Capsule coffee machine: pros and cons, selection rules

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A capsule coffee machine is the best option for a middle-income family to brew good morning coffee quickly and tasty. The technology appeared in the eighties of the last century and during this time has undergone sufficient changes.

From bulky units, the capsule-type coffee machine has turned into a compact appliance that makes your morning good with the touch of a button. At the same time, the coffee machine takes up little space, and the capsules themselves are affordable for anyone (from 25 rubles). Only instant coffee is prepared faster than this method, but the results vary greatly in the end.

Capsule coffee machines - what is it

Coffee is a volatile product. Any contact with air contributes to the weathering of the aroma and the deterioration of taste. This can only be avoided with sealed packaging. Therefore, such devices, in comparison with coffee machines without capsules, give a more effective result.

In addition to plastic, coffee is packaged in pressed paper or thin aluminum. The dosage is from 6 to 9 grams and is always correctly balanced. The most common variety is espresso. In addition to coffee, capsules contain an inert gas, which prevents the oxidation of the product. Thus, from 9 to 16 months, you can store coffee without compromising its taste.

Even in a budget coffee machine, there are several modes of operation, involving the choice of the temperature of the drink, strength, the presence or absence of foam.

Advantages and disadvantages of devices

The capsule-type coffee maker has many advantages:

• Hermetic packaging will retain aroma for a long time. No special conditions are required.
• The dosage of the product is selected perfectly and allows you to prepare even a complex drink very quickly. It is enough to press one button and your invigorating coffee of the required grade is ready in a couple of minutes. And it will be an optimally balanced and very tasty drink.
• Such a machine does not require complicated maintenance. It is enough to remove the scum once every three months and carry out easy daily care (removing residues, cleaning the drain grate and the drain pan). Making coffee in such a machine is versatile and clean - no wet puddles or spilled powder.
• The consumption of capsules is much more economical than grain or ground coffee.

But a small assortment can be considered a minus. You can purchase coffee capsules from a specific manufacturer suitable for your machine. For some foodies, this may not be enough.

Criterias of choice

How to choose a capsule coffee machine correctly? Choosing a coffee machine for the home will be a little more difficult than for the office.

1. Usually the room in the apartment is smaller, and not all models are squeezed in size. Therefore, if the size of the device is the main indicator, capsule devices are suitable for a small kitchen (no more than 30 cm high, up to 15 cm wide).
2. The second important indicator is power. Coffee preparation time depends on it, so pay attention to models from 1200 watts.
3. The capacity of the bowl allows several people to simultaneously enjoy the aromatic drink. For 2 people, one liter is enough. If there are more than 3 households, then a one and a half liter tank is required.
4. Pay attention to the pressure. Hot water enters the capsule under a certain pressure. Its indicator should not be lower than 15 bar (and up to 19 bar). Then the aroma and taste of the drink is revealed optimally.
5. The noise level indicator, of course, is not in the first place. But, if someone likes to sleep, then an awake member of the family is quite capable of waking others up with a noisy device.
6. A filter in the coffee machine is a must. Holders of hard water in taps should additionally clean and buy it separately. Therefore, such a function will preserve the life of this unit.

Operating principle

How does a capsule coffee machine work? The principle of operation is very simple - a hermetically sealed mixture of roasted coffee is placed in the device. Ground and fried grains are already inside the boxes.

After the start button is turned on, the capsule is punctured in several places, and hot water under high pressure leaches the contents. After that, the liquid is filtered, and at the exit you get a fragrant drink.

To make a cappuccino, you need a milk tank and a special frother. In this way, you can also make tea or cocoa.

Functionality

Among the additional functions you can find such:

• timer,
• mini pressure gauge
• touchscreen,
• automatic descaling,
• pre-wetting,
• cup heating
• steam treatment
• Serving size adjustment.

The functionality of this device is quite high - hermetically sealed capsules allow you to get good quality coffee in a short time. At the same time, the question: “How to use capsule coffee machines?” Will not even arise for you, as everything is so simple in it.

Undemanding products, easy to use and inexpensive. And this is the only coffee machine that allows you to alternate varieties. That is, the first cup can be of one sort, and the next one of another. Therefore, in all ratings it is precisely such devices that receive good reviews.

Popular models

The simple manual coffee machine itself can be bought from 1000 rubles. A capsule coffee machine is more expensive, but the result will be tastier and better.

There are 2 types of capsules: Dolce Gusto and Nespresso. They are not interchangeable and have different sizes. The former are cheaper and this can be said to be a youth option. Among Dolce Gusto you will find coffee with all kinds of additives, as well as a combination of coffee and milk powder (already packaged in capsules). Nespresso are classic varieties with a huge selection of black coffee.

Krups Dolce Gusto are a budget series and a democratic option, but with good functionality. There are few small models, but they are in no way inferior to expensive ones in terms of cooking speed. Cooking a single serving takes only one to two minutes thanks to a pressure of 15 bar. The price for them starts at 3.5 thousand. rubles and for the money you get a stylish model that can fit into any interior.

But Nespresso produced by Krups, De Longhi and KitchenAid. Moreover, the review of the models is huge and will take enough time - classic and modern, automatic and touch control. You can even choose the desired density of milk foam.

De longhi cost at least 5 thousand rubles. Some cook only expresso, others have a built-in cappuccino machine with a milk tank. De Longhi capsule machines produce cappuccino, espresso, latte, as well as hot milk and hot water. Many have a built-in automatic cleaning system.

Kitchenaid - the most powerful and productive of all the above capsule coffee machines for the home. Their working pressure is 19 bar. The maximum volume of the bowl is 1.4 liters. All equipment is designed in brand colors and made of stainless steel. The price starts from 28 thousand. rubles. The American company often arranges promotions and you can buy a coffee machine in Moscow or on the site already with 150 capsules as a gift.

Devices Nespresso Krups at a price of 6 thousand rubles are also often presented as capsules as a gift, but in an amount of not more than 16 pieces. But they can make aerochino and lungo. And the working pressure, even in the most budgetary model, will be all 19 bar.