Capsule Coffee Machine

Many of us are used to starting our day with a cup of coffee. However, the modern rhythm of life does not always leave us time for the ritual of preparing a drink, and in order to facilitate the process of loading coffee and solve problems with dosage, a capsule coffee machine was invented. Today, such devices are sold a huge amount. Simple and easy to use, the coffee machine with capsules is perfect for home, office and other public places. The main thing is that you do not need to know the secrets of making a drink, all you need to do is go to the car, check for water, then just insert the capsule and press the “On” button. And, depending on the type of capsule for the coffee machine, you can make a classic espresso with golden foam or the strongest ristretto, coffee with milk or sweet chocolate.

to contents ↑

History and Modernity

The capsule coffee machine was invented by Eric Favre in 1978. A year later, the first models of the device appeared. However, their characteristics were far from ideal. This type of coffee machine was widely used in the late 80s, and some models went into serial production.

Today, there are several dozen large manufacturers of capsule coffee machines, which simultaneously produce both the devices themselves and the capsules for them. The technology of the devices is constantly being improved. Modern models have amazing functionality, they are able to make coffee on their own in a matter of seconds, and the quality of the drink is in no way inferior to the taste of coffee prepared by a professional.

Important! To enjoy home-brewed coffee, read about the best varieties of coffee and tea.

to contents ↑

How is coffee made in a capsule coffee machine?

Capsule coffee systems differ from conventional coffee makers in that the whole process of preparing beans - dosing, grinding, pressing, is performed in the factory. You just have to open the lid of the device, put the capsule in and press the button.

Important! One capsule is designed to prepare one serving of the drink.

During the preparation of the drink, the capsule placed in the apparatus is punctured, and hot water is passed through the hole obtained under a pressure of 15-19 bar. Coffee is brewed instantly, within a few seconds.

Important! After completing work, the apparatus does not need to be washed - just take out the used capsule and discard it.

to contents ↑

Advantages and disadvantages of capsule coffee machines

Thanks to the factory packaging, the quality of the drink always remains consistently high. But this is far from the only advantage of the apparatus. Capsule coffee machines are an ideal solution for those who want to make coffee quickly and without hassle.

Here are just a few of the positive qualities of capsule devices:

• Silent work.
• Extreme ease of use.
• No filter change required, as in a coffee maker.
• Lightning fast delivery rate of the finished product.
• The quality of the drink is consistently high.
• Minimal cleaning and maintenance effort.
• The tightness of the package, so that coffee does not lose its properties.
• Compactness. Unlike traditional coffee machines, these machines can fit in the smallest kitchen.
• Relatively low price compared to conventional coffee machines.
• Multifunctionality and variety of the finished product. In addition to traditional coffee, a coffee machine with capsules is able to make hot chocolate and tea.

Capsule coffee machines also have disadvantages:

• Limited options for choosing coffee. A classic coffee maker allows you to experiment with varieties of coffee, strength and ways to make a drink. Capsule devices do not give such freedom. Of course, manufacturers produce an entire new assortment of drinks, but their quantity is limited.
• The relatively high cost of a serving of coffee. In addition, you will always be attached to the use of certain capsules, and the price of them, when converted to a cup of a drink, easily covers many elite varieties of coffee beans.

However, all these shortcomings do not matter for owners of capsule coffee machines, because they want to make coffee quickly and without much effort.

Important! If you think everything in the house to the smallest detail, and coffee is an integral part of your every day, there are many interesting ideas for decorating a jar for storing grains. Our workshops will help you, in which you can make an original in the style of your kitchen decoupage cans for coffee.

to contents ↑

How to choose a capsule coffee machine?

To answer the question of what should be a coffee machine so that the finished drink brings pleasure, you need to determine the following criteria:

• How many varieties of drink do you want to prepare. After purchasing a specific model, a list of available capsules will be presented with the device, which can only be changed with the purchase of a new device.
• How many people will use the device. If you want to choose a device for the home, then opt for small-sized models. This will not only save you money, but also make it possible to prepare a drink in seconds, at any time of the day or night.
• How much are you willing to spend on the purchase. The price of the device depends on the characteristics and manufacturer.

