Capsule-type coffee machines for home: how to choose based on characteristics, advantages and disadvantages

The appearance of capsule coffee machines was unexpected. The first technique with a similar operating principle appeared thanks to E. Favre in 1978. Since the 80s of the last century, the invention began to gain popularity at a rapid pace. At the same time, serial production of coffee machines using capsules began. The capsule coffee machine appeared in Russia not so long ago. The first buyers appreciated the advantage of using such devices. The advantages of capsule technology are the taste of the drink, as well as the speed of preparation.

Device

The device of a capsule coffee maker is simple. The basis of the device consists of the following elements:

• frame. The parts of the device are attached to it;
• frame. Designed to protect components located inside the equipment and plays an important role in the aesthetic appeal of the coffee machine;
• heater. Responsible for water temperature;
• pressure pump. Thanks to this, brewing occurs quickly;
• Control block. An electronic equipment assembly consisting of printed circuit boards and wiring. The software responsible for controlling the equipment is loaded into this element;
• brewing mechanism, removing capsules. The mechanical part of the coffee machine allows you to correctly install the container and pierce it;
• water dispenser. Different recipes require different amounts of liquid. The dispenser measures the required amount in accordance with the specified program.

Principle of operation

Pressing a button on the control panel starts a specific operating mode. The command enters the control unit and is then transmitted to other components of the device.

The brewing procedure in this type of coffee machine is impossible without capsules. They are small packages of ground coffee and various additives. The packaging of the containers allows you to prepare a portion for one person.

The package with the filler is placed in a special compartment and pierced. Hot water begins to flow through the hole. The liquid is supplied under pressure of about 15-19 bar. Brewing takes just a few seconds.

Main characteristics of capsule-type coffee machines

Comfort when working with the device depends entirely on its characteristics. The main parameters that you should pay attention to are:

• power. The higher the indicated parameter, the faster the cooking occurs. If the drink was prepared quickly, it will not have time to lose its aroma. The minimum recommended power is 1200 W;
• pressure. Manufacturing companies indicate the maximum value on their products. In some cases, coffee machines boast a level of 20 bar;
• heater type. The devices can be equipped with a boiler or thermoblock.The first is a container in which the liquid is heated to operating temperature. These coffee machines are recommended for frequent use, several servings at a time. The disadvantage of the boiler is its high energy consumption and the risk of scale formation. The thermoblock looks like a tube bent into a spiral. Water is heated in small portions, and there are no disadvantages inherent in the boiler;
• tank size. Based on the volume of water used per capsule (60 ml), the final requirement can be calculated. So, 0.7 liters of liquid is enough to prepare 11 cups. If you plan to use the machine frequently, then it is better to choose options with at least a liter tank;
• the presence of an anti-drip system;
• waste container size. With the capacity of such a container being 15-20 capsules of used coffee, it will allow you to clean the device less often;
• cup height. Different coffee machines can handle different cup heights. You need to pay special attention to this factor so that when purchasing equipment you do not spend additional money on purchasing dishes.

Additional functions

To simplify the process of preparing your favorite drink, the devices are equipped with some additional functions. Some of them are aimed at ensuring safety during operation of equipment. Others simply make the machine easier to use. The main features to look for are:

• volume setting;
• automatic shutdown;
• indicators indicating the work process;
• boiling water;
• warming the cup;
• descaling.

Advantages

Capsule machines have a number of advantages that guarantee a strong, tasty drink. The advantages of this technique include:

• preservation of the aroma of the product due to the tightness of the packaging;
• full automation;
• cooking speed;
• low price of equipment;
• using already ground coffee;
• no noise during operation.

Flaws

Capsule coffee machines have their drawbacks. You should definitely find out about them before purchasing. Particular attention should be paid to the high cost of containers, as well as the small selection of coffee varieties. Nevertheless, you should not get hung up on these problems, because the high-quality contents of the packaging more than compensate for them. A number of manufacturers carefully control the process of growing raw materials, thereby being responsible for the quality of their product.

What kind of coffee can you make?

