Pros and cons of capsule coffee machine

Operating principle of a capsule coffee maker

In a regular coffee machine you need to pour ground coffee or beans.
The capsule is loaded inside the machine, where it is pierced through by a needle. Boiling water passes through the hole in the capsule, brewing the drink. Coffee is packaged in an aluminum or plastic box, which is filled with inert gas. This allows you to preserve the taste of the drink for a long time.

pros

• price. Capsule machines are much cheaper than any other coffee makers;
• high quality coffee. High demands are placed on the contents of the capsules, and the manufacturing process is carefully controlled. You can be sure that when you load a capsule into the machine, you will receive an excellent drink;
• ease of operation. To brew coffee, you need to press 1-2 buttons. It’s difficult to make bad coffee here - in just one minute you can get a three-layer latte with strong foam;
• large selection of drinks. Many types of coffee, cocoa and even tea are produced in capsules.

Minuses

• high cost of capsules. They are mostly disposable and quite expensive;
• binding to one type of capsules. The choice of drinks is limited to 15-26 standard recipes.

How a capsule coffee machine works
The ability to try a new drink depends mainly on the manufacturer of the capsules. And it is advisable to buy coffee in advance - they are sold mainly in large or specialized stores.

On a note! You can save a lot if you buy empty capsules. They can be topped with coffee to suit your taste. There are disposable ones with foil lids (Capsul'in and C&M) or reusable ones that need to be washed after use (manufacturers Coffeeduck, Emohome).

Compatibility of capsules and coffee machines

Criteria for choosing a coffee machine

1. Water tank volume. Here you need to build on your needs. For a family of two people, a coffee maker of 0.5-0.8 liters is enough. For a large family or office, it is advisable to choose options with a much larger volume.
2. Case material. Most coffee machines are made entirely of plastic or with metal inserts. Premium category devices can be made entirely of metal.
3. Availability of a cappuccino maker. If you plan to make coffee with the addition of fresh milk, it is advisable to choose models with a built-in cappuccino maker.
4. Type of capsules. This is the most important criterion, since regular expenses for coffee and the choice of drink varieties will depend on the type of capsules.

Advantages of capsule coffee makers over other coffee makers

Important! The quality of operation of a capsule coffee machine is not affected in any way by the operating pressure. This parameter is important for conventional coffee makers, while capsule coffee makers are designed for their own pressure. For example, Nespresso has 19 bars, Dolce Gusto has 15, Tassimo has 3.3.

Video - Types of capsule systems

Delonghi EN520 Lattissima+

The Delonghi company occupies a fairly significant segment of the coffee machine market. If we talk about automatic coffee machines, this share is about 36 percent of the global market.

Delonghi EN520 Lattissima+ is an example of a capsule coffee machine with a cappuccino maker. The coffee preparation system of the machine is fully automated (automatic cappuccino maker, with a special container for milk).

The device is capable of preparing several different types of coffee - from espresso to latte . There is also the option of making hot chocolate or supplying hot water for making tea.

Options

Technical parameters of the coffee machine:

• height – 22 cm;
• width – 29 cm;
• depth – 28 cm;
• weight – 3.36 kg;
• case material – metal;
• water tank volume – 1.6 l.

Functions

Coffee maker functions:

• warning system about the need to descale;
• self-cleaning;
• water level indication;
• automatic decalcification;
• auto shutdown;
• milk foaming system;
• adjusting the portion of hot water;
• energy saving mode.

Peculiarities

The milk container, which is removable, can be stored in the refrigerator. Such storage may seem inconvenient, but it prevents early souring of the milk ( the cappuccino maker is located close to the heating element, and it is not advisable to store milk there).

Advantages

The advantages of the coffee machine include:

• adjustable tray;
• automated cooking system;
• large selection of capsules;
• removable milk container.

Flaws

Disadvantages of the device:

• the ability to quickly sour milk;
• inability to adjust coffee temperature;
• impossibility of preparing two cups at the same time.
• lack of heating of cups;
• lack of quick steam function;
• lack of hot water supply (for example, for making tea).

