I can't imagine a morning without drinking good coffee. There is probably a similar “coffee lover” among you. Before this, I was used to brewing black drink in the traditional way. That is, simply pour boiling water into a mug with two teaspoons of coffee. For some time I was haunted by the idea of buying a coffee machine. I was interested in the idea of a capsule manufacturer. Friends praise me, but what is the profitability of using such a device? How long does a capsule last for a coffee machine?
What are capsules for a coffee machine
A coffee capsule is a small glass made of plastic or aluminum. Freshly ground coffee is poured into it, compacted under pressure and hermetically sealed.
Coffee prepared using capsules has a special taste. This is directly related to the cooking method. After all, in purchased sealed capsules the original aroma is preserved.
In most cases, the capsules are disposable - enough for one cup of coffee. Capsule machines are quite easy to use and inexpensive, but their capsules are very expensive. It especially costs a pretty penny if you are a coffee lover who often drinks this magical drink. For example, if you drink 5-6 cups a day for two people, it will cost about 2000 UAH just for ground coffee.
Read also: It all starts with coffee: the history of the Nescafe brand
How to make your own capsule drinks
A portion of ground coffee is removed from the container by opening it with a knife. Then they start cooking in a Turk or geyser coffee maker.
In Turk
Warm the cezve over low heat. Place the powder and add 35 ml of water. Cook until foam rises and remove from heat, avoiding boiling. Add 1 tsp to the finished drink. cold water to settle the grounds.
Recipes:
- In Turkish. Open the espresso capsule and add it to the cezve along with sugar (to taste). Pour 40-50 ml of water. Warm the drink over low heat, bring to a boil, but do not boil. Remove from heat and let the foam settle. Heat again until foam appears.
- Eastern style. Open the cappuccino or latte capsule. Place in a Turk, add sugar, a few granules of salt and 100 ml of boiling water. Bring to a boil. When serving, sprinkle the drink with grated chocolate.
Use herbs, spices, syrups and liqueurs to get different flavors.
What's inside the capsule?
The capsule can be made of plastic or aluminum. There is a lot of worry about the harmfulness of aluminum, but this is not so. Essentially, the same foil that is used for baking fish in the oven. In the device, a sealed capsule is opened by an air stream. There is another way to package capsules - flow pack. The capsule looks like a plastic envelope containing an inert gas.
For capsules, you must use a capsule machine of the appropriate standard.
Other types of coffee makers may not be useful. Because manufacturers are not friends with each other and do not think about the consumer.
There are also reusable capsules. The advantage is that the coffee from such a capsule does not run out instantly. You can use it and then fill it with a new one. At the same time, also experiment with the composition. And the best part is that you don’t have to constantly take out the coffee container and refill the machine. But, of course, the taste will be different from the original. The cost of reusable capsules is naturally more expensive than disposable ones.
Trying to brew coffee from capsules without a coffee machine
There are many ways to make filter coffee without a machine designed specifically for this purpose. All you need is a way to heat the water and a thick cloth to filter out the grounds. But if you want to make espresso, then it’s more complicated. Making espresso without a machine is not so easy. Coffee makers are not just there for convenience - they are necessary to achieve espresso brewing conditions. Therefore, the answer to the question of how to brew coffee from capsules without a coffee machine will be quite difficult.
How is espresso made?
Espresso is created by passing water through a capsule (tablet, disc) of pressed ground coffee. As a rule, medium or strong roasting is used, but soft roasting is also possible. And the most important detail is the pressure, which is the key to good espresso. A capsule coffee machine uses an average of 19-20 bar of pressure to infuse water with coffee flavor and aroma.
Based on this, it is not possible to make true espresso at home without a machine. It's not even worth trying. But the question is how to brew coffee from capsules without a coffee machine. Coffee, not espresso. Just because a capsule says “espresso” doesn’t mean it can’t be prepared any other way.
What to do?
There are alternatives to espresso that taste similar but can be easily made by hand. The consumer does not have to spend a lot of money on high-tech machines. You can buy a really inexpensive coffee brewer that uses heat to create pressure. The pressure, in turn, forces water to flow through the coffee container.
There are many such devices, and they are different. You can choose any one, as long as it works based on the discharge pressure. Of course, the resulting drink will not be full-fledged espresso, but the taste will be indistinguishable.
