How to brew coffee from capsules without a coffee machine - secrets

The history of coffee is rich, but full of contradictions. The drink was loved, prohibited, found to be beneficial and harmful. We learned how to brew in a Turk, in geyser coffee makers, and brew in a French press. Now you can make coffee with a coffee machine capsule by pressing a few buttons.

Coffee in capsule packaging guarantees ease and speed of preparing the drink.

General concept of capsules for a coffee machine

The container is a small, tightly closed container, shaped like a glass. Made of aluminum, food-grade plastic or a mixture of materials. Preparation process: the reservoir is placed in a coffee machine, then the container is pierced on both sides, the water is heated and, under pressure, passes through the powder contained in it, turning into an aromatic drink.

Compound

The capsule contains 1 serving of ground coffee - 5-9 g, depending on the type of drink and the manufacturer's technology. The contents are affected by the blend and recipe.

Main varieties

Capsule difference parameters:

1. Type and type of drink - Americano, cappuccino, espresso, ristretto, cocoa, hot chocolate, tea. Tea and cocoa are rarely found in limited assortment.
2. Materials - aluminum foil, plastic or polymer, combined - a combination of aluminum, polymer and cellulose.
3. By the number of brews - disposable and reusable.

Advantages and disadvantages of reusable capsules

Among the many positive qualities, the following stands out:

1. They are economical.
2. You can experiment on your own by adding different types of coffee or cocoa to them.
3. Reusable capsules are usually compatible with coffee machines from various brands.
4. The coffee inside is protected by an airtight lid, therefore the taste and aroma are preserved longer, and the drink turns out rich and strong.
5. Reusable capsules cannot be cleaned or washed. After their service life has expired, they are simply thrown away.
6. Coffee using them brews faster and turns out much tastier than usual.

Benefits of brewing coffee using capsules:

1. In the first place, of course, is the quality of the drink, since the coffee inside them is all the same grind. The machine maintains the appropriate dosage and heating temperature of the water, which improves the taste of the drink.
2. Brewing this coffee is easy and simple. You just need to place the capsule in a special compartment and indicate the necessary parameters for its preparation.
3. There is no need to clean them after use; you can simply throw them away.
4. The entire process is virtually silent.
5. The prepared drink retains the taste of fresh ground coffee, since the “cups” are distinguished by their tightness.

The disadvantages include:

1. high risk of breaking the coffee machine needle due to the dense membrane;
2. the drink turns out unsaturated and liquid;
3. It is difficult to find a container on sale that is suitable for your coffee maker.

When choosing capsules, you need to pay attention to their brand; it is advisable that they be from the same company as the coffee machine.

Supermarkets often hold presentations of coffee drinks from different manufacturers, where you can try different flavors for free and decide for yourself which manufacturer’s range you like best.

Capsules come in different types. Their tightness helps preserve the aroma and taste of coffee for a long time, and the amount of coffee powder in them always depends on the specific recipe of the drink. The proportions are usually designed in such a way that one capsule is intended for one serving of coffee.

Manufacturers are now producing capsule products containing not only coffee drinks, but also cocoa, hot chocolate, and elite varieties of tea.

Advantages of use and benefits

The capsule coffee machine was created to solve a number of problems in preparing the drink.

The advantages of the mechanism are directly related to the assigned tasks. The advantages of use include: quick preparation, preservation of properties, ease of use, high quality and variety of tastes.

Making a coffee drink using a capsule coffee machine is very simple.

Quick cooking

The drink is prepared in just a few seconds. In addition, servicing the mechanism does not take much time. There is no need to wash the equipment daily.

Saving properties

Beans and ground coffee come into contact with air and absorb moisture, losing their richness. The capsule is hermetically sealed, the properties of the product last longer.

Easy to use

The process is controlled by pressing a series of buttons. The water reservoir must be filled, the mug must be placed in a special compartment, the container must be lowered into the cell, the cooking mode must be selected and the start button pressed.

High quality

The human factor is excluded in the preparation of the drink. Water is supplied at the required temperature, the dosage and degree of grinding remain unchanged, the technology is automatic.

The result of the brewed drink is predictable and remains at a high level.

Variety of flavors

There is a varied range of blends on the market. Nespresso alone produces more than 50 types. There are over 3 dozen brands. You can choose a drink based on the method of preparation, strength and taste.

What it is?

First, let's look at the designation of these products in the article below.

A coffee capsule is a small sealed container made of plastic, aluminum, or both. Inside is a calibrated portion of ground coffee, designed to create the perfect drink. Each coffee machine has its own exclusive line of capsules. To use capsules of a certain brand, you need equipment from the same brand. However, there are several analog capsule alternatives available on the market. They are a little cheaper and repeat the features of the original capsules, however, they are not fake.

When talking about what a coffee capsule is, many people use the word “disposable”, i.e. designed for 1 serving.

What happens when they try to spill more from one capsule? The resulting drink only looks like coffee. More likely, you will end up with just colored water without taste or smell, but with a large dose of caffeine. Drinking something like this is unpleasant and, of course, harmful.

However, demand creates supply and there are ways out:

• There are reusable capsules on the market. As a rule, the capsules are empty; you can put any coffee in them, including instant coffee. The main thing is that it is ground. Such products are not associated with capsule coffee machine brands; they are produced by third-party manufacturers.
• The original capsule can also be used several times. For these purposes, the capsule must be cleaned and the mold prepared to be filled with ground coffee. At the end it must be compacted with distemper. There is nothing complicated here, but at first you will have to practice.

We strongly do not recommend using these methods. The main advantage of capsules - tightness - is lost. Not to mention that capsule coffee machines are initially designed for single-use capsules.

Assortment of coffee capsules

The containers contain mixtures of different types of coffee. The most common are Arabica and Robusta. Grains grown on different continents have different flavors.

Coffee blends are prepared from selected Arabica and Robusta beans.

The processing method and blending directly affect the final result. Blends are created with the addition of spices - cinnamon, chocolate. For dairy drinks - sets containing coffee containers and milk tanks.

The most popular capsule manufacturers

Nespresso

Swiss company producing capsules with high-quality ground coffee. The products are designed for the target audience of consumers who prefer this particular brand. By purchasing a coffee machine from this company, the consumer automatically enters the circle of regular customers and becomes a member of the Nespresso club. In the future, such participants can use a wide range of services offered. Specialists will help you choose the right type of coffee and accessories. At the client's request, capsules can be delivered to home or work within up to 48 hours. In branded service centers you can service or repair equipment and get advice on its operation.

The sale of Nespresso goods and products is strictly controlled. All items from the presented assortment can be ordered through special services or branded coffee boutiques.

Dolce Gusto

Nescafe Dolce Gusto products are a premium brand that produces coffee machines and special capsules for them. This organic combination allows you to quickly and professionally prepare coffee and other drinks at home or in the office. The Dolce Gusto system appeared in 2006, as a result of the joint efforts of Nestle and Groupe SEB.

Dolce capsules are densely filled with roasted and high-quality ground beans from the best Brazilian coffee varieties. Different varieties and proportions create drinks with a unique taste:

• Espresso . There are various ratios of Arabica and Robusta mixed together. There are a total of 13 varieties of this drink, rich in bright coffee aroma.
• Americano . A smooth classic drink made from 100% Arabica beans. Stronger drinks are in the Lungo or Lungo Mind category.
• Cappuccino . It contains invigorating coffee and a delicate dairy dessert made from powdered milk and sugar.
• Mocha . A three-ingredient drink made from coffee, milk and chocolate. The ingredients are distributed among two capsules.

Squesito

A well-known Italian brand that uses only high-quality premium raw materials for its products. Therefore, in a short time - since 2008 - the company has acquired many fans of its products. Squesito capsules are produced together with coffee makers of the same name.