Video reviews

Video review of the Delonghi EN520 Lattissima+ can be seen in the video below:

Watch the video for the drink preparation algorithm:

Rating of capsule coffee machines

Which capsule coffee machine would you choose or recommend?

Take the survey

Capsule coffee machines of the high price segment

No. 3. DeLonghi EN560

Compact, wear-resistant coffee machine with self-cleaning function. Powered by Nespresso capsules. A simple control system allows you to prepare any drink with one touch of a touch button. The device is programmed for 6 recipes. Unlike previous models, cappuccino here is prepared using the correct technology - first, coffee is poured into the cup, and thick milk foam is placed on top. The machine heats up very quickly and allows you to prepare aromatic coffee in a matter of seconds.

DeLonghi EN560

Characteristics:

• water capacity - 0.9 l;
• size - 26x17x32 cm;
• pressure - 19 bar;
• case material - heat-resistant plastic;
• cost - 24,000 rubles;
• automatic washing;
• sleep mode;
• indicator of inclusion and amount of water.

pros

• spacious water tank;
• cappuccino maker;
• removable milk container;
• touch control.

Minuses

• plastic case;
• small container for milk;
• inconvenient location of the water tank.

DeLonghi EN560

No. 2. KitchenAid 5KES0503EAC Artisan Nespresso

Reliable, beautiful and functional coffee machine. Works on Nespresso capsules. The case design is made in “retro” style. Available in premium colors. The housing coating is scratch-resistant.

Works in six coffee preparation modes depending on volume. Your favorite volume can be programmed and saved. A definite plus is that the water for cooking heats up in a third of a minute.

KitchenAid 5KES0503EAC Artisan Nespresso

Characteristics:

• water capacity - 1.4 l;
• pressure - 19 bar;
• body material - aluminum;
• size - 20x33x33 cm;
• cost - 41,000 rubles;
• automatic removal of used capsules;
• automatic water heating function.

pros

• high heating speed - 25 seconds;
• reliable equipment;
• shockproof housing;
• original design;
• cast construction;
• you can program the shutdown time;
• sound signal about readiness.

Minuses

• high price.

Reviews of KitchenAid 5KES0503EAC Artisan Nespresso

No. 1. DeLonghi EN650

The best option in terms of price and quality. Works with Nespresso capsules. The machine is controlled using the Soft Touch touch panel. Built-in filters allow you to adjust water hardness. Unlike many previous models, the drip tray grid is made of metal, which makes it more durable.

DeLonghi EN650

The machine has a container for frothing milk. As a result, you can get a strong, thick foam.

Characteristics:

• water capacity - 1.3 l;
• size - 27x20x37 cm;
• case material - plastic;
• pressure - 19 bar;
• cost - 35,000 rubles;
• built-in coffee grinder;
• anti-drip system.

pros

• versatility;
• touch control type;
• memory function for favorite recipes;
• removable cup holder;
• silent during operation;
• presence of a display.

Minuses

• plastic case;
• short power cord.

DeLonghi EN650

Delonghi EN 97.W Essenza

General description:

• Power: 1200 W;
• Maximum pressure: 19 bar;
• Warm-up time 25 sec;
• Removable water tank capacity: 0.9 l;
• Container volume for used capsules: 10-14 pieces;
• Heating element type: thermoblock;
• Case material: plastic;
• Dimensions of the device (HxWxD): 25.2x16.6x29.1 cm;
• Weight: 3.0 kg.

Functions

Prepares two different portions of coffee: espresso (half a cup, 40 ml) or lungo (full cup, 110 ml).