How to get coffee from a capsule?
Before looking at some devices, let's study this issue. It has several subtleties:
- Suppose you got coffee capsules somewhere, but there is nowhere to brew it. Or someone mistakenly gave you a set of capsules that do not fit your coffee machine. There is no point in storing them - you either need to buy a new coffee machine or open the capsules. Obviously, the second option is much more preferable.
- The best way to open a capsule is to open the cap. It is thinner than the rest of the device. If it is an aluminum container, then the lid should be made of foil, and you can even pierce it with your finger. However, it is not advisable to do this, because the hole will be too large and some of the coffee may spill out.
- The best option is to pierce the lid with a needle or the tip of a knife at the very edge of the capsule, and then make a circular cut. Overall, it's like opening a tin can. This way you can achieve the optimal result, namely not to spill the coffee. If the lid is still made of plastic, then it must be carefully cut with a knife.
After these manipulations, the drink is ready for brewing.
Geyser coffee makers. A simple solution
Anyone who wants to learn the art of coffee making can get themselves an inexpensive manual coffee maker. It does not run on electricity, but can be used on a gas stove. With such a coffee maker, you can accidentally leave the world of progress and experiments. With enough practice, you can make coffee that suits you personally and no one else. The result of such practice is perfection. You gain the ability to make coffee by hand, not just by pressing a few buttons or using the magic of engineers.
Of course, operating an espresso machine is also a good skill. But devices such as a Turk or a geyser coffee maker are the best way to learn everything about coffee. With the proper care and attention, you can truly get coffee as good as the best coffee machines. In this case, you will only have a cheap metal container, and also a lot of persistence and love for coffee.
Moka coffee maker – is it worth your attention?
For some reason, many people underestimate the moka coffee maker, considering it a less successful option for a geyser coffee maker. It’s completely in vain, because the moka’s operating principle is similar to an espresso machine. Moreover, it resembles it even more strongly than the geyser prototype. It is capable of generating a dense stream of hot water, as well as applying some pressure to the coffee raw materials.
Similar to an espresso machine, a moka coffee maker also uses ground coffee. The brewing process with grains would take much longer and be much more difficult. Plus, the drink you get from a moka maker is almost as thick and creamy as a full-fledged espresso machine.
Unfortunately, such coffee makers cannot fully replicate the taste of real espresso. This happens mainly because the pressure in such a device reaches only 0.15 bar, while any espresso machine is capable of delivering up to 10 bar or even more. But moka allows you to get a completely different taste and an excellent rich aroma, which has huge differences from traditional drip coffee makers and espresso machines.
Turka can also help
An amazing property of Turka, or cezve, is its ability to adapt to the qualities of coffee. This ancient tool is surprisingly bad at brewing cheap instant coffee, but surprisingly good at brewing quality insoluble coffee. In the case of an opened capsule, we have the second option. Therefore, the use of Turks will be quite a useful and pointless idea.
Everyone prepares Turkish coffee in their own way, this is understandable. There is no single recipe. One has only to say that the drink will taste far from espresso, but in this case this is even an advantage. Coffee brewed in a Turk has a special atmosphere and brings great pleasure.
Conclusion
Anyone can make capsule coffee without a coffee machine. There's nothing complicated about it. Another thing is that the output will no longer be espresso, but simply a drink similar to it. But it will still be real coffee, and it will still be tasty and aromatic. The main thing is not to simply brew it by pouring it into a cup. Only instant drink is suitable for this purpose.
The following materials may also be useful to you:
Which is better, capsule or carob coffee maker Which coffee machine is better, capsule or grain What is better, capsule coffee or Turkish coffee How to choose a capsule coffee machine How capsule coffee is made How to use capsule coffee How to brew coffee without a Turk and a coffee maker How to clean capsule coffee machines Capsule coffee machines advantages and disadvantages How to brew coffee from capsules without a coffee machine How to use a capsule coffee machine Is capsule coffee harmful Which capsule or geyser coffee maker is better How capsule coffee machines work How to clean capsule coffee machines Which is better capsule or regular coffee maker Capsule coffee machines pros and cons Capsule coffee machines comparison of brands Composition of coffee in capsules What is coffee? in capsules, repair of hoverboards in St. Petersburg The best way to preserve coffee Reusable capsules What is the difference between cappuccino coffee and latte coffee What is the difference between espresso and Americano Rough coffee recipe Freeze-dried coffee Rating of instant coffee Is instant coffee harmful The benefits and harms of coffee with milk Mochaccino coffee recipe Calorie content of coffee Which coffee grinder is better: manual or electric How to choose a coffee pot How to brew coffee at home in a coffee pot on the stove How to drink coffee correctly How to froth milk for coffee How to brew coffee in a French press How to use a geyser coffee maker Empty capsules for a coffee machine
Substitute capsules: what's the catch?
