A Guide to Buying a Capsule Coffee Machine
A capsule coffee machine will make it simple to make an instant cup of coffee. They are easy to use and can be used with various coffee pods.
Contrary to filter coffee machines, capsule machines tend to focus on black drinks - lungos and espressos, with milky options as well for cappuccinos and lattes.
1. Simple to use
With a capsule coffee machine allows you to enjoy your coffee at home without the hassle of a full bean-to-cup or filter machine. These machines are easy to use and work well, regardless of regardless of whether you're a professional coffee maker or are just beginning your journey. You can choose from a variety of drink sizes, temperature and flavours. Some models include an integrated milk maker to make cappuccinos or lattes. They're a convenient choice for busy families who want to grab a quick cup of coffee on the way out the door.
There are a wide variety of capsule coffee machine uk models that will meet your needs. The budget-friendly options tend to be basic with a simple panel of buttons and a clear display whilst more advanced models allow you to customize your coffee by altering settings like temperature of the water, capsule type and bar pressure. Some even have a compatible application for further personalisation and recipe suggestions.
Smeg’s model has a sleek design that is a perfect match with any work surface. It's also quiet when in use making it an ideal choice for parents with young children who wake up early. It was easy to set up and use, with a responsive touchscreen and fluid operation of the water tank capsule lever.
More expensive models from likes of Dolce Gusto and Nespresso offer more customization, allowing users to save your own drinks to a dedicated button. You can alter the settings to achieve the best flavor and aroma for your favourite blends. They also come with an efficient capsule recycler that will keep your kitchen clean and free of garbage. Some of the most expensive models have a built-in carafe for creamy cappuccinos or lattes. Others come with an additional steam wand which you can operate manually.
2. Multi-faceted
While not as versatile as a filter coffee machine or a bean-to-cup machine capsule machines can perform admirably in producing delicious and consistent results. The simplest models start at less than PS50. Many of these machines can also handle frothering milk, allowing you to make cappuccinos or lattes at the touch of one button.
One thing to bear in mind with a capsule machine is that you will be limited to the type of coffee pods and drinks you can make with it, since they've been packed with ingredients such as ground coffee, cream, sugar and flavourings. Nonetheless, you can still expect good quality brews from most brands, with the range of options offered by Tassimo and Nescafe, for example which allows you to select from a variety of black and milky coffees.
Some capsule machines, like the Vertuo line of Nespresso can be used to create different milky drinks using different capsules. They allow selecting a milky beverage such as a latte, or cappuccino from a choice of four, with the machine automatically dispensing the correct amount of milk.
The top pod coffee machines available are also designed to be as user-friendly as they can, with easy to read digital displays and automatic shut-off functions to save energy. You should look for features such as drip trays that can be adjusted in height, which can be moved up or down coffee machines for pods to suit your cup size and reduce splashing, and a reusable capsule holder that's easy to empty and clean. Other nice features include sleep modes that save energy, and eco-friendly settings.
Taking things to the next level is the Morning Machine, an elegant bench top machine that can be operated manually or through an apps equipped with precise controls that let you adjust the coffee's flavor and body. You can also adjust the temperature, which will have a direct effect on the taste of your coffee. Lower temperatures result in acidity, while higher temperatures give it more body.
3. Environmentally friendly
Since Nestle introduced capsules of coffee in 1986, they've had a huge impact on the way people drink coffee. They're convenient, fast and allow you to enjoy a consistently good coffee every time. However, they can be quite wasteful. They are typically packed in plastic and aluminium which is hard to recycle. Plus, they often contain dregs of unutilised ground coffee that cannot be recycled.
Research has proven that using a capsule coffee machine is more environmentally friendly than filter or drip coffee. Single-serve capsules are more environmentally sustainable because they use the exact amount of coffee and water which means less waste. Plus heating the water in a single-serve mug uses less energy than making a large-sized pot.
However, it's important to note that this research is only based on the total life cycle of coffee production, which includes the growing, harvesting, and transportation of the beans as well as heating the water. Find a capsule maker that is made of biodegradable or recyclable coffee pods. If you'd like to go even further, consider buying a reuseable capsule. These can be filled with ground coffee, and then used in your capsule machine - they're typically 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 is compatible with Lavazza A Modo Mio Tiny eco capsules. They're industrially compostable and carbon-neutral. They're available in a black style that's made from over 50 percent 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 compostable or biodegradable coffee pods for your capsule machine, consider using a bean-to-cup coffee maker. They can be pricey however they're more sustainable than pod machines. This is due to the fact that they grind and brew the coffee on demand, rather than making a large pot of coffee in advance and then cooling it down, which uses electricity. They're also more efficient than a drip or espresso machine which sits on a hob, as they require less power to run.
4. Cost-effective
A capsule machine is a great alternative if you wish to make coffee quickly and efficiently in the morning. Capsules contain sealed roasted and ground coffee beans that slot into the machine and are brewed for a predetermined amount of time. The machines are reasonably priced and simple to use, but they can be expensive when you choose high-end models from major brands. This is particularly relevant to the cost of the coffee pods, which can be quite expensive.
Buying a capsule coffee machine is still a lot cheaper than getting a filter or bean-to-cup model however. The capsule model is cheaper in the beginning, and you'll save money over time by not buying filters or ground coffee. However, the initial cost could be a hurdle for many, so consider how much you can afford to invest in the machine, and then factor in the cost of the coffee pods that will fit it.
Lavazza Vertuo pop is a capsule machine that's an excellent choice for those on a tight budget. This sleek, compact machine makes use of the brand's compostable EcoCaps to provide a high-quality cup of espresso. Its unique brewing system allows it to produce an extremely thick crema, despite the fact that it only makes black coffee. This is a significant improvement on the thin foam that typically comes with espresso drinks made in other pod machines.
The machine has a small footprint and a simple four-button panel. It is simple to operate and doesn't require much counter space. It also has hot drinks as well as a steam wand for milky drinks, which are uncommon for capsule machines. However, the jug it serves coffee in doesn't hold as much as glass carafes on the cheaper competitors.
The independently-designed Morning Machine is a more sophisticated pod coffee machine that comes with a variety of extra options that set it apart from other machines. Its flagship Bloom & Brew setting pre-wets the ground coffee to create an even stronger, more rich cup. It also has adjustable settings that allow you to alter the amount of coffee that is extracted as well as the temperature, and bar pressure. This lets you get more out of the capsules than just ristretto, espresso and lungo options, and can even recreate drip and filter-style drinks. It can also connect to your smartphone to display recipes, and monitor the energy consumption.