There are 6 main items in total, from which you can always choose the appropriate option:

• The strongest drink, which includes robusta (100%).
• Medium strength coffee. Ideal for morning meals.
• 100% coffee of this variety is used.
• Here Arabica and Robusta are combined in ideal proportions. Considered a drink for the whole day.
• PREMIUM class product. Organic Arabica varieties are used to preserve the aroma and taste as much as possible.
• Arabica and robusta are mixed in a 1:1 ratio. There is no caffeine at all.

Tassimo

French capsules for coffee machines have been produced since 2004. The appearance resembles a small glass with a lid. Inside it is filled with roasted compressed coffee, packaged in canceled doses. The beneficial qualities of the drink are improved through the use of special grinding and additional processing.

In total, the company produces several options:

• Lungo. It has a mild taste. The volume is approximately 110 ml.
• Espresso. Available in classic form or with the addition of milk. The strength of the drink can be adjusted independently.
• Americano, cappuccino, caramel cappuccino and other types.

Each capsule is marked with a special barcode, which is automatically read by the coffee machine. All information necessary for work is encrypted here. The device independently regulates the volume and temperature of water, sets the cooking time, and determines the concentration of milk. The result is a coffee drink with all the declared characteristics.

Manufacturing materials

The material of manufacture affects the cost of the product and the degree of tightness. The quality of the raw materials is important. Tanks must be resistant to high temperatures. Aluminum, polymer and combined products are used.

Aluminium foil

The most common material is aluminum foil. The positive aspects are the low price and the ability to recycle, for example, Nespresso.

Polymer

Made from food-grade polymer or high-quality food-grade plastic. Odorless, do not absorb the bright aroma of coffee.

Capsules made of polymer plastic are absolutely harmless to human health.

Combined

A combination of aluminum foil and polymer mixed with compressed cellulose.

The walls are made of polymer, which prevents the possible entry of aluminum into the body.

Rating of TOP 8 brands of capsules for Nespresso coffee machines

Today's review features 8 brands of alternative coffee capsules suitable for use in Nespresso coffee machines. We conducted a detailed study and compared their characteristics, consistency of quality and price, as well as consumer ratings, in order to find the best and optimal analogue of the original capsules.

1. L'OR
2. Coffesso
3. Jardin
4. Starbucks Blonde
5. Espressio
6. Porto Rosso
7. Dio Caffe
8. Julius Meinl

L'OR Espresso Lungo Profondo

Capsule coffee for making espresso of increased volume, better known as “lungo”. A rich drink with notes of roasted almonds, spices and licorice in the aftertaste. It has a medium strength. When freshly brewed, it is characterized by a thick and velvety foam. The ground coffee is made from 100% Arabica beans.

Country of origin: France. The product is certified in accordance with the requirements of international agricultural development UTZ.

Price

from 170 to 908 rubles

• thick foam;
• price-quality ratio;
• rich taste

• not found.

Decent coffee at a reasonable price, perhaps the best alternative to the original Nespresso capsules. One aluminum capsule produces approximately 100 ml of a drink with a rich taste and aroma.

Expert opinion

Oksana Lapatina

Ask a Question

The UTZ certification system is a program that monitors coffee production based on four criteria: environmental stewardship, farmer working conditions, management and farming practices. To become a candidate for UTZ certification, a brand must optimize all production processes in accordance with the requirements of the organization.

Coffee capsules L'OR Espresso Lungo Profondo

Coffesso Crema Delicato

Coffee from ground Arabica beans without flavorings in plastic capsules. The drink has a low degree of strength, the taste is delicate and balanced. It is characterized by a light texture and delicate aroma in the Italian style. The aftertaste contains bright fruity notes and delicate sourness. Suitable for connoisseurs of not very strong coffee.

Coffee is produced in Russia according to traditional Italian recipes.

Price

from 180 to 316 rubles

• soft and delicate taste;
• dense foam;
• low price.

• not found.

Perfect for Nespresso coffee machines. The taste has a barely noticeable sourness and slight bitterness, the sweetness is quite pronounced. The texture of the coffee is very delicate, with a thick foam. for those who prefer a mild taste of coffee - just right.

Coffee capsules Coffesso Crema Delicato

Jardin Vanilia

Natural Arabica blend from Guatemala and Colombia, medium roast. Rich, medium-strength coffee with pronounced notes of vanilla in taste and aroma. Suitable for connoisseurs of dessert coffee drinks with a sweet aftertaste and goes well with milk.

Production is concentrated in Russia. Users recommend capsules not only for making espresso, but also lungo.

Price

from 198 to 529 rubles

• rich vanilla aroma;
• aluminum capsules;
• long aftertaste

• flavoring included.

A worthy alternative to original Nespersso capsules at a more reasonable price. The presence of flavoring may confuse connoisseurs of classic varieties, but I liked this coffee. You can soften the intensity of the vanilla aroma by combining the drink with milk.

Coffee capsules Jardin Vanilia

Starbucks Blonde® Espresso Roast

Natural ground coffee of the lightest roast Blond in aluminum capsules with medium strength.
It has a light and soft taste with sweet notes. The blend is made from roasted Arabica beans collected in Latin America. Suitable for making espresso and ristretto (25 ml). To make the drink especially tender, it is recommended to combine it with milk. The product is made in Switzerland. For the Starbucks brand, coffee is grown in special conditions in compliance with ethical standards under the supervision of Conservation International.

Price

from 240 to 329 rubles

• good organoleptic evaluation;
• delicate taste;
• pleasant aroma

• not detected.

I have tried many types of capsule coffee, and this one is the most delicious of all. Delicate aftertaste, rich aroma. Starbucks' price is much lower than the original Nespresso, but at the same time it is in no way inferior to it in taste or quality.

Starbucks Blonde® Espresso Roast coffee capsules

Espressio Caffe Espresso

A blend of 100% Arabica beans from Central America and Africa. Dark roasting and a high degree of strength give the finished drink a rich, slightly sweet taste with a pronounced bitterness. The aroma is persistent and intense. Peppery notes are felt in the aftertaste. The finished drink has a deep and uniform color.

Country of origin: Italy.

Price

from 195 rubles

• strong and invigorating;
• high quality capsules;
• budget

• low assessment of organoleptic properties.

Coffee has a very rich taste and aroma, and invigorates well. The capsules themselves are pleasant to the touch and made with high quality.

Coffee capsules Espressio Caffe Espresso

Porto Rosso Espresso

Natural ground coffee, medium roast, Italian style, from a blend of Colombian and Brazilian Arabica beans. It has a balanced taste and rich coffee aroma. The drink has a fairly delicate texture without excess bitterness. Recommended to be consumed as espresso.

The product is made in Russia. Each capsule is individually packaged to preserve taste and aroma.

Price

from 146 to 496 rubles

• price-quality ratio;
• each capsule is individually packaged;
• velvety consistency of the drink

• not found.

Perhaps the most budget option for Nespresso coffee machines. The taste is pleasant, very worthy for the price. Each capsule is additionally packaged in a foil pouch.

Coffee capsules Porto Rosso Espresso

Dio Caffe Super Gusto

Strong and rich ground coffee, medium roast. The product combines a blend of two varieties of Robusta from Guatemala and Brazil and South American Arabica. The finished drink is characterized by a pronounced bitterness and a thick, creamy consistency. The capsules are made of aluminum foil.

Arabica content: 15%. Brand country: Italy.

Price

from 183 to 189 rubles

• invigorating and tonic;
• dense and delicate foam;
• bright taste and aroma

• not detected.

These capsules work great with my Nespresso machine, one bottle at a time. The coffee itself is not bad and has good foam. For those who like something stronger, I recommend it.

Expert opinion

Oksana Lapatina

Ask a Question

The most popular varieties of coffee in the world are Arabica and Robusta. The first grade is considered the most valuable and in demand among consumers; its market share is large and amounts to more than 70%. Arabica has a rich aroma, multifaceted taste and is characterized by slight sourness. Robusta contains more caffeine and is responsible for the bitterness in the drink, so it is not often consumed in its pure form.