Original capsules are a costly business. Therefore, many are looking for ways to reduce the cost of a cup of coffee, losing a little in quality. Or he wants to buy cheaper capsules for other machines. But not every manufacturer produces capsules that are universal and suitable for other cars.
Many capsules are interchangeable. But even if the size is right, there is no guarantee that they will make good coffee.
The machine may begin to behave strangely as it passes water through the capsule. Then coffee water will pour out instead of coffee.
Large producers roast the beans. Freshly roasted coffee is immediately ground and packed into sealed capsules. Therefore, with a capsule machine we have the taste and aroma of freshly ground coffee. Manufacturers of substitute capsules, in order to make them cheaper, save money and simplify the preparation technology. For example, they use express roasting. The coffee is roasted quickly and intensely, causing it to immediately take on a darker color. But the inside remains undercooked.
Pros and cons of capsule systems
- The main advantage of capsule coffee is its taste. Thanks to the tightness of the packaging, the entire aroma and taste of the drink is preserved, unlike bean coffee, which loses its taste and aroma after opening the package multiple times.
- Another important advantage is the preparation time, which is so often not enough to prepare a drink, especially in the morning. Just a couple of movements - and in a minute you have a cup of an invigorating and tasty drink in your hands.
- Simplicity and cleanliness of preparation. There is no need to install special devices, wash the elements of the coffee machine, and you just need to throw away the empty capsule. At the same time, capsule-type devices are compact, and their classic design will harmoniously fit into any interior.
- One cannot help but highlight such an advantage as the cost of devices for making capsule coffee. It is several times lower than the cost of coffee machines designed for brewing drinks in the traditional way.
True, capsule coffee also has its disadvantages. And the most significant disadvantage is the incompatibility of capsules and coffee machines of different brands. This means that the consumer must buy the device and capsules from only one manufacturer.
While capsule coffee machines are several times cheaper than similar automatic coffee machines, the capsules themselves exceed the cost of bean coffee.
For 100 g of such a product you will have to pay twice as much as for a can of ground coffee.
This is the price for the unique packaging, ease of preparation and for the product itself. Therefore, having saved once on the machine, you will then have to regularly overpay for the coffee itself.
Making capsules with your own hands
“Golden Hands” managed to make capsules for coffee machines on their own. It's simple. We cut the capsule slightly above the membrane. Clean, rinse and discard any remaining coffee. We wash everything well and dry it. We do the same with the second capsule, only it needs to be cut in the middle. We combine two capsules and add coffee. Ready for testing.
You can purchase empty disposable capsules. The technology is simple. Next, we buy coffee and pour it into the capsule. Place and secure the foil tightly.
Aeropress
This method is based on manually pressing coffee powder filled with hot water through a paper filter using the syringe principle. Coffee experts fell in love with the AeroPress for the speed of preparing the drink and its final “purity”.
Experts recommend using water at a temperature of 80-90ºС
Coffee acquires a more pronounced taste without impurities and foreign tastes. This method is especially appreciated in megacities, where people are always in a hurry and at the same time appreciate quality coffee.
The birthplace of the AeroPress is the USA.
Some Aeropresses are equipped with a special insert that complements the action of the paper filter, creating a creamier drink. Preparing coffee with an AeroPress enriches the drink with acidity, which is suitable for connoisseurs of rich coffee.
You can take the Aeropress with you on hikes and trips
Nespresso capsules: what's special
Coffee lovers often wonder how to buy compatible Nespresso capsules. It is not always possible to find them, and using other capsules is problematic due to poor compatibility. It was this manufacturer of capsule machines that was a pioneer in the coffee capsule business.
