A capsule coffee machine is a device that can be used at home to make espresso without any special skills. The device will automatically brew a cup of coffee after spending 1 capsule. This option is becoming increasingly popular because... has a good combination of price and quality.
Types of capsule coffee machines.
History of appearance
Eric Favre is the creator of the capsule coffee maker model who worked for Nestle. He decided to invent a machine to replicate the taste of the espresso he bought in Rome in 1975.
First, the man came up with a pod - a portioned tablet designed for 1 cup. However, it did not pass the quality examination because it absorbed extraneous odors and did not reveal the taste of coffee.
A little later, a second version of the device appeared, made in the form of a sealed container with a built-in membrane and filters. Favre noted that this method of transporting the finished powder can also be used to brew espresso.
In 1978, Nespresso SA patented this technology, releasing the first coffee machine that worked only with capsules.
The popularization of the invention began in 1988, and 3 years later the device began to be sold in the United States and Europe.
In Russia, capsule coffee makers became in demand in the 2010s. By that time, Lavazza had already developed their own machines, and in 2012, most of Nespresso’s patents became invalid. Currently, many companies are producing their own powder capsules.
Advantages and disadvantages of devices
Advantages
The main advantages of a number of models presented for sale, experts include the following:
- To prepare an aromatic, tasty and high-quality drink, you do not need to have special professional skills;
- You can easily prepare such complex drinks as lattes and cappuccinos, mochaccinos and many others;
- The device is much quieter compared to classic coffee machines;
- The devices have an affordable price that is acceptable to a wide range of buyers.
Disadvantages of capsule coffee machines
According to customer reviews, there are also negative aspects of the device for brewing an aromatic drink from special capsules.
The most significant of these is the limited selection of coffee. That is, a person who has a classic machine in his arsenal has the ability to prepare a variety of drinks. At the same time, they will differ in strength, method of preparation, as well as types of coffee. All this cannot be achieved using a capsule coffee machine.
Manufacturers are producing new and different types of replacement capsules for these devices, but the choice is still small. As a result, the consumer can only prepare the drink that the manufacturer offers him.
General concept of a capsule coffee machine
Capsule-type coffee makers are modern devices that involve the use of portioned pods. The system works automatically, the user only needs to select the desired parameters (strength, volume, etc.).
Principle of operation
All models operate according to 1 scheme. The capsule loaded into the compartment is pierced with a needle, and then liquid is drawn through it under high pressure. The brewing process takes no more than 1 minute, and the taste is not inferior to espresso prepared in a coffee shop.
Device
The system consists of several main components:
- Boiler. Heats cold water to the desired temperature.
- Dispenser. Controls the amount of liquid supplied.
- Module for brewing and inserting capsules. Responsible for clamping and piercing, dumping the waste container.
- Pump. Creates increased pressure.
- Control block. Regulates the synchronous operation of all mechanisms.
Coffee machine device.
Differences from grain
Both models are suitable for preparing delicious espresso, but they have several differences:
- Working speed: capsule - 30 seconds, and grain - minutes.
- Size: The first one is portable and the second one is the size of a microwave.
- Cost: 5-15 thousand rubles. versus 10-40 thousand rubles.
- Cooking process: capsule - automatic, grain - controlled by a person.
How to use the coffee machine
The operating principle of a capsule coffee machine, be it Nespresso, Bosh or Tassimo, is similar and simple:
- You need to insert the capsules into the device.
- Place the cup and select the drink category.
- The pump takes water from the tank and passes it through the heating element, which brings it to the required temperature.
- The integrity of the capsule is broken, and water passes through their contents.
- The grains are boiled and the liquid is filtered.
- After this, the coffee is ready to drink.
It is recommended to run water through the device 2-3 times after turning on the coffee machine.
It is worth noting that capsule coffee machines do not require any settings. The device itself recognizes what kind of capsule is installed, selects the volume of water, the optimal temperature and other parameters.
