How to use a capsule coffee machine: types, pros and cons

Not only a true gourmet, but also an ordinary person can appreciate all the advantages of coffee capsules. It is impossible to describe all the acute sensations, unique aroma and rich taste of freshly brewed coffee - it must be savored, enjoying every sip of a truly divine drink. It is brewed by modern, smart and stylish coffee machines.

Not only a true gourmet, but also an ordinary person can appreciate all the advantages of coffee capsules.

Features of capsule coffee machines

A capsule coffee machine is a technique controlled by complex electronic processes, but very easy to use.

The device consists of several blocks:

Boiler (thermoblock) – heats the water to the coffee brewing temperature.
Water dispenser – measures portions of liquid for the programmed coffee drink. The duration of the feed depends on the selected key.
The pump is a self-regulating pump that creates the high pressure needed to create steam.
Capsule brewing and ejection system - fixes the capsule by piercing a hole in it, brews coffee and dumps the spent capsule into a special container or tray.
Electronic unit – this is where the software and control system for the device are located. From the control unit, when the selected key is pressed, the signal is sent to all units of the unit.
All this is hidden under an elegant and stylish plastic or metal case on which the control panel is located. The housing is installed and secured to the supporting frame.

The taste of brewed coffee depends not only on the quality and type of coffee, but also on the brewing method and conditions.

Features of the use of capsules

You should choose capsules as responsibly as possible. They must be suitable for the device. Some models offer the option of using reusable coffee containers. They are less convenient, but have a low price.

Capsule compatibility

Most manufacturers try to ensure that not only original capsules can be used in their devices. The instructions always indicate which types of them can be installed in the device.

Capsules that are not included in the list of those recommended for the coffee machine should be used with caution, even if they are identical in shape and size to the original ones.

Reusable capsules

Many manufacturers produce reusable coffee containers for their models. They need to be filled with coffee bean powder yourself, using the dispenser included with them. The kit includes sheets with self-adhesive covers necessary for sealing.

In addition, Coffeduck, as well as MY Cap and CAPSULIN, produce capsules for many popular brands of coffee machines.

Alternative capsules

There are many alternative capsules on the market now. Often they are not included in the list recommended by the manufacturer, but their shape and size do not differ from the original ones, so their use is acceptable. The largest number of alternative capsules are produced for coffee machines:

Nespresso;
MUST;
Professo;
RIOBA;
Musetti;
Kaffa, etc.

Consequences of using non-original capsules

Coffee machine manufacturers do not recommend the use of non-original capsules.

When using reusable coffee containers, the quality of the finished drink often suffers. A similar effect is observed due to the fact that the product is stored in unsealed conditions. In addition, the use of reusable coffee containers provokes faster contamination of the device with leftover grounds.

Inserting a disposable capsule of the wrong shape or size may cause it to rupture during preparation of the drink. This causes contamination of the device.

Advantages and disadvantages of devices

The advantages of capsule machines are simply undeniable, but the disadvantage - high cost - can be disputed. Due to great demand, the market has been replenished with budget products. Therefore, every coffee lover will be able to purchase equipment based on their budget.

Every coffee lover will be able to purchase equipment based on their budget.

Advantages:

The entire process of making coffee in the unit takes no more than 60 seconds, which allows you to put the capsule coffee maker at the highest level in comparison with others.
It’s incredibly easy to figure out how to use a capsule coffee machine, which means that even a child can make coffee or cappuccino.
A cup of aromatic drink prepared with high-quality equipment is identical in all parameters and taste to coffee made by a professional barista.
There are no coffee grounds in the cup with the finished drink thanks to the filter placed in the capsule.
Coffee for capsule devices has a large selection of created drinks.
There is no need to clean up waste after making coffee.
Each capsule is sealed, contains a filter, is sterile, and has an inert gas added to it, which allows you to keep the product fresh and aromatic for 2 years.

Can capsules be used without a coffee machine?

It is possible to make coffee from a capsule without a coffee machine.
To do this, you will need an ordinary Turk or a geyser coffee maker, in which good coffee can be brewed on a regular gas stove. The capsule must be opened manually, like a tin can, cutting its lid in a circle .
Then pour the contents into a container and cook. As a result, the coffee will turn out no worse than in an electric coffee maker. You cannot pour coffee from a capsule into a cup and pour boiling water over it ; only the instant version is suitable for this.

Kinds

Having a capsule coffee machine in your home arsenal, you can easily pamper yourself and your loved ones with your favorite aromatic drinks: from espresso to Americano, from cappuccino to foamy latte and lungo.