Coffee capsules appeared relatively recently. In the 60s, they came up with the idea of producing coffee in tablets, packaged in tea bags. At first this was done for offices, and then machines for making coffee, ground from a capsule, migrated to homes. In their modern form, capsules appeared in the late nineties. It was the Nespresso company that made the modern coffee machine, and the capsules became plastic and aluminum.
Nespresso offers more than 30 types of original capsules. They all have different tastes.
Currently, top manufacturers of household appliances are producing capsules for the Swiss brand. The most popular espresso machines are Krups and Delonghi DeLonghi.
Many companies produce substitute capsules. These are capsules that are much cheaper and are compatible with Nespresso brand coffee machines. But taste is a delicate matter, there is no guarantee that it is close to the original.
Product expiration date
Depending on the production technology, the shelf life of coffee capsules ranges from 10 months to 2 years. Such long storage is due to the tightness of the packaging, which protects the contents from light, moisture and air. After the expiration date, the capsule can also be used, the only thing that will suffer is the aroma. But coffee from damaged packaging will lose all its properties within a few days.
Today, manufacturers of capsule coffee for coffee machines give their consumers the opportunity to choose a product that will meet all requirements and tastes. A wide range of capsule coffee allows you to make your own informed choice, in accordance with your personal requirements for the quality and taste of your favorite drink.
Why it’s delicious: how coffee capsules are prepared
What are you, coffee capsules? Fragrant. Many manufacturers make 10-15 types of capsule coffee of varying strength, intensity and aroma. For example, for cappuccino lattes and other drinks, milk powder is added. They already contain an equal number of servings of coffee from powdered milk.
The capsule machine evenly distributes water inside the heating capsule. Coffee is brewed in a capsule: it should not leave it. The vacuum packaging is opened only when the capsule is already heated. Coffee preparation time is 30-40 seconds. For more complex drinks - up to a minute. A capsule machine is no different in form and functionality from a regular coffee maker, but it works on a completely different principle. A device for the lazy. You just need to take out the capsules and throw away the used capsule. There is no need to wash the coffee maker, remove the remaining coffee from it, or bother with rinsing. There are devices with a function for automatically removing capsules when, after use, they fall into a special tank.
The capsule can be stored for a long time. And in the technology of creating raw materials, capsule coffee is no different from regular coffee. It's roasting and grinding. The only difference is the tightness, which helps retain the aroma.
It’s convenient to choose everything for making coffee, and also compare prices on Price.ua.
Author: Karina Rigs
How does a coffee machine work?
The capsule machine is very easy to use. You just need to insert a capsule with a ready-made coffee mixture - there are dozens of different tastes and aromas to choose from, there is something for everyone. The amount of coffee is measured precisely and there is no room for error.
After placing the capsule in the coffee machine, turn on the device, which after a few seconds pours the finished drink with the selected flavor into the cup. There are also models on the market for making tea or hot chocolate. However, cappuccino or latte lovers can simply buy capsules with the desired flavor.
Advantages and disadvantages
Coffee capsules have pros and cons. Their main advantages are:
- Preservation of taste and aroma after opening the package, unlike a ground or grain product.
- There is no need for careful pressing and measuring of the product, as is the case with carob coffee machines.
- Cost-effective, easy to use, compact and convenient devices.
- Possibility of preparing loose leaf tea (in many devices) . You just need to thoroughly rinse the device every time so that odors from different drinks do not mix in it.
- Availability of different tastes , the possibility of obtaining new products.
- Quick cooking. You just need to place the product inside the special compartment, place the cup on the tray, select the required recipe and press the start button.
- There is no need to use filters or constantly wash the device . The used pack is removed from the compartment and disposed of. Caring for the device consists of performing a number of simple procedures: pouring water, automatic rinsing, emptying the capsule container, and occasional washing using special products.
- The durability of the coffee machine, which allows you to use it for 10 years if you follow the instructions for use.
- Low noise level during preparation of a drink compared to standard coffee makers.
Coffee capsules also have some negative sides:
- High cost compared to regular coffee.
- Incompatibility with coffee makers produced by different manufacturers.
- Lack of product in mass sale, the need to pre-order it.