Thus, we can safely say that a capsule coffee machine is a simple and easy-to-maintain device that can provide the owner with the necessary amount of the desired drink.
Main features
Distinctive characteristics of the device:
- No noise during cooking.
- Ease of use.
- High cooking speed.
Device cost
The price for different models varies from 5 to 15 thousand rubles. depending on the company and the set of additional functions:
- Cappuccino maker.
- Possibility of using milk.
- Brew lattes and hot chocolate.
Price of capsules
The cost of capsules also varies. On average, a package for 6-12 servings will cost 500 rubles. However, you need to consider that there are devices that use several at a time.
Capsules for coffee machine.
Possibility of repair and maintenance
Any equipment can break. To prevent maintenance and repairs from causing problems, you should not purchase rare foreign models, because... parts may not be available for sale.
It is advisable to buy devices that are popular in Russia. However, even if you have the components, you will not be able to repair the device yourself, because... If one component is connected incorrectly, the others will suffer. It is recommended to take it to a service center.
Variety of drinks
Espresso is a classic recipe for such devices. However, they can brew lattes, cappuccinos, and hot chocolate if the necessary programs are installed in the on-board computer.
Caring for your capsule coffee maker
All you need to do with this device is to wipe it after each preparation of coffee from accidental splashes, drops, as well as stains that appear on the surface, for example, from a large amount of moisture. And, of course, no one canceled the standard cleaning procedure - washing the tray and drain grate, removing all remnants of the drink base, and so on.
In addition, approximately once every three to four months this equipment must be washed to avoid the formation of so-called water stone, but this does not at all detract from the ease of maintenance of the machine.
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KRUPS coffee maker review
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Types of systems
Each capsule system has its own characteristics (the shape of the container, the presence of identification marks that simplify the operation of the computer, the number of flavors, etc.). Most often, a single coffee maker can only use 1 type of capsule, but there are also universal models.
Nespresso
This is a popular and in demand system. It has a compact size, suitable for home and office. There are 17 flavors. The powder containers are made of aluminum, so the ground grain does not deteriorate within 12 months.
Nespresso coffee machine.
Dolche gusto
An easy-to-use Dolce Gusto machine with an unusual design. Can make about 10 types of coffee, as well as 10 types of chocolate shakes and tea. The disadvantages include the low build quality of cheap models and the cost of capsules.
Dolche gusto coffee machine.
Tassimo
The most products are produced for this system, so owners of such coffee makers will be able to even brew tea. The devices are characterized by low pressure, but this does not affect the quality of the finished espresso.
Tassimo with low pressure.
Cremesso
These coffee makers are characterized by minimal energy consumption and high operating pressure. Delicious espresso is prepared in no more than 30 seconds.
There are 12 varieties of recipes, as well as 4 types of tea.
Food-grade plastic is used to make containers, so their cost is quite high. As already mentioned, a significant disadvantage of coffee machines is the high price of capsules and their limited quantity.
Cremesso coffee in 30 seconds.
Caffitaly
Machines from an Italian company brew cocoa and black tea with additives. The brand's line includes options with cappuccino makers and hot milk containers. A special feature of the machines is a double filter, which improves the taste of espresso.
Caffitaly will brew cocoa for you.
Characteristics of capsules
Before highlighting the pros and cons of capsule coffee machines, let’s consider the taste qualities of the capsules. And why some coffee lovers consider them better than regular coffee beans.
Coffee capsules
The benefits of capsule coffee include:
- rich taste (ground coffee from 7 to 9.5 g in one capsule);
- sealed packaging and storage without loss of taste for two years;
- a wide variety of coffee types, as well as hot chocolate, mochaccino, tea;
- built-in filter, so grounds never get into the cup of coffee;
- You can serve a large number of guests in a short period of time.
Types of Nespresso capsules
Disadvantages can also be identified:
- limited choice;
- high cost of a prepared cup of coffee from a capsule.