Capsule manufacturing companies offer almost 20 types of drinks. The leader in this indicator is Lespresso with 18 packages with different contents. The composition of the capsules affects the strength, caffeine content, and taste. Everyone can make espresso, cappuccino, latte. Those who prefer tea or hot chocolate can use special packaging.

Type of capsules

Nespresso

The manufacturer of this type of capsule is Nestlé, which has been operating on the market for more than 20 years. The packaging consists of 16 varieties of coffee. Strength is assessed on a ten-point scale. The predominant grains are Arabica. In addition to the designated variety, the packages contain blends with Robusta, as well as tea. Capsules are made of soft polymer. The advantages of the product include convenient packaging.

Nespresso offers:

• 40 ml espresso (7 varieties);
• lungo 110 ml;
• decaffeinated coffee;
• hot chocolate;
• Herb tea.

The disadvantages include the high cost of production. For a package of 10 capsules you will have to pay more than 300 rubles.

Tassimo

Tassimo is used in coffee machines from Bosch.A distinctive feature of the packaging is its disc-shaped shape. Each capsule has a barcode with which the equipment activates a specific cooking program. The advantages of Bosh products are ease of brewing due to the low degree of compression of the raw materials, as well as ease of aroma extraction.

Among the types of drinks you can find:

• three types of black coffee;
• cocoa;
• three types of coffee with milk;
• four varieties of tea;
• hot chocolate;
• Hot milk.

The picture is somewhat spoiled by the cost of the disks, as well as their inaccessibility. To enjoy the exquisite taste, the buyer has to order capsules from the online store.

Dolce Gusto

The capsules are produced under the Nescafe brand and are similar to Nespresso. Their cost is low. The packaging is made of food-grade plastic. The main raw material is Arabica, successfully complemented by notes of Robusta.

DG offers the following range:

• 10 types of espresso;
• decaffeinated coffee;
• six types of coffee with added milk;
• hot chocolate.

Despite the fact that the cost of the capsules is not the highest, it will still be difficult for the consumer to purchase them if they drink coffee frequently.

Cremesso

Cremesso is a product from Delica AG. The packaging is made of polypropylene, which has no harmful effects on the human body. One set of capsules contains 16 servings. The strength of coffee is determined on a five-point scale.

• 14 types of coffee (including 7 with Arabica and Robusta, 3 – a line of blends);
• 4 types of tea.

The disadvantages include the difficulty of purchasing original capsules and a small assortment.

Squesito

Relatively new capsules. Filling includes Arabica and Robusta. The packaging is made of food-grade plastic with aluminum elements.It is worth noting the large sets consisting of 30 servings.

The range consists of:

• four varieties of black coffee;
• decaffeinated coffee;
• hot chocolate.

Some consumers are upset by the poor choice of filler.

Reusable capsules

Reusable capsules save the user’s budget, because coffee can be brewed in them several dozen times. Each of the models has both advantages and disadvantages.

Coffeduck

Coffeduck products are available in black and brown. Capsules are cleaned and dried after use. It is important to remember that packaging directly depends on the year of manufacture of the device. Thus, until the fall of 2010, capsules with a smooth tray were produced. It was advisable to choose brown products. The release from the fall of 2010, on the contrary, had a ribbed tray, and the upper part was easily wrinkled. Therefore, the choice should be made on a black product.

Capsulin

French Capsulin is sold in a set of 100 capsules. The cost of such a set is about 500 rubles. The packages come with a dispenser and self-adhesive lids. The containers are made from high-quality food-grade plastic.

Foil lids allow capsules to be used up to 20 times. However, this figure is greatly overestimated, since with each new brewing the plastic becomes more and more deformed.

Emohome

Reusable packaging is made of food-grade plastic. The capsules are compatible with Krups Nespresso devices. However, the product is not suitable for coffee machines manufactured before 2003 (F896, F893, F897). The cups come with a silicone sealing ring.

Sealpod

The capsules are made of stainless steel and silicone.The product is sold complete with a dosing spoon and filters (100 pieces). A significant disadvantage of such packages is the complicated filling procedure. To prepare the container for use, you will need to fix the holder with the filter in it, add the product, compact it, insert a perforated disk, and close the silicone lid. This volume of actions will quickly bore the user.

