Capsule coffee machines are popular because they offer the fastest, most fuss-free route to homemade espresso.
Preparing coffee in a capsule machine is the fastest and most optimal way to obtain a coffee drink.
Instead of grinding beans and then dispensing them, you simply insert pre-packaged coffee capsules into the machine.
After that, you need to press the button, and about 30 seconds later the espresso is ready.
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
Materials for production
- Aluminium foil . Used by most manufacturers. Foil protects coffee from the negative effects of metal, which eliminates harm to the human body . The packaging is recyclable (eg for Nespresso models).
- Food grade plastic (polymer materials). Environmentally friendly raw materials, which themselves do not have an unpleasant odor and do not absorb the smell of coffee.
- A combination of aluminum foil and polymer materials mixed with a small percentage of cellulose. They can be recycled, however, a significant “minus” is the lack of treatment of the internal surface .
Criteria for choosing a coffee machine
- 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.
- Case material. Most coffee machines are made entirely of plastic or with metal inserts. Premium category devices can be made entirely of metal.
- 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.
- 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
Brief information
Of course, we will tell you about the operating principle of capsule-type coffee machines, but first I would like to touch a little on the history of the device. The piece of engineering art that made a splash among foodies and bar owners in the 2000s was invented by Swiss scientist Eric Favre. Although in the 90s, for unknown reasons, the technical novelty was rejected en masse, they began to buy it for home use, and over time, the capsule design was appreciated by many. Now it has taken a strong position in the coffee market. A number of units from several manufacturers were presented to lovers of the aromatic drink.
Rating of capsule coffee machines
| Photo | Name | Rating | Price | |||
| Road capsule machines | ||||||
| #1 |
| Wacaco Minipresso NS | ⭐ 97 / 100 | Find out the price | ||
| #2 |
| Sippy Espresso Maker | ⭐ 95 / 100 | Find out the price | ||
| Capsule coffee machines of the high price segment | ||||||
| #1 |
| DeLonghi EN650 | ⭐ 100 / 100 4 - votes | Find out the price | ||
| #2 |
| KitchenAid 5KES0503EAC Artisan Nespresso | ⭐ 99 / 100 6 — votes | Find out the price | ||
| #3 |
| DeLonghi EN560 | ⭐ 98 / 100 5 — votes | Find out the price | ||
| Mid-price capsule coffee machines | ||||||
| #1 |
| Caffitaly S06 | ⭐ 100 / 100 2 - votes | Find out the price | ||
| #2 |
| Di Maestri Esperto | ⭐ 97 / 100 | Find out the price | ||
| #3 |
| Saeco HD 8603 Cafissimo Latte | ⭐ 96 / 100 1 - voice | Find out the price | ||
| #4 |
| Inhouse Multicoffee ICM1901BR | ⭐ 94 / 100 12 — votes | Find out the price | ||
| #5 |
| Xiaomi Scishare Capsule Coffee Machine S1103 | ⭐ 93 / 100 5 — votes | Find out the price | ||
| Inexpensive capsule coffee machines for home | ||||||
| #1 |
| Nespresso C30 Essenza Mini | ⭐ 99 / 100 5 — votes | Find out the price | ||
| #2 |
| Bosch TAS 1401/1402/1403/1404/1407 Tassimo | ⭐ 98 / 100 7 — votes | Find out the price | ||
| #3 |
| Dolce Gusto Krups Piccolo KP100B10 | ⭐ 97 / 100 2 - votes | Find out the price | ||
| #4 |
| Bosch TASSIMO SUNY TAS 3202/3203/3204/3205 | ⭐ 96 / 100 | Find out the price | ||
| #5 |
| Krups XN3005/3006/3008 Nespresso | ⭐ 95 / 100 8 — votes | Find out the price | ||
| #6 |
| Krups Dolce Gusto KP 1301/1305/1308 Lumio | ⭐ 93 / 100 4 - votes | Find out the price | ||
| #7 |
| Krups Dolce Gusto KP 1708 Infinissima | ⭐ 91 / 100 4 - votes | Find out the price | ||
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
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
Compact version from Dolce Gusto for home use
We will talk about the Nescafe capsule coffee machine. This is an excellent option for those who do not have the opportunity to receive aesthetic pleasure from production experiments with coffee beans. All you need to do to get a drink is insert the flask with the contents and press the button. When the lever located at the top of the device is pulled down, the capsules are pierced. The packaging container is removed by pressing it in the opposite direction. On the back of the case there is a water tank and a lever that includes four positions - hot and cold water supply and time control. The Nescafe capsule coffee machine is very compact and easy to use. The set includes a collection basket for waste packaging. At the front of the case there are adjustable holders for the stand, located at different heights, which makes it possible to use cups of different sizes.