Coffee capsules Dio Caffe Super Gusto

Julius Meinl Espresso Crema

Strong, deeply roasted ground coffee is a blend of Asian Robusta and Arabica from the volcanic soils of Honduras and Nicaragua. Intense and slightly tart coffee taste with hints of cocoa. Forms a dense foam, characteristic of a drink called “cream”.

Country of origin: Italy. Grain category: first grade.

Price

from 288 to 689 rubles

• chocolate notes;
• soft and rich;
• aroma of spices and nuts

• capsules do not always penetrate well the first time

I liked this coffee, it’s cheaper than the original and can easily replace it. The result is a soft and balanced espresso with a light aftertaste of chocolate.

Coffee capsules Julius Meinl Espresso Crema

Capsule standards

The capsule standard is a system for preparing coffee in a machine using capsules. The first machines were created by Nespresso in 1986. And in 1989, the Espresso point system was developed by Lavazza.

Characterized by 3 parameters:

1. Coffee machine - they differ in power consumption, heating element, reprogramming capabilities, etc. This affects the compactness of the equipment, the speed of preparing the drink and ease of use.
2. Capsule - design, size, membrane type, etc. The degree of sealing of the packaging affects the increase in shelf life.
3. Coffee - type, grinding, roasting, etc.

Capsule-type coffee machines are easy to manufacture and operate.

A little history

The idea of ​​packaging ground coffee in paper bags was realized in the late 50s of the last century. The inventors believed that a practical novelty was indispensable in everyday life, but most people prefer to drink the aromatic drink prepared in Turk.

The situation changed radically two decades later with the advent of a new technology - the production of coffee capsules. An engineer from Switzerland, Eric Favre, received a patent for it. This happened in 1978. The quick method of making coffee appealed to coffee drink lovers who value their time. The advanced method has spread widely throughout the world thanks to the advent of smoothly functioning capsule-type coffee machines.

An important stage in the history of capsule coffee production was the year 1998, when the first Nespresso capsule brand of espresso was released. It was then that the Swiss company Nestle made its first sales. Now the Nespresso brand is well known and distributed throughout the world.

Selection criteria: what to look for when purchasing

By 2021, a wide range of capsule standards and blends will be available on the market. Criteria that will affect the taste and quality characteristics of the drink:

1. Compactness of the coffee machine.
2. Power. The higher the indicator, the higher the cooking speed. Modifications of devices with power parameters above 1200 W should be considered.
3. Easy to use.
4. Pump pressure. After placing the container in the compartment, it is pierced on both sides, water under pressure passes through the powder contained in it. The recommended value is from 15 bar.
5. Amount of coffee. The larger the volume, the richer the taste of the drink. The optimal content in the tank is 6-8 g, it is desirable to have filters and membranes.
6. Water tank volume. When 2 people in a family plan to use the device, a capacity of up to 1 liter will be sufficient. If there are more than 2 people, then it is worth purchasing a larger tank.
7. Noise characteristics. It is worth checking the noise level when purchasing; too high an indicator will interfere with operation in the future.

Tips for choosing coffee capsules in the store

• First of all, make sure that the product you like is suitable in format for your coffee machine. Compatibility information must be indicated on the label.
• Pay attention to the recommendations for preparing a drink of one size or another. If the blend is designed for espresso, then to fully reveal the taste, it is better to follow the manufacturer’s advice and prepare coffee in the 40 ml format. To prepare a less concentrated lungo coffee drink, the cup volume will be 110 ml.
• Each of us has our own taste preferences: some like a stronger taste of coffee, others prefer softness and delicacy. In order not to make a mistake with your choice, pay attention to the intensity scale of a particular variety. The higher the indicator, the stronger, brighter and richer the coffee will be.
• The degree of bitterness of a particular blend directly affects the assessment of the taste properties of the drink. It is worth keeping in mind that dark roasted coffee will have a characteristic bitterness. Those who love a more delicate taste should choose a light or medium degree of roasting of beans - it all depends on personal priorities.

Popular manufacturers of coffee tablets

The first capsule machine appeared 34 years ago, on the Russian market later - in 1999. In 2021, more and more consumers prefer this equipment.

Nestle

The history of Nestlé dates back to 1866, when the first condensed milk factory in Europe was opened. 150 years later, it is the largest multinational food company. In 1986, Nestle Nespresso SA appeared. The Nestle brand takes the lead in inventing and debugging the mechanism for capsule coffee preparation.

The Nestle Nespresso company produces about 50 types of invigorating drinks in capsule form.

Nestle offers a choice of 2 systems - Original and Vertuo.

Nespresso Original uses 19 bar high pressure technology. Offers: espresso, lungo and ristretto, espresso-based cocktails (cappuccino, latte macchiato, flat white). The volume of the finished drink is from 25 to 110 ml. The line includes 28 flavors.

Nespresso Vertuo is suitable for connoisseurs of large cups of coffee - 230 and 414 ml, incl. for preparing 80 ml double espresso, 40 ml espresso and 150 ml gran lungo. The technology is based on barcode reading and the patented Centrifusion innovation. The system is easy to use, just press 1 button. Available in 3 container sizes and 5 different cup sizes, 28 blends.

Starbucks

The company appeared in America in Seattle in 1971. Starbucks values ​​are quality, taste and high customer focus. Coffee shops operate in 75 countries around the world, and the number of stores is approaching 30 thousand. In 2021, Starbucks capsules appeared on the market. A symbiosis has formed, including Nestle innovations and rich experience in roasting and creating Starbucks blends.

Kraft foods

The company was founded in 1903 by James Craft. Produces coffee brands such as Jacobs, Carte Noire, Maxcafe and Maxwell House.

Together with Bosh, it introduced the innovative Tassimo system. The appearance of the containers is somewhat reminiscent of disks - T-disks. Coffee content - 9 g. Equipped with a barcode reader from T-disks, which provides the necessary information about the preparation process. There are 15 types in the line.

Porto rosso espresso

In addition to the grain and ground varieties, the Italian company produces an analogue of containers for Nespresso. A serving contains 5 g of coffee. There are 3 options available: classic Espresso, soft Americano or strong Ristretto.

Delicia

The Swiss brand Delicia AG is part of the Migros Group holding and has 60 years of experience in roasting coffee beans. In 2010, the Cremesso capsule standard, developed by Delicia, came to Europe. It is distinguished by high pump pressure up to 19 bar, fast heating - the manufacturer claims a warm-up time of 15 seconds. The specificity of the system allows energy consumption to be 60% less than that of similar class A machines. The line includes 15 types of coffee capsules - lungo, Espresso, Ristretto, special varieties with vanilla and caramel aromas, 2 types of tea - berry-fruit and Ceylon.

Tchibo

Tchibo GmbH was founded in 1949. The product sold under the Tchibo brand is produced in Hamburg and Berlin. The brand has created the Cafissimo Compact capsule system, which is distinguished by:

• practicality and convenience - has a built-in compartment for used containers;
• economical - the function of automatically turning on the standby mode after 15 minutes - Stand By.

The line includes 12 blends.

Tchibo coffee capsules are widely available for sale in a wide range.

Coffee bag method

Are you the type of person who wakes up with a brain that's in full swing, ready to get through the day? If so, you can prepare ground coffee in bags for yourself, similar to tea. The French did this back in the 18th century.

You will need:

• ground coffee;
• hot water;
• coffee filter;
• thread (any thread will do, the main thing is that it is not covered with wax);
• mug.

How to make coffee

1. Measure out one portion of ground coffee, then pour it into the filter.
2. Close the filter tightly. You will end up with something like a bag of ground coffee.
3. Tie a thread to the filter. Its long end should hang out of the mug, like a tea bag.
4. Heat the water in the way that is available to you - in a kettle, in a kettle or in a saucepan, you can even just put the mug in the microwave.
5. Place the coffee bag you created into an empty cup.
6. Slowly add hot water to the mug, but be careful not to overfill it.
7. The coffee should brew for about four minutes. The time can be increased or decreased as needed to adjust the strength of the drink.
8. Remove the filter and empty it before drinking.

