In conditions of time shortage, many refuse to prepare natural fresh coffee, replacing it with an instant analogue. However, progress does not stand still, and the coffee industry also pleases with modern innovations. Thus, coffee in pods began to gain wide popularity. They were originally created for coffee shops and restaurants to make the work of baristas easier, but now they are also being purchased for home use. Let's look at what coffee pods are and how to use them to make espresso tasty and fast.
Introductory certificate
An unusual way of packaging coffee in pods appeared in Italy. This country is the main consumer of coffee products, where in every home the morning begins with the preparation of an aromatic drink. The word "pod" is also of Italian origin and is translated as "tablet". The principle of coffee pods is to simplify the creation of a serving of the drink without losing quality.
A pod is a portion of ground grains placed in a paper filter bag
To prepare coffee you only need to take two steps: put it in the coffee machine and press the start button
Palette of tastes
Now about the differences. The main differences between pods are the composition, the number of bags in a box (pod coffee is sold in boxes), and, of course, the manufacturers.
Among the latter, the Italian brand Hausbrandt occupies an excellent position, offering a good assortment of pod coffee, in which every gourmet will surely find their favorite taste and aroma.
Do you want to cheer up in the morning? A dense and rich Hausbrandt Espresso, made from several varieties of Arabica, or Hausbrandt Kenya AA Gourmet, a Kenyan coffee with a rich taste, are suitable.
Those with a sweet tooth and lovers of chocolate and nut notes will like the Brazilian Santos Gourmet, and tobacco connoisseurs who combine a cigar with a cup of coffee will like Guatemala Gourmet.
Hausbrandt also offers soft “evening” coffee – decaffeinato.
Appearance
The pods have a standardization system, although they may differ slightly in paper quality and shape. The diameter of coffee pods depends on the model of coffee machine for which they are intended, so special markings are placed on the packaging. ESE standard filters have a diameter of 44 mm and contain 7 g of compressed ground coffee. This amount is calculated for 60 ml of water to prepare a standard portion of espresso.
Pods according to the Senseo standard are produced in a diameter of 55 mm, which contain 9 g of crumbly coffee powder. As a rule, they are made from stronger paper that can pass up to 150 ml of water. These pods are suitable for preparing any drinks, including those with the addition of milk foam.
Each paper filter is sealed with foil, which does not allow oxygen to pass through, so that the coffee retains its original taste and aroma. Pods are sold in cardboard boxes or jars, which can contain from 18 to 100 units of goods. Thanks to the sealed packaging, they have a long shelf life, so you can stock up on this coffee for future use.
What is coffee pods
Pods are a special form of packaging. They are disposable bags made of filtered paper. Ground coffee is poured inside (it can be loose or pressed). The pods are made specifically to be divided into portions.
One sachet is enough for one mug.
Portions are brewed using pod coffee makers or regular coffee machines that have a compartment for brewing in this way.
Making coffee using pods has certain advantages:
- Simple cooking process
- Sealed paper packaging preserves the smell of freshly ground coffee
- The cost is lower than for brewing capsules
- There is no need to clean the filter holder; it is easier to throw away the bag than the grounds after brewing.
Each pod is designed for one cup of coffee
How pods are made
The production of pods takes quite a long time and occurs in several stages:
- Selection of high-quality Arabica and Robusta coffee beans. As a rule, a mixture of several types of coffee is prepared to obtain different flavor accents.
- Roasting beans (medium or high degree of roasting is used).
- Prepared grains are left for several days to interact with air to start chemical processes and preserve aromatic properties.
- The grains are ground to a powdery state.
- Ground coffee is placed in pods and sealed in gas-tight foil for 20 seconds.
If the packaging rules are followed, coffee pods can be stored for 2 years while maintaining both beneficial and taste properties.
Disadvantages of pod models
It is necessary to mention some of the disadvantages of pod devices.
The main disadvantage is the limited selection of drink flavors. This makes it impossible to experiment with different combinations of them. But the variety of tastes of drinks from pods is a matter of time. Perhaps soon this disadvantage will not be mentioned in connection with pod models.
An important factor is the fairly high price of pod filter bags. The most inexpensive pods cost ten to twelve thousand rubles per unit. So, before you go shopping for a pod model, you need to take this point into account.
Coffee prepared in a pod coffee maker in a cafe or restaurant will cost more than a similar cup from an espresso machine.
But this device has many more advantages than disadvantages.
Advantages
Coffee machine pods have a number of undeniable advantages compared to ground and grain coffee, as well as capsule coffee:
Nespresso capsule coffee
- Environmentally friendly packaging. The raw materials are in contact exclusively with filtered paper, which prevents oxidation both during storage and during the preparation of the drink.
- Easy to use and time saving. There is no need to pre-grind the beans, measure the required amount, compress the coffee, or clean the coffee machine. The drink is prepared within 20 seconds. And even a child can handle operating a pod coffee machine.
- Natural composition. The tightness of the packaging allows you to avoid adding chemical components to the coffee, which are responsible for extending the shelf life, enhancing the aromatic properties, and also for creating a beautiful foam. In this case, all these factors are achieved by maintaining the freshness of the ground beans.
