The Best Capsule Coffee Machines of 2017
This machine is ideal for Nespresso fans who want to get rid of the tiny pods. It utilizes larger Vertuo capsules and reads the barcode on each capsule to automatically adjust the settings to your desired drink size.
It can save customized drinks to a button for speedy brewing, and offers ristretto, espresso and americano options. It also has a adjustable drip tray that can be adjusted in height and a 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 narrower than other models, allowing it to fit in more spaces. It's also available with a broader selection of colors, too.
The machine uses the latest version of Nespresso's pod-based system. Instead of piercing the capsule in order to pump hot water through it, the Vertuo Plus uses Centrifusion to spin the capsule at speeds of up to 7000rpm. The brew is made by mixing ground coffee and water. The capsule then drips through a central hole and out of 18 smaller holes, resulting in an extremely thick crema to your drink. The machine is able to make coffee and lungo-style drinks.
It reads the barcode at the bottom of every capsule to customize the method of blending for each. You aren't able to mix capsules from other brands that use Vertuo plus because only Nespresso capsules come with a barcode.
There's only a single button to press on the top of the machine, and it's simple to operate. Simply press the silver lever at the front and it raises to reveal a space for your preferred pod. Place the pod in place and then press the single button to start making.
The machine has a 40-ounce reservoir of water and it automatically releases capsules used up from the inside. It also has a warm up time of just 15 to 20 seconds, and an energy-saving auto shut off after nine minutes of inactivity. This machine is easy to use and reliable, and requires minimal maintenance. If you want to avoid creating a lot of waste with this type of system, make sure to set up a good recycling scheme for the used pods.
2. Lavazza Vertuo Pop
This compact machine made by Lavazza can add a touch of class to your
coffee pods machines corner. The innovative Centrifusion technology scans the barcode of your chosen capsule to provide the right amount of water needed for your perfect cup. It is available in a variety of colors and can make up to five different sizes including double espresso.
This machine is a little more sophisticated than Nespresso pod machines in that it also offers the possibility of heating and dispensing milk. It's still more secure than a regular espresso machine and is a great alternative for those who don't feel at ease using a manual espresso maker. The Jolie comes with a large chrome lever that opens and closes the capsule slot. A 0.9-litre tank can be put behind it. There's a large capsule bin that can hold ten of your used capsules at a time.
It's easy to use and heats up within minutes. It's also quiet and consumes minimal energy, so it's a good choice for your energy bills.
This model has only one disadvantage It is that it only works with Lavazza capsules and not the Nespresso range. This might not be a problem for many people, but it could be a problem for those who want to switch between brands. If you decide to go with this machine, make sure that you get a package of 100 capsules reusable with the purchase. These capsules are not cheap, but they will save you money in the long run as they are cheaper than Nespresso
pods coffee machines.
3. Tassimo My Way
Fully automated machine that's very easy to use. It features a large platform that can be adjusted to various heights for tall glasses or small espresso cups. The buttons are numbered, making it easy to choose your preferred settings. You can also store four different variations of your own which makes it a great option for families and couples with different tastes. The machine is energy-efficient and has a handy indicator to let you know when the water tank is empty or descaling is needed (which requires a service disc that's tucked into a slot along with the instruction).
It's designed to work like all Tassimo systems using the company's brand barcoded T Discs, which contain everything from cold drinks, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and even cool, frothy milk. It comes with Intellibrew technology that automatically detects the type of drink and adjusts brewing time, temperature and strength according to the type of drink. This stops you from accidentally adjusting in a way that isn't sensible, for example, altering the strength of a cup of coffee made using milk, and helps keep the drink tasting perfect.
The My Way 2 offers an array of flavors including Costa favourites Kenco, L'OR, and Cadbury's. You can make lattes, cappuccinos and even fluffy Americanos.
It is easy to clean and features a standby mode which saves energy. The water tank is easily removed and can be filled with fresh tap water. It doesn't come with an inbuilt mechanism to dispose of T Discs that are used. Instead it has partnered up with Podback an organization that recycles, to allow you to recycle the discs through an on-site program.
4. Jolie
A small pod Coffee maker (
special-e.com) that's been in the market for a while, Jolie stands up well against newer models. Its slimline design takes up less counter space than larger machines and its controls are simple to use. With the push of one button, you can select between espresso and lungo. A removable cup holder allows you to use standard cups or even mugs.
The Jolie isn't cheap, however it's a good option for anyone seeking a simple capsule espresso maker that produces high-quality espresso with minimal effort. A handy steam wand comes included too that allows you to add milk to a cappuccino or latte. It's also among the quietest machines we've seen which means it won't disturb early morning family sleep-ins.
SMEG is renowned for its chic kitchen appliances and this retro-style coffee pod maker is no different (choose between black, cream or red). Small enough to fit on your counter, but still functional. A single push of a button brews an espresso in a short amount or a longer lungo. The energy saving mode goes into standby after two minutes of inactivity and seven days of no use.
The Jolie is a good option for those who like the 1950s design aesthetic of SMEG or you want to personalize your
coffee machines capsules to be better than the big brands can offer. It comes with an app that provides more barista-friendly recipes as well as a Bloom & Brew setting that pre-wets and infuses the capsule to make a better cup while other settings let you regulate the amount of water that is used and adjust the
coffee capsule machine temperature and pressure.
5. Infinissima
The Infinissima is the ideal machine for those looking for quick morning espresso or an espresso that will fuel their day. It's a capsule machine that is automatic with a sleek appearance that is simple to use. Its unique design is inspired by the infinity symbol and includes an oblong pod holder and triangular water tank that looks like modern art.
While the Infinissima's quirky exterior is cool but it doesn't sacrifice quality. It utilizes a high-pressure system that extracts the maximum flavor from each coffee capsule, and produces professional-quality cafe style crema. It also has a rapid heat-up time so that your drinks are ready in just a few minutes. It also comes with a large, removable 1.2L water tank, so you can make multiple cups without having to refill.
The Infinissima can also make cold and hot drinks. Its adjustable temperature settings can offer a wide variety of choices, including iced coffee and macchiato latte.