Norpro stainless steel tank with 6.7m cotton kitchen string

Approximate cost: $13.98

Devices for capsules are a separate type of equipment. They are intended only for cups; there is no other way to prepare a drink in them. When buying such a unit, you need to realize that you will have to use only sealed containers, so before choosing, you need to study the range of all companies in terms of coffee.

The fact is that capsules most often cannot be replaced with others, since they are only suitable for “your” coffee maker, but there are exceptions that managers can tell you about. For example, Cremesso, Nespresso, and Di-Maestri cups fit together. Same thing with Lavazza and Tassimo. Philipps and Bosch do not fit any coffee machines.

How to use coffee capsules:

After this, a needle comes out from inside and pierces the soft foil shell of the glass. Hot water under pressure begins to flow into the brewer (this is another nuance), after which the finished drink flows into the mug.

The quality of espresso depends on the pressure that the machine is capable of creating. If it is at a level of 7 - 8 atmospheres, the coffee will be tasty and aromatic. To increase the strength, it is recommended to adjust the amount of water per serving.

Drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos can also be prepared in a capsule coffee maker, but you will have to buy 2 types:

It will cost twice as much, so lovers of milk-based coffee drinks are advised to think carefully before choosing a coffee machine.

Video: Life hack - how to brew great coffee without a coffee maker

The method of brewing coffee capsules in a coffee machine is not complicated. This equipment has its advantages:

Disadvantages of making coffee in a capsule coffee machine:

Important! You need to choose a unit for yourself in comparison with other similar models, taking into account the range of coffee drinks of each brand

Cups may vary:

It is advisable to choose models whose glasses are interchangeable. Subsequently, there is an option to purchase a reusable metal container, for which you buy and grind coffee beans, then pour it into a capsule and brew drinks.

If you can get encapsulated containers at a wholesale price or accidentally purchased such a product, you can use it. Before brewing and drinking any capsule coffee without a coffee machine - Nescafe, Dolce Gusto, Tassimo, Philipps - you need to get the tea leaves. This is done with a sharp knife: the foil is cut and the powder is poured into a mug, Turk or filter coffee maker.

It is better to do this before cooking, as the powder will not have time to oxidize. To prevent essential oils from losing their aroma, inert gas is introduced into the glasses and then sealed.

You can prepare coffee capsules in one of the following devices:

To get strong filter coffee, use a French press. To do this, pour the tea leaves into a heat-resistant glass, pour boiling water over it, and leave. The grounds are separated with a press filter before use. The longer the infusion time, the more caffeine is released into the water and the drink becomes stronger.

Did you like the article? Share with your friends:

Rating of the best disposable capsules according to customers

The rating largely depends on individual taste preferences.

Nespresso

The company was the first to appear on the market and has enjoyed the trust of users for a long time.

Nespresso Original:

• differ in strength;
• the collection is supplemented with decaffeinated and dairy products;
• 28 blends;
• volume from 25 to 110 ml.

Iperespresso

Metodo Iperespresso is an innovative technique from the Illy brand. The novelty lies in the 2-stage brewing method. The water first enters the container where emulsification occurs; in the second stage, the coffee passes through the valve, forming foam. Illy offers 2 types of medium and deep roast capsules, 1 type of lungo and 1 decaffeinated product, the powder content inside is about 7 g.

Di maestri

The Italian brand developed capsule machines together with Caffitaly in 2011. The standard is positioned as professional - a feature of coffee extraction, a patented shape of coffee tanks and a proven method of producing the drink. 10 blends have been developed.

Di maestri also produces capsules suitable for Nespresso, offering 9 flavors.

L'or

The French company L'Or was created in 1992. In 2010, it expanded beyond the domestic market by releasing L'Or Espresso - the first capsules compatible with Nespresso. By 2015, the brand is represented in 30 countries. The assortment includes 7 types of blends.

L'Or products are distinguished by their variety of types.

Dolce Gusto

The Nescafe brand product is suitable for Dolce Gusto and Delonghi coffee machines. The capacity of the container is 6 g, the manufacturer offers 21 blends. Of these, 11 types of black coffee, 9 milk drinks, 1 type of cocoa.

Tassimo

Key Features:

• the container is disk-shaped;
• coffee serving - 9 g;
• 15 blends;
• presence of cocoa.

Jardin

In 2021, Jardin expanded its range with a line of capsules for Nespresso coffee machines, filled with a mixture of Robusta and Arabica. The manufacturer produces 5 flavors.

Zepresso

The standard was developed by the EspressoCap brand in 2009. Offers 5 types of blends. Uses a pre-infusion scheme. Water passes through the tank in the following way: initial filling and impregnation of coffee inside the capsule, then a pressure of 19 bar is created and the container is completely filled with water. The technology most fully reveals the taste of the drink.

Squesito

Developed by the North Italian company EspressoCap, on the market since 2008. Compatible with Philips and Squesito coffee machines. Volume - 6 g. 10 blends and 1 type of hot chocolate are presented.

Squesito coffee blends.

Louis l'espresso

The family Italian company Lui l'espresso was founded in 1856. The capsule standard was developed in 2010, and appeared in Russia in 2018. The machines use pre-brewing technology. There are 9 types of blends, including 1 type of decaffeinated drink.

Cremesso

The Cremesso system is distinguished by high pump pressure - up to 19 bar. Quick warm-up - 15 seconds. Technological features help consume 60% less energy than similar class A machines.

The line includes 15 types of coffee capsules: lungo, Espresso, Ristretto, special varieties with vanilla and caramel flavors, 2 types of tea.

Bialetti

The history of the brand began in 1919 with the production of metal products for the home. In 1933, Alfonso Bialetti patented the world's first geyser coffee maker, the Moka Express. The capsule standard appeared in 2010. The flavors created in the line were based on the preferences of residents of different regions of Italy - Turin, Milan, Venice, Rome, Naples, Palermo. The container contains 7 g of powder.

Nespresso vertuo

Main characteristics:

• for large volume drinks up to 414 ml;
• 3 options for the size of tanks for preparing the drink;
• 5 different cup sizes;
• 28 blends.

Lavazza

The company was founded in 1895 in Turin. Much attention was paid to blending - developing new flavors by mixing different types of coffee beans. The Espresso Point Lavazza capsule system was created in 1989. The line includes 5 blends. The capsule contains 7.5 g of coffee.

Coffee capsules from the Italian brand Lavazza have an exquisite aroma and refined taste.

The mathematics of coffee capsules using the example of Nespresso capsules

To date, the iXBT laboratory has tested many coffee makers, including capsule models that work with Nespresso capsules. And if with all the other coffee makers we generally had an idea of ​​what parameters we need to pay attention to and how the final result depends on them, then with regard to capsule coffee makers, until recently we still had questions one way or another.

What is the difference between them and is there any in principle? Does a capsule coffee maker make good coffee? Is it better or worse than other cooking methods? What are the pros and cons of capsule coffee makers? Which of them are real, and which are nothing more than marketing tricks? And finally, as they say: “what about the money?” How much will the overpayment for capsule coffee be and what can you try to do about it?

Let's figure it out.

History of Nespresso

Legend has it that back in 1975, a young Swiss engineer, Nestle employee Eric Favre and his wife were either simply walking the streets of Rome, or deliberately visiting various cafes in order to find a place where they prepared the best espresso.

Eric Favre

Eric Favre's attention was drawn to the espresso served at Sant'Eustachio il Caffè.

The same cafe Sant'Eustachio il Caffè

The barista reported that while preparing coffee, he did not immediately pass water through the ground beans, but did it “in pulse mode” - in small jerks, with short breaks, thus providing increased air flow to the ground coffee.

It was then that the idea was born to create a hemispherical capsule, into the base of which the inventor initially built a filter and membrane.

The piercing method was borrowed from the medical field - it was decided to pierce the capsules with a special needle in the same way as the rubber caps of medicine bottles are pierced with a syringe needle. Through the same needle, the coffee maker supplied first hot steam and then water into the capsule.