Advice! It is preferable to buy a capsule coffee machine from a well-known brand, so that later there will be no problem finding capsules of the same name.
Considering the advantages and disadvantages of capsule coffee, each person can decide for himself which option for preparing an invigorating drink to give his preference.
Nespresso coffee machine
Types of capsules
There are 2 types of capsules: disposable and reusable.
Disposable
Most devices work well only with disposable capsules. In retail stores they are sold more often than reusable ones. The assortment is much larger, but they are compatible only with 1 type of coffee maker.
Reusable
Such containers are made of plastic. They need to be cleaned, repaired and filled yourself. They do not close tightly, so the quality of the espresso will be lower.
Reusable capsules.
Functionality of coffee machines
Now let's figure out which capsule coffee machine to choose in terms of the functions it performs.
- Grinding degree - ranges from 3 to 12.
- Temperature - depending on your preference, the drink can turn out scalding, hot or just warm.
- Product strength - you set the degree of saturation of the finished coffee yourself.
- Portion size - the settings of the device will determine what the portion will be: a small cup of the strongest espresso or a huge mug of exquisite latte.
- For two cups - in some modifications, coffee makers can prepare two portioned cups at the same time.
- Warming cups - as a rule, a heated cup is used to prepare coffee, so the tray of the machine is preheated.
- Filtration - When filling the coffee maker with water from a regular tap, you must first clean the filter to get a better quality drink.
- Cleaning from limescale - automatic descaling, which significantly increases the life of the device.
- The presence of a second boiler for accelerating the milk frothing process is intended for very busy people who have no time to wait for the device to convert hot water into steam and back.
- Built-in internal memory - if all family members prefer different types of coffee, you don’t have to set up the machine again every time, but save all the parameters necessary for each coffee connoisseur. And then it will be easy to turn on the desired mode - just select the desired item from the list.
Criteria for choosing a coffee maker: technical characteristics
To make the right choice, you should pay attention to several parameters of the capsule coffee maker.
Power
The power of the device determines the speed of latte preparation: the higher this parameter, the less time you will have to wait. Depending on the model, the power of capsule coffee makers varies from 950 to 1700 W.
Pump pressure
The richness of the espresso taste depends on this parameter. For most models it reaches 19 bar. The exception is units that work with Tassimo capsules, which require 3.3 bar for cooking.
Storage tank
The volume of the tank is not very important for home use, but for the office it is worth buying a machine with a capacity of 1 liter or more.
Dimensions
Basically, capsule devices are the size of a teapot, and the weight does not exceed 3 kg.
Coffee machines are compact in size.
Water heating system
There are 2 options for heating water:
- Permanent, i.e. the liquid will always be at a temperature suitable for cooking. Thanks to this, the cooking speed increases 3 times.
- Temporary. The water is heated during use.
Process automation
These machines only work automatically, so you need to pay attention to the number of installed programs. The more there are, the wider the list of drinks that can be brewed.
Noise level
To ensure that use does not cause discomfort, you should choose coffee makers with sound insulation. But even without it, the device is quite quiet.
Additional options
Additional functions are built into expensive models, for example:
- Automatic shutdown.
- Energy saving mode.
- Timer.
- Cappuccino maker.
- Strength regulator.
Which one to choose for your home?
The main parameters of a device that is suitable for use at home are and should be taken into account when choosing:
- Power . The speed of coffee preparation depends on it, or more precisely, the speed of heating water to the required temperature . The optimal power that is suitable for home use of a coffee maker is at least 1200 W.
- Availability of a cappuccino maker . It is a must for lovers of coffee with milk - cappuccino, latte, cocoa. However, not all capsules contain milk powder, so you can add regular milk to your pure coffee to suit your taste.
- Water tank volume . If 1-2 people plan to use the coffee machine, then a 0.5 liter tank will be sufficient. For more coffee lovers in the family, you will need a tank with a volume of at least 1 liter. It should be noted that the coffee maker cannot be turned on if there is insufficient water or its complete absence in the tank , since the device in this case will fail.
