Do you like to drink coffee in the morning and do not want to spend your precious time grinding beans? An automated unit will satisfy all your requests in an elementary way. To get a high-quality drink at the outlet in an instant, master the principle of operation of a capsule coffee machine. In order to purchase this device, it is important to know its technical characteristics. Models from the most popular brands are presented in our review.
At a Glance
Of course, we will tell about the principle of operation of capsule-type coffee machines, but at first I would like to touch on the history of the device a little. The piece of engineering that made a splash among gourmets 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.use, and over time, the capsule design was appreciated by many. Now she has taken a strong position in the coffee market. A number of units from several manufacturers were presented to lovers of the aromatic drink.
What to look for when choosing a machine?
The mechanism of action of individual models is almost similar, but there are some differences. That is why it is necessary to carefully study the operating instructions for the device before buying it. The way a capsule-type coffee machine works is not all that you need to pay attention to when choosing a model. First of all, it should correspond to the purpose and be multifunctional. For example, for professional use, you need to choose a device with enough tray capacity to load capsules. A machine with small dimensions is suitable for making coffee at home.
The cleaning system is also an important criterion - no one wants to disassemble and wash the device after brewing one portion of the drink. Instruments are available with auto-cleaning and packaging material rejection.
The device of the capsule coffee machine
Such a device consists of three main parts. A large compartment that includes a water tank and a heater, a tray for coffee containers and a coaster for cups or a coffee pot. The device includes the following accessories:
- case;
- thermoblock;
- control panel (electrical assembly and software);
- water dispenser;
- pump to regulate pressure;
- capsule handling system (for ejection, hole punching and brewing).
The essence of this device is that the taste of coffee is set by the company that makes the capsules, and not by the machine itself. This is a plus, as branded packaging serves as a guarantee of high quality raw materials.
What is a capsule?
This is a special packaging made of plastic or aluminum, polymers or other food-grade composite materials. The crushed coffee beans are placed in it and hermetically sealed with a filter. The top of the capsules is still sealed with foil paper. In their appearance, they resemble flasks, differing in colors and sizes.
Specifications
Let's find out by what criteria an automated coffee machine is evaluated. Main parameters:
- The volume of the water bowl. This refers to the number of glasses that the machine can prepare in a row.
- Pressure. If this value is lower than 15 bar, then the drink will not be able to fully reveal its taste. The more intense the pressure on the beans, the brighter the notes that were originally embedded in the coffee will be felt. An exception in this regard are devices that work with unpressed raw materials. For them, the degree of pressure does not matter.
- Power. It is also an important criterion that affects the taste of coffee. The speed depends on the power, and with the rapid production of the drink, its characteristics will be athigh level. The optimal power rating of the machine for home use should be 1200 watts.
- Additional features: pan level adjustment lever, tank full indicator, backlit display showing mode parameters.
- Dimensions. The more impressive the size of the unit, the more drink it can produce. Therefore, this parameter is the main one regarding the purpose of the device.
Literally all coffee machines have a high level of noise. However, this drawback is mitigated due to the speed of preparation of the drink. Next, let's look at how the capsule coffee machine works.
Mechanism of action
To prepare a drink for each individual type of unit, you need to buy special capsules. All of them work from the mains. You just need to go through a few simple steps:
- Install the coffee package in the designated slot and close it.
- The machine independently pierces the container with the contents in several places.
- You should wait a minute, and after heating the water to a certain temperature, a hot jet under pressure will break through the capsule.
- You just have to watch how the aromatic drink will flow into the cup, pre-installed on the stand.
- The next task is to dispose of the spent flask with accumulations of leftover grounds.
The item of household appliances releases its owners from the next cleaning. However, this is notmeans it is maintenance free. Periodically, you need to disassemble the device, clean the tube for the cappuccinatore and the container for capsules. If this is not done, then over time, an unpleasant odor will accumulate inside the device.
Device capabilities depending on the type
Despite the fact that the design was developed with the participation of the latest innovative technologies and the principle of operation of the capsule coffee machine is quite complicated, everyone can remember the algorithm of actions when using it. With minimal involvement of human hands, the result will be stunning. The machine will turn coffee beans and water into an invigorating aromatic drink in one minute. Most devices have the following features:
- Due to the adjustment of the serving volume, you can set a certain strength of the coffee drink.
- The capsules are punctured using an automated system.
- Appliances equipped with a milk froth program make cappuccino.
- There is a function to clean the compartment into which capsules are inserted.
- The level of water in the tank is corrected by the indicator.
- Some units are endowed with several modes for preparing various drinks.
- There is a stop drop button on the control panel.
On sale there are devices that, in addition to a coffee drink, can also make tea. These include the technical novelty of Paulig.