Peculiarities

• New compact brewing mechanism;
• Coffee quantity control: manual dosage;
• High pressure pump;
• Energy saving mode: automatic shutdown after the end of the coffee brewing procedure is adjustable (from 9 to 30 minutes), and can also be turned off completely if desired;
• Removable tray for collecting drips.
• Works only with branded capsules. This has its pros and cons. It is more difficult to obtain original consumables, but they guarantee high quality and excellent taste. While suitable but cheaper analogues often spoil the entire impression of capsule coffee with their low quality.

Advantages

• Improved thermoblock: the coffee machine is ready for use 25 seconds after switching on;
• Low power consumption (class A);
• Automatic and programmable amount of water per serving: the length of time you press the button affects the amount of water per serving. The machine will remember the portion sizes and you won’t have to constantly adjust the volume;
• Stylish design;
• Convenient capsule installation system;
• Automatic capsule ejection;
• Affordable price;
• Easy to operate;
• Ergonomic design, especially relevant for small kitchens;
• Speed ​​of work.

Flaws

• The original capsules are expensive, it is difficult to find them on sale;
• A little noisy;
• You cannot substitute a tall cup.

Video review

Unboxing and video review of the coffee machine in the video below:

Video overview of the main characteristics in the video below:

Results

Nespresso De longhi Essenza EN97 W is a typical representative of the initial class of capsule systems. In this case, the Nespresso capsule system is the most honored and famous. This is a representative of a large family, whose ancestors were the founders of the now popular approach to brewing coffee: “put in a capsule, press a button - ready.”

Road capsule machines

Separately, it is worth highlighting compact coffee machines. This is currently an unpopular product and there are only two models in the rating.

No. 2. Sippy Espresso Maker

Mechanical compact coffee machine for travel. Allows you to make coffee without electricity or other power sources.

Sippy Espresso Maker

Characteristics:

• runs on a carbon dioxide cartridge;
• cost - 8000 rub.

pros

• collapsible design;
• versatility - works on Nespresso capsules;
• energy independence.

Minuses

• fragility. One CO2 cartridge is enough for 5 cups of espresso;
• high price;
• You can only pre-order it on kickstarter.

No. 1. Wacaco Minipresso NS

This is a unique coffee maker that works without electricity. Easy to manage. To make coffee, you need to pour water into the machine and press the button on the body 12-15 times to create pressure.

Wacaco Minipresso NS

Allows you to make coffee anywhere, anytime. Powered by Nespresso capsules.

Characteristics:

• water capacity - 70 ml;
• weight - 360 g;
• pressure - 8 bar;
• dimensions - 17.5x7x6 cm;
• cost - 4000-5000 rubles.

pros

• works without a network connection;
• The machine comes with a cleaning brush;
• convenient and compact device.

Minuses

• limited functionality;
• Possibility of preparing only espresso;
• You only need to add hot water.

Wacaco Minipresso NS

Types of coffee capsules

No. 1. Nespresso

Manufacturer: Nestle. Today there are 26 types of capsules, which differ in type, strength of the drink and type of coffee. The range is more than extensive:

• 21 types of classic espresso;
• 5 types of lungo coffee.

Most capsules are pure black coffee, a couple are with flavors such as caramel or vanilla.

They are aluminum capsules with 7 grams of coffee. This is 2 grams less than what is usually used to make espresso, but the lack of weight is fully compensated by the highest quality of the drink.

To prepare drinks with foam, you need to purchase a cappuccino machine - a device for frothing milk. Many machines that run on Nespresso capsules come with a cappuccino maker.

Types of Nespresso capsules

These types of capsules are mainly used by Krups, Delonghi and KitchenAid brands. The cost of Nespresso coffee machines varies from 5,000 to 48,000 rubles.

You can save money or diversify your menu if you buy non-original capsules. For example, many companies produce capsules for such machines - Julius Meinl, Starbucks, Bialetti, Carraro, L'Or, Caffesso, Vergnano, Single Cup Coffee, Movenpick, Brill Cafe, Coffee Joy, RIOBA. The cost of a set of capsules is 200-500 rubles.

pros

• a large selection of drinks from Nespresso and alternative manufacturers;
• the ability to use reusable capsules to refill your own coffee;
• a wide range of high-quality and reliable coffee machines.