Prototype of the first capsule coffee maker

Here's how Eric Favre himself explained his logic: “The air consists of 20% oxygen. Oxygen oxidizes essential oils and allows them to be released faster. Espresso consists of a mixture of air, water and coffee oils. It's very simple, but no one has thought about it before." The inventor himself emphasizes that he came up with “not a capsule, but a technology, which is much more significant.”

Capsule coffee makers have undergone several stages of development: in 1986, the first copies were positioned exclusively as a premium product. “The idea was to keep the brand at the level of people who have a doorman,” said Nespresso CEO Jean-Paul Gaillard.

By the way, we are reminded of this by the sales system of Nespresso capsules, which still has the characteristics of an “elite club”: they are sold only in company stores, on the company’s official website and by phone.

The result, however, turned out to be worse than expected, so in 1988 Nespresso capsules appeared in a new guise - on the high-end consumer market.

More affordable capsules appeared in Swiss households, and two years later sales began in France and the United States. At this stage, the process did not proceed as quickly as desired, as a result of which Favre had to leave Nestle in 1991, after which he founded several successful coffee capsule companies, including Monodor, which still exists today.

Ironically, after 1991, Nestle’s business began to improve: already in 1993, due to growing demand for capsules, a second production line was opened at the factory in Orb, Switzerland.

In 1995, Nespresso broke even, becoming one of the fastest growing divisions of Nestle.

Nespresso De'Longhi Expert & Milk EN 355 GAE

Let's not bore the reader with stories about the numerous lawsuits that Nestlé's lawyers faced. Despite the presence of more than 1,700 patents, there were too many people willing to make money on the popular new product. One of Nespresso’s competitors subsequently became even the aforementioned Jean-Paul Gaillard, who founded his own company, the Ethical Coffee Company, and began offering coffee lovers cheaper and “ecological” biodegradable capsules compatible with original Nespresso coffee makers.

Nestle defended itself as best it could: it went to court, equipped its coffee makers with special mechanisms that blocked “foreign” capsules, but by 2012 most of the patents had expired, and almost anyone could start producing their own Nespresso-compatible capsules without fear of prosecution.

Nespresso continues to position itself in the “premium segment”. Budget capsules were separated into a separate brand - Dolce Gusto. In addition, Nespresso relatively recently launched new capsules and a new line of coffee makers - Vertuo. This system is designed for lovers of large portions of coffee, while classic Nespresso capsules are positioned as an ideal choice for lovers of espresso and drinks based on it.

As far as statistics are concerned, the global coffee capsule market showed significant growth (average 18% per annum) from 2011 to 2021, after which it slowed down and seems to have reached a saturation point for some time.

Design of a capsule coffee maker, advantages and disadvantages of the device

The key advantages of capsule coffee makers are low price and compactness.

If you look inside a capsule coffee maker, you will see that it is much simpler than even the simplest budget carob coffee maker, not to mention a full-fledged coffee machine with a built-in coffee grinder.

So, what is inside a capsule coffee maker? Not much: a pump for supplying water under pressure, a flow-through boiler that heats water in real time to the required temperature, and a brewing module (including a mechanism for “pushing” capsules and a system for discharging spent ones into a special container).

As we can see, there are practically no modules that require maintenance. The only element that could theoretically become contaminated is the place where the capsule is pressed “at the exit”.

Are there alternatives to capsule coffee makers if compactness is at the forefront? In principle, there are: for example, narrow compact carob coffee makers such as De'Longhi 685, the dimensions of which are 15x30x33 cm.

De'Longhi 685

But the Nespresso Essenza Mini has even smaller dimensions - 8.4 x 20.4 x 33 cm, so if we are talking about the fight for every 10 centimeters, the capsule coffee maker will still win.

Nespresso Essenza Mini C30

However, if we can afford to allocate an extra 15-20 centimeters on the kitchen countertop, then we have a choice.

De'Longhi 685

This leads to two indisputable advantages of capsule coffee makers: it is a simple device (without a built-in coffee grinder and a complex drainage system), which is extremely cheap to produce and in most cases will be more compact than other devices for making coffee.

The advantage of a capsule coffee maker is cleanliness?

Unlike automatic coffee machines and carob coffee makers, the user is not required to dispose of used coffee from the container, there is no need to clean and rinse the carob, and the drainage system does not dump water containing coffee oils into the tray.

Theoretically, the user may not even have to decalcify the device: due to the low price, you can use a capsule coffee maker until it breaks, and then just buy a new one.

Is a capsule coffee maker as easy to clean as it seems at first glance? Let's remember that it is the user's responsibility to clean the capsule containers (which contain residual moisture) and to promptly empty and clean (wash) the drip container.

Yes, of course, there won’t be as many drops here (as, for example, with a carob coffee maker, especially at a budget level - not equipped with a solenoid valve), and the container will have to be washed a little less often. And throwing the capsule into a bucket and rinsing the compartment is easier than fiddling with used coffee grounds. But! We cannot say that a capsule coffee maker requires no maintenance at all and does not produce waste. Here, too, moisture drips and accumulates, which means (in the absence of proper care) mold and dirt appear.

Quick change of coffee type

The undoubted advantage of a capsule coffee maker is the ability to instantly and without problems change the type of coffee. Automatic coffee machines will not allow you to take and drink, for example, a different type of coffee at any arbitrary moment (as an option - decaffeinated coffee). What if there are two people in the house with different coffee tastes who prefer different varieties?

But even if there is only one coffee consumer in the house, then, as a rule, he is limited to one or two types of coffee at a time: an increase in the number of open packs, even with grain coffee, inevitably raises questions regarding the storage of beans (the longer an open pack sits, the worse taste). What can we say about ground coffee, which spoils even faster?

Here capsule coffee makers win: after all, a capsule is essentially a mini-canned food that is opened immediately at the time of preparation. Therefore, theoretically (theoretically!) we can count on minor losses in the taste of the drink.

Let us remind you that we would recommend drinking open ground coffee within a week or two (provided it is stored in an airtight container), and beans within a month, and the loss of taste begins already in the third week.

What did they put in there for us anyway?

As soon as we start wondering what kind of coffee is in our capsule, we start to have problems.

The fact is that even large and well-known producers of bean coffee have become accustomed to not indicating the composition on the pack. We read the label and see something like: “this is some kind of coffee bean, a mixture of Arabica and Robusta in an unknown proportion.”

With capsules (especially capsules from “alternative” brands), this silence is made absolute. And Nespresso also doesn’t talk much about what’s inside the capsules. It says exactly that: “Ingredients: natural roasted ground coffee, natural flavoring.” Understand it as you wish.

Thus, no one is immune from the fact that in a coffee capsule we come across cheap varieties of coffee (often 100% Robusta, cheap Arabica varieties or a mixture of them in arbitrary proportions). No one is safe from the addition of chemical flavorings, no one is safe from the fact that a defect will be sent to the capsule - coffee that was stored incorrectly or was roasted incorrectly.

Moreover, the volume of coffee in a coffee capsule is, as a rule, 5 g. This is significantly less than the weight of a standard portion of coffee in a carob or automatic coffee maker (we will talk about this below).

Thus, the capsule manufacturer is faced with the task of obtaining the “taste of coffee” from a smaller volume of raw materials. This can be achieved in two ways - either by darker roasting (which spoils the taste of good grain), or by adding robusta beans - simpler and rougher in taste, with a pronounced bitterness.

It is clear that after this there can be no talk of any “refined taste”.

Dosage and method of preparation

During testing, we measured the time that the capsule coffee maker spends on preparing one serving. A capsule coffee maker takes approximately 18 seconds to prepare an espresso (40 ml), and approximately 26 seconds to prepare a lungo (110 ml).

Is this at all similar to classic espresso from a carob coffee maker? No, it doesn't look like it. For a single shot of espresso we take about 7 g of coffee, for a double - about 16 g, after which in 25-30 seconds we expect to get a drink that will weigh twice as much as the weight of ground coffee. How much water should a capsule coffee maker pour in order to maintain this simple 1:2 ratio? For 5 g of coffee in a capsule, the yield of the drink should be 10 g.