- Pressure . This parameter must be at least 15 bar. Otherwise, there will not be enough pressure to force water through the coffee capsule.
- Size . The more functions a coffee maker has (preparing various types of coffee), the larger it is. As for the coffee machine, it is quite compact. But you need to take into account that at one time she prepares only 1 serving of drink .
- Noise . Most coffee machines are quite noisy devices. However, due to the fact that the capsule cooks very quickly, this problem is not so noticeable, especially if only 1 person uses it.
- Touch display and other additional functions . If the machine has additional functions, it greatly simplifies its operation. But on the other hand, the cost of such a device can be much higher. Additional functions of capsule-type coffee makers include: the ability to adjust the height of the tray, the presence of lighting when the water tank is completely filled .
Another important function is the presence/absence of a water filter .
Important! If you use unpurified liquid when making coffee, scale will accumulate in the device if it is not equipped with a filter.
Rating of the best models
This list includes products that have a good combination of price and quality.
They were selected based on several parameters:
- Price.
- Electricity consumption.
- Durability.
- Popular with buyers.
Xiaomi Scishare Capsule Coffee Machine S1103
Portable and silent model with a lever to regulate the amount of liquid. A person can adjust the espresso dose from 15 to 85 ml, and in manual mode up to 180 ml.
The case is equipped with a backlight that tells you when all the drink has been poured into the cup. Has a container for used capsules for 10 pieces.
Compatible with Nespresso capsules. The pump pressure is 19 bar.
Model Xiaomi Scishare Capsule Coffee Machine S1103.
Caffitaly S06
Operating the device is quite simple, because... The on-board computer independently chooses when to wet the grains, pierce and remove the capsules. For cooking, you can turn on the dispenser adjustment. It allows you to insert high cups. And the Panarello attachment will turn espresso into cappuccino or latte.
Caffitaly s22 Bianko
The coffee machine prepares espresso and latte. Using the pressure regulator, you can select the volume of espresso up to 200 ml.
The car has a pleasant minimalistic appearance.
The case is compact, so the device can be moved freely around the room. In addition, there is a cappuccino maker for frothing milk.
KitchenAid 5kes0503eac Artisan Nespresso
This machine is suitable for preparing espresso, lungo and ristretto. The highest pressure is 19 bar, which is enough to prepare delicious espresso in 1 minute. A set of pods with several types of powder is included in the kit.
Nespresso C30 Essenza Mini
This classic capsule coffee machine comes in several colors. The on-board computer monitors energy consumption, so after 8-9 minutes it will automatically turn off. There are 2 main programs preset: 40 ml espresso and 110 ml lungo.
Bosch Tas 7001EE/7002/7004EE Tassimo
The Bosch model works on Tassimo capsules, which have special technology. Each has a barcode, which will help artificial intelligence understand which scheme needs to be applied.
It takes into account the amount of water and temperature to get the highest quality finished drink. There is a built-in descaling function.
Bosch Tas 1401/1402/1403/1404/1407 Tassimo
The capsule coffee maker has a 700 ml water tank. The user can choose the espresso strength and cup size. The high stand is manually adjustable. Caring for the device will not cause problems, because... There is a self-cleaning program.
Bosch Tas 1401/1402/1403/1404/1407 Tassimo with self-cleaning program.
Bosch Tassimo Suny Tas3205
This model prepares a cup of espresso in 2 minutes. It is also compatible with Tassimo, but can work with reusable ones. The case comes in several colors and is equipped with backlighting.
Bosch Tas1252 Tassimo Vivy
The on-board computer recognizes the type of pod by barcode. The user just needs to insert the disc into the brewing unit and press the button. The device is equipped with a flow-through water heater that provides rapid boiling of liquid with minimal energy consumption.
