Capsule coffee makers: what is a coffee machine for home and how it works

Coffee lovers prefer to prepare this invigorating drink on their own. To get it, you need a high-quality coffee maker. But choosing the right model from the many offered on the market is difficult, because these units perform different functions, differ in size and characteristics. Recently, capsule coffee makers have become popular. They have a number of features compared to other types of devices.

Characteristics of the coffee maker

To prepare a drink in a capsule-type coffee maker, you need to purchase special compressed coffee. There are no impurities or additives in it. You can buy capsules at any store that sells coffee and tea.

The drink is prepared in the usual mode of operation, the whole action takes place in three stages. On the first one, you need to put one capsule in a special brewing hopper. Then the machine is started, the system pierces the pellet and the boiler starts dispensing hot water. The liquid passes through the capsule under strong pressure and is poured into the cup. The tablet is discarded after use as it only allows one drink to be prepared.

Coffee lovers can independently choose the degree of its strength. During work, you need to be near the device, you must not go far. The choice of function is available for only 20 seconds, during this period of time you need to have time to turn on the device again, then the water will re-pass through the capsule. Additionally, you can froth the milk by preparing a delicious cappuccino.

The cappuccino maker is periodically cleaned of product residues, because bacteria develop in the old particles. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the steam pipe to remove milk and coffee powder residues. Thanks to the capsules, the coffee machine does not need to be washed after each use, it is enough to wipe its inner surface with a cloth and rinse the machine two to three times a week.

Advantages and disadvantages

Any capsule coffee machine has several functions. The main ones include:

• the ability to adjust the volume of the portion of the drink;
• setting a certain degree of strength;
• the capsule is pierced automatically when the device is started;
• used tablets go to a special waste bin;
• there is a cappuccino preparation mode.

Some devices have options - an indicator of the water level in the tank, adjusting the position of the pan or backlighting of the electronic display. The main advantages of the device:

• original taste of the drink;
• no need to interfere with the cooking process;
• easy operation;
• compact size;
• a wide range of models of different prices;
• quick preparation of coffee.

Since the raw materials are hermetically sealed, the taste and aroma of the drink do not differ from the coffee made by hand. Each capsule is wrapped in aluminum foil and a plastic bag filled with an inert gas that prevents the powder from oxidizing. The ground coffee does not spill, so the table stays clean. The mechanism built into the coffee maker allows the boiling water to be evenly distributed inside the capsule.

Time is saved on cleaning the appliance - there is no need to constantly remove the leftover coffee grounds. The cost of capsule models is much lower than classic devices. The dimensions of the appliance do not exceed the dimensions of an electric kettle. In addition, the purchase of a coffee machine makes it possible to no longer follow the preparation and eliminates the need to periodically stir the drink.

Among the disadvantages of the device, the possibility of using only those capsules produced by the manufacturer is distinguished. Therefore, the range of flavors is limited. Compressed powder is more expensive than instant coffee.

Selection options

When choosing a new device, pay attention to its technical characteristics. The price depends not only on the capabilities of the device, but also on the popularity of its manufacturer. Capsule coffee makers are selected for the home according to such criteria as:

• power;
• sizes;
• internal organization;
• the purpose of the purchase;
• price.

The speed of making coffee directly depends on the performance of the machine. The optimal power rating is 1200-1500 watts. The capsule coffee maker will perfectly fit into the interior of the kitchen or office, because it has a small size. The device of the units is also different. There are appliances designed for a large family, and some are suitable for making coffee for one person only.

Pay attention to pump pressure. The best option is a coffee maker with an indicator of 15-16 bar, but if the mark is higher, the quality of the prepared drink will only improve. The appliance models differ: some of them prepare only classic espresso and Americano, while others are capable of making cappuccino and latte. All of these parameters affect the cost. The possible functions of the device also depend on it.

The starting price of the simplest coffee machine is $ 3.5 thousand. rubles. The choice of model depends on what the customer is pursuing (for how many people he will make coffee, what drinks he prefers and where he will use the machine).

Popular models

Coffee lovers do not pay attention to the cost of the appliance, they choose the right model in accordance with the parameters. Devices of German and Polish manufacturers are popular. Some firms make capsules specifically for their products. The cost of coffee machines directly depends on the brand's popularity, however, little-known companies also produce high-quality equipment that can be purchased at an affordable price. The most famous manufacturers:

• Dolce Gusto;
• Bosch;
• KRUPS;
• Delonghi.

