Which coffee machine is better to choose - capsule or grain?

Despite your love for natural and aromatic coffee, you don’t have enough time to make a Turk on the stove or on gas?

Worries will disappear when you prepare a drink using a coffee machine within minutes. They are multifunctional and easy to use. Add coffee powder and set the desired program. But these devices are highly valued. Therefore, purchasing requires detailed knowledge to make the right choice.

Types of coffee makers

Carob coffee maker

This is a coffee maker where the ground powder is placed in a removable carob filter and hot water under pressure extracts the taste and aroma of the coffee. Some models contain a foam tube.

The main advantage : simplicity of the device.

Main disadvantage : It is impossible to adjust the strength of the drink.

Capsule coffee maker

It has a similar device to a carob coffee maker, but instead of a coffee tablet, a capsule with the contents of ground coffee is used on the carob.

Main advantage : Productive device (daily output over 50 units). No special care required, not capricious. The capsule manufacturer sets the composition and strength of the coffee itself.

Additional advantages of capsule coffee makers:

• There is no need to grind, weigh and pour coffee into the device, only inserting a capsule is required;
• Speed ​​of work;
• ideal for offices where there is no separate kitchen;
• Regulated and expected quality and taste of coffee. The capsule always contains coffee with the same properties and degree of processing. The quantity is also the same. They are awarded a special certificate, level AAA, for consistency of quality.
• Some brands like Nespresso provide a variety of coffee capsules: containing coffee from 12 countries. Roasting, grinding, taste, shades and notes may be different. Therefore, it is much easier to find what you like.
• Caffeine-free blends. Wide selection of decaffeinated blends. This means that it is possible to drink coffee at any time of the day and drink it for those citizens who are contraindicated to drink it for various medical indications.

The main disadvantage : the cost of capsules compared to ground coffee. Manufacturers produce their own capsules that are not suitable for other brands.

Other disadvantages of capsule coffee makers:

• Requires expensive capsules, which are much more expensive than beans and ground coffee;
• the range of capsules is limited;
• The taste of coffee from a capsule coffee maker is not of the best quality.
• A capsule-type coffee maker greatly simplifies the process of brewing coffee. However, the need to purchase special capsules makes the process more expensive. With capsules, however, you can diversify the assortment of coffee, since capsules are produced with various types of additives, for example, with milk powder.

Automatic coffee machine

An automatic coffee machine is a universal device that produces coffee from both beans and ground coffee.

Main advantage : universal. Speed ​​cooking. It only takes 30 seconds to prepare one cup. Adjusting the strength of the drink. Possibility to prepare different types of coffee.

The main disadvantage : large dimensions of coffee machines, weight, high cost.

Automatic coffee machines are selected according to the following criteria:

• By material of manufacture: steel, plastic, ceramic.
• By type of water heater: boiler, with thermoblock.
• By power: powerful coffee machines prepare coffee at high speed. But this reduces the taste and aroma of the coffee. Home use requires a coffee machine with a power of 1000-1500 kW.
• Based on such parameters as power, coffee machines are divided into household and professional. Households can prepare over 30-40 cups of coffee per day (for use at home and in a small office). Professional ones are intended for catering organizations.
• In terms of productivity: At home you need a coffee machine that produces at least 30 servings. At the same time, coffee machines that can brew two cups of coffee at the same time are valued.
• According to the cleaning system: the brewing mechanism can be removable or non-removable. This mechanism is periodically removed and cleaned by hand.
• The fixed mechanism has the function of automatically determining the degree of contamination and itself signals when the moment of cleaning has been reached. You need to turn on the cleaning function so that the device cleans the inside on its own. Special tablets are required for cleaning. Ease of use makes the car more expensive.
• Cappuccino maker: The coffee machine's cappuccino maker allows you to prepare milk-based coffee drinks: mocha, latte and cappuccino.
• Automatic cappuccino machine - the drink is prepared completely automatically. Just pour milk into the container. Some models have the function of adjusting parameters such as airiness and foam height. The built-in automatic cappuccino maker significantly increases the cost of the device.
• A manual cappuccino machine requires certain skills and abilities.
• Useful set of functions:
• The function of adjusting the degree of grinding of coffee beans directly affects the taste properties of the drink.
• The water filter purifies the water used.
• Strength is the degree of saturation of the drink.
• Temperature.
• Setting the volume of prepared coffee.
• The ability to remove scale greatly increases the shelf life of the device.
• The second boiler is used for frothing milk.
• Maintains drink temperature via cup warming function.
• Coffee machines are equipped with an internal memory function, when the coffee machine stores in its memory the recipe of the household’s favorite coffee. You must select the name of each family member from the list and activate the mode.

Price

• Rozhkova: from 800 to 96,980 rubles.
• Drip: from 500 to 29,999 rubles.
• Capsule: from 1,600 to 148,400 rubles.
• Automatic: from RUB 5,499 to RUB 149,990.