In practice, under the name “espresso” we get 35-37 g of drink in 18 seconds (ratio 1:7), what can we say about the so-called “lungo”, where by all rules it is desirable to maintain a ratio of 1:3?

40 ml espresso made from 5 g coffee

What about automatic coffee makers? Their average consumption is about 8-10 g per cup. You can put less, but what's the point?

And if we remember that many lovers of real cones have completely abandoned single espresso and now only add 16-18 g of coffee and brew only double espresso, since it is precisely this portion (according to modern fashion) that allows you to get the best taste?

The conclusions are disappointing: despite the fact that the creator of capsule coffee makers was initially looking for a new way to prepare the perfect espresso, in practice we get a coffee drink prepared to completely different standards. Moreover, these standards raise serious questions. For example, 18 seconds (without pre-wetting, which some machines have) is clearly not enough for proper extraction.

Owners of carob coffee makers can try pouring 40 ml of water through 5 g of coffee in 18 seconds and check for themselves what they end up with (spoiler alert - it won’t be even close to the espresso you’re used to).

However, for many, the strength of coffee from capsule coffee makers is “normal”. We even heard reviews that the coffee was “too strong.” Well, if people think so, let’s not argue with them and their taste.

This means there is a demand for such coffee.

Price per cup and overpayment per year

The fun begins when talking about price. Sellers of coffee capsules, as a rule, use the concept of “price per cup.” We think the reader has already guessed why: in this case, a cup is made from 5, and not from 7-10, or even 16-18 g of coffee.

Let's take a look at the current prices. Nespresso branded capsules are sold at prices ranging from 31 to 99 rubles, with most of them ranging from 37 to 41 rubles per piece.

Third-party manufacturers offer capsules at prices starting from 14 rubles (lower limit), Lavazza sells its capsules for about 30 rubles apiece, Starbucks - from 24 rubles, Auchan offers its “Red Bird” capsules for 24 rubles. It is clear that the prices quoted may vary and change significantly (for example, with discounts), but in general the picture emerges clear. Let's say that a spherical coffee drinker in a vacuum somehow got a capsule coffee maker for free and drinks one cup of coffee a day.

For the consumer of the cheapest Nespresso capsules, this amounts to 365×31=11,315 rubles. It’s easy to calculate that the coffee consumption in this case will be 365×5=1825 g, which gives us an impressive price for coffee: 6200 rubles per kilogram.

If the same spherical coffee drinker in a vacuum drank 1 cup from an automatic coffee maker, spending 10 g at a time (exactly twice as much), then in a year he would spend 3.65 kg of coffee. With the price of not the worst coffee being about 350 rubles per 250 g (Egoiste Espresso, Bushido, etc.), an annual supply of coffee will cost our lover 5,110 rubles.

The overpayment for the year, therefore, is 6,200 rubles (if you count in cups) or 8,760 rubles - if our coffee lover somehow learns to brew it 5 g at a time without the help of a capsule coffee maker and spends the same 1825 g of coffee in year.

It doesn't seem like much, right? You can live.

Although already here the amount of 8760 rubles is very close to the current price for a not very bad carob coffee maker like De'Longhi ECP 33.21 - 9390 rubles at the time of preparation of this material.

De'Longhi ECP 33.21

However, remember that we are considering a spherical coffee drinker in a vacuum. A real person, as a rule, drinks not one, but a couple of cups of coffee a day - and now the overpayment increases from 8,760 to 17,520 rubles per year.

A real person, as a rule, does not live alone. The second same coffee lover in the house will automatically double the annual overpayment, after which it will exceed 35,000 rubles.

Let's also not forget about relatives and friends who come to visit. We think it’s clear where this is going?

But for already 31,000 you can get an automatic coffee machine like the De'Longhi Magnifica ESAM 4200 - with a built-in coffee grinder (and switching to grain will further increase the gap between the price of a cup, and therefore the overpayment for the year).

De'Longhi Magnifica ESAM 4200
Comparison table with prices at the time of preparation of the material (according to Ozon.ru)

What to do?

Faced with such numbers and discovering how quickly capsules are consumed even in a small family, our coffee lover often begins to try to save money: refuses the second cup of coffee a day, does not offer coffee to guests, or begins to look at cheaper offers.

As a result, the situation is paradoxical: the device, which was initially positioned as a top-level coffee maker, leads to the fact that its owners either cannot afford to drink coffee in the quantity they want, or switch to cheaper capsules, and as a result, openly drink bad or completely unusable coffee.

And at the same time they continue to spend so much money on their hobby, which could well be enough to drink the best coffee in the specialty category (this class is awarded only to Arabica, or rather, less than 10% of its entire production).

At the same time, the market situation tells us that the already dubious quality of capsule coffee is unlikely to increase: the pressure of third-party capsule manufacturers on Nespresso and on each other is quite high, and the growth of the coffee capsule market has slowed down. Not everyone will be able to survive in a competitive environment, and even then by reducing, rather than increasing, the quality of the product. Why not lower it if they still buy the capsules?

The question remains open: how do capsule manufacturers still manage to position their products as premium?

Let's give an analogy: everyone understands that tea bags are not at all the product that will appeal to a true tea lover. It is obvious to everyone that in the vast majority of cases, “tea from a bag” = “bad tea.” Why do coffee capsules still have a reputation as a premium product? We don't have an answer to this question.

This situation indirectly affects the equipment that is supplied to store shelves: developers often stop developing full-fledged coffee makers, concentrating their efforts on the production and sale of capsule models (we remember that in general they turn out to be both simpler and cheaper?)

Who chooses capsules?

It would probably not be wrong to say that the capsule coffee maker industry is an example of the quintessence of consumer attitudes towards a product.

The user of the capsule coffee maker completely voluntarily refused even the slightest attempts to independently influence the taste of the drink, with the possible exception of its volume.

However, this “flaw” has already been corrected: the new Nespresso Vertuo system has gone even further, not allowing the user to even select the volume of the drink (the coffee maker automatically reads the barcode on the capsule and determines how much water to pour). You don’t need to think at all, the capsule manufacturer has made all the choices for you.

Nespresso Vertuo system capsule

Thus, we come to an unexpected conclusion: the average user of a capsule coffee maker in the vast majority of cases has nothing in common with a coffee lover and connoisseur.

Consumers of cheap capsules are essentially ready to drink a drink that has little in common with coffee as such. Those who don’t save consume coffee of average quality at best (!). The resulting drink is comparable to the result demonstrated by cheap (but not the worst) carob coffee makers such as the De'Longhi ECP 33.21 already mentioned above. Moreover, let us remember that home carob coffee makers have “improvers” that correct grinding, filling and tamping errors, so you can brew decent coffee even from purchased ground coffee, without a home coffee grinder.

Conclusions: when and where is a capsule coffee maker appropriate?

Is it really that bad? Perhaps there are situations when capsule coffee makers would be in their place? Yes, of course, such situations exist.

A capsule coffee maker will find its place where cleanliness and ease of preparation are at the forefront, or (oddly enough) - where coffee is almost never drunk (that is, the consumption will be so small that even a 200-gram pack will have time to will spoil before it is drunk).

Capsule coffee makers will come in very handy on trains, long-distance buses, and trailers (ideal for those who are not ready to travel without a coffee maker). Capsules are an excellent solution for situations where control of coffee consumption is required - for example, in the real estate rental business (apartments with daily accommodation, hotels, etc.)

We are trying to save money

What should we do if we somehow got a capsule coffee maker? Is it possible to find an adequate use for it without overpaying exorbitant prices for coffee?

To understand this issue, we purchased reusable capsules on Aliexpress and began experimenting.

How does a reusable capsule work? There are several most common options.

Ours (the most budget-friendly) involves the use of plastic capsules with plastic hinged lids and a nylon filter.

The price is about 250 rubles for a set of 6 pieces, the set includes a cleaning brush and a plastic tamper spoon. The main disadvantage of such capsules is the fragility of the plastic.

