Coffee producers are looking for new ways to make coffee rituals even more effortless. Today, bean coffee has several brewing options other than Turkish. One of these options is coffee in pods, i.e. disposable filter bags. It is used in offices, bars and restaurants, and is also gaining popularity in home kitchens. As when preparing a loose drink, hot water is passed through the ground grains, the only difference being that after brewing, the powder remains packed in a filter bag and does not leave dirty marks. Pod coffee has other benefits that have kept it on store shelves for the last fifty years.
Introductory certificate
An unusual way of packaging coffee in pods appeared in Italy. This country is the main consumer of coffee products, where in every home the morning begins with the preparation of an aromatic drink. The word "pod" is also of Italian origin and is translated as "tablet". The principle of coffee pods is to simplify the creation of a serving of the drink without losing quality.
A pod is a portion of ground grains placed in a paper filter bag
To prepare coffee you only need to take two steps: put it in the coffee machine and press the start button
Palette of tastes
Now about the differences. The main differences between pods are the composition, the number of bags in a box (pod coffee is sold in boxes), and, of course, the manufacturers.
Among the latter, the Italian brand Hausbrandt occupies an excellent position, offering a good assortment of pod coffee, in which every gourmet will surely find their favorite taste and aroma.
Do you want to cheer up in the morning? A dense and rich Hausbrandt Espresso, made from several varieties of Arabica, or Hausbrandt Kenya AA Gourmet, a Kenyan coffee with a rich taste, are suitable.
Those with a sweet tooth and lovers of chocolate and nut notes will like the Brazilian Santos Gourmet, and tobacco connoisseurs who combine a cigar with a cup of coffee will like Guatemala Gourmet.
Hausbrandt also offers soft “evening” coffee – decaffeinato.
Appearance
The pods have a standardization system, although they may differ slightly in paper quality and shape. The diameter of coffee pods depends on the model of coffee machine for which they are intended, so special markings are placed on the packaging. ESE standard filters have a diameter of 44 mm and contain 7 g of compressed ground coffee. This amount is calculated for 60 ml of water to prepare a standard portion of espresso.
Pods according to the Senseo standard are produced in a diameter of 55 mm, which contain 9 g of crumbly coffee powder. As a rule, they are made from stronger paper that can pass up to 150 ml of water. These pods are suitable for preparing any drinks, including those with the addition of milk foam.
Each paper filter is sealed with foil, which does not allow oxygen to pass through, so that the coffee retains its original taste and aroma. Pods are sold in cardboard boxes or jars, which can contain from 18 to 100 units of goods. Thanks to the sealed packaging, they have a long shelf life, so you can stock up on this coffee for future use.
Which coffee machines are suitable for making coffee in pods?
The drink can be prepared in special and carob coffee makers equipped with an adapter for coffee bags.
Pod coffee makers are compact, silent, and easy to use. The filter bag is placed in the holder, the preparation parameter is selected and after 20-30 seconds the fragrant invigorating drink is ready. After cooking, the pod is easily removed and the next portion can be prepared. There are coffee machines that prepare two cups of coffee at the same time. For each coffee maker of a certain brand, you need to choose filter bags recommended by the manufacturer. ESE standard pods are used for coffee machines marked with the same marking. Coffee makers of the Senseo series are suitable for coffee bags with a diameter of 55 mm.
How pods are made
The production of pods takes quite a long time and occurs in several stages:
- Selection of high-quality Arabica and Robusta coffee beans. As a rule, a mixture of several types of coffee is prepared to obtain different flavor accents.
- Roasting beans (medium or high degree of roasting is used).
- Prepared grains are left for several days to interact with air to start chemical processes and preserve aromatic properties.
- The grains are ground to a powdery state.
- Ground coffee is placed in pods and sealed in gas-tight foil for 20 seconds.
If the packaging rules are followed, coffee pods can be stored for 2 years while maintaining both beneficial and taste properties.
How to choose a coffee machine for your home or office
When faced with choosing which coffee machine model to choose for your home or office, you should focus on the capabilities of the device, its parameters and the format of coffee beans used.
The most important parameters that you should pay attention to when choosing a device include:
- the machine’s capabilities in heating water and the degree of pressure applied. The best criteria are a temperature of about 95°C and a pressure of at least 15 bar;
- coffee machine power. The pressure level and the quality of the finished coffee depend on this criterion. With a power of less than 1000 W, you should not expect more than 5 bar from the device. The category of devices having from 1000 to 1700 W can provide the required degree of air pressure of 15 bar;
- cappuccino maker capabilities. If the buyer loves cappuccino and delicate milk foam, the presence of such a function in the device will be necessary. There are three types of built-in devices:
- Panarello. Allows you to control the process of creating milk foam manually;
- auto. Whipping foam without external intervention;
- in the form of the Milk Island system. Just like the previous one, it performs whipping automatically using an additional jug.
Milk Island System
- quantitative possibilities for preparing cups per day. For home use, ordinary models are suitable, capable of preparing up to 50 cups of drink. For a large office, it is worth choosing professional-type models aimed at large volumes.
