What is a capsule coffee machine

A capsule-type coffee maker is a unit for quickly preparing natural coffee drinks.

The fundamental feature of such coffee machines is the type of raw material used, which in this case is in special “capsule” packaging.

Original boxes made of food-grade plastic packed in foil material can contain portions of ground coffee of various types, cocoa, tea, and mixtures for making hot chocolate, cappuccino, mochaccino and other drinks.

Appearance of a capsule coffee machine may differ depending on the design decision of the manufacturer. But in most cases it is a small household appliance, from 2 to 5 kg.

Weight and dimensions, as a rule, depend on factors such as material, possible volume of the loading tray for capsules and purpose (home and professional). Such devices consist of a main part that houses a heating element and a reservoir into which water is poured, a tray for capsules and a stand for a coffee pot or cups.

Principle of operation

The main advantage of this type of coffee maker is the ease of operation and speed of preparation of the drink, which are ensured due to the understandable device operation diagrams:

• you need to place the capsule with the desired drink in the brewing compartment;
• turn on the desired mode on the control panel (regular coffee makers only have a “start” button, professional ones may have several modes for different drinks);
• after pressing the trigger, a special needle will open the capsule and the cooking process will begin, which lasts 1–2 minutes;
• hot water under high pressure passes through the compartment with the opened capsule, after which the ready-made drink flows from the horn.

Depending on the price, the coffee maker can be equipped with various additional functions and equipped with additional accessories. The average capsule coffee machine may have the following useful features:

Adjusting the amount of serving:

• Ability to set the desired strength of the drink;
• Automation of the capsule puncture process;
• Automatic cleaning of the capsule compartment;
• Preparing cappuccino (if there is a milk frothing program);
• Tank water level indicator;
• Stop-drop function.

Important! Regardless of whether the coffee maker has a self-cleaning function, the capsule tray, cappuccino maker tube, water reservoir, filter and tray must be washed periodically to avoid the appearance of an unpleasant taste and smell in the coffee caused by the accumulation of residues.

Some models may have a number of other improvements (lighting, a variety of programs and temperature modes, the ability to control the tray). Regardless of the number of additional “special effects,” the principle of operation of a capsule coffee maker always remains the same; they have virtually no effect on the quality and taste of the drink.

What is a capsule for a coffee machine

Coffee capsules are small containers that resemble cups, made of plastic from various raw materials.

There are plastic, aluminum (made of foil) and combined capsules (they can use paper, foil and plastic at the same time).

There are also disposable and reusable capsules. Disposable ones are usually made from foil and are supplied sealed. Reusable capsules are cups with lids made of food-grade polymer. You can pour coffee into these cups at your discretion, depending on your taste preferences.

Important! Reusable cups also have a usage limit after which they must be discarded.

Why do many people prefer capsule-type coffee machines?

The spread of this type of coffee maker is primarily due to a number of the following advantages:

• Due to the fact that coffee is stored in airtight packaging, its taste remains exactly as it should be and does not deteriorate over time.
• In capsules, coffee does not oxidize, which also has a positive effect on taste;
• Easy to use - even beginners can feel like a real barista when working with a capsule coffee maker. Lack of experience will in no way affect the taste of the drink.
• Easy to maintain - you need to wash the components about once a week, but this will not be difficult, since the design of the unit allows for easy access to all its parts.
• Price is a relatively controversial factor, but when compared with professional carob or automatic coffee machines, buying a capsule coffee machine will be 20 percent cheaper.

Speaking about the disadvantages of such units, there are practically none, except for one. Capsule coffee product is not widespread enough in all areas. Therefore, residents of small towns will have to order it through online stores.