Having a capsule coffee machine in your home arsenal, you can easily pamper yourself and your loved ones with your favorite aromatic drinks

Nespresso

Nespresso coffee machines operate on capsules designed for them, which are produced using special technology. Each capsule contains 7 grams of ground coffee. A total of 17 types of drink are produced, sealed in a sealed foil capsule. Coffee can be used for 2 years without losing its freshness and aroma.

Nespresso coffee machines operate on capsules designed for them, which are produced using special technology.

The main advantage of Nespresso is its high pressure, at which the steam supply reaches 19 bar. It is these conditions, combined with the best varieties of coffee, that contribute to obtaining the most delicious aromatic drink. A cup of this drink, prepared at home or in the office, can compete with coffee made in the best coffee shops or restaurants in Italy.

The main advantage of Nespresso is its high pressure, at which the steam supply reaches 19 bar.

This coffee machine is designed for creative people and allows you to prepare your drinks taking into account personal taste preferences. True gourmets can buy their favorite varieties and even make mixes, only to do this they need to purchase special empty capsules and fill them with crushed coffee.

This coffee machine is designed for creative people and allows you to prepare your drinks taking into account personal taste preferences.

It’s impossible to answer the question about the cost of a Nespresso coffee machine; it depends on the following factors: power, class, performance, functionality, design, etc.

However, if in this matter we focus on the prices for a cup of coffee in a restaurant, then the cost of an inexpensive coffee machine will be equal to 60 cups of the drink. We can conclude that this is a very profitable investment.

The cost of an inexpensive coffee machine will be equal to 60 cups of drink

All capsule-type coffee machines operate on the same principle, the difference lies in the number of functions available. Nespresso is the most popular type of capsule from Nestle, 29 types of coffee beans. Available in 16 flavors and 10 strength options. Krups and DeLonghi machines work with these capsules.

Nespresso is the most popular type of capsule from Nestle

Dolce Gusto

Nescafe capsules. Available in 14 coffee flavors, 2 cocoa flavors and 1 tea flavor. Krups brand capsules are suitable.

Tassimo

It only works with Bosch models, but you can use capsules for the coffee machine for 5 types of coffee, as well as hot chocolate and tea, caramel macchiato and about 10 other drinks. Such a wide selection will mean a lot to true gourmets. The capsules have barcodes that can be read by advanced models.

The Tassimo coffee machine only works with Bosch models, but you can use capsules for the coffee machine for 5 types of coffee

If last year's Piccolo XS (review) was an update to the basic Piccolo, then the new 2021 Krups Dolce Gusto Genio S is an update to the Mini Me (and here's its review). And in three persons at once:

Dolce Gusto Krups Genio S Basic KP240110 White – white, basic, the most affordable model, without a metal grill on the cup stand.
Dolce Gusto Krups Genio S Plus KP340810 Black – black, with temperature control and “espresso boost” function, about a thousand more expensive. There is also a similar model in red: KP340510 .
Dolce Gusto Krups Genio S Touch KP440E10 Silver – silver with touch controls, functionally a complete analogue of the KP340810 Plus, another thousand rubles more expensive.

By prices I mean recommended retail prices (RRP). It is clear that with promotions and discounts it is sometimes possible to get a Touch cheaper than Plus; current offers according to Yandex.Market are as follows:

Perhaps the most compact Dolce Gusto

Despite the fact that the name “Piccolo XS” seems to imply very compact dimensions, the coffee machines of the Dolce Gusto Genio S line are even smaller: the depth/height is approximately the same - 29 and 27 cm, respectively, but the width has been reduced to 11 centimeters! And in this parameter, Genio S is on par with the smallest capsule coffee maker of the Nespresso system – Essenza Mini.

The volume of the water tank, which is traditionally located at the back, is 800 ml; the cup stand can be raised one level up (for small mugs) or removed, and then a glass up to 15 cm high fits under the dispenser. Everything here is the same as in Mini Me.

The same flow-through thermoblock with a power of up to 1600 W is used as a heater, and the pump can be one of two (it is impossible to predict, they use the one that was delivered by suppliers to the plant for assembling the next batch) Defond or Sysko. The latter is considered more reliable, but the essence is the same - at the output they both develop a maximum of 15 bar.