Minuses

• high cost of capsules;
• You can buy such capsules only in specialized stores;
• To make coffee with milk you need to buy additional equipment.

nespresso capsules

No. 2. Dolce gusto

Manufacturer: Nescafe. Capsules and coffee machines that use them cost much less than Nespresso.

The assortment includes 26 types of drinks:

• 14 types of black coffee;
• 7 types of coffee with milk;
• 4 chocolate drinks;
• milk tea with spices.

On a note! There is even less coffee in one capsule than even in Nespresso - only 6 grams.

Variety of flavors Dolce gusto
The advantage and at the same time the disadvantage of these capsules is that the milk comes in a separate capsule. This is convenient because you don’t have to froth the milk yourself. The downside is that the cost of coffee with milk is twice as high - since you need to spend two capsules to prepare them.

This type of capsule is used only by Krups coffee machines.

pros

• a wide variety of drinks;
• relatively low cost of capsules and coffee machines;
• the ability to prepare drinks with milk foam without additional equipment.

Minuses

• the quality of coffee machines is slightly worse than in the previous version;
• double price for drinks with milk;
• “underweight” of black coffee.

Some of the drinks are prepared on the basis of instant coffee and may contain various additives such as emulsifiers. These are mocha, iced cappuccino, café au lait and cortado.

Dolce gusto capsules

No. 3. Tassimo

Manufacturer: Bosch. The capsules are filled with Jakobs Monarch coffee. Today, 15 flavors are produced. There are options for black coffee, tea, cafe au lait and cocoa. Coffee with milk will cost twice as much as black coffee, since you need to use two capsules - an espresso capsule and a milk capsule.

The capsules are larger than those of previous manufacturers and are disc-shaped. One capsule contains 9 grams of coffee.

The machines designed for Tassimo capsules operate at lower pressure - all 3.3 bar. Their contents are not as tightly compressed as in Nespresso or Dolce capsules and there is simply no need for powerful pressure.

Tassimo capsules

Coffee machines are inexpensive, the cost of the most budget models starts from 3,000 rubles. But the savings on the device are offset by the high cost of the capsules. Coffee makers that cost above average have a built-in water filter and a larger water tank capacity.

pros

• intelligent coffee preparation process. The built-in scanner reads information about the method of preparation of each individual capsule - water temperature, volume, cooking duration;
• 9 grams of coffee are used to prepare one serving;
• large selection of available coffee machines;
• the ability to prepare cappuccino, cocoa and even tea without the use of additional equipment.

Minuses

• black coffee only 7 types;
• The barcode scanner that reads the prescription from the capsule must be wiped regularly;
• double price for latte and cappuccino;
• Café au Lait capsules are filled with instant coffee;
• from 2021, powdered milk is used instead of sterilized concentrate;
• coffee machines are quite sensitive to water quality and are inferior in service life to previous options.

Tassimo capsules

No. 4. Lavazza

Can only be used in coffee machines of the same brand. The result is a delicious Italian drink with thick coffee foam.

The capsules are made of food-grade plastic. Filling - 7.5 g.

Lavazza coffee flavors

There are about ten types of coffee, mostly espresso. The cost of capsules is practically no different from Tassimo.

pros

• high-quality coffee machines;
• high taste qualities of coffee.

Minuses

• the cost of coffee machines is much higher than that of models from other manufacturers with similar characteristics.

Lavazza capsules

Caffitaly S06

Caffitaly is a company that not only actively promotes its brand on the market by producing coffee machines. If we talk about the brand's popularity, it is famous for its widespread capsules for the same coffee machines.

It should be noted that some manufacturers accommodate the consumer and add to their capsules the ability to load regular coffee into them and prepare it in a coffee machine. This trick is not possible with Caffitaly capsules - the capsule is disposable.

