A Guide to Buying a Capsule Coffee Machine
If you're looking for a fast and simple coffee, a capsule machine is the way to go. They're simple to operate and can be used with a variety of specialty coffee pods.
Unlike filter coffee machines, capsule machines typically focus on black drinks - espressos and lungos - with some milky options available for lattes and cappuccinos.
1. Easy to use
With a capsule coffee maker you can get your fix at home without the hassle of a full bean-to-cup or filter machine. These machines are easy to operate and run smoothly, regardless of whether you're a professional brewer or a beginner. You can choose from a variety of drink sizes, temperatures, and flavors to match your tastes. Some models also feature an integrated milk frothing tool to make lattes and cappuccinos. These models are a great choice for families who are busy and want to grab an espresso before leaving for work.
There are a variety of capsule coffee machines models 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 such as water temperature, capsule type and bar pressure. Some models even come with a compatible app for further personalisation and recipe suggestions.
The slick design of the model from Smeg is a big benefit with its sleek design that will blend in well on any table. It's also quiet when in use making it an ideal option for those with young children who wake up early. Our test subjects found it easy to set up and used, with a smooth operation of the lever on the cap of the water tank and a smart, responsive touchscreen.
The more expensive models, such as the ones from Dolce Gusto or Nespresso, provide more customization. You can save your favorite drinks with a click. You can even tweak settings for your preferred blends to get the most optimal taste and scent. The capsule recycler is included to keep your kitchen clean and free of trash. The more expensive models usually have a built-in milk carafe to make creamy cappuccinos and lattes, while some come with steam wands that can be operated manually as needed.
2. Multi-faceted
Although capsule machines aren't as flexible as a bean-to- cup machine or filter machine, they are able to produce delicious and consistent results. They also have the benefit of being easy to use and affordable starting at under PS50. Many of these machines can even allow milk frothing which means you can make an espresso or cappuccino at the touch of an button.
One thing to bear in mind with a capsule machine is that you'll be limited to the type of coffee pods and drinks that you can use with it, because they are pre-packaged with ingredients such as ground coffee sugar, cream, sugar and flavorings. You can still expect premium beverages with the majority of brands. Tassimo and Nescafe offer various milky and black coffees, for instance.
In the same way, certain capsule machines can also be used with different milky drinks by using different kinds of capsules like those manufactured by Nespresso's Vertuo line. They allow selecting a milky beverage such as a latte or cappuccino, from a range of four, with the machine automatically dispensing the right amount of milk.
The best pod machines in the UK are also designed with user-friendly features, like clear digital displays that are easy to read and automatic shut-off functions that conserve energy. You should look for features such as height-adjustable drip trays, which can be moved up or down to fit your cup size and to minimise splashing, and a reusable capsule holder that's easy to empty and clean. Energy-saving sleep modes and eco-friendly settings are a nice addition.
Moving things to the next level is the Morning Machine, a sleek benchtop machine that is operated either manually or through an apps with precise controls that let you fine-tune a coffee's flavour and body. In addition, you can alter the temperature setting, which has a direct impact on the flavour of your coffee; lower temperatures can cause acidity and higher temperatures provide more body and bitterness.
3. Eco-friendly
Since Nestle introduced coffee capsules in 1986, they've had a significant impact on best coffee pod machine how people drink coffee. They are convenient, fast and easy to make a great cup of coffee every time. Unfortunately, they can also be quite wasteful. They're usually packed in aluminum and plastic which can be difficult to recycle. Plus, they often contain dregs of ground coffee that aren't recycled.
However studies have shown that, compared to filter and drip coffee, a capsule machine is less damaging to the environment. This is due to single-serve capsules using an exact amount of coffee and water, cutting down on the waste of coffee that can happen when making a large pot. Plus, heating the water in a single-serve mug is less energy-intensive than brewing a large pot.
It's important to remember that this study only covers the entire process of coffee production. This includes growing, harvesting, transporting, and heating the water. Find a capsule maker that only uses biodegradable or recyclable coffee pods. If you're looking to take it a step further, consider purchasing a reusable coffee capsule. These can be filled with ground coffee and placed in your capsule machine. They're typically designed to be compatible with popular systems such as Nespresso.
If you're looking to lessen your environmental impact further consider a device that works with Lavazza's Modo Mio Tiny Eco capsules. These are industrially compostable and carbon-neutral. They're available in a black style which is made from more than 50 percent recycled plastic. Additionally, they 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, you might consider using a bean-to-cup coffee maker. They're costly but they're also 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 in advance and cooling it down, which uses energy. They are also more efficient than a drip machine or espresso machine on stoves, since they consume 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. Capsules are sealed roasts and ground coffee beans that slot into the machine and are brewed for a fixed amount of time. They are fairly inexpensive and simple to use, but they can be expensive if you go for high-end models from big brands. This is especially true for the price of 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 due to the upfront cost of a capsule coffee machine will be lower, and you'll save money in the long run because you won't need to purchase filters or ground coffee. The initial cost is a barrier to many people. Consider the amount you'll be able to spend on the machine and then add the pods that will fit in it.
If you're looking for a capsule coffee maker that is affordable, look no further than the Lavazza Vertuo Pop. This compact, stylish machine makes use of the brand's compostable EcoCaps to give you a premium cup of espresso. Its unique brewing technology also allows it to produce thick crema, even though it is only producing black coffee. This is a welcome improvement over the thin foam that usually is found in espresso drinks made with other pod machines.
The machine is simple to use via the four buttons on the front panel and has a small footprint that won't take up any counter space. It also offers hot drinks and steam wands for milky drinks, which is uncommon for capsule machines. However, the jug that it serves coffee in doesn't hold as much as glass carafes that are found on less expensive competitors.
The independently-designed Morning Machine is a more sophisticated pod coffee machine that offers a range of extra options that set it apart from its rivals. The Bloom & Brew option pre-wets ground coffee, resulting in an extra-strong, richer cup. It also has adjustable settings for temperature, bar pressure and the amount of coffee that is extracted. This allows you to get more value from the capsules than espresso, ristretto and lungo options, and even recreates drip and filter-style drinks. It can also be connected to your smartphone to create recipes and monitoring of energy consumption.