- Economical. Coffee pod packaging is designed for a certain number of cups. Therefore, it is easy to keep track and control the amount you drink. This is especially true for offices and food establishments.
- Affordable price. The cost of pods is comparable to a package of good ground coffee, and in comparison with capsule coffee they are even cheaper. The same applies to pod coffee machines. They have a budget price compared to their competitors, but are absolutely universal and work with any pods.
The biggest advantage is the quality of the prepared drink.
You will always get a cup of coffee from freshly ground beans that have retained their original taste and noble aroma. Moreover, the quality of the drink will always be the same. Whereas bean or ground coffee in a package, after opening it, retains these properties for no longer than a week.
What is a cappuccino maker and how to use it
A cappuccino maker is one of the functions of a coffee machine or a separate device. Its other name is milk frother. Its job is to froth milk for coffee drinks and boil water. The operating technology of the machine provides for the presence of a tube for collecting milk directly from the storage container. Under the influence of steam from the inside, the cappuccino maker heats the milk and enriches it with air pumped through a special hole.
The milk frother can froth milk automatically or with human assistance. There are 3 types of devices:
- Panarello nozzle. Coffee makers with such a built-in function have an additional pipe (metal or plastic);
Panarello - at the end of the tube there is a wide hole that works on the principle of a spray, enhancing the stream of steam. The tube is lowered into a glass of milk, half filled. After the air supply starts, the container must be rotated, allowing the air to evenly whip up the foam;
- automatic cappuccino makers. Such devices are separate from the main coffee machine. The device is a stainless steel container with a built-in spring. Due to the built-in motor, the spring comes into action and, rotating, froths the milk.
Automatic cappuccino maker - Steam beater. In a number of coffee machines, it is possible to replace the panarello with a steam-type beater. During operation, milk flows through the tube, foaming occurs, after which the foam is directed into the cup with the drink.
Note! Interestingly, this separation between metal and plastic also affects the resulting drink. Metal enhances the taste and aroma of coffee beans, while plastic, on the contrary, mutes these qualities.
Flaws
After a series of advantages of pods, there are still several disadvantages. First of all, you need to purchase an appropriate coffee maker. Even the most budget models cost at least 4 thousand rubles, while a Turk or geyser coffee maker does not require large investments.
Many people complain about the meager range of flavors and the inability to combine different types of coffee, as well as prepare drinks with additives. Of course, the commercially available flavors may become boring over time, but the pods are not created for gourmets, but for ordinary people who are more accustomed to the instant analogue.
Perhaps the main drawback is the need to search for places of sale. Pods are not available in all chain stores, so it’s easier to find a specialized point of sale of coffee or order them online.
Positive and negative sides
Minuses
High-quality pod coffee machines are an expensive pleasure. Even for budget models you will have to pay 4-5 thousand rubles, and for more advanced ones - from 10-15 thousand. Turka does not require such investments.
Pod coffee has a limited range of flavors and little resource for combining varieties.
You can't always find pods in hypermarkets or supermarkets. But it’s easy to order them online.
pros
Environmental friendliness of paper packaging: raw materials come into contact only with filter paper. It prevents oxidation during storage and preparation of coffee.
Time saving: cooking takes half a minute. In addition, you do not have to grind coffee beans in advance, dose portions, compress powder, and clean the coffee machine at the end of the cycle.
Ease of use: anyone can understand the control of the pod unit.
Natural composition: the properties of hermetic packaging make it possible not to “spoil” the raw materials with chemicals, thanks to which the shelf life is extended, the aroma is enhanced and a spectacular foam is created. All indicators remain unchanged due to the freshness of the ground grains.
Types of pods
Manufacturers of pod coffee are constantly trying to expand their range and create new blends. As a rule, each of them produces from 15 to 20 flavors. Manufacturers are also experimenting with the degree of roasting of beans. Recently, in addition to coffee, they began to produce teas in pods, which differ greatly in taste from bagged ones.
Now you can find the following pod brands on the market:
- Buscaglione,
- San Giusto,
- Italko,
- Bristot,
- ILLY,
- Lavazza.
In addition to traditional Arabica and Robusta, compositions with chocolate, floral, nutty, creamy, and caramel notes are created.
Buscaglione produces 3 flavor varieties of pods, as well as a decaffeinated version. Classic Buscaglione Arabica is ideal for making espresso. It has a mild floral taste and a sweetish aroma. Buscaglione Long has a coarse grind and makes a rich Americano or Lungo. It has a slight sourness and bitterness, as well as an almond aftertaste. The aroma of the drink is very rich and spicy.
Buscaglione Passione will appeal to true gourmets who prefer a multifaceted taste. It is suitable for making espresso and cappuccino. This variety is distinguished by nutty and chocolate notes, as well as a thick brown foam on the finished drink.
For people with health problems, this brand has created separate pods of Buscaglione Decaffeinato. They are made from South American Arabica beans, from which caffeine is extracted during processing. At the same time, the coffee turns out to be rich in taste with a slight sourness and a fruity aftertaste.