- software. Controls the volume of coffee brewing, sets the required temperature, performs auto-rinsing and many other qualities. It is important to make sure that the menu contains characters of the Russian alphabet.
- the presence of a plate to keep the coffee warm;
- overall dimensions and design.
Advantages
Coffee machine pods have a number of undeniable advantages compared to ground and grain coffee, as well as capsule coffee:
Nespresso capsule coffee
- Environmentally friendly packaging. The raw materials are in contact exclusively with filtered paper, which prevents oxidation both during storage and during the preparation of the drink.
- Easy to use and time saving. There is no need to pre-grind the beans, measure the required amount, compress the coffee, or clean the coffee machine. The drink is prepared within 20 seconds. And even a child can handle operating a pod coffee machine.
- Natural composition. The tightness of the packaging allows you to avoid adding chemical components to the coffee, which are responsible for extending the shelf life, enhancing the aromatic properties, and also for creating a beautiful foam. In this case, all these factors are achieved by maintaining the freshness of the ground beans.
- Economical. Coffee pod packaging is designed for a certain number of cups. Therefore, it is easy to keep track and control the amount you drink. This is especially true for offices and food establishments.
- Affordable price. The cost of pods is comparable to a package of good ground coffee, and in comparison with capsule coffee they are even cheaper. The same applies to pod coffee machines. They have a budget price compared to their competitors, but are absolutely universal and work with any pods.
The biggest advantage is the quality of the prepared drink.
You will always get a cup of coffee from freshly ground beans that have retained their original taste and noble aroma. Moreover, the quality of the drink will always be the same. Whereas bean or ground coffee in a package, after opening it, retains these properties for no longer than a week.
What is a cappuccino maker and how to use it
A cappuccino maker is one of the functions of a coffee machine or a separate device. Its other name is milk frother. Its job is to froth milk for coffee drinks and boil water. The operating technology of the machine provides for the presence of a tube for collecting milk directly from the storage container. Under the influence of steam from the inside, the cappuccino maker heats the milk and enriches it with air pumped through a special hole.
The milk frother can froth milk automatically or with human assistance. There are 3 types of devices:
- Panarello nozzle. Coffee makers with such a built-in function have an additional pipe (metal or plastic);
Panarello - at the end of the tube there is a wide hole that works on the principle of a spray, enhancing the stream of steam. The tube is lowered into a glass of milk, half filled. After the air supply starts, the container must be rotated, allowing the air to evenly whip up the foam;
- automatic cappuccino makers. Such devices are separate from the main coffee machine. The device is a stainless steel container with a built-in spring. Due to the built-in motor, the spring comes into action and, rotating, froths the milk.
Automatic cappuccino maker - Steam beater. In a number of coffee machines, it is possible to replace the panarello with a steam-type beater. During operation, milk flows through the tube, foaming occurs, after which the foam is directed into the cup with the drink.
Note! Interestingly, this separation between metal and plastic also affects the resulting drink. Metal enhances the taste and aroma of coffee beans, while plastic, on the contrary, mutes these qualities.
Flaws
After a series of advantages of pods, there are still several disadvantages. First of all, you need to purchase an appropriate coffee maker. Even the most budget models cost at least 4 thousand rubles, while a Turk or geyser coffee maker does not require large investments.
Many people complain about the meager range of flavors and the inability to combine different types of coffee, as well as prepare drinks with additives. Of course, the commercially available flavors may become boring over time, but the pods are not created for gourmets, but for ordinary people who are more accustomed to the instant analogue.
Perhaps the main drawback is the need to search for places of sale. Pods are not available in all chain stores, so it’s easier to find a specialized point of sale of coffee or order them online.
Where can I use a pod coffee machine?
Before purchasing a new product, you must clearly understand that this device is not intended for continuous operation from morning to evening. For these purposes, a more expensive and complex unit is better suited.
A pod coffee machine is indispensable:
- At home. It will save time in the morning, when all family members, no matter what, want a cup of an invigorating drink.
- In the office. Does not clog, does not require constant cleaning and special knowledge of operation.
- In a small bar or cafe. It will make the work of staff easier and increase the speed of customer service, while the quality will always be at its best.
Types of pods
Manufacturers of pod coffee are constantly trying to expand their range and create new blends. As a rule, each of them produces from 15 to 20 flavors. Manufacturers are also experimenting with the degree of roasting of beans. Recently, in addition to coffee, they began to produce teas in pods, which differ greatly in taste from bagged ones.
Now you can find the following pod brands on the market:
- Buscaglione,
- San Giusto,
- Italko,
- Bristot,
- ILLY,
- Lavazza.
In addition to traditional Arabica and Robusta, compositions with chocolate, floral, nutty, creamy, and caramel notes are created.
Buscaglione produces 3 flavor varieties of pods, as well as a decaffeinated version. Classic Buscaglione Arabica is ideal for making espresso. It has a mild floral taste and a sweetish aroma. Buscaglione Long has a coarse grind and makes a rich Americano or Lungo. It has a slight sourness and bitterness, as well as an almond aftertaste. The aroma of the drink is very rich and spicy.
