A Guide to Buying a Capsule Coffee Machine
A capsule coffee machine can make it easy to get an instant cup of coffee. They are easy to use and can be used with different coffee pods.
Contrary to filter coffee machines capsule coffee machines typically focus on black drinks like espressos and lungos with some milky options for lattes and capspuccinos.
1. Easy to use
You can enjoy your coffee fix at home using a capsule machine. It's a great alternative to a bean-to-cup or filter machine. These machines are simple to use and work effortlessly, regardless of whether you're an experienced coffee maker or are just beginning your journey. You can pick from a range of drinks sizes, temperature and flavours. Some models include an integrated milk frother to make cappuccinos or lattes. These models are ideal for busy families that are looking to grab an espresso before heading out the door.
There are many different capsule coffee machines in the UK that can be found to meet your requirements. The budget-friendly models tend to be basic with a simple panel of buttons and a clear display, whilst more advanced models allow you to tailor your brew via settings such as the temperature of the water, the type of capsule and bar pressure. Some have an app to further personalize your drink and recipe suggestions.
The Smeg model has a sleek design that is a perfect match 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 smooth operation of the lever on the cap of the water tank and a smart, responsive touchscreen.
More expensive models from the likes of Dolce Gusto and Nespresso offer more customisation, allowing you to save your own drinks to a specific button. You can alter the settings to achieve the best flavour and aroma for your preferred blends. The capsule recycler is available to keep your kitchen clean and free of waste. Some of the more expensive models include built-in carafes for lattes or creamy cappuccinos. Others include an additional steam wand that you can manually operate.
2. Multi-faceted
Although they aren't as versatile as a filter machine or a bean-to-cup machine, capsule machines can still do an excellent job of making delicious and consistent results. The simplest models start at less than PS50. Many of these machines even offer milk frothing, meaning you can make a cappuccino or latte at the push of a button.
There are a few limitations to the types of coffee pods that you can choose from because they come pre-packaged, with ingredients like sugar cream, sugar and ground coffee. But, you can be sure of high-quality brews from most brands, with the range of options available from Tassimo and Nescafe, for example, allowing you to choose from a wide selection of milky and black coffees.
Certain capsule machines, like the Vertuo line of Nespresso can be used to create various milky drinks by using different capsules. These offer the option of selecting a milky beverage such as a latte or cappuccino from a choice of four options, with the machine automatically dispensing the right amount of milk.
The top pod coffee machines in the UK are also designed to be as user-friendly as is possible, with easy to read digital displays and automatic shut-off functions to conserve energy. You should look for features such as drip trays with adjustable heights that can be moved up or down to suit the size of your cup, and to minimise splashing, and a reusable capsule holder that's easy to empty and clean. Eco-friendly sleep modes and energy-saving settings are a nice addition.
Taking things to the next level The Morning Machine, an elegant benchtop machine that can be operated manually or via an application with precise controls that allow you to adjust the coffee's flavor and body. You can also alter the temperature, which will have an impact directly on the taste of your coffee. Lower temperatures result in acidity, while higher temperatures provide it with more body.
3. Environmentally friendly
Since Nestle introduced capsules of coffee in 1986 they've had a significant impact on how people drink coffee. They're easy to use, quick and allow you coffee machines for pods to get a consistently great cup of coffee every single time. However, they can be quite wasteful. They are usually packaged in plastic and aluminum which is hard to recycle. Plus, they often contain dregs from unused ground coffee that can't be recycled.
Research has revealed that using a capsule machine for coffee is more environmentally friendly than filter or drip coffee. Single-serve capsules are environmentally green because they consume the exact amount of coffee and water which means less the amount of waste. Plus, heating the water in a single serve capsule is less energy-intensive than making a large-sized pot.
It's important to remember that this research only considers the entire process of coffee production. This includes growing, harvesting transporting, heating, and transporting the water. If you're thinking about capsule coffee machines, look for one that is made from biodegradable or compostable coffee pods. If you'd like to go further, you could consider purchasing the reusable capsule. These capsules can be used to fill your capsule with ground coffee. They're designed to be compatible with popular systems, such as Nespresso.
If you're looking to reduce your environmental impact further, you should consider an appliance that is compatible with Lavazza A Modo Mio Tiny Eco capsules. These capsules are carbon neutral, industrially compostable and made from more than 50 percent recycled plastic. Additionally, they're the only capsules that can be used to add food waste for council collection.
Finally, if you can't find any compostable or biodegradable coffee pods to fit into your capsule machine, try using a bean-to-cup coffee maker. These machines are more expensive however, they are also more eco-friendly. They grind and brew the coffee on demand, rather than making a large pot of coffee in advance and then cooling it down, which consumes energy. They are also more energy efficient than drip machines or espresso machine that is on stoves, since they use less power.
4. Cost-effective
A capsule machine is an excellent alternative if you wish to make coffee quickly and conveniently in the morning. Capsules are made of sealed roasted and ground coffee beans that go into the machine and are brewed for a fixed amount of time. The machines are reasonably priced and easy to use however they can be costly when you choose high-end models from major brands. This is especially relevant to the price of the coffee pods that are typically expensive.
A capsule coffee machine will still be cheaper than a filter model or a bean-to cup model. The capsule machine is cheaper upfront, and you will save money in the long run by not having to purchase filters or ground coffee. However, the initial expense can still be a barrier for many and you should consider how much you can afford to invest in a machine and then factor in the cost of the coffee pods that will fit it.
If you're looking for a capsule machine that offers a budget-friendly option take a look at the Lavazza Vertuo Pop. This sleek, compact machine uses the brand's compostable EcoCaps to provide a high-quality cup of espresso. Its unique brewing system also produces a thick crema despite only brewing black coffee. This is a refreshing change from the thin, watery foam that is often served with drinks made with other pod machines.
The machine is compact in its footprint and a simple four-button panel. It is easy to use and doesn't take much counter space. It also offers hot drinks and steam wands for milky drinks, which are uncommon for capsule machines. The jug it dispensing the coffee into does not 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 additional options that sets it apart from the competition. Its flagship Bloom & Brew setting pre-wets the ground coffee to create a stronger, richer cup. It also has adjustable settings that can alter the amount of coffee that is extracted as well as the temperature and bar pressure. This allows you to get more out of the capsules than ristretto, espresso and lungo options, and can even recreate drip and filter-style drinks. It can also be linked to your smartphone to make recipes and for monitoring energy consumption.