If you have decided on the criteria, then it's time to think about the technical characteristics of the equipment:

• Power. This parameter affects the speed of preparation of the drink. The more power, the faster it will prepare aromatic coffee. Choose capsule coffee makers for your home up to 900 watts.
• The volume of the water tank. This parameter affects the amount of beverage prepared. The most optimal will be a device with a liter tank.
• Water supply pressure. The pressure of the pump directly determines the saturation of the taste of the drink. The higher the pressure, the better, since the grains are brewed better, while the smell becomes saturated, and the content of nutrients increases. Buy a home coffee maker with a pressure of over 15 bar.
• Water heating system. In modern models, two types of heating are used: a boiler and a thermal block.
• Noise. If the device will be in the office, then excess noise is clearly undesirable, and loud sounds will not please anyone at home in the morning.
• Additional functions. If manufacturers have provided the device with additional options: a timer, automatic shutdown, display, pressure gauge, waste container, then this will allow you to fully enjoy the progress made.

Important! In any coffee machine, clean filtered water must be used. If you do not have such an opportunity, then buy a car with a water filter or with a self-cleaning system. It will also not be amiss to periodically carry out prophylaxis. To do this, follow our instructions, how to clean a coffee machine with citric acid from scale.

to contents ↑

Models and Manufacturers

In the West, where capsule coffee has been known since the late eighties, more than a dozen systems of coffee machines are popular, in the CIS countries, only four are currently most popular: Nespresso, Tassimo, Cremesso and Dolce Gusto. Let's consider each of them in more detail.

Nespresso

The oldest capsule coffee system, known since 1986. The obvious advantages include a wide selection of tastes and a huge selection of models of coffee machines from two manufacturers at once: DeLonghi and Krups.

Both companies offer a wide range of prices for devices and a very wide range of functions. Some models are equipped with a special jug for preparing cold or hot milk foam (“aerocino”). In addition, there are other additional options: cup heating, hot water for tea, automatic shutdown, anti-drip system, the ability to install cocktail glasses, automatic cleaning, etc.

In general, Nespresso coffee machines are of high build quality and belong to the premium class, although there are inexpensive options, such as DeLonghi EN 97.W.

Capsules

The market has a palette of 17 coffee flavors produced by the Swiss company Nestle, including 3 types of caffeine-free. Aluminum capsules with a polymer coating, which allows you to store coffee in capsules up to 1 year. The weight of coffee in the capsule is 7 g, which is enough to make a quality drink.

The price varies depending on the variety, but you can save extra by buying compatible capsules: Smart Coffee Club, Ethical Coffee Company. You can use the capsules of the Swiss company Delica, which are produced under the brand name Café Royal, their price is much less per package.

Finally, you can use the option with empty capsules, coffee in which you can pour yourself on your own. A standard pack of coffee in 250 g is enough for about 35 servings.

Tassimo

The Tassimo capsule system machines are manufactured by Bosch, and the capsules are manufactured by Kraft Foods, an American company. This capsule system differs from the others in several ways: the capsule is made in the form of a disk, the cooking technology is also different.

Advantages of the system:

• The preparation of the drink is as automated as possible.
• There are inexpensive options with a built-in water filter.
• Long shelf life of capsules.
• Reasonable price for a number of models.
• Prepares tea and hot chocolate.

Minuses:

• Not very reliable machine design.
• It is often necessary to clean the reader scanner.
• The pressure is modest enough: 3.3 bar.

Capsules

The coffee tastes palette is 11, the capsules are made of food grade polymer and aluminum. The weight of coffee in the capsule is 9 g, this is due to the peculiarities of the brewing technology, and not the generosity of the manufacturer. A barcode is applied to each capsule, from which the machine reads all the necessary data: the amount of water, temperature, time for preparing the drink. The system allows you to prepare not only coffee, but also four varieties of tea and cocoa.