Why Krups Dolce Gusto Genio S is better than Mini Me

All three models of the new line received a set of improvements from Piccolo XS:

A sensor for opening the capsule compartment (more precisely, raising the lever), this made it possible to remove the on/off button. The machine turns on either by pressing any button on the control panel, or by opening the capsule compartment. It turns off automatically a minute after preparing the drink or after 5 minutes if there is no preparation.
Notification of the need for decalcification. To do this, a separate LED was displayed on the control panel (the pictogram resembles three jets of water, like from a shower). When it lights up, it’s time to remove the scale. The coffee maker is guided by the total volume of water passed through itself, in the region of 100 liters, regardless of its actual hardness. Another thing is that you can reset the alert only by running the cleaning. So if you use low-mineralized bottled or pre-purified water (especially reverse osmosis), then real decalcification can be done less often, every other time with ordinary clean water.

But the main difference is still the control panel. And here it is worth considering each of the three sisters separately.

Basic Dolce Gusto Krups Genio S Basic KP240110 White - direct replacement for Mini Me

In addition to the bonuses described above, the KP240 model differs from the Mini Me only in its controls and dimensions/appearance. The lever for supplying cold or hot water has been replaced with two keys: selecting the temperature (cold or hot) and starting cooking. And the volume regulator has turned from a slider into a circular ring. In general, these are the same eggs, but in a new way.

Cold water can be used, for example, for a drink such as Cappuccino Ice - this is one of the types of capsules of the Dolce Gusto system. There are about 25 of them in total, there are both black coffee and milk drinks, the latest being a collaboration with Starbucks. Although the main supplier of coffee is, of course, Nescafe (this company is the developer of the Dolce Gusto capsule system). Keep in mind that milk drinks are made from two capsules placed in sequence (that is, the price of the drink is doubled), and some capsules use instant coffee. A detailed description of most capsules, as well as information about analogues and reusable ones from Aliexpress, is in a separate material.

At the time of writing this review, the price of the Dolce Gusto Krups Genio S Basic KP240110 capsule coffee machine is comparable to the Mini Me. Probably, in this case, it is better to buy a new product with a sensor for opening the capsule compartment and a decalcification indicator. Although... Look at the price and appearance.

Dolce Gusto Krups Genio S Plus KP340: worth paying extra for “boosted espresso”?

Both “plus” modifications - black KP340810 and red KP340510 - received one additional “espresso boost” button and two additional brewing temperature levels, which are switched cyclically in a circle with the corresponding key:

Maximum temperature = hot drink temperature for the base model of the Dolce Gusto Krups KP240110 Basic line - approximately 85 degrees with a permissible range of +/- 3 degrees (this is the official product specification, by the way, a good illustration of the thermal stability of thermoblocks, when +/- 3 degrees is the norm) .
The average temperature is 80 degrees.
Low temperature - 75 degrees.
Cold drink - no heating.

What will lowering the temperature to 80 and 75 give when even 85 is not enough for espresso? So Dolce Gusto coffee makers are not about espresso at all, but rather about larger drinks. And when you pour a lungo of 100 ml or more, then lowering the temperature may be a solution to reduce the parasitic bitterness from dark-roasted Arabica or, especially, Robusta, which are actively used in many capsules. That is, a voluminous drink will be softer if you pour the capsule with less hot water in large volumes. As for me, the taste is still very controversial, but the element of creativity and influence on the result must be taken into account.

But a separate “boost espresso” key is more valuable specifically for lovers of espresso from capsules (how many capsules can actually make espresso). This function:

Firstly, it heats up the thermoblock to 94 degrees (this takes an additional 5-7 seconds to the starting 40, which the car spends on warming up after the initial start-up).
Second, it activates a five-second pre-wet, which increases flavor intensity. And pre-wetting always works, it’s not for nothing that it is used in 99.99% of home automatic coffee machines.

As a result, the espresso actually becomes richer and somewhat brighter, that’s a fact. By the way, you can turn on “gain” only for small volumes; when activated, you can select only the first 3 degrees of volume – up to 80 ml.

Dolce Gusto Krups Genio S Touch KP440E10 = Plus in silver and with touch controls

It's a matter of personal taste, but I like the touch controls less than the "classic" controls of the KP340810. And it’s not that the Touch version’s sensor is somehow defective, no, it reacts quite decently. But in the form of “mechanics”, Plus has simply more buttons, which are easier for me to hit. Since everything else is the same, everyone will assess the advisability of paying an additional payment of about 1000 rubles for themselves. Except that the black color of the Plus may not suit everyone.