How to choose a coffee maker with different budgets?

Geyser coffee makers and Turks require less money - in the range of 1000–1500 rubles. Coffee makers with an electric stand will cost more - in the range of 2000–3000 rubles.

Drip coffee makers are priced at the next level - from 3-5 thousand rubles.

A capsule or carob coffee maker has a price of 9–12 thousand rubles. But the cost of capsule coffee is higher.

Built-in coffee machine

This coffee machine saves space in the kitchen. The device can be built into a furniture niche intended for the kitchen. Built-in coffee machines are similar to mobile ones. The only drawback is the high cost.

Capsule coffee

Today, among coffee lovers there is a tendency to switch from using natural ground beans to coffee capsules.

A capsule is a plastic box sealed and filled with inert gas containing a portion (6-9 grams) of roasted ground coffee. The capsules are usually filled with several types of coffee. All manufacturers of coffee capsules select only the highest quality product, so the drink from the capsules has no complaints from consumers.

Coffee maker & coffee machine: the difference

Level of automation - to brew coffee in a coffee maker, a person must participate in basic actions: pour coffee, fill the reservoir with water, adjust the temperature, control the preparation process.

Brewing a drink in a coffee machine does not require much human intervention. A man fills tanks with water, milk and coffee beans. He then only needs to press the power button and that’s enough;

Price level - the price of an electronic device like a coffee machine is much higher than that of a coffee maker;

Dimensions - the coffee machine takes up more space compared to coffee makers.

Geyser coffee maker

A geyser coffee maker is one of the simplest devices. In appearance it is similar to a teapot. Consists of three compartments. Water reservoir, filter funnel for ground coffee, upper reservoir for finished coffee. It works on the principle that steam displaces hot water. When plugged in, the water in the tank boils and produces steam. It pushes water into the filter, where it, passing through a layer of coffee, absorbs the aroma and taste of the powder. Then it flows through the tube in the upper vessel like a geyser, turning into ready-made aromatic coffee.

Coffee lovers do not praise the drink brewed in a geyser coffee maker. It is believed that passing through a filter with coffee powder only once, the water is not completely saturated with aromatic components. Despite this, the affordable price, simplicity and ease of use have turned the geyser coffee maker into a popular device.

Drip coffee maker

A method of preparing coffee is implemented when hot water from the lower vessel is passed in small portions through a filter where ground coffee is placed, and the finished drink drips into the upper tank. New models are equipped with a coffee grinding function.

The main advantage : the design is simple and reliable. Maintains the set coffee temperature (warming function).

Other advantages of the device include:

• Affordable price;
• There are models designed for large volumes of coffee in one go;
• Ease of use;
• there are no coffee grounds due to filters;
• possibility of brewing tea and other herbal drinks.

Main disadvantage : The brewing process degrades the properties of coffee.

Other disadvantages of a drip coffee maker:

• It produces a drink that is not strong in strength and is not always hot;
• There is a need to regularly replace consumables such as filters. During operation, the coffee supply tube into the cup becomes clogged;
• Another big expense item is coffee;
• The need to wash after brewing every time.
• The design of a drip coffee maker is more complex than that of a geyser. When you turn on the coffee maker, the heating element warms up cold water in a special tank. Hot water, turning into steam, rises to the top, then condenses, turns back into water and begins to drip onto the ground coffee on the filter. As it passes through the ground coffee, it extracts its aromatic substances and flows into the glass flask of the coffee maker, turning into coffee. Sometimes drip coffee makers come with a couple of cups included.

Electric Turk

The design of an electric turk is very similar to an electric kettle. This is a flask with a wide base and a narrow neck. A heating element is installed under the bottom. To start heating, the coffee maker is placed on a platform with electrical contacts. The volume of electric turks ranges from 200 ml to 1.5 liters.

The electric turk is not yet the most popular coffee maker. It comes in handy when you don’t have an electric or gas stove at hand.

Advantages of electric Turks:

• The taste of coffee is no different from a drink brewed in a cezve;
• Affordable price;
• Durable and easy to use;
• A device with such an unusual appearance attracts attention in the office;
• Universal: you can heat water as in a regular electric kettle (preferably an electric kettle with automatic shut-off).

Disadvantages of electric Turks:

• It is necessary not to overexpose the drink during the brewing process.

Tips for choosing a coffee machine for your home

Choosing a coffee machine for home use is always based on personal preferences. But there are also objective parameters that should be taken into account . Let's look at the most common aspects of technology selection.

Operating pressure

Try to choose a machine with constant pressure during the cooking process. Optimal for a quality drink is 9 bar.

Reliability

Pay attention to the build quality of the device and the materials from which the coffee maker is made. Find out if the product comes with a warranty. Let us note that world-famous manufacturers always try to ensure that their devices function stably and the service system works efficiently.

Reference. For example, machines from Jura and Saeco are distinguished by high quality and performance, and the manufacturers themselves provide a two-year warranty on the equipment.