Xawax

The Xawax set consists of three cups. Their use is only possible in coffee machines manufactured after 2002. Nespresso appliances released after 2010 use black Xavax.

Popular models of capsule coffee machine manufacturers

Each coffee machine manufacturer has models that stand out among their “brethren.” The choice of such equipment is fully justified based on meeting the needs of users and the availability of sufficient funds.

Krups

Krups Mini Me offers the owner a variety of flavors. It can be used to prepare any drink from espresso to cocoa. The power of the equipment is 1500 W. The tank holds 0.8 liters, which is enough for a couple of cups.

Krups 1002/1006/1009 with thermoblock technology allows you to quickly prepare coffee. The water heats up almost instantly, but its volume is not sufficient for active use by several users.

Delonghi

Delonghi Lattissima+ features a spacious water tank and a milk container. The power of the device is 1300 W. The indicator affects the cooking speed (it will take a couple of minutes). The maximum pressure created by the pump is 19 bar.

Delonghi Citiz&Milk is intended for large companies. The device allows you to prepare many portions. Using the built-in aerocino, you can prepare cappuccino or heat milk. The advantage of the coffee machine is the ability to adjust the stand.

Nespresso

Lattissima One is a compact model designed for making cocktails. Ergonomics and design allow Lattissima One to be used in a kitchen designed in any style. The removable milk tank, designed for one serving, allows you to save the product by using it without any residue.

Nespresso Expert not only looks stylish, but also provides fast cooking. The maximum pressure is 19 bar. The coffee machine can brew a drink according to a pre-calculated volume:

• 25 ml - ristretto;
• 40 ml - espresso;
• 110 ml – lungo;
• big Americano.

Tassimo

Tassimo Joy has a power of 1300 W. The user can prepare various types of espresso, latte, cappuccino. The 1.4 liter tank satisfies the needs of the whole family. In addition to standard functions, the device can be used to heat water. Tea requires heating the liquid to 100 °C.

Tassimo AMIA will help the user quickly prepare aromatic lungo, espresso, cappuccino. Additionally, you can heat milk and water for tea. The device is equipped with a removable water tank with a volume of 1.5 liters and self-cleaning functions, portion and strength adjustment.

Bosch

BOSCH My Way is a powerful coffee machine. 1500 W allows you to brew high-quality lattes, espresso and cappuccino. The volume of the water tank is 1.3 liters. The device has settings for strength, drink volume, and temperature. In order to effectively maintain the equipment, washing and decalcification functions are provided.

BOSCH TAS1404 is a budget option with a mechanical drive and a minimal set of functions. There are enough of them to make classic coffee. The power of the equipment is 1300 W.

BORK

BORK C830 provides a pressure of 19 bar. This is enough to make coffee in less than a minute. Convenient controls and an abundance of sensors allow you to use the coffee machine as efficiently as possible. The equipment is equipped with a temperature sensor, as well as 11 programs for frothing milk. The user can cook according to 8 built-in recipes.

BORK C532. Features of the C532 are:

• availability of 2 cup filling options (40 ml, 110 ml);
• sufficient power equal to 1260 W;
• pressure 19 bar, which has a beneficial effect on the brewing speed;
• large water capacity - 1 l.

KitchenAid

The KitchenAid Artisan is not a budget option for capsule coffee machines. However, its cost is fully justified by the build quality and decent characteristics. So, the power is 1160 W, and the pressure is pumped to a level of 19 bar. The capacity of the removable water tank is 1.4 liters. This volume is enough to avoid adding water frequently. You will be pleased with a high-quality thermoblock with an adjustable cup stand.

DiMaestri

DiMaestri La Prima is small in size, easy to use and has a cappuccino maker. The device is equipped with all the modes necessary for preparing a drink. The large tank (1.2 l) is enough for the whole family. La Prima is a true family appliance.