Tips for choosing
Use a few simple tips when choosing coffee pods:
- Pay attention to the place where the grains are produced. Give preference to raw materials from Guatemala, Colombia, Ethiopia and Costa Rica. Brazilian varieties will appeal to fans of strong coffee with sourness and rich aroma.
- Choose medium or fine grind coffee pods as they allow for better water flow and flavor release.
- Don’t chase a low price, because the quality of the coffee beans that are placed in the pods directly depends on it.
Features of coffee pod machines
Let's figure out what a pod coffee machine is. This is a device that prepares natural coffee at home. Among the best examples of coffee machines are the company's models:
- Philips;
- Jura;
- DeLonghi;
- Bocsh.
Grimac devices of Italian or Gretti of Chinese origin have proven themselves well. And also Melitta, Salton, Severin.
Pod coffee machines are compact, quiet in operation and easy to control. The coffee pod must be placed in the loading holder, the preparation mode must be selected on the button panel, and the unit will start. After half a minute, the drink will fill the cup, which must be placed in the desired compartment in advance.
After preparing the drink, the pod is easily removed from the equipment and the next cup is installed in the receiving compartment. There are coffee machines on sale that are designed to fill two cups at a time.
For a device of a particular brand, you should select coffee pods recommended by the manufacturer.
Coffee makers for pod coffee
The first pod coffee machines were developed by the Swiss company Nespresso. Moreover, she immediately released her own line of coffee flavors. In Russia, the new product began to be produced in 2004, and it was produced by . Currently, Philips, ARIETE, Severin, GRIMAC are engaged in the production of pod coffee makers and coffee machines.
The most popular model is Philips Senseo. It is fully automated and features quiet operation, small dimensions and an affordable price. This machine is easy to use and maintain. The only caveat is the inability to change the strength of the drink. In more expensive models there is a function for changing the drink preparation mode.
Pod coffee machines work on the same principle as other units.
A filter bag is placed in a special tank. The water is heated to the desired temperature and pressurized through the ground coffee. The process of preparing the drink takes no more than a minute and does not require any additional actions. There is no need to clean the device either, because the filter does not allow coffee to pass through and the tank does not get dirty.
Pod coffee has already found its fans, thanks to its undeniable advantages. It allows you to prepare the same delicious drinks as in a coffee shop without leaving your home and without any special skills. Coffee pods are definitely worth a try if you like to experiment and prefer to buy quality products at an affordable price.
Choosing a pod coffee machine for home and office
Let's take a closer look at what a pod coffee machine is. This device resembles a regular carob coffee machine, differing only in the design of the carob .
In the pod model, its filter is expanded, flat and made to fit the size of a bag of ground coffee. The equipment is so easy to use that even a child can handle it.
To make a flavorful drink, the filter bag is placed in the tank. Heated water passes through it under pressure, and in half a minute the coffee is ready. There is no need to clean the device, since the tank does not get dirty. Immediately after one bag, you can load the second one. After use, the pods are thrown away. What is a pod coffee machine :
- quick espresso preparation;
- pods have to be selected to match the model of the coffee maker;
- high-quality coffee is prepared by machines with a pressure of 15 bar.
Coffee machines are produced by WMF AG, Severin, Philips . This technique is silent and makes a quality drink, but does not regulate the strength of the coffee. This characteristic applies to the pods themselves. Therefore, when choosing tablets for your machine, choose the strength level. It also depends on the speed of passage of water - the slower the water passes through the tablet, the stronger the drink.
Advice. You should not buy cheap models, as they make weak coffee.
Pod coffee makers are suitable for the office and home, as they are compact, lightweight and easy to use. There are 2 types of devices :
- ordinary, with replaceable filters for coffee from ground powder or pods;
- special pod coffee machines.
Devices of the first type are manufactured by many large manufacturers of coffee equipment . To understand whether the device can prepare coffee in filter bags, see the characteristics in which o. The second group of devices specializes only in pods.
Manufacturers of pod devices:
- Grimac , Italy. Two models are the most popular. Grimac Terry Opale produces 25 cups per hour, pressure 15 bar. The machine is made in a stylish steel body and has a water softener. It only prepares espresso, as there is no cappuccino maker. Price - from 16,500 rubles. The Grimac Nuvola model is similar in characteristics to Terry. But it has a cappuccino maker with an additional boiler for supplying steam to froth the milk. Price - from 19,000 rubles. Users praise Grimac for producing rich, foamy espresso.
- Senseo Philips . Models are not found in Russian stores so often. They are modest in size, designed for a couple of cups. Suitable for those who do not like strong coffee. The pressure in the machines is low - about 3.5 bar, so the drink will be similar to an Americano. The foam turns out to be unstable, since it does not come out under pressure, but through the passage of liquid through a thick mesh filter. Such models cost from 5,500 rubles.
- Gretti . The range of this Chinese brand includes various devices. They usually have substantial water tanks, which is suitable for offices or cafes. The pressure in the coffee maker is 15 bar. You can choose a cappuccino maker for any model of this manufacturer. Price - from 8000 rub.