Coffee capsules are sold under the Jacobs brand, hot chocolate under the Milka brand, and tea capsules under the Twinings logo.

Important! In addition to conventional capsules, the device comes with a disk that activates a self-cleaning program. A special indicator will inform you about the need for cleaning.

Cremesso

Coffee machines and capsules are produced under a single brand owned by the Swiss company Delica. An undoubted advantage of the system is the fact that the company controls the entire coffee production cycle, from growing it on plantations to packing in capsules and brewing in machines. Other manufacturers cannot brag of it.

Important! In 2010, the company passed the certification of UTZ - a global organization responsible for the quality of cultivation and processing of products.

Cremesso capsule coffee machines make coffee and tea very quickly (20-30 seconds), and yet consume little energy (no more than 0.3 W). The machines of this company have the most stylish design. The volume of a removable water tank in various models varies from 0.65 to 1 liter, working pressure - up to 19 bar.

Important! More expensive machine options have a decalcification system and a programmable water and milk dispenser for making cappuccino.

Capsules

The range of flavors consists of eleven coffee options and 4 teas. In addition, capsules for the World Tour coffee machine series are produced in limited quantities, which contain exclusive varieties of coffee grown in various parts of the world.

Important! Cremesso capsules contain 7 g of coffee. Capsules are coated with a safe food grade polymer. Shelf life: 1.5 years.

Dolce gusto

This is a cheap version of Nespresso, with its advantages and disadvantages. Of the positive qualities:

• The price of capsules and coffee machines is low.
• Large palette of drinks (20 flavors). You can make not only different types of cappuccino, but also espresso, tea or hot chocolate.

Cons of the system:

• Fairly fragile design.
• Coffee capsules 6 g.

Dolce Gusto devices are manufactured under the Krups brand. Prices for coffee machines are very affordable, but even in the budget version there are:

• switching of supply of hot and cold water;
• height-adjustable cup stand;
• Auto power off after 5 minutes.

The most expensive models have, to the already listed, the following additional functions: eco-mode, adjustment of portions of a hot drink. The volume of the removable water tank in such models is twice as large (from 0.6 to 1.5 liters).

Important! All Dolce Gusto machines are equipped with special Termoblock technology, which can be used to heat water in seconds. Maximum pump pressure: 15 bar.

Capsules

Capsules for coffee machines for Dolce Gusto are made in two stages - first in England, at the factory in the village of Hatton, the filler itself is prepared (coffee, cocoa, tea collection), which is then packaged in capsules at the Bouxwiller factory (France).

The range of flavors of the drink is very wide: 10 types of coffee (1 decaffeinated), 6 types of coffee with milk, milk latte tea with spices and 3 chocolate drinks.

Important! Use the special review to understand all the intricacies of the modern coffee industry and decide for yourself, which coffee is better for a coffee machine.

to contents ↑

What to choose?

To answer the question which capsule coffee machine is better, you need to add up all the advantages and subtract the number of cons. Many experts were puzzled by this question, testing them from a practical point of view: how easy they are to manage and maintain, how easy it is to install or remove capsules, whether it is possible to program the required volume of the drink, and how long the process of making coffee lasts. It took into account energy consumption, and how quickly the machine switches to energy-saving mode, as well as how long it takes to clear the device from scale and how much lead and nickel are contained in the finished drink.

According to the results of testing:

1. The highest score was received by Nespresso Pixie and Delizio Una.
2. The following models won the “good” mark: Bosh Tassimo TAS55 and Dolce Gusto Genio.

The restless Swiss decided to check which capsules are better by organizing a blind tasting at the central railway station of Zurich. The tasting was attended by 2034 people aged 18 to 74 years. It turned out that 55% of Swiss consumers preferred the taste of Delizio capsule coffee. We will not argue that this particular drink is the best, because the matter is in taste and the final choice is always up to the consumer.

to contents ↑

Stock footage

We hope that the information presented helped you decide on a capsule coffee machine, and every morning you will be pleased with yourself and your loved ones with a fragrant invigorating drink.