It will be quite easy to notice the Caffitaly S06 on a store shelf and distinguish it from other coffee machines - the design of the coffee maker is very original.

Externally, the device resembles a shell (hence the second name of the coffee machine – Nautilus) . Several color schemes enhance the effect of originality. So this device can become, at a minimum, an original design solution for the kitchen.

Options

Technical parameters of the device:

• height – 33 cm;
• width – 22 cm;
• depth – 29 cm;
• weight – 5 kg;
• case material – plastic;
• water tank volume – 1.2 l.

Functions

Coffee maker functions:

• manual preparation of drinks with milk foam;
• automatic coffee preparation;
• height adjustment of the drip tray;
• water level indication;
• milk foaming system;
• hot water supply;
• pre-wetting coffee;
• adjusting the portion of hot water;
• quick steam

Peculiarities

The coffee machine has a fairly standard set of functions for its class. The only nice feature is the height-adjustable drip tray.

The main feature is the Panarello milk foam attachment. To use it, some skills are required (coffee lovers note that the foam prepared with Panarello is especially airy).

Advantages

The advantages of the coffee maker include:

• original design;
• high-quality implementation of all declared standard functions;
• widespread availability of Caffitaly capsules.

You can purchase capsules for making Caffitaly coffee in almost any specialty store.

Flaws

The disadvantages of the coffee machine include:

• plastic case;
• lack of an anti-drip system;
• lack of waste level indication;
• lack of coffee level indication;
• inability to illuminate the cups;
• inability to adjust coffee temperature;
• impossibility of preparing two cups at the same time.
• lack of heating of cups.

Video reviews

Presentation of the coffee machine described above in the short video below:

Short video instruction for this coffee machine:

Features of capsule machine care

Although capsule machines do not need to be washed after each use, they still require regular care.

Once every couple of weeks or two, depending on how often you use it, you need to wipe the working parts of the coffee maker - the container for loading the capsule, the drip tray.

Once a month, it is necessary to rinse the water tank and the compartment where used capsules are stored (if the model provides this).

Scale should be removed 3-4 times a year. Some machines already come with a built-in self-cleaning function or at least a scale level indicator. To wash, you need to buy a special liquid - a decalcifier. The product must be selected depending on the model of the machine. This could be a liquid that needs to be added to the water container or rinse capsule.

If you plan to leave or simply not use the machine for a long time, it is better to drain the remaining water from the tank so that it does not stagnate.

Voting for the best capsule coffee machine

Which capsule coffee machine would you choose or recommend?

Wacaco Minipresso NS

0.00 % ( 0 )

Sippy Espresso Maker

0.00 % ( 0 )

DeLonghi EN650

8.00 % ( 8 )

KitchenAid 5KES0503EAC Artisan Nespresso

9.00 % ( 9 )

DeLonghi EN560

7.00 % ( 7 )

Caffitaly S06

5.00 % ( 5 )

Di Maestri Esperto

1.00 % ( 1 )

Saeco HD 8603 Cafissimo Latte

2.00 % ( 2 )

Inhouse Multicoffee ICM1901BR

15.00 % ( 15 )

Xiaomi Scishare Capsule Coffee Machine S1103

8.00 % ( 8 )

Nespresso C30 Essenza Mini

10.00 % ( 10 )

Bosch TAS 1401/1402/1403/1404/1407 Tassimo

7.00 % ( 7 )

Dolce Gusto Krups Piccolo KP100B10

4.00 % ( 4 )

Bosch TASSIMO SUNY TAS 3202/3203/3204/3205

1.00 % ( 1 )

Krups XN3005/3006/3008 Nespresso

11.00 % ( 11 )

Krups Dolce Gusto KP 1301/1305/1308 Lumio

7.00 % ( 7 )

Bottom line. Which system is better?