A more expensive option is metal capsules and disposable self-adhesive foil stickers.

Three capsules with tempera will cost 870 rubles, a set of six capsules and tempera will cost a little more than a thousand. The stickers are quite expensive - 980 rubles for 360 pieces, which is 2.72 rubles per piece.

You can take more and cheaper, but without confidence that the whole system will work as it should, you don’t want to.

Finally, there are metal reusable capsules with a metal lid.

Cost - from 670 rubles per piece (without additional accessories). Or from 1500 to 2000 rubles for a set of three pieces (with metal tempera).

The main, in our opinion, disadvantage of all these solutions is that reusable capsules are slightly smaller in size than standard ones. Where a standard capsule should be “pressed”, a reusable one should feel free - otherwise there is a risk of damaging the mechanism of the coffee maker.

Thus, on average, 0.5-1 g less coffee is placed in one reusable capsule, and we already know that there is not much coffee in a standard capsule - usually 5 g.

We armed ourselves with a coffee grinder, coffee beans, ground coffee from the store, original Nespresso capsules, as well as capsules from third-party manufacturers, and decided to see what kind of coffee we could brew from this set.

What kind of coffee can be found in capsules?

Let's take a look at the coffee we found inside the capsules.

The first comparison is a Nespresso Ciocattino capsule versus freshly ground coffee (Lavazza Rossa) from a home grinder set to brew espresso in a cone.

The naked eye can see how different the grinding is (in Nespresso it is slightly smaller) and roasting - we see that in Nespresso the color of the coffee is much darker.

And this despite the fact that Lavazza Rossa is in itself a rather “evil” coffee for those who love its characteristic bitterness.

Our assumptions are confirmed: capsule manufacturers use stronger roasting in an attempt to “squeeze” the strongest and most consistent flavor out of a small volume of coffee.

Here is a comparison of several “alternative” capsules.

This is what they look like when sealed (from left to right - Nespresso, Live Coffee, Coffesso, reusable plastic capsule).

Let's open the alternative capsules and see what's inside.

On the right is the same Lavazza Rossa grind again. As we can see, here the left capsule (“Live Coffee”) is not very different in color, and the central one (Coffesso) also differs in the darker direction (although not as much as Nespresso).

Measurements using scales showed that the values ​​​​stated on the box were observed.

In one capsule you can most often find 5 g of coffee, less often - up to 5.5 g.

Next, we compared the drinks by appearance.

On the left is Nespresso Arpeggio (dark roast), on the right is “Live Coffee”.

On the left is Nespresso Arpeggio (dark roast), on the right is Coffesso.

We taste it, taking Nespresso as the “quality standard” - watery, but similar to espresso.

"Live Coffee" completely disappointed us. It turned out to be even more watery, not at all like espresso. "Coffesso" proved to be something in between. In our opinion, the coffee also came out watery, but with a distinct bitterness, making the taste more pronounced.

Now we are trying to make coffee in a reusable capsule. Capsule weight - 4 g.

First, we try to fill it with 5 g of coffee (the grind is standard for a homemade cone).

...and we are defeated: the coffee maker was unable to properly dispense the required amount of water.

Attempt number two - what if we try to fill it with the same coffee that we just took out of a regular Nespresso capsule?

The result is a little better, although the total volume of the drink turned out to be two times less. This, however, had a positive effect on the taste: the drink turned out to be much stronger. Please note that the characteristic foam has disappeared even though we are using coffee that has just been removed from the “official” capsule.

Third attempt - take regular inexpensive ground coffee from the store and fill it into a capsule “as much as you can”, without strong tamping (i.e. 4-4.5 g).

Hit!

On the left is Nespresso Arpeggio (without cream foam), on the right is our budget coffee from a reusable capsule. As you can see, the volume of the drink turned out to be slightly smaller, but not significantly - by 5-8 g at most (in the cup on the left, let us remember, there are 37-38 g of coffee).

The taste of the drink, in our opinion, turned out to be comparable to capsules from the middle price category - no worse than “Coffesso”, and without a doubt better than what “Live Coffee” offers us. The only difference is that the foam of the cream was not so pronounced - in the cup we did not see anything even close to the characteristic Nespresso “head”.

Of course, we repeat, we are not talking about any “espresso taste” here and cannot be. Even with the “official” Nespresso capsules, which continue (in our opinion - erroneously) to be positioned as capsules for making espresso-based drinks. Whereas it would be more honest to promote them as a solution for lovers of lungo and other “big cups of coffee” (as is done in the Vertuo system).

As for the reusable capsules themselves, our conclusion, therefore, is that they deserve the right to life - at a minimum, you can make coffee in them, and we got the best result (oddly enough) using ordinary ground coffee from store This means that it is not at all necessary to have a special coffee grinder for these tasks: it is quite possible to choose a suitable ready-made grind from those varieties that are on the market.

Conclusions: is it possible to save money on reusable capsules?

The use of reusable coffee capsules has a right to exist, but with several caveats.

Firstly, the volume of such capsules is slightly smaller than standard ones, which means that the strength of the finished drink will be slightly lower than usual. If you are used to pressing the “Lungo” button and pouring 110 ml through a standard capsule, then an adequate solution would be to launch the “espresso” program twice with 40 ml each.

If you want to get closer to the original espresso, and capsule coffee already seems too watery to you, it’s better not to even try.

Secondly, you need to understand that plastic capsules are short-lived (alas, we cannot accurately predict their service life, but it is clearly not infinite), and reusable metal capsules with metal lids will cost a lot of money (especially if we need a whole set that allows fill capsules for several days in advance in one go).

Capsules with stickers can be a kind of compromise: despite the fact that we are trying to save money, we pay 2.72 rubles per sticker, which is about 25%-30% of the price of a cup of coffee.

Thirdly, when we try to switch to reusable coffee capsules, we go against the main idea of ​​capsule coffee makers, which is to provide us with the opportunity to get coffee without fussing with beans, grinding and all the related things.

Here we will either have to grind the coffee ourselves, or select the appropriate ground coffee and buy it exclusively (for fear that another variety will require adjustment of the grinding). And, of course, regularly engage not only in “filling” the capsules, but also in cleaning them. And this is already comparable to the cost of maintaining a regular carob coffee maker.

It turns out that the whole difference here is that you can fill the capsules once a week, but the cone needs to be cleaned after each preparation.

And here a completely reasonable question arises: is it worth starting this whole story at all?

In our opinion, if you don’t already have an existing capsule coffee maker at home that you want to put to use, then don’t.

If you are on a limited budget, it is better to buy an inexpensive drip or geyser coffee maker (or even a regular funnel with paper filters) and not fool yourself with all these nuances regarding setting the grind and the need to wash reusable capsules.

A geyser coffee maker is one of the simplest and most budget-friendly ways to get decent quality coffee at home.

If you have a little more free money and are interested in the topic of coffee, perhaps you should take a closer look at inexpensive carob models or straight away to an inexpensive machine.

Well, if your household somehow has a capsule coffee maker (especially if it’s an expensive model or a gift that you’d hate to get rid of), and you’re basically satisfied with the quality of the coffee it brews, then, of course, you can try reusable capsules. After all, 1000 rubles for the owner of a capsule coffee maker is the price of less than 30 capsules.

If the result is considered satisfactory, the purchase will pay for itself within a month.

Reusable: an alternative for the budget conscious

A significant disadvantage of disposable capsules is the cost. Reusable containers help solve this problem.

Operating principle:

• the lid opens, unlike a disposable container, which is sealed hermetically;
• ground coffee is placed inside;
• pressed - there are special tempera for ease of compaction;
• the lid closes;
• fits into the coffee machine compartment for preparing a drink;
• At the end of the process, the container is not thrown away, but reused.

Containers are made from high-quality plastic or stainless steel. Withstands from 30 to 100 times of use depending on the manufacturer. The cost varies from 150 to 1700 rubles.

The main advantage is efficiency.

However, there are disadvantages.

