A Guide to Buying a Capsule Coffee Machine

A capsule coffee machine can make it simple to make an instant cup of coffee. They're simple to use and work with a range of speciality coffee pods.

In contrast to filter coffee machines capsule machines tend to focus on black drinks - lungos and espressos - but with a few milky options for cappuccinos and lattes.

1. Simple to use

With a capsule coffee maker you can enjoy your coffee at home without the fuss of a full 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 just a newbie. You can choose from a range of drinks sizes, temperature and flavors. Some models also feature an integrated milk frothing wand to create cappuccinos and lattes. These models are ideal for busy families that are looking to grab a cup of coffee before leaving for work.

There is a variety of capsule coffee machine models to suit different needs. The budget-friendly models tend to be straightforward with a few buttons and a clear LCD, whilst more advanced models let you customize your brew via settings such as temperature of the water, capsule type and bar pressure. Some models have an app that permits more personalisation and recipes suggestions.

The sleek design of the model from Smeg is a big benefit, with a sleek body that will blend in well on any worktop. It's also extremely quiet during use, making it a good option for those with children who are up early. It was simple to use and set up with a responsive touchscreen and a fluid operation of the lever of the water tank.

The more expensive models from the likes of Dolce Gusto and Nespresso offer more customization, allowing users to save your own drinks to a dedicated button. You can even tweak settings for your favourite blends to get the most optimal taste and aroma. The capsule recycler is available to keep your kitchen tidy and free of waste. The more expensive models usually come with a built-in milk cup that can make delicious cappuccinos as well as lattes, while some come with an additional steam wand which can be operated manually when you need to.

2. Multi-faceted

Although capsule machines aren't as flexible as a bean-to- cup machine or a filter machine, they are able to produce delicious and reliable results. Basic models start at less than PS50. A lot of these machines can also handle frothering milk, allowing you to make cappuccinos and lattes at the touch of the button.

One thing to keep in mind when using a capsule machine is that you will be limited in the kind of coffee pods and drinks you can drink with it since they've been pre-packaged with ingredients such as ground coffee sugar, cream, sugar and flavourings. You can still expect top-quality coffees from most brands. Tassimo and Nescafe offer a variety of black and milky coffees for instance.

In the same way, certain capsule machines can be used with different milky drinks using different types of capsules, such as those made by Nespresso's Vertuo line. They allow selecting a milky drink such as a latte, or cappuccino from a selection of four options, with the machine automatically dispenses the right amount of milk.

The top pod machines available in the UK are also designed with user-friendly features, like simple-to-read digital displays as well as automatic shut-off functions that save energy. You should look for features such as drip trays that can be adjusted in height that can be moved up or down to accommodate the size of your cup, and reduce splashing, and a removable capsule holder that's easy to empty and clean. Sleep modes that save energy and eco-friendly settings are a nice addition.

Taking things to the next level is the Morning Machine, an elegant bench top machine that can be operated manually or through an apps, with precise controls that allow you to adjust the coffee's flavor and body. You can also alter the temperature, which has an impact directly on the taste of your coffee. Temperatures that are lower will cause acidity, while higher temperatures provide it with more body.

3. Environmentally friendly

Since Nestle introduced capsules of coffee in 1986, they have had a major influence on how people consume coffee. They're convenient, fast and allow you to enjoy a consistently good cup of joe every time. Unfortunately, they are also very wasteful. They are typically packed in plastic and aluminium which is hard to recycle. Additionally, they usually contain dregs from unused ground coffee that aren't recycled as well.

Research has proven that the use of a capsule coffee maker is more sustainable than drip or filter coffee. Single-serve capsules are environmentally green because they consume the exact amount of coffee and water which means less the amount of waste. Additionally, it requires less energy to heat the water in a capsule than to brew a whole pot.

It is important to keep in mind that this research is only based on the complete life-cycle of coffee machine for pods production, including growing, harvesting and transporting the beans, as well as heating the water. If you're considering the use of a capsule coffee maker, look for one that uses only biodegradable or compostable coffee pods. If you want to take it a step further, buy a reusable capsule for coffee. They can be filled with ground coffee and placed in your capsule machine. They're usually designed to work with popular systems like Nespresso.

If you're looking to lessen the environmental impact of your business consider a device that works with Lavazza's Modo Mio Tiny Eco capsules. These capsules are carbon-neutral and industrially compostable. They are made of over 50 percent recycled plastic. Plus, 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, you can try using a bean-to-cup maker. They're costly however they're more sustainable than pod machines. They grind and brew coffee on demand rather than the process of cooling and brewing a large pot of coffee in advance, which consumes energy. They are also more efficient than a drip machine or espresso machine that is on stoves, since they use less energy.

4. Cost-effective

If you're looking for a fast and simple method of making your morning coffee, a capsule maker is the perfect solution. The capsules are sealed and include roasted and ground beans. They are then put into the machine, and brewed for a specific amount of time. The machines are relatively inexpensive and easy to use, but they can be expensive if you go for high-end models from big brands. This is particularly applicable to the coffee pods, which can be quite expensive.

A capsule coffee maker is still significantly less expensive than getting a filter or bean-to-cup model However. The capsule model is cheaper upfront, and you will save money over time by not buying filters or ground coffee. The initial cost is an obstacle for some. So, 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, compact machine makes use of the brand's compostable EcoCaps to provide a high-quality cup of espresso. Its unique brewing system also produces a thick and dense crema despite only making black coffee. This is a welcome contrast to the thin, watery slush that is typically served with drinks made using other pod machines.

The machine is simple to operate with the four buttons on the panel and has a compact footprint that won't take up too much counter space. It has steam wands and hot beverage functions that are not often found for capsule machines. However, the jug that it dispenses the coffee into doesn't hold as much as the glass carafes that are found on less expensive competitors.

Morning Machine, a pod coffee maker created by itself, is more sophisticated than competitors and offers a variety of extra features that make it stand out. Its most popular Bloom & Brew setting pre-wets the ground coffee for a stronger, richer cup and it has adjustable settings that can alter the amount of coffee pods machine that is extracted as well as the temperature and bar pressure. This lets you make more from the capsules than simple espresso, ristretto and lungo options, and even recreates the drip and filter-style drinks. It can also be connected to your smartphone to create recipes and energy consumption monitoring.