Review Summary

Previously, all Dolce Gusto capsule coffee makers served a 100% identical drink, from the cheapest to the most expensive models. But with Krups KP340810 and KP440E10 (please note, the base Genio S Basic KP240110 does not apply here ) everything has changed a little.
Their temperature adjustment allows you to serve large-volume drinks with lower extraction (and for one with a little less parasitic bitterness, which always appears on large lungos), but more important is the “espresso boost” function: a higher temperature and a 5-second pre-wetting really increases richness and intensity of espresso. Such settings are, in principle, rare, when for a capsule coffee maker “with one button” they gave some element of minimal creativity.
I can’t say that thanks to this, Dolce Gusto capsules can now compete with Nesspreso capsules (original or, even better, from local roasters), but progress is obvious, commendable. Publication date: 06/07/2021.
Your opinion is important to me. Please rate the material: (Total ratings: 5. Average: 5.00 )

Where to buy this model in Moscow, St. Petersburg and the regions - current prices:

How does a capsule coffee machine work?

The operation of the capsule machine is quite simple. After the charged coffee capsule is pierced, hot water is supplied into the hole under a pressure of 15 to 19 bar, and the required option is selected and a key is pressed to prepare your favorite drink.

The capsule coffee machine works quite simply

All you have to do is wait 60 seconds and you get a cup of aromatic coffee. The drink is prepared very quickly and eliminates the constant need to clean the coffee machine.

The drink is prepared very quickly and eliminates the constant need to clean the coffee machine.

Principle of operation

The operating principle of a capsule coffee machine is simple, regardless of the manufacturer or its price. It is as follows:

One capsule containing ground coffee is inserted into the coffee maker.
In expensive versions of coffee makers, you can select the type of drink, while in cheap ones there is only espresso. By pressing the power button, cooking begins.
The coffee machine determines how much water it needs to brew coffee and takes this volume from the reservoir, which should be filled with water in advance.
The water heats up almost instantly to a temperature of about 90-95 °C. There is no boiling, so only purified drinking water should be poured .
The built-in system pierces the capsule with compressed coffee and, under a pressure of 15-19 bar, water is supplied into it, brewing the drink and then sending it into the cup.

By the way! This coffee machine runs on mains power. Once the cooking process is complete, all that remains is to remove the used capsule.

How to choose a capsule coffee machine

When choosing, you should pay attention that equipment such as a capsule coffee maker may differ in the availability of functions and capsules.

Equipment such as a capsule coffee maker may differ in the presence of functions and capsules.

The most necessary functions: touch display, cappuccino maker, water tank capacity up to 1 liter, power and pressure, the more the better. It is very important to decide on the choice of capsules. Nespresso is the most popular, from the manufacturer Nestlé.

It is very important to decide on the choice of capsules for the coffee machine.

Criterias of choice

In order for a coffee machine to please you for a long time and not make you regret wasted money, when choosing it you need to take into account several factors at once.

Black coffee lovers will appreciate the model that uses Nespresso capsules.

The most discerning gourmets should make sure that the selected coffee machine has a cup warming function - it will make your espresso especially delicious. Well, if ground coffee produced by Nestle seems too expensive, you can always choose budget alternative capsules for such a coffee maker.

Do you prefer lattes and cappuccinos?

In this case, you cannot do without a machine with a milk container or a cappuccino maker - such models are produced by Bosch, Caffitaly and Delonghi.

Do you need a machine for an office where there is no space to store fresh milk? Then it makes sense to consider the Dolche Gusto coffee maker - it will prepare cappuccino and lattes using capsules with coffee and powdered milk or cream.

A good option for lovers of a variety of drinks are the Caffitaly and Tassimo coffee machines, in which you can make cocoa, coffee (black or with milk), and also brew tea, including green.

If your loved ones do not share your passion for an invigorating drink, you can purchase a small coffee maker with a flask of up to 1 liter. A large family or a friendly office team will need a model whose tank holds 1.3 to 2 liters of water. Ideally, such a coffee machine will have a waste container that allows you to throw away all used capsules once at the end of the day.

The tap water in your home is too hard and you don't have a filter? In this case, do not forget to wash the coffee maker regularly, or better yet, purchase a device with automatic descaling.

Buyers primarily focused on the price of coffee machines will find the following information useful.

Budget coffee makers costing up to 5,000 rubles mainly work with Dolche Gusto and Tassimo capsules. They do not have cappuccino makers and are equipped with a minimum of functions.

At prices ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 rubles, you can purchase not only Tassimo, but also Caffitaly and Nespresso models - however, their functionality will not be very rich either.

If you are looking for a capsule coffee machine with a cappuccino maker, waste container, cup heating function, auto descaling and other nice options, you will have to pay more than 15,000 rubles.

How to use a capsule coffee machine

Ease of use allows manufacturers to avoid having to write long instructions: fill the reservoir with water, insert the capsule and secure it, turn it on, select the type of drink.

The coffee machine is easy to clean - just wipe with damp cloths and fill with purified or boiled water. Periodically remove used capsules. Clean the coffee from scale and oils in a timely manner.