Dimaestri Esperto has its own characteristics. Its tasks are limited to preparing quality espresso options. The presence of a filter network, a two-liter flask and an adjustable stand make the machine truly convenient to use.

Tchibo

Tchibo Cafissimo MINI is an excellent choice for home use. Short heating time and ease of control are the main advantages of the equipment. Among the shortcomings of the coffee machine are the high noise level and the lack of a foaming mechanism.

Tchibo Cafissimo Pure Red is a cheaper analogue of the previous model. However, despite the cost, the equipment is quieter and has a larger compartment for capsules. Cost leaves its mark on the set of functions.

Lavazza

Lavazza Espresso Point Light is an ideal option in terms of price-quality ratio. A liter container allows you to satisfy the needs of all family members. The machine is capable of storing settings for two recipes. A convenient container for used containers and an indication of the need for cleaning greatly simplifies the process of caring for equipment.

Lavazza Espresso Point Mini, despite its size, has sufficient power to prepare basic types of coffee as quickly and efficiently as possible. The device gives the user the opportunity to choose between programmable and manual control.

Xiaomi

At points of sale, they sell Xiaomi Scishare, which is distinguished by a small flask that holds 0.58 liters of water and a pump pressure of 19 bar. The device copes well with preparing espresso, providing the characteristic crema foam. The equipment has a removable, adjustable tray that collects drops. Do not forget that Scishare “digests” any capsules, regardless of the place of their production.

Squesito

Squesito Pretty is inexpensive and has the necessary features for making espresso. The coffee machine has small dimensions and a pump with a pressure of up to 20 bar.Despite the low energy consumption, the drink is prepared in less than a minute.

Squisito Rotunda is the ideal choice for coffee with milk. The main advantage is ease of use. Three basic buttons are designed to turn on, brew cappuccino and espresso. It is worth noting the large tank that holds 1.2 liters of water.

Compatibility of capsules and machines

When purchasing capsules, you need to remember their compatibility with the device. The most popular brands of containers fit the following machines:

• Nespresso is compatible with Nespresso, KitchenAid, Krups models;
• Dolce Gusto fits Dolce Gusto Krups as well as Delonghi;
• Tassimo is used by Bosch;
• Squesito is compatible with the equipment of the same name, Philips;
• Cremesso are used in machines of the same name.

How to choose for your home

Nobody wants to waste money unnecessarily. To avoid getting into an unpleasant situation, you need to carefully choose home appliances. When purchasing capsule technology, there are some important factors to consider.

For lovers of classic black coffee, coffee machines compatible with Nespresso packaging are suitable. A cup warming function would be useful. Thanks to it, the drink will always be hot.

For cappuccino lovers, it is recommended to choose equipment with a cappuccino maker or an additional milk tank. At the same time, Dolche Gusto is capable of brewing using only capsules and water, since the contents of the package already include milk powder.

The choice largely depends on the number of users. If a person lives alone or his loved ones do not drink coffee, then it is advisable to purchase a device with a flask of up to a liter. Otherwise, you should consider coffee machines with a much larger capacity.

If the water is too hard, experts recommend having a self-cleaning function.

How to use

Using capsule technology is very simple. The operating principle of the equipment owner is not fundamentally different depending on the model. As a rule, the process of preparing a drink is divided into three stages:

• installation of packaging in the bunker;
• turning on the cooking mode;
• end of device operation.

Capsules are recommended for single use. Their repeated use will lead not only to the loss of the drink’s aroma, but also to the probable breakdown of expensive equipment. Reusable containers are also not suitable for preparing the highest quality coffee, because they brew simple ground beans that have lost their properties.

During the cooking process, the equipment does not need any assistance. The entire process is automated. One serving will take less than a minute.

When filling the tank, you do not need to rely on the exact number of cups that will be brewed. The required amount of liquid is taken automatically, and if there is a lack of liquid, the user receives an appropriate signal.

Caring for your capsule coffee machine

Coffee machines that use capsules do not require special care. It is enough to wipe the equipment from splashes and stains that appear during the cooking process. If the equipment does not have a self-cleaning function, then you will need to rinse the tank so that scale does not form there.