Ease of use

In order for the machine to delight with aromatic coffee, its users must perform a number of simple actions : add grains and water, remove used raw materials and empty the drip tray. The frequency of all operations depends, first of all, on the volume of each container (for water, beans, ground powder, used coffee and drip tray) and then on the productivity of the coffee machine. If you correctly evaluate these factors, the device will not require frequent maintenance and will remain your faithful assistant for a long time.

Performance

Choose a device based on the number of servings you and your family need . The average coffee machine takes 1-2 servings of ground product and up to 350 g of beans.

Estimated cost

Based on this parameter, select only those options that you cannot do without : the presence of a cappuccino maker, coffee grind adjustment, delay timer, information about the current state of the machine and the amount of coffee, water, milk.

Brewing mechanism type

There are removable and rigidly fixed . The first ones can be easily removed on their own; they are washed under running water about once a month. But it will not be possible to wash the machine’s hydraulic system (pipes and hoses). They will still contain coffee oils and remnants of old coffee, which over time will negatively affect the taste of the drink - they will add bitterness. Washing of such non-removable parts is done using special tablets, if this is provided for by additional settings in the program.

Brewing time in different devices

Carob and capsule coffee makers require 1–2 minutes to heat up and prepare for operation. Stable pressure and temperature are maintained until shutdown by powerful boilers. A carob coffee maker requires minimal time investment. One portion will be ready in 10–15 seconds.

A geyser coffee maker and a Turkish coffee maker require about 5–7 minutes to brew. It is necessary to carefully monitor the process; boiling will lead to coffee spillage.

The drip coffee maker is slow and the device's jug takes 5-15 minutes to fill. But they will be useful for a large company.

Those who like a mild taste can choose an electric turk or a drip coffee maker. If you prefer strong coffee with a rich taste, you should choose carob or capsule type coffee makers. Those who like to observe the process can take a closer look at geyser coffee makers or Turks.

What's the result?

If you try, you can find both a bean and a capsule coffee machine that make the same claims. But not for everything, therefore:

• if you are a gourmet, a former/future barista, you drink a lot of coffee, you are too lazy to hunt for raw materials, but not to wash your car; you are not annoyed by the sound of a coffee grinder, and you have enough space, time and money to pay for quality, choose a bean coffee machine;
• if you don’t plan to get sophisticated with flavors, are not ready to do the washing and listen to the buzzing, and periodically “getting out” raw materials is fine; If you don’t want to deal with the functions or overpay for infrequent home coffee, your option is a capsule coffee machine.

The main differences between capsule and grain coffee makers

The main difference lies in the coffee brewing process itself. Operating a capsule coffee maker requires minimal time to brew coffee. The quality of the drink mainly depends on the quality of the coffee powder.

Another significant difference between these types of coffee makers relates to the ability to brew different types of coffee. The capsule room uses only special capsules.

A carob coffee machine gives you the chance to choose among different varieties.

As for prices, a simple model of a capsule-type coffee maker costs 3-4 thousand rubles. A simple model of a carob-type coffee maker costs from 5 to 7 thousand rubles.

The better capsule coffee maker

• The coffee brewing process is automated, so it’s easier to use;
• capsules contain ground and roasted coffee, which brings the taste closer to ideal;
• Maintenance is simple: washed once every 15 days, descaled once every 3 months. Modernized modeoi have a self-cleaning function;
• The cooking speed is significantly higher compared to the carob model. Coffee can be prepared in half a minute. When using a cappuccino maker, the drink is prepared in 50 seconds;
• no need to purchase replacement filters;
• The cost of a capsule coffee maker is lower than that of a carob model. Cheap carob coffee makers have very limited features;
• Compared to carob coffee makers, capsule coffee makers are more compact.

The better carob coffee maker

• The main advantage of a carob coffee maker over a capsule coffee maker is the choice of coffee beans. There is an opportunity to enjoy the many tastes of a wide variety of coffees;
• An additional set of functions allows you to manage the preparation and bring the taste of coffee to perfection yourself;
• They have descaling programs;
• The machine whips up the foam itself.

Comparison

As you can see, there are more advantages to capsule coffee machines. But carobs, which are often called grains, also have many advantages.

Thus, the choice between the two types of devices is limited by user preferences. Capsule coffee makers are liked more by those who value speed and convenience over cost.

Thrifty people use the carob version more. However, we must take into account that the cost of a carob coffee maker is much higher. Such a machine pays off only in the long term. For those who make coffee occasionally, a bean coffee machine is definitely not suitable.

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Prices

In short, a bean coffee machine is like a laser printer: expensive, but you can make the most budget-friendly coffee. A capsule coffee machine, in contrast to a “regular” coffee machine, is like a jet coffee machine: it’s cheap, but the capsules will more than make up for the cost of a grain coffee machine.

Capsule

Coffee makers are divided by type of capsule system and each is produced by several companies. Moreover, the shapes of