If we formally add up the number of advantages, then the Tassimo system will win. It will also be a leader if you approach the purchase primarily for reasons of economy. The most accessible cars and capsules are about her. But the lack of choice of flavors and the transition to powdered milk by 2021 could ruin everything. I can recommend this system, and in the most affordable version of the coffee machine, in only one case. You have already drunk coffee from under it and have decided that you are completely satisfied with the taste. Then an excellent option that fully reveals the advantages of the system - efficiency (among capsule machines) - Bosch Tassimo Vivy II.

Dolce Gusto , as for me, is an ambiguous system. Yes, it is inexpensive, but there are no problems with the choice of flavors described above. But quality. Powdered milk and a decent chance of a coffee machine failure - if you take a serious approach to coffee drinking, it would be a sin to advise this. Although there is one win-win area of ​​application - getting to know the capsule approach to preparing this invigorating drink. If you are satisfied with everything, then you are ready to move on to the class leaders. If not, then the best models of capsule machines will not suit you. As such an option “for beginners,” I advise you to consider the Dolce Gusto Piccolo coffee machine.

And I would name the Nespresso and Cremesso systems as leaders in capsule technology. I propose to make a choice between them based on the availability of capsules. If you have the opportunity to get Delica capsules without any problems, then I advise you to opt for the Cremesso system. Still, the taste of her coffee is more precise, noble and best meets the expectations of the picky public. And the appearance... judge for yourself: Cremesso Compact Automatic. As of 2021, Cremesso in Russia can be said to no longer exist, alas.

If there is a shortage of Cremesso capsules in nearby stores (which is most likely the case), but in addition to Nespresso there are also various analogues, then feel free to take the “default system option”, for example, the Delonghi Nespresso EN80 coffee machine or the baby EN85. With the variety of capsules and the quality of the drink in the cup, you can't go wrong. As for the more expensive Nespresso coffee machines, functionally they will all be complete analogues of these two, the cheapest ones. The exception is models with an automatic cappuccino maker, there are several of them, but the most optimal, in my opinion, is Nespresso Lattissima.

The table below shows the best prices for coffee machines for each of the capsule systems described above. I update these special offers once or twice a week, finding the best options (more promotions here).

With auto-cappuccino maker, promo code Eldo10 DeLonghi EN500

(review)
RUB 17,091
in Eldorado

Cheapest Nespresso Essenza Mini

(review)
RUB 5,590
in M.Video

Capsule Nespresso with foam frother Delonghi EN85 with Aerocino

(review)
RUB 8,541
in Eldorado

The best capsule for large cups Nespresso Vertuo Next
RUB 7,191.
in Eldorado

The most affordable Tassimo Bosch Tassimo Happy

(review)
4,190 rub.
in M.Video

The most affordable Dolce Gusto Krups Piccolo

(review)
RUB 3,990
in M.Video

Addition for 2021:

Above I described all the main capsule systems that are widespread on the Russian market. Until 2015, there were basically no other options. But in 2021, new representatives of the capsule “class” began to appear “on the shelves,” albeit extremely rarely. Finding them for sale outside of online stores is almost impossible, but I couldn’t pass by a topic that was close to me and not study for beginners. Therefore, I had to write the second part about such capsule brands as Squesito, Сaffitaly, DI MAESTRI, Bialetti, Lavazza, and Paulig - you are welcome to be curious.

PS If you are going to drink more than a couple of cups of coffee a day, it is better to immediately consider another type of coffee machine - classic grain machines, for example, Saeco or Delonghi.

Yes, the machines themselves, especially at first glance, seem significantly more expensive than capsule ones, but you’ll make up the difference in coffee in just 1,000 cups. That is, in half a year - a year, and “office workers” are even faster. Don’t believe that there are good inexpensive machines? I compiled this rating especially for you.

PPS Do you want to enjoy a lush cappuccino or a delicate latte, made from normal milk and not from concentrate? The whole range of options is in my review of coffee makers and cappuccino machines.

In this article, I used photographs by Nick Harris (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nickharris1/) as illustrations under a CC BY-ND 2.0 license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd /2.0/)