De'longhi Nespresso Lattissima One EN 500
This is a beautiful little capsule coffee maker with a built-in milk frother.
To brew coffee, 2 keys are used: espresso (40 ml) and lungo (110 ml).
The user can reset the factory settings and independently select the desired programs. The volume of the boiling water tank is 1 liter. Uses Nespresso capsules.
De'longhi Nespresso EN 85 AE Essenza Mini
The new capsule device combines ease of use, minimalistic design and high build quality. A wide palette of colors will make it easy to fit the device into any interior.
De'longhi Nespresso EN 85 AE Essenza Mini.
De'longhi Nespresso Pixie EN 125
Features of this model:
- The Pixie design complements the kitchen interior.
- Due to its small size, it can be placed in any part of the room.
- Cooking time is 25 seconds.
- The pump pressure reaches 19 bar.
- Automatic shutdown occurs after 10 minutes.
De'longhi Nespresso Inissia EN 80 ae
The unit is decorated in pleasant colors, and the design is made according to the “Inissia” scheme. The weight is 2 kg, so the coffee machine can be moved around the apartment. Artificial intelligence turns off the heating element after 9 minutes.
Nespresso De'longhi EN 80 Inissia
The capsule coffee maker brews delicious espresso at home. The pump pressure reaches 19 bar, which allows you to preserve the aroma of the coffee bean and get a rich taste. The device consumes 1260 W, so cooking time and energy consumption are minimal.
Model Nespresso De'longhi EN 80 Inissia.
Nespresso De'longhi Latissima Touch EN 550
A special feature of this model is a cappuccino maker that froths milk until foamy. The user can control the operation of the gadget using 4 keys. And the rotary control adjusts the intensity and thickness of the foam. In total, the computer contains about 20 programs for processing capsules.
Nespresso Delonghi EN 85.bae
This stylish and reliable capsule machine also has a milk frother. However, many reviews contain information that this module is often defective and does not work. The pump pressure is 19 bar, the capsule is pierced automatically.
Krups Dolce Gusto KP 100b
It has a classic but bright design. The volume of the hot water tank is 0.6 l, so the model is suitable only for home use. High pressure will allow you to get gentle foam, and the system of reasonable energy consumption will turn off the device after 5 minutes.
Krups KP 350b Dolce Gusto
This is a capsule coffee machine with an unusual design. It has a convenient touch panel and a tray for waste pods. Works with Dolce Gusto containers. It can brew not only espresso, but also latte, cappuccino and cocoa. The pressure is 15 bar.
Coffee machine brand Krups KP 350b Dolce Gusto.
Krups KP 1006
This capsule device is easy to use. It is enough to pour water into the reservoir, put the capsule in the compartment and lower the lever. Using the adjustable stand, the user can adjust the maximum height of the cup.
Krups KP 1105
Capsule coffee machine Krups Oblo KP 1105 Nescafe Dolce Gusto is a compact model made in an original stylish design. With this machine you can prepare more than 25 types of coffee drinks, both hot and cold.
Krups Piccolo Nescafe Dolce Gusto
This is a classic car, decorated in the style of "Picallo". It can brew espresso without user intervention. All a person needs to do is click one button. The water reservoir has a volume of 600 ml, so the device will prepare 6-7 cups at a time.
Krups Dolce Gusto KP 1301/1305/1308 Lumio
Minimalist design and a wide range of functions in the automatic capsule machine provide a good combination of price and quality. And thanks to modern technologies, a computer can brew more than 20 drinks.
Bork c830 Nespresso Creatista Plus
The C830 capsule coffee machine allows you to choose one of 7 recipes, froth milk or prepare your own cocktail in the Barista personal settings mode.
Lavazza lm500
The device prepares lungo and espresso. Using a separate button, a person controls how much powder to use for 1 cup. The design allows for adjustable drip mesh height to accommodate tall mugs and low cups.
Coffee machine brand Lavazza lm500.