Buscaglione Passione will appeal to true gourmets who prefer a multifaceted taste. It is suitable for making espresso and cappuccino. This variety is distinguished by nutty and chocolate notes, as well as a thick brown foam on the finished drink.
For people with health problems, this brand has created separate pods of Buscaglione Decaffeinato. They are made from South American Arabica beans, from which caffeine is extracted during processing. At the same time, the coffee turns out to be rich in taste with a slight sourness and a fruity aftertaste.
What are pods and what are their features?
The tiny packages, designed for one cup of espresso, include 2 layers of perforated paper.
There are several standards that differ in diameter, but the most common among them are:
- senseo - soft bags, not tied to a specific type;
- Easy Serving Espesso, compressed tablets (ESE)
In production, various aromatic additives are used to improve the taste. One filter bag contains 7–9 g of powder, equal to a serving of espresso . The main feature of coffee in pods is the stability of taste and a unique bouquet of aromas. They add:
- cream additives;
- caramel ingredients;
- nuts and other tasty and healthy ingredients
The spicy aroma with an almond tint of Buscaglione Long coffee pods appeals to lovers of lungo and Americano a cappuccino from the Italco Concerto bag .
Pods are usually packaged in 18, 48, 100 pieces in foil with injected carbon dioxide for maximum product safety.
But ese pods for coffee machines are suitable if the machines are compatible with this standard. These include models from the Bork, Gretti, Delonghi, Philips Saeco and other well-known brands.
This method was first used in Italy, and the pod, which translated means “wafer,” appeared on the domestic market only in 2004.
The leading manufacturers of pod machines are German companies producing Senseo models and the Netherlands, trading under the well-known Philips brand.
Pod coffee machines are divided into two types:
- devices with replaceable nozzles for the holder;
- unit for pods only
Some people confuse the capsule mechanism with the pod mechanism. The first option involves piercing the tablet when the brewing group is activated, but the second does not.
On the market, among countless samples, it became possible to purchase the only model that meets personal requirements for the speed and quality of the drink.
Tips for choosing
Use a few simple tips when choosing coffee pods:
- Pay attention to the place where the grains are produced. Give preference to raw materials from Guatemala, Colombia, Ethiopia and Costa Rica. Brazilian varieties will appeal to fans of strong coffee with sourness and rich aroma.
- Choose medium or fine grind coffee pods as they allow for better water flow and flavor release.
- Don’t chase a low price, because the quality of the coffee beans that are placed in the pods directly depends on it.
Place of growth
The process of growing a coffee tree is labor-intensive; in order to obtain high-quality beans, work on coffee plantations is mainly done by hand. The birthplace of coffee is Ethiopia; it has been consumed there since the 9th century. Over time, the growing areas of coffee trees increased and reached Central and South America, Ethiopia and southeast Asia. The production of pods includes Arabica beans from Ethiopia, which has a chocolate flavor, and coffee beans from India and Haiti, which have a sweetish taste; coffee beans from Brazil are distinguished by a slight sourness. Consistently, the most popular beans are those grown in Colombia and Costa Rica, which are distinguished by their high quality of taste.
To make coffee, all you need is a pod machine and coffee pods.
See alsoLight kitchen design - how to avoid mistakes?
Coffee makers for pod coffee
The first pod coffee machines were developed by the Swiss company Nespresso. Moreover, she immediately released her own line of coffee flavors. In Russia, the new product began to be produced in 2004, and it was produced by . Currently, Philips, ARIETE, Severin, GRIMAC are engaged in the production of pod coffee makers and coffee machines.
The most popular model is Philips Senseo. It is fully automated and features quiet operation, small dimensions and an affordable price. This machine is easy to use and maintain. The only caveat is the inability to change the strength of the drink. In more expensive models there is a function for changing the drink preparation mode.
Pod coffee machines work on the same principle as other units.
A filter bag is placed in a special tank. The water is heated to the desired temperature and pressurized through the ground coffee. The process of preparing the drink takes no more than a minute and does not require any additional actions. There is no need to clean the device either, because the filter does not allow coffee to pass through and the tank does not get dirty.
Pod coffee has already found its fans, thanks to its undeniable advantages. It allows you to prepare the same delicious drinks as in a coffee shop without leaving your home and without any special skills. Coffee pods are definitely worth a try if you like to experiment and prefer to buy quality products at an affordable price.
Pod coffee machines
Such well-known companies as WMF AG, Severin, Philips are engaged in the production of pod coffee machines.
Philips Senseo coffee machine is distinguished by its quiet operation and good coffee quality. Not all consumers like the fact that this machine does not have a function for changing the strength of the drink, but these comments should only be attributed to the pods, how well they are compressed and at what speed the water passes through the “coffee filter”.
Important! If the density of the “tablet” is high and the water slowly overcomes this obstacle on its way, it draws out all the juices from the coffee and the drink naturally becomes stronger.
ARIETE 1317 Divina is considered one of the leading models. It is one hundred percent automatic and also inexpensive. The ideal combination of price and quality.
The GRIMAC Espresso e Cappuccino coffee pod machine is very good for offices.
Reliable, easy to use. You can prepare both “espresso” and “cappuccino” in it, and in quantities sufficient for a large group.