Many people choose this option as a trial option. It allows the user to decide how such technology will fit into their usual rhythm of life. A coffee machine can be a wonderful gift for loved ones.
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 2020, 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
Advantages and disadvantages
First, let's list the advantages :
- Using them is easy and simple: just put them in the compartment, set the device with the necessary parameters, and at the end, throw away the used packaging without wasting time on cleaning and washing out the hated grounds from the coffee machine.
- The coffee machine processes capsules absolutely silently .
- Since the parameters you set (water temperature, grind size) remain unchanged, the taste and quality of your favorite drink does not change . The lid allows you to preserve the aroma, taste and richness longer.
- Universal . You can prepare any desired variety, as well as mix different ones, creating a unique drink.
- It is easy to calculate portions of the prepared drink , which is actively used in restaurants, coffee shops and bars.
There are also disadvantages
- The cost of capsule coffee is significantly more expensive than grain or ground coffee, so there is no need to talk about savings here.
- A specific type is suitable for a certain line of devices.
Before buying a coffee machine, thoroughly study the market , ratings, compare the range and prices , so that in the future you do not need to scour the whole city in search of capsules.
If you rented the device for a while, it will be somewhat easier for you: you can take the capsules from the lessor or find out from him where you can get them or order them.
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
6.15 % ( 4 )
KitchenAid 5KES0503EAC Artisan Nespresso
9.23 % ( 6 )
DeLonghi EN560
7.69 % ( 5 )
Caffitaly S06
3.08 % ( 2 )
Di Maestri Esperto
0.00 % ( 0 )
Saeco HD 8603 Cafissimo Latte
1.54 % ( 1 )
Inhouse Multicoffee ICM1901BR
18.46 % ( 12 )
Xiaomi Scishare Capsule Coffee Machine S1103
7.69 % ( 5 )
Nespresso C30 Essenza Mini
7.69 % ( 5 )
Bosch TAS 1401/1402/1403/1404/1407 Tassimo
10.77 % ( 7 )
Dolce Gusto Krups Piccolo KP100B10
3.08 % ( 2 )
Bosch TASSIMO SUNY TAS 3202/3203/3204/3205
0.00 % ( 0 )
Krups XN3005/3006/3008 Nespresso
12.31 % ( 8 )
Krups Dolce Gusto KP 1301/1305/1308 Lumio
6.15 % ( 4 )
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 2020 can 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 2020, 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).
Nespresso Lattissima milk machine
(review)
RUB 19,990
in M.Video
Cheapest Nespresso Essenza Mini C30
(review)
RUB 5,690
in Yandex.Market
Capsule Nespresso with foam frother Delonghi EN85 with Aerocino
(review)
10,100 rub.
in Yandex.Market
The best capsule for large cups Nespresso Vertuo Plus GCB2
(review)
RUB 9,990
in M.Video
The most affordable Dolce Gusto Krups Piccolo XS
(review)
RUB 3,990
in M.Video
The most affordable Tassimo Bosch Tassimo Vivy II
(review)
RUB 3,490
in Yandex.Market
Addition from 2020:
Above I described all the main capsule systems that are widespread on the Russian market. Until 2020, there were basically no other options. But in 2020, 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/)