What is a capsule type coffee maker
Capsule coffee makers are often called coffee machines. This definition can be considered correct, since coffee preparation in capsule devices is as automated as possible. The user only needs to install the coffee capsule, add water and press the power button. What prevents a capsule coffee maker from being recognized as a full-fledged coffee machine are the limitations in functionality that arise from ease of operation and control. Setting options cannot be configured in the capsule device. There is a capsule through which hot water is supplied under pressure. The cup will contain the drink specified by the capsule manufacturers. In some modern models, you can select the volume of water by varying the strength of the coffee.
The patent for the invention was received in the late 70s, but capsule coffee makers appeared in our country quite recently, about 5-6 years ago. It is still difficult to predict how popular capsule coffee makers will be in our realities, but interest in them is growing every year.
Features of using capsules
In order for the powder to be prepared correctly, it is worth using capsules of the system used in the machine. In addition, it is not recommended to buy non-original products, because... they can clog the tubes due to leaky packaging.
Without coffee machine
If capsules with finely ground grains are used, the powder can be brewed by pouring boiling water into a cup and stirring. However, in this case the drink will turn out tasteless.
Repeatedly
To avoid damaging the tubes, after filling the container you need to check the tightness. If the contents spill out, the capsule cannot be inserted into the compartment.
Principle of operation
Capsule coffee makers use capsules or beans of coffee beans wrapped in filter paper. Capsules intended for preparing the drink contain only high-quality products. In this case, coffee can be either instant or natural.
The capsules are placed in a coffee machine and pierced, causing hot water to mix with the contents to create espresso. There are many different capsule flavors to choose from, and the coffee makers themselves do not require extensive cleaning after each coffee session. This makes them convenient and easy-to-use devices.
IMPORTANT! When using a capsule coffee maker, you will not be able to fully realize the potential of the coffee, since the degree of its dilution depends only on the built-in parameters. In addition, the intensity of the coffee flavor may not be as pronounced as in a regular coffee machine.
Owner reviews
Sergey, 39 years old, Novosibirsk: “Many cafes in my city prepare coffee from capsules, so I decided to buy one for home. The drink has become a little more expensive when compared to using a grain coffee maker, but this is not critical.
Now I can easily prepare breakfast while the device works on its own. I advise everyone to start trying coffee from a capsule machine, because... You don’t need any special skills to handle it.”
Alexey, 20 years old, St. Petersburg: “I received a capsule coffee machine as a promotion for buying 10 packages of capsules. It is convenient and comes with containers from several manufacturers.
The main thing is the presence of a branded barcode. I can adjust the height of the cup stand and pour a lot of water at once to make drinks for the whole family.”
Anastasia, 25 years old, Moscow: “I have already bought my third capsule coffee machine (before that there were Cremesso and Squesito). They are short-lived, but at the same time budget-friendly. Sometimes I buy universal reusable containers, although it’s better not to use them, because... The tubes clog quickly. It is advisable to purchase only disposable containers for cappuccino and espresso.”
Capsule devices
And here it is - the opportunity to drink good espresso without hassle and worries, and not particularly expensive. It’s easier than putting in a capsule, slamming it shut, pressing a button and getting a cup of coffee—probably nothing. (Well, unless we talk about instant drinks, which are quite simple to prepare. But is it possible to compare the taste of real coffee and instant coffee?)
Another undoubted advantage of capsule coffee machines is the cleanliness of preparation. No crumbs, puddles or having to clean a dirty cone and the area on the machine where it fits. These machines are unusually neat.
Another important detail is that they are compact, they can easily find a place even in a small six-meter kitchen or in a small office.
In addition, these devices do not require complex maintenance: you just have to descale them every few months. Well, just a godsend for the modern busy person!
Of course, there are also disadvantages. And we have already talked a little about them: you will be forced to drink only the coffee that the capsule manufacturers for this machine offer you. True, the range is expanding all the time, but your choice is still limited.