1. The basic principle is violated - storing the product in an airtight package, which makes the drink as rich and aromatic as possible.
2. Refillable tanks are often made by third-party manufacturers, and any damage to the machine caused by their use will not be covered by the warranty.

Using reusable containers is much more economical than disposable capsules.

Capsulin

A popular product of the French brand of the same name. The containers are made of plastic and covered with foil on top. Designed for use in Nespresso systems. The cooking technology remains the same, with the exception of filling the container yourself - this makes it possible to individually form your preferred blend, for example, by adding spices.

Emohome

The brand makes capsules for Nespresso from food-grade plastic. 1 container is used up to 30 times. Not suitable for use in coffee machines manufactured before 2003; in systems from 2010, you must put a silicone ring on the container, which is included in the kit.

Coffeduck

The most popular among reusable capsule brands. Produces empty Nespresso containers from food-grade plastic. To choose the right product, you need to know the year of manufacture of the coffee machine - black containers are used from 2010, brown containers are used before 2010.

Mycap

The capsules are suitable for Nespresso. They have a special side design for more efficient foil tension and holes at the bottom. These distinctive features give a richer taste and aroma.

Sealpod

A brand that produces containers for Nescafe Dolce Gusto, made of silicone and steel. The set includes 100 paper filters, 1 capsule and a dispensing spoon. The refueling scheme is quite labor-intensive, which can be considered a design inconvenience.

The Sealpod brand produces reusable capsules made of stainless steel.

Pros and cons of capsule coffee machines

• Capsule coffee machines are cheap: cheaper than other coffee machines. There are, of course, premium devices that cost tens of thousands of rubles, but these are exceptions;
• Capsule coffee is always of the same quality and quite decent. The quality control systems of modern factories do not sleep, so when you pour a drink into a cup, you will get exactly the taste you expect. There is no need to bother with finding decent beans of normal roasting and grinding them: you just need to buy capsules and a good result is guaranteed;
• Capsule coffee machines are easy to operate, and the influence of the human factor on the final result is excluded. A cheap capsule coffee maker is controlled by literally one or two buttons and prepares a cappuccino with thick foam or a three-layer latte in just a minute - something cannot be spoiled no matter how much you want;
• The range of capsule drinks is very wide: there are dozens of varieties of coffee, cocoa, and tea.

Unfortunately, there were also some downsides:

• high cost of operation: the low price of coffee machines is more than offset by the price of capsules. They are disposable and not very cheap. In a couple of years, cheap capsule and expensive geyser coffee machines will be equal in cost;
• The range of drinks is wide, but not endless, and each coffee machine can only load one specific type of capsule. And unlike regular coffee, you most likely won’t be able to buy capsules at the convenience store on the corner: they are not sold everywhere.

In principle, both of these disadvantages can be overcome by using capsules from third-party manufacturers. There are even reusable capsules into which ground coffee is filled, but washing them after each use is still a pleasure, although the savings are very decent.

What types of capsule coffee machines are there?

• Types of capsules . Our stores offer capsule coffee machines from three main brands: Nespresso, Dolce Gusto and Tassimo. There is no fundamental difference between them. The choice is a matter of taste, but you have to make it, because a capsule coffee maker for Nespresso will not digest, say, Tassimo. Just focus on the types of drinks offered in stores under different brands and choose what you like best.
• Operating pressure . A key indicator for all other types of coffee makers, which does not play any role for capsule coffee machines. Capsules of each variety are designed for their own pressure: for Tassimo it is 3.3 bar, for Dolce Gusto - 15 bar, and for Nespresso - as much as 19 bar. Both cheap and expensive coffee machines for compatible capsules produce exactly the pressure they need. So, don't bother yourself with technical details.
• Material . Most coffee machines are made of plastic with metal parts. Premium devices may have an all-metal body, but they also cost accordingly.
• Water tank volume . Usually, cheaper coffee machines have a small water tank volume: somewhere from half a liter. This is enough for home use, but for an office it is better to choose a more spacious option.

Compatibility of capsules with coffee makers of different brands

Most capsules are not designed for third-party devices. However, some containers were originally designed to be compatible with existing capsule systems. Or the manufacturer, along with his brand's product line, created kits for machines on the market.

The most common systems that third party brands produce compatible products with include Nespresso and Dolce Gusto.

Suitable capsules for Nespresso equipment:

• Starbucks Nespresso;
• Porto rosso espresso;
• L'Or;
• LaCapsula;
• Squesito;
• Di Maestri Nespresso;
• Jardin;
• Bialetti Nespresso.

The following containers are suitable for Dolce Gusto devices:

• Delonghi;
• Di Maestri Dolce Gusto;
• Oysters;
• Squesito Dolce Gusto;
• Starbucks Dolce Gusto.

Rules for preparing the drink

It is necessary to place the capsule in a special compartment. Place the cup on a special stand and press start or select a cooking program.

Capsule method of preparing coffee.

Without coffee machine

Coffee capsules are filled with natural ground coffee, so you can prepare a drink without the help of a coffee machine. You shouldn’t do this all the time—this process is labor-intensive, but you can try it as an experiment. To do this, you need to remove the contents from the container - remove the lid and foil. The drink can be prepared using a Turkish coffee maker or a geyser coffee maker.

How to brew without a coffee machine

If you get your hands on a coffee capsule, but the machine is missing (or broken), allow yourself to conduct a fun experiment and brew it without a device. Remove the cap from the capsule. Make a semicircular cut on the plastic; just pierce the foil with a needle and pry it off with a knife.

Further actions depend on what you have in your home: a Turkish coffee maker or a geyser coffee maker. If you have a Turk, pour coffee into it, pour in water (no more than 35 ml for espresso), put it on the stove and wait for the liquid to boil.

Make sure the foam doesn't run away ! Pour a teaspoon of cool water into the prepared drink - this will allow the grounds to settle.

The geyser coffee maker should be disassembled, pour water into the lower container (not higher than the mark), pour coffee into a special filter , put the device back together and plug it in (or put it on the stove). After waiting for the sizzle, turn it off and enjoy the taste.

Storage Features

The capsules are hermetically sealed, so no special storage conditions are required. Vacuum packaging prevents the product from coming into contact with oxygen and absorbing moisture.

The shelf life is from 1 to 2 years, unlike beans and ground coffee, which can be stored for no more than a month in open packaging.

The simplest storage rules must be followed:

• do not leave in direct sunlight or heat;
• do not place in the refrigerator, freezer;
• The container must remain sealed until ready to cook.

How the rating was compiled

There are many options for capsule coffee to choose from, which can be purchased in retail, specialty and online stores. From the many options considered, we selected several candidates, who were evaluated according to the following criteria:

• brand – the name of the company and the range of its products;
• packaging – number of capsules;
• packaging (container) material – plastic, foil, silicone, steel, combined;
• volume – the amount of water in milliliters per dose;
• roasting – the degree of roasting of the beans that make up the contents of the capsule (strong, medium, weak);
• taste – aftertaste, degree of bitterness, presence/absence of sourness;
• additives – some capsules contain additional additives in the form of milk, cream;
• purpose – according to the number of uses, capsules are divided into disposable or reusable;
• color – white, brown or black.

When considering the nominees, we took into account the opinions of experts and reviews of real users. Their ratings helped eliminate low-quality products from the review, as well as identify the strengths and weaknesses of each option. Price, taste and value of raw materials were used in the evaluation.

Comparison of bean and capsule coffee

Well-prepared bean coffee is no different from capsule coffee. In terms of benefit and harm, the effects are similar. The containers contain the same ground coffee, the difference is in the preparation method. For grain - grinding, then brewing using a Turk, geyser coffee maker or carob coffee machine.

Depending on the preparation method, the degree of grinding varies. When a product is stored in an open package for more than a month and comes into contact with oxygen, the product loses its properties, which subsequently affects the taste.

The capsule drink is prepared within a few seconds, and the coffee machines are easy to operate. In sealed containers, the raw materials retain their properties and the prepared product is of high quality. However, the cost of the beans is lower than purchasing and using a capsule system.