A Guide to Buying a Capsule Coffee Machine

If you're looking for simple and quick coffee, a capsule machine is the best way to go. They are simple to use and can work with a variety of coffee pods.

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

1. Simple to use

You can get your coffee fix at home using capsule machines. It's an excellent alternative to a bean-to cup or filter machine. If you're a seasoned brewer or just starting out they're designed to be simple to use and run smoothly. You can choose from a variety of drink sizes, temperature and flavors. Some models also feature an integrated milk frothing wand to make cappuccinos and lattes. These models are a great choice for families with busy schedules who are looking to grab a cup of coffee before heading out the door.

There are a variety of capsule coffee machines uk models available to suit your needs. The budget-friendly options tend to be straightforward with a few buttons and a clear LCD, while more sophisticated models let you customize the brew by altering settings like water temperature, capsule type and bar pressure. Some even have a compatible application for further personalisation and recipe ideas.

The slick design of the Smeg model is a huge benefit, with a sleek body that can be easily incorporated on any worktop. It's also extremely quiet and is a great choice for families with small children. Our testers found it easy to set up and use with a smooth and effortless operation of the lever on the cap of the water tank and a responsive, intelligent touchscreen.

More expensive models from the likes of Dolce Gusto and Nespresso offer more customization, allowing users to save drinks that you have customised to a specific button. You can also alter the settings for your favorite blends to get the most optimal flavor and scent. They also come with an easy capsule recycler to keep your kitchen clean and free of garbage. Some of the more expensive models include an inbuilt carafe that can be used for whipped cappuccinos or lattes. Others come with a separate steam wand you can operate manually.

2. Multi-faceted

Although capsule machines are not as versatile as a bean-to cup machine or a filter machine, they can still yield delicious and reliable results. Basic models start at less than PS50. Many of these machines even offer milk frothing which means you can make an espresso or cappuccino at the push of the button.

You will be limited in the types of coffee pods available since they are packaged with ingredients such as sugar cream, sugar and ground coffee. You can still expect premium coffees from most brands. Tassimo and Nescafe offer a variety of black and milky coffees for example.

Some capsule machines, like the Vertuo line of Nespresso can be used to make various milky drinks by using different capsules. These capsules allow selecting a milky drink like a latte or cappuccino from a selection of four, and the machine automatically dispensing the correct amount of milk.

The top pod machines available in the UK are also designed with user-friendly features, such as easy-to-read digital displays and automatic shut-off functions that conserve energy. Look for features like height-adjustable trays that can be adjusted to suit your cup size, and reduce splashing. Also look for a detachable capsule holder that is easy to empty and clean capsule holder. Other attractive features include sleep modes that save energy and eco-friendly settings.

Taking things to the next level The Morning Machine, a sleek benchtop machine that can be operated manually or through an app equipped with precise controls that let you alter the taste and body. In addition, you can adjust the temperature setting, which has a direct impact on the flavor of your coffee; lower temperatures cause acidity, while higher ones give it more body and bitterness.

3. Eco-friendly

Since Nestle introduced capsules of coffee in 1986 they've had a significant influence on how people consume coffee. They are convenient, fast and easy to make a good cup of coffee every time. However, they're also quite wasteful. They're typically packed in aluminium and plastic, which can be difficult to recycle. Additionally, they usually contain dregs from unused ground coffee that cannot be recycled either.

However research has proven that, compared to filter and drip coffee, using capsule machines is less harmful to the environment. Single-serve capsules are environmentally green because they consume the exact amount of water and coffee which means less waste. Plus, it takes less energy to heat the water in a capsule than the brewing process of a large pot.

It is important to keep in mind that this research is based on the total life-cycle of coffee production, which includes growing, harvesting and transporting the beans as well as heating the water. If you're thinking about the use of a capsule coffee maker choose one that uses only biodegradable or compostable coffee pods. If you're looking to go further, consider purchasing an recyclable coffee capsule. These can be filled with ground coffee, and then used in your capsule machine. They're usually designed to be compatible with popular systems such as Nespresso.

If you're looking to lessen your impact on the environment further, you should consider an appliance that works with Lavazza A Modo Mio Tiny Eco capsules. They're industrially compostable and carbon-neutral. They're available in a black color which is made from more than 50 percent recycled plastic. Additionally, they are the only capsules that can be added to food pod coffee machine waste and collected by council.

Finally, if you can't find any compostable or biodegradable coffee pods for your capsule machine, you can try using a bean-to-cup maker. They're expensive however they're more environmentally friendly than pod machines. They grind and make coffee on demand, instead of making and cooling a huge pot of coffee in advance, which consumes energy. They are also more energy efficient than drip machines or espresso machine that is on stoves, since they consume less energy.

4. Cost-effective

A capsule machine is a fantastic option if you want to make coffee quickly and easily in the morning. Capsules contain sealed roasted and ground coffee beans that slot 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 if you go for high-end models from major brands. This is especially relevant to the cost of the coffee pods which can be very expensive.

A capsule coffee maker is still less expensive than a filter model or a bean-to-cup model. This is because the upfront cost of a capsule coffee machine will be lower and you'll save money in the end by not having to purchase filters or ground coffee. However, the initial expense can still be a barrier for many people, so consider the amount you're able to spend on the machine, and then factor in the cost of coffee pods that will fit it.

Lavazza Vertuo pop is an espresso machine that is an excellent choice for those on a tight budget. This compact, stylish machine uses the brand's compostable EcoCaps to give you a premium cup of espresso. The unique brewing process lets it produce a thick crema, despite only making black coffee. This is a welcome improvement on the thin foam that typically accompanies espresso drinks made in other pod machines.

The machine is compact in its footprint and a simple four-button panel. It is easy to use and doesn't require any counter space. It has a steam wand and hot beverage functions which are both rare features for capsule machines. The jug used to dispense the coffee is smaller than glass carafes on cheaper competitors.

The independently-made 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 to create a stronger, richer cup. It also offers adjustable settings for temperature, bar pressure, and the amount of coffee that is extracted. You will get more out of the capsules compared to simple ristrettos, espressos and lungos and you can make drinks that drip or filter. It can also be connected to your smartphone to display recipes and monitor the energy consumption.