A Guide to Buying a Capsule Coffee Machine
If you're looking for a quick and easy coffee, a capsule coffee machine is the best way to go. They're simple to use and can be paired with a variety of specialty 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. Easy to use
You can get your morning cup of coffee at home with a capsule machine. It's an excellent alternative to a bean-to-cup or filter machine. These machines are simple to use and operate effortlessly, regardless of whether you're a professional coffee maker or are just beginning your journey. You can select from a variety of drink sizes, temperature and flavors. Some models also come with an integrated milk frothing wand to create cappuccinos and lattes. They're a convenient option for busy families who are looking to grab an espresso on their way out the door.
There are a variety of capsule coffee machines in the UK that can be found to meet your requirements. The budget friendly options tend to be basic with a simple panel of buttons and a clear display whilst more advanced models let you customize the brew by altering settings such as temperature of the water, capsule type and bar pressure. Some models have an app that lets you have more personalisation and recipe suggestions.
Smeg’s model has a sleek style that works with any worktop. It's also extremely quiet and is a great choice for families with small children. Our test subjects found it easy to set up and use with a smooth and effortless operation of the water tank's capsule lever and a responsive, intelligent touchscreen.
More expensive models from the likes of Dolce Gusto and Nespresso offer more customization, allowing you to save personalised drinks to a specific button. You can alter the settings to get the most optimal flavour and aroma for your preferred blends. They also include an easy capsule recycler to keep your kitchen clean and free of garbage. Some of the most expensive models have a built-in carafe for creamy cappuccinos or lattes. Some models come with an additional steam wand which you can operate manually.
2. Multi-faceted
While not as versatile as a filter coffee maker or a bean-to-cup coffee machine, capsule machines can still do an excellent job of producing delicious and consistent results. They also have the advantage of being easy to use and cost-effective - basic models start at less than PS50. Many of these machines are capable of milk frothing so you can make lattes or cappuccinos with the click of a 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 use with it, because they are packed with ingredients such as ground coffee sugar, cream, sugar and flavorings. You can still expect top-quality beverages with the majority of brands. Tassimo and Nescafe offer various black and milky coffees for instance.
Similarly, some capsule machines can be used with different milky drinks using different capsules, like those produced by Nespresso's Vertuo line. These machines let you select a milky beverage such as a cappuccino or the latte from a variety of four. The machine will automatically dispense the correct amount of milk.
The top pod machines in the UK are also designed with user-friendly features, such as clear digital displays that are easy to read and automatic shut-off functions that save energy. Look for features like adjustable height trays that can be adjusted to accommodate the size of your cup and reduce splashing. Also, look for a removable capsule holder with an easy-to-empty and clean capsule holder that is easy to empty and clean. Other nice features include energy-saving sleep modes and eco-friendly settings.
Taking things to the next level The Morning Machine, a sleek benchtop machine that is operated either manually or through an application equipped with precise controls that allow you to adjust the coffee's flavor and body. Among other things, you can alter the temperature that has an immediate 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 their introduction by Nestle in 1986 the coffee pods (or capsules) have had a massive impact on how people consume coffee. They're easy to use, quick and allow you to get a consistently good cup of coffee every single time. Unfortunately, they can also be quite wasteful. They are typically packaged in plastic and aluminum which is hard 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 capsule machines is not as harmful to the environment. Single-serve capsules are eco sustainable because they use the exact amount of coffee and water which means less waste. Additionally, it requires less energy to heat the water in a capsule compared to the brewing process of a large pot.
However, it's important to keep in mind that this study is based on the total life cycle of coffee production, including growing, harvesting and transporting the beans as well as heating the water. If you're thinking of purchasing the use of a capsule coffee maker, look for one that only uses biodegradable or compostable coffee pods. If you're looking to go further, consider purchasing a reused capsule for coffee. These capsules can be used to fill your capsule with coffee ground. They're designed to be compatible with popular systems, such as Nespresso.
If you're looking for ways to reduce your impact on the environment even further, find an appliance that works with Lavazza A Modo Mio Tiny Eco capsules. These capsules are carbon neutral recyclable, industrially compostable and constructed of over 50% recycled plastic. Additionally, they are the only capsules that can be added to food waste and disposed of by council.
In the end, if you cannot find any compostable or biodegradable coffee pods to fit into your capsule machine, you can try using a bean-to-cup maker. They're expensive, but they're more sustainable than pod machines. This is because they grind and brew coffee on demand, instead of making a large pot of coffee in advance, and then cooling it down, which uses energy. They are also more efficient than a drip machine or espresso machine that is on stoves, as they use less power.
4. Cost-effective
A capsule machine is a great option for those who want to make coffee quickly and efficiently in the morning. The capsules are sealed and contain ground and roasted beans. They are then put into the machine, and brewed for an exact amount of time. The machines are reasonably priced and easy to use pod coffee makers however they can be costly if you go for high-end models from the top brands. This can be especially in the case of the coffee pods, which are usually quite pricey.
A capsule coffee maker will still be cheaper than a filter model or a bean-to cup model. The capsule machine is cheaper initially, and you'll save money over time by not buying filters or ground coffee. The initial cost is a barrier to many people. So, consider how much money you can spend on the machine, and then add on the cost of the pods that go with it.
For a capsule coffee machine that offers a budget-friendly option take a look at the Lavazza Vertuo Pop. This sleek, compact machine makes use of the brand's compostable EcoCaps to deliver a quality cup of espresso. Its unique brewing system lets it produce an extremely thick crema, despite only making black coffee. This is a refreshing alternative to the thin, watery slush that is typically served with drinks made with other pod machines.
The machine has a compact footprint and a simple four-button control panel. It's easy to use and doesn't require any counter space. It also comes with a hot drink function and a steam wand for milky drinks, which are uncommon on capsule machines. The jug used to serve coffee is smaller than glass carafes found on the cheaper machines.
The independently-designed Morning Machine is a more sophisticated pod coffee maker that comes with a variety of additional options that sets it apart from the competition. The Bloom & Brew option pre-wets ground coffee, resulting in an extra-strong, richer cup. It also has 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 even recreate drip and filter drinks. It can also be linked to your smartphone to create recipes and energy consumption monitoring.