A Guide to Buying a Capsule Coffee Machine
A capsule coffee maker will allow you to enjoy an instant cup of coffee. They are easy to use and work with different coffee pods.
Contrary to filter coffee machines, capsule machines usually concentrate on black drinks - lungos and espressos - but with a few milky options for cappuccinos and lattes.
1. Simple to use
With a capsule coffee machine allows you to enjoy your coffee at home without the fuss of a full-on bean-to-cup or filter machine. Whether you're an experienced brewer or just starting out they're designed to be easy to use and operate smoothly. You can choose from a variety of drink sizes, temperature and flavours. Some models have an integrated milk frother to make lattes or cappuccinos. They're a great option for busy families that want to grab a quick cup of coffee on the way out the door.
There are many different capsule coffee machines in the UK that will meet your needs. These models are affordable and have a simple panel of buttons with a clear display. More advanced models let you customize your brew by changing settings such as water temperature, capsule type, and bar pressure. Certain models come with an app that lets you have more personalisation and recipe suggestions.
The sleek design of the Smeg model is a major benefit with its sleek design that will blend in well on any worktop. It's also very quiet in use which makes it a great option for those with children who get up early. It was easy to use and set up, with a responsive touchscreen and a fluid operation of the water tank capsule lever.
More expensive models from the likes of Dolce Gusto and Nespresso offer more customization, allowing you to save your own drinks to a specific button. You can also alter the settings for your preferred blends to get the best flavor and aroma. They also include an easy capsule recycler to keep your kitchen neat and free of garbage. The more expensive models usually come with a built-in milk cup that can make delicious cappuccinos as well as lattes, while other models include a separate steam wand that can be operated manually as needed.
2. Versatile
Although capsule machines aren't as flexible as a bean-to- cup machine or filter machine, they are able to produce delicious and consistently good results. Basic models start at less than PS50. Many of these machines can even froth milk making the perfect cappuccino or latte with the push of an button.
One thing to bear in mind when using a capsule machine is that you will be limited to the types of coffee pods and drinks you can make with it, because they are packed with ingredients such as ground coffee sugar, cream, sugar and flavourings. You can still expect premium brews with most brands. Tassimo and Nescafe offer various black and milky coffees, for instance.
Some capsule machines, like the Vertuo line of Nespresso can be used to prepare various milky drinks by using different capsules. These machines let you choose a milky beverage like a cappuccino or the latte from a variety of four. The machine will automatically dispense the correct amount of milk.
The best pod machines in the UK are also built with easy-to-use features, including easy-to-read digital displays and automatic shut-off functions that conserve energy. Look for features such as height-adjustable trays which can be adjusted to accommodate your cup size, and reduce splashing. Also look for a movable capsule holder that is easy to empty and clean capsule holder. Sleep modes that save energy and eco-friendly settings are a nice addition.
The next level The Morning Machine, a sleek benchtop machine that can be operated manually or by app, with precise controls that allow you to alter the taste and pod coffee maker body. You can also alter the temperature, which will have an impact directly on the flavor of your coffee. Lower temperatures result in acidity, while higher temperatures impart more body.
3. Environmentally 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, fast and easy to make a perfect cup of coffee each time. However, they can be extremely wasteful. They're typically packaged in plastic and aluminium which can be difficult to recycle. Plus, they contain unused ground coffee that can't be recycled.
However research has proven that compared to filter and drip coffee, using a capsule machine is not as harmful to the environment. This is because single-serve capsules use exactly the same amount of coffee and water which reduces coffee waste that can occur when making a large pot. Furthermore, it takes less energy to heat the water in a capsule compared to to brew a whole pot.
It is important to note that this research is based on the complete life-cycle of coffee production, which includes the growing, harvesting, and transportation of 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 is made from biodegradable or compostable coffee pods. And if you want to go a step further, you could consider purchasing the reuseable capsule. These can be filled with ground coffee and placed in your capsule machine - they're usually designed to be compatible with popular systems such as Nespresso.
If you're looking for ways to reduce your environmental impact further, you should consider an appliance that is compatible with Lavazza A Modo Mio Tiny Eco capsules. These are industrially compostable and carbon-neutral. They're available in a black design that's made from over 50 percent recycled plastic. Plus, these are the only capsules that can be added to food waste and then collected by council.
If you can't 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 more eco-friendly. They grind and prepare 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 a drip or espresso machine that is sat on a hob, as they require less power to run.
4. Cost-effective
A capsule machine is an excellent alternative if you wish to make coffee quickly and conveniently in the morning. Capsules are sealed roasts and ground coffee beans that go 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 major brands. This is especially applicable to the coffee pods which can be very expensive.
A capsule coffee machine is still less expensive than filter models or a bean-to-cup model. This is because the upfront price of a capsule machine will be lower and you'll save money in the long run by not having to purchase filters or ground coffee. The initial cost is a barrier to many people. So, consider the amount you'll spend on the machine and then add the pods that fit the machine.
Lavazza Vertuo pop is an espresso machine that is an excellent option for those who are on a budget. This sleek and compact machine makes a high-quality espresso with the brand's EcoCaps. Its unique brewing technology also allows it to create thick crema, even though it is only producing black coffee. This is a welcome contrast to the thin, watery mousse that is typically served with drinks made using other pod machines.
The machine is easy to use via a panel of four buttons and has a small footprint that won't take up too much counter space. It also has hot drinks as well as steam wands for milky drinks, which is uncommon for capsule machines. The jug it uses to dispense the coffee is smaller than the glass carafes on cheaper competitors.
The independently-made Morning Machine is a more sophisticated pod coffee machine that provides a variety of extra options that set it apart from the competition. The Bloom & Brew option pre-wets ground coffee to create an extra-strong, richer cup. It also offers adjustable settings for bar pressure, temperature and the amount of coffee that is extracted. This allows you to make more from the capsules than ristretto, espresso and lungo options, and even recreates filters and drip-style drinks. It can also be connected to your smartphone to display recipes and track energy consumption.