Budget options have a simplified device. However, by passing boiling water through the capsules, they allow you to get real aromatic coffee. There are cars inwhich can only be filled with filtered water. They have a self-cleaning function. If there is no possibility for such maintenance, then it is better to purchase a design with a special filter.
Device compatibility with raw material standards
All devices are designed according to the standards of the flasks in which the raw materials for the preparation of the drink are located. For example, how does a Nespresso capsule coffee machine work. Since it is also tied to a specific type of packaging, it will only be able to function with their presence. Nespresso is the most popular manufacturer-giant in the coffee market, which produces both the units themselves and the capsules for them. In this regard, you must first conduct a tasting of coffee drinks from different brands, figure out which standard is better to give preference to, and then buy the machine.
The most popular models on the Russian market are well-known companies that meet the following packaging flask standards: Tassimo, Caffitaly, Dolce Gusto, Cremesso, Nespresso. Below is an overview of models from European manufacturers whose brands have taken a strong position in the field of coffee brewing.
Nespresso
In the domestic market, this brand was among the first, coffee makers were presented by the Swiss company Nescafe. In terms of reliability and functionality, they are deservedly referred to as the best solutions. Devices are produced at the factories of manufacturers Krups and DeLonghi.
The operating principle of the Nespresso capsule coffee machine is the same as describedhigher. But there are some differences due to the parameters of specific models. The line includes 20 options that differ in management functions, water tank sizes and additional positions. Among them there are miniature ones that do not take up much space and weigh a little more than two kilograms. Some are equipped with a cappuccinatore for pouring fresh milk, sometimes with a regulator of the degree of whipping of the additive. There are devices endowed with a cup warmer, a system for controlling the volume of liquid.
The capsule contains only 5 g of raw materials, but the drink is strong. The flow of water occurs at the level of professional devices - 19 bar. Meanwhile, they are all economical, with minimal energy consumption.
Dolce Gusto
An affordable option from the Krups brand. The model range is represented by a wide range - there are both fully automated devices and semi-manual ones. All of them are distinguished by their original design, in which the same style can be traced - rounded configurations with smooth outlines of lines. If you need a compact model, then you can choose from the devices of the initial group, the top ones, as a rule, are multifunctional and have large sizes. How does the capsule coffee machine "Dolce Gusto" with ample opportunities work? The device is able to regulate the volume of the drink and set its strength. If we talk about the pressure of the pump, then it is relatively small - 15 bar. The machine works with capsule standards with up to 25 recipes including chocolate drinks. One package contains 6 g of raw materials.
The disadvantages of the device include: problems associated with assembling the device and relatively low pump pressure.
Compact version by Dolce Gusto for home use
It will be about the Nescafe capsule coffee machine. This is a great option for those who do not have the opportunity to enjoy the aesthetic pleasure of production experiments on coffee beans. All you need to do to get a drink is to insert the flask with the contents and press the button. When the lever located at the top of the device is lowered down, the capsules are pierced. The container for packages is removed by pressing it in the opposite direction. On the back side of the case there is a water tank and a lever that includes four positions - the flow of hot and cold water and time control. The Nescafe capsule coffee machine is very compact and easy to use. The kit includes a collection basket for waste packages. The front of the cabinet features adjustable stand holders at different heights to accommodate different cup sizes.
Many choose this option as a trial. It allows the user to decide how such technology will fit into his usual rhythm of life. A coffee machine can be a wonderful gift for loved ones.
DeLonghi
The main advantages of coffee machines are their reliable and high-quality assembly. Herecan also be attributed to the strong pressure of the liquid. In terms of power, they are not inferior to the units of the common Nespresso brand and have the same value of this indicator - 19 bar. They also work with the capsule standard from the same manufacturer. In general, the palette of drinks includes 26 types of flavors.
DeLonghi capsule-type coffee machines have an advantage, as do Krups units. Unlike other devices that can only accept their standard capsules, they can work with different types of packages.
TASSIMO
This is an automated machine from the manufacturer Bosch, which is very different from the rest. Raw materials from this company are packaged in flat containers in the form of discs. For them, a small pressure force is sufficient, so its value is significantly underestimated (3.3 bar), the drink comes out very weak. Multifunctional models differ from ordinary ones in tank parameters and beautiful design. In work, they accept only native packaging, with contents weighing 9 g. Among the recipes are tea and cocoa. Each foil disc has a barcode that a scanner reads to select a specific amount of water and temperature.
Conclusion
If you do not save on the quality of the units due to the fact that they are more expensive than usual, and also master the principle of operation of capsule coffee machines, they will quickly pay for themselves. The stable taste of a fragrant drink in the morning will not depend on your efforts andspecial skills.