The coffee machine is easy to clean - just wipe with damp cloths, fill with purified or boiled water

How to clean a capsule coffee machine

It is better to entrust the cleaning of capsule coffee makers to specialists. They have the necessary equipment, oils, universal products selected for these purposes, and knowledge. And most importantly, the whole process will take no more than 20 minutes.

It is better to entrust the cleaning of capsule coffee makers to specialists

Necessary procedures:

decalcification or descaling;
cleaning the working group and the output path from coffee oils;
cleaning external parts;
prevention and lubrication of working units.

When cleaning yourself, you must:

purchase a special cleaning agent that is suitable for the device;
dilute it in the required proportion with water and fill the hydraulic system. After 5-7 minutes, open the tap and drain part of the solution - wait another 5 minutes. Repeat until the liquid runs out;
After the procedure, make several empty coffee brews to flush the solution from the system.

Main manufacturers and best models of capsule coffee makers and capsules for them

The choice of capsule coffee makers is not as wide as other coffee machines. Most often, the manufacturers themselves are engaged in the production of coffee capsules, which are suitable only for the coffee makers they produce, but there are exceptions to this rule.

The main manufacturers of capsule coffee makers include Bosch, Delonghi, Dolce Gusto, Zepter, Krups, Lavazza, and the best models among their range include:

Bosch TAS 3202 Suny is a capsule coffee maker with a stylish design and an affordable price, approximately 4,000 rubles. For preparing drinks in this case, Tassimo capsules are suitable, which can be filled not only with coffee, but also with cocoa, black tea or hot chocolate. The power of the device is 1300 W, the volume of the water tank is 0.8 l, the pressure is 3.3 bar.

The latter indicator is very small, which is one of the most significant drawbacks of these models. The advantages of Bosch capsule coffee makers include the fact that the drink preparation mode is set automatically, thanks to the device reading the barcode that is on each capsule.

In addition, you can change the strength of the drink and its quantity using manual adjustment.

After each use of the device, it is automatically cleaned with steam, and a special service T-disk is included in the kit for descaling. The height of the tray can be adjusted, which makes it possible to use any utensils;

Krups Melody III KP220510. The tank has a volume of 1.3 liters and a pressure of 15 bar. The height of the tray is adjustable. The device automatically disconnects from the network 20 minutes after brewing the drink;

Delonghi EN 110 GY. Works exclusively with Nespresso containers. The container holds 1 liter of water. The power is 1260 W and the pressure reaches a maximum (19 bar). The device is equipped with a separate compartment for capsules that have already been used. It takes a maximum of 25 seconds to heat the water. The device goes into standby mode 9 minutes after the last use. This saves energy.

Caring for the capsule machine

Maintenance is the most basic: wipe with a damp cloth, remove capsules, keep clean, periodically descale and lubricate working units.

Tips for using capsule coffee makers

Following some rules will help you get a quality drink and extend the life of the unit.

Adhere to the operating requirements specified in the instructions.
Use the correct capsules.
Fill only with purified water to avoid scale.
Periodically contact a service center for professional cleaning and lubrication.
Love your coffee machine.

Your favorite coffee maker will help you start the day with a cup of pleasure and enjoy the unique aroma and exquisite taste of a natural drink made from the best varieties of coffee.

Reviews

“Many cafes prepare drinks from capsules, but most people make a purchasing decision after trying different flavors in the office or at a party. Here are reviews from real owners who have already purchased capsule coffee makers.” – Alena, 39 years old, owner of DELONGHI Nescafe Dolce Gusto Stelia

“This is our third coffee machine of this type, and the whole family loves it! Sometimes we use reusable capsules, pour in different types of coffee, but more often we take standard disposable ones - there are a lot of flavors. Convenient and easy to use, no complaints! I’m satisfied and recommend it!” – Margarita, 25 years old, owner of BOSCH Tassimo T20

“We got the coffee machine as part of a promotion: we bought 10 packs of Tassimo and received the machine itself for 1 ruble. In principle, it’s convenient, and different capsules fit into it (just insert it on top, and then the barcode is read and everything is prepared on its own). You can adjust the height of the cup stand, there is a cleaning program, and a large reservoir. We use it every day, although it’s a little expensive.” – Oleg, 42 years old, owner of Krups KP 1006 NESCAFE Dolce Gusto Piccolo

“We bought it solely because of my wife’s choice; she liked the unusual design. In practice, this is not the best option, the drink is not too hot, just warm, and the amount of liquid must be adjusted manually, that is, not automatic. But it hasn’t broken for two years now, so we’re using it.” – Vadim, 45 years old