The models of these firms differ in design, construction, functions and technical characteristics. Each representative has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Dolce Gusto and Bosch

The French company Dolce Gusto offers many models with which you can prepare different drinks - from regular espresso to milk latte. The products of this manufacturer are relatively inexpensive, except for coffee machines, it produces capsules for them. The maximum pressure in the devices is 15 bar. The body and water tank are made of durable plastic.

The weight of the coffee makers reaches three kilograms, they are equipped with a comfortable handle at the back. The 1.3 l water tank is removable and easy to clean. The models have a container for capsules made of stainless steel with a grid. Small cups or tall glasses are used for coffee. Before use, the machine is recommended to be washed with hot water, and then rinsed with cool water. Advantages of Dolce Gusto coffee makers:

• lightness and compactness;
• simple operation;
• affordable price for the device itself and capsules for it;
• low noise level.

The disadvantages include the possibility of water leakage and the low quality of the material that is used to make the case.

Bosch stands out among the popular manufacturers. She released a line of coffee machines with capsules included. The tablets are made according to the American recipe, are larger and require less pressure. The device has a 0.8 l plastic water tank and a removable drip tray. There is a special support for the cup.

The coffee machine does not have a drip-stop system. The user can manually adjust the water level and strength of the drink. The device cleans itself from the formed scale. The strengths of the unit:

• multifunctionality;
• automated system;
• quick preparation of coffee;
• compactness and interesting design;
• automatic recognition of the drink;
• auto shutdown and high security.

Among the disadvantages are the possibility of water leakage, a small assortment and a high price of capsules. In addition, it is necessary to constantly wipe the barcode panel, otherwise it will be difficult to choose the right drink.

KRUPS and Delonghi

An interesting coffee maker with a large selection of capsules (more than 26 types) is presented by the Swiss company KRUPS. The device has a high maximum pressure of 19 bar, the volume of the water tank is 0.7 liters, while its power is 1250 W. Additional functions include cup warming and boiling water preparation. Glasses up to 11 cm can be used. The set includes a container for used capsules, designed for 10 portions.

The removable drip tray collects water that leaks during operation. The user can independently control the supply of boiling water. The body of the device is made of plastic. The advantages of a Swiss coffee machine:

• preheating and quick preparation of the drink;
• low power consumption;
• light indicators;
• easy operation;
• automatic shutdown;
• the presence of an anti-drip system.

Among the weaknesses are the high price of the device itself and the capsules, as well as the large weight - more than 5 kg.

The fully automated device is offered by Delonghi. The machine has high pressure and a large fluid reservoir. You can control the portion size and water delivery. The coffee maker heats up in a few seconds, the set includes a container for used capsules for 14 pieces. The body is made of environmentally friendly plastic. There is no anti-drip system, but it is replaced by a reservoir for collecting the outgoing liquid with a volume of 700 ml. It is possible to set an energy-saving mode. Advantages of the coffee machine:

• automatic feeding and ejection of the capsule;
• a wide range of flavors, including decaf;
• compactness and low weight;
• easy operation and auto shutdown;
• easy cleaning and quick warm-up.

The disadvantages of the device are significant cost, short cord, lack of original capsules in the store, so they have to be ordered in advance. Users also note inconvenient instructions and the lack of a display.

Recommendations for use

Before using the coffee machine, check the water level in the container each time, otherwise an air lock may form. You should only use purified liquid, you cannot take it from the water supply. Over time, limescale forms on some elements of the device, consisting of calcium salts, which are found in any water. This deteriorates the coffee taste, therefore it is necessary to periodically clean the machine. For decalcification, several actions are performed:

• dissolve 2 tbsp in 600 ml of water. l. citric acid;
• from the loading hatch, the used capsule is pushed into a special tray;
• the solution is poured into a container for liquid, the coffee maker is started for several cycles with an interval of 10 minutes;
• remove and rinse the water tank, fill in clean liquid and operate the device again.

Description of the technical characteristics, functions and capabilities of known devices makes it possible to understand what a capsule coffee machine is. They choose it according to the desired parameters and purpose.