A Guide to Buying a Capsule Coffee Machine
If you're looking for fast and simple coffee, a capsule machine is the way to go. They are easy to use and can be used with various coffee pods.
In contrast to filter coffee machines capsule machines typically concentrate on black drinks - lungos and espressos - but with milky options as well for lattes and cappuccinos.
1. Simple to use
With a capsule-based coffee maker you can get your fix at home without the hassle of a full-on bean-to cup or filter machine. These machines are easy to operate and run effortlessly, regardless of whether you're an experienced 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 that are looking to grab a quick cup of coffee on the way out the door.
There are many different capsule coffee machines in the UK that can be found to meet your requirements. Budget friendly models tend to feature a basic panel of buttons that display clearly. Advanced models let you customize your brew by changing settings like water temperature, capsule type and bar pressure. Some models have an app that lets you have more customization and recipe suggestions.
The sleek design of the model from Smeg is a major plus, with a sleek body that blends well on any work surface. It is also very quiet and is a great option for families with children. Our test subjects found it easy to set up and used with a smooth and effortless operation of the lever for the water tank's cap and a smart, responsive touchscreen.
More expensive models from likes of Dolce Gusto and Nespresso offer more customization, allowing you to save drinks that you have customised to a dedicated button. You can even tweak settings for your preferred blends to get the best taste and aroma. The capsule recycler is available to keep your kitchen clean and free of trash. Some of the most expensive models have built-in carafes for creamy cappuccinos or lattes. Others include a separate steam wand you can operate manually.
2. Versatile
Although they aren't as versatile as a filter coffee maker or a bean-to-cup machine capsule machines can perform admirably in producing delicious and consistent results. They also offer the advantage of being easy to use and relatively cheap the most basic models cost just PS50. Many of these machines are capable of frothering milk, allowing you to make lattes or cappuccinos with the click of the button.
You will be limited in the kinds of coffee pods available, as they will come pre-packed, with ingredients such as sugar cream, sugar, and ground coffee. However, 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 example, allowing you to choose from a wide selection of black and milky coffees.
Certain capsule machines, like the Vertuo line of Nespresso, can be used to create different milky drinks using different capsules. These offer the option of choosing a milky drink such as a latte or cappuccino from a choice of four options, with the machine automatically dispensing the right amount of milk.
The best pod coffee machines in the UK are also designed to be as user-friendly as they can with easy-to-read digital displays and automatic shut-off functions that help conserve energy. Look for features such as adjustable height trays that can be adjusted to accommodate the size of your cup, and minimise splashing. Also, look for a removable capsule holder with an easy-to-empty and clean capsule holder that is easy to empty and clean. Sleep modes that save energy and eco-friendly settings are another nice extra.
The Morning Machine is a benchtop machine that you can operate either manually or with an application. It comes with precise controls to adjust the coffee's body and flavor. You can also adjust the temperature, which will have an immediate impact on the flavor of your coffee. Lower temperatures cause acidity, while higher temperatures provide it with more body.
3. Environmentally friendly
Since their introduction by Nestle in 1986, coffee pods (or capsules) have had a massive impact on how people drink coffee. They are convenient, fast and easy to make a great cup of coffee every single time. However, they're also extremely wasteful. They're usually packed in aluminium and plastic which are difficult to recycle. Plus, they contain unused ground coffee that is not recycled.
Research has revealed that the use of a capsule coffee maker is more sustainable than drip or filter coffee. Single-serve capsules are environmentally friendly because they use the exact amount of water and coffee, reducing the amount of waste. Furthermore, heating the water in a single-serve capsule uses less energy than making a large pot.
It's important to remember that this study only examines the entire process of coffee production. This includes growing, harvesting transportation, heating and transporting the water. Choose a capsule that is made of recyclable or biodegradable coffee pods. If you're looking to go further, buy an reusable capsule for coffee. These capsules can be used to fill your capsule machine with pod and capsule coffee machines ground coffee. They're designed to be compatible with popular systems, such as Nespresso.
If you're looking to lessen your environmental impact further Look for a machine that can be used with Lavazza's A Modo Mio Tiny Eco capsules. These capsules are completely carbon neutral and industrially compostable. They are made of more than 50% recycled plastic. Additionally, they are the only capsules which can be added to food waste and then collected by council.
If you are unable to find compostable or biodegradable pods for your capsule maker, consider using a bean-to-cup coffee maker. These machines are more expensive but they are also more green. They grind and brew coffee on demand rather than brewing and cooling a large pot of coffee in advance, which consumes energy. They're also more efficient than a drip or espresso machine which sits on a stove, since they require less power to run.
4. Cost-effective
If you're looking for a fast and convenient way to make your morning coffee, a capsule machine is the perfect solution. The capsules are sealed, and they contain roasted and ground beans. They are then placed into the machine and brewed for a precise amount of time. They are fairly inexpensive and simple to use, however, they can be costly when you choose high-end models from the top brands. This is especially relevant to the cost of the coffee pods, which can be quite expensive.
A capsule coffee maker is still less expensive than a filter model or a bean-to-cup model. The capsule model is cheaper in the beginning, and you'll save money over time by not buying filters or ground coffee. The initial cost could be an obstacle for many. Consider the amount you'll spend on the machine and then add the pods that go with it.
If you're looking for a capsule coffee maker that is budget-friendly, look no further than the Lavazza Vertuo Pop. This sleek and compact machine delivers a quality espresso with the brand's EcoCaps. Its unique brewing system also produces a thick, rich crema despite only making black coffee. This is a welcome improvement on the thin foam that usually accompanies espresso drinks made in other pod machines.
The machine is easy to operate with the four buttons on the front panel and has a compact footprint that won't take up the counter space. It also has a hot drink function and a steam wand for milky drinks, which are uncommon for capsule machines. However, the jug that 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 additional options that sets it apart from the competition. The Bloom & Brew option pre-wets ground coffee to produce an extra-strong, richer cup. It also offers adjustable settings for bar pressure, temperature and the amount of coffee extracted. This allows you to get more out of the capsules than just ristretto, espresso and lungo options, and even recreates filters and drip-style drinks. It also allows you to connect to your smartphone to display recipes and track the energy consumption.