full bean-to-cup or filter machine. Whether you're an experienced coffee maker or are just beginning to learn, these machines are designed to be user-friendly and run effortlessly. You can select from a range of drinks sizes, temperatures and flavors. Some models also feature an integrated milk frothing tool to create 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 in the UK that can be found to meet your requirements. The budget-friendly options tend to be basic with a few buttons and a clear display whilst more advanced models let you customize your coffee by altering settings like water temperature, capsule type and bar pressure. Some have an application for further personalisation and recipe suggestions.
The Smeg model is sleek in design that blends in well with any work surface. It's also extremely quiet and makes it a great choice for families with small children. It was easy to set up and use, with a responsive touchscreen and fluid operation of the lever of the water tank.
The more expensive models from the likes of Dolce Gusto and Nespresso offer more customization, allowing users to save personalised drinks by pressing a button. You can even alter the settings for your favorite blends to get the best flavor and scent. They also include an easy capsule recycler to keep your kitchen neat and free from waste. Some of the most expensive models have a built-in carafe for whipped cappuccinos or lattes. Others come with an additional steam wand that you can manually operate.
2. Multi-faceted
Although capsule machines aren't as versatile as a bean-to cup machine or a filter machine, they can still produce delicious and reliable 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 with the click of the button.
One thing to bear in mind with a capsule machine is that you will be limited to the types of coffee pods and drinks that you can make with it, since they've been pre-packaged with ingredients such as ground coffee sugar, cream, sugar and flavourings. But, you can expect good quality coffee from a variety of brands, and there is a wide range of options available from Tassimo and Nescafe for instance which allows you to select from a range of black and milky coffees.
Certain capsule machines, like the Vertuo line of Nespresso, can be used to make different milky drinks with different capsules. They allow selecting a milky drink like a latte or cappuccino from a choice of four options, with the machine automatically dispenses the right amount of milk.
The best pod machines available in the UK are also built with user-friendly features, such as simple-to-read digital displays as well as automatic shut-off functions that conserve energy. Look for features such as height-adjustable trays which can be adjusted to accommodate the size of your cup, and reduce splashing. Also look for a movable capsule holder that is easy to empty and clean capsule holder that is easy to empty and clean. Energy-saving sleep modes and eco-friendly settings are another nice extra.
Taking things to the next level The Morning Machine, an elegant benchtop machine that can be operated by hand or through an apps, with precise controls that allow you to fine-tune a coffee's flavour and body. You can also alter the temperature, which has an impact directly on the taste of your coffee. Lower temperatures result in acidity, while higher temperatures impart more body.
3. Eco-friendly
Since their introduction by Nestle in 1986 coffee pods (or capsules) have had a massive impact on the way people drink coffee. They are convenient, quick and easy to make a perfect cup of coffee each time. However, they can be extremely wasteful. They are typically packed in plastic and aluminium which is hard 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, using capsule machines is less damaging to the environment. This is because single-serve capsules use exactly the same amount of coffee and water and reduce the amount of the waste of coffee that can happen when making a large pot. Additionally, it requires less energy to heat the water in a capsule than the brewing process of a large pot.
It is important to keep in mind that this study only examines the entire life cycle of coffee production. This includes harvesting, growing transportation, heating and transporting the water. If you're considering the use of a capsule coffee maker choose one that uses only biodegradable or compostable coffee pods. If you're looking to take it a step further, buy a reused capsule of coffee. These capsules can be used to fill your capsule machine with coffee ground. They're designed to be compatible with popular systems like Nespresso.
If you want to reduce your environmental impact further consider a device that can be used with Lavazza's A Modo Tiny Eco capsules. They're industrially compostable carbon neutral and come in a black design which is made from more than 50% recycled plastic. They're also the only capsules that can be used to add food waste for council collection.
Finally, if you can't find compostable or biodegradable coffee pods for your capsule machine, consider making coffee using a bean-to cup maker. They can be pricey but they're also more sustainable than pod machines. They grind and make coffee on demand, instead of brewing and cooling a large pot of coffee in advance, which uses up energy. They're also more efficient than drip or espresso machine that sits on a hob, as they require less power to run.
4. Cost-effective
If you're looking for a quick and easy method to make your morning cup of coffee the capsule machine is the best option. Capsules are made of sealed roasted and ground coffee beans that are inserted into the machine and are brewed for a specific amount of time. The machines are relatively inexpensive and easy to use, however they can be costly when you choose high-end models from the top brands. This can be especially true of the cost of the coffee pods themselves, which are usually quite expensive.
A capsule coffee maker is still significantly less expensive than getting an espresso machine or a bean-to-cup filter, though. The capsule model is cheaper initially, and you'll save money over time by not buying filters or ground coffee. The initial cost is an obstacle for many. So, think about how much money you can spend on the machine, and then add on the cost of the pods that fit it.
For a capsule coffee machine that is budget-friendly, look no further than the Lavazza Vertuo Pop. This sleek, compact machine utilizes the brand's compostable EcoCaps to deliver a quality cup of espresso. Its unique brewing system also produces a thick and dense crema despite only brewing black coffee. This is a nice change from the thin, watery slush that is often served with drinks made with other pod machines.
The machine has a compact footprint and a simple four-button control panel. It is easy to use, and won't require the most counter space. It has a steam wand and a hot beverage function that are not often found for capsule machines. However, the jug it dispenses the coffee into doesn't hold the same amount as glass carafes found on cheaper rivals.
The independently-made Morning Machine is a more sophisticated pod coffee machine that comes with a variety of extra options that set it apart from the competition. Its most popular Bloom & Brew setting pre-wets the ground coffee for a stronger, richer cup. It capsule coffee machine also has adjustable settings that allow you to alter the amount of coffee extracted, temperature and bar pressure. This allows you to get more value from the capsules than simple lungo, espresso, and ristretto options, and can even recreate filters and drip-style drinks. It can also be linked to your smartphone to create recipes and for monitoring energy consumption.