The Best Capsule Coffee Machines of 2017
If you're a lover of Nespresso but want to step away from their tiny capsules, look no further than this machine. It makes use of larger Vertuo capsules and reads the barcode on each capsule to automatically adjust the settings for the desired size of drink.
It offers ristretto and espresso options, as well as an option to save drinks you've made. It also has a handy height-adjustable drip tray and sleep mode that saves energy.
1. Nespresso Vertuo Plus
The Nespresso Vertuo Plus is one of two new models to join the Nespresso range in the year 2017. It's smaller than other models and is able to fit into smaller spaces. It's available in more colors.
The machine utilizes the latest version of Nespresso's pod-based system. Vertuo Plus spins the capsule at up to 7000rpm, instead of piercing it to pump hot water into it. The brew is created by mixing ground coffee and water. The capsule then drips through an opening in the middle and out of 18 smaller holes, which gives a rich crema on your drink. The machine can make both coffee and lungo-style drinks.
It reads a barcode on the bottom of each capsule to tailor its blending process to suit each. You aren't able to mix capsules from other brands with Vertuo plus, as only Nespresso capsules come with a barcode.
There's a single button to press across the top of the machine and it's a breeze to operate. Click the silver lever on the front to raise it and reveal the space for your selected pod. Place the pod in place and then press the single button for the brewing.
The machine comes with a 40-ounce water reservoir and it automatically releases the used capsules internally. It also has a heating up time of about 15 seconds, and an energy-saving auto shut-off after nine minutes of inactivity. It's a stylish, reliable and easy-to-use machine with minimal maintenance. But, if you want to minimize the production of waste with this type of system, make sure to create a good recycling scheme for the pods you have used.
2. Lavazza Vertuo Pop
This compact machine made by Lavazza can add a touch of class to your coffee corner. The clever Centrifusion technology scans the barcode of your selected capsule to dispense the exact amount of water you need for the perfect cup. It's available in a range of colors. It can make up to five different sizes of hot or iced drinks, including gran lungo and double espresso.
This machine is slightly more sophisticated than Nespresso machines, as it has the ability to heat and dispensing milk. It's still more fool-proof than a traditional home espresso machine and a great choice for those who aren't comfortable using a manual coffeemaker. The Jolie comes with a large lever that opens and closes the capsule slot. A 0.9-litre tank can be placed behind it. The large capsule bin can hold up to ten capsules.
It is easy to use, and heats up within minutes. It's also very quiet and consumes minimal energy, so it's an ideal choice for your electric bills.
The only drawback with this model is that it can only use Lavazza's own capsules, instead of the wide range of Nespresso capsules. This might not be an issue for everyone, but could be for those who prefer switching brands. If you do choose to purchase this machine, be sure that you get a pack of 100 capsules reusable with the purchase. They aren't cheap, but you will save money over the long term as they tend to be cheaper than Nespresso capsules.
3. Tassimo My Way
A fully automated machine that is very simple to use. It has a wide platform that can be adjusted to various heights for tall glasses or smaller espresso cups. The numbered buttons make it easy to pick your preferred settings. You can coffee pod machines also save four personal variations which makes it a great option for families and couples with differing preferences. The machine is energy efficient and comes with a handy indicator that informs you when it's time for descaling (which requires an instruction disc tucked in a slot).
It's designed to function, as all Tassimo systems do, with the company's branded barcoded T Discs which include everything from cold drinks tea, coffee, and hot chocolate, to chilled, frothy milk. Intellibrew technology detects the type of drink and adjusts the timing as well as temperature and strength to meet. This prevents the risk of accidentally altering unnatural settings, like changing the strength of a coffee made with milk, and ensures that the drink tasting perfect.
The My Way 2 has an extensive selection of flavors to choose from, with more than 50 famous brands including Costa favorites, Kenco, L'OR and Cadbury's. You can also make lattes and cappuccinos that are frothy and also uplifting Americanos and luscious flat whites.
It is easy to clean and has a standby mode which saves energy. The water tank is easily removed and filled with fresh water. Contrary to other pod machines, it does not have a built-in method for disposing of the old T Discs, but it has launched a partnership with Podback to enable you to recycle them in a local program.
4. Jolie
A compact pod coffee machine that's been on the market for a few years, Jolie stands up well against more modern models. The slim, sleek body takes up less space on the countertop than larger models, while its simple controls make it easy to use. By pressing a single button, you can select between lungo and espresso. A cup holder that can be removed allows you to use standard cups or even mugs.
It's not cheap however the Jolie is a great choice for those looking for a basic capsule coffee maker that can produce high-quality espresso with little effort. A handy steam wand comes included which allows you to add milk to the creation of a cappuccino or latte. It's also one of the quietest machines we've tested and won't disturb families with early morning sleep-ins.
SMEG has a reputation for elegant kitchen equipment and this retro-styled coffee machine is no exception (choose from cream, red or black). It's small enough to be able to be able to fit in between other appliances on your counter but it doesn't sacrifice functionality. One press of a button brews a short espresso or longer lungo, while its energy saving mode is put into standby after two minutes of inactivity or seven days of no use.
If you're a lover of SMEG's 1950s design aesthetic or would like to tailor your coffee more than the big brands offer the Jolie is a good option to consider. It has a Bloom & Brew feature that pre-wettes the capsule and makes it more flavorful cup. Other settings let you adjust the amount of water you use, adjust the coffee temperature and also adjust the pressure.
5. Infinissima
Whether you're in the market for an easy cup of coffee to start your day or an indulgent morning espresso, the Infinissima is the perfect choice. It's a sleek and sophisticated capsule machine that's easy to use and offers many beverages to choose from. It has a unique design inspired by the infinity symbol and includes the globular pod holder as well as a triangular water tank, which looks like modern art.
While the Infinissima's quirky exterior is cool but it doesn't sacrifice quality. It utilizes a high-pressure system to extract maximum flavour from each coffee capsule and produces professional-quality cafe style crema. It also has a fast heat-up time so that your drinks are ready in just a few minutes. It also comes with a large removable water tank of 1.2L so you can make several cups without having to refill.
The Infinissima can also make cold and hot drinks. The temperature settings are adjustable, allowing users to select from a variety of beverages like iced coffee or macarchiato latte. It comes with a cup heating plate that keeps your beverage warm, preventing it from cooling too quickly. The Infinissima has a timer that will shut down the machine after a certain amount of time. This helps to improve energy efficiency.
The Infinissima is a simple device to use, with easy controls and a clear LCD display which lets you select your beverages. It also comes with a self-rising capsule holder that makes it much easier to insert capsules and refill the water tank. It also comes with a handy filter and cleaning kit that allow you to reuse capsules that have been used. If you're looking for a great capsule coffee maker in Qatar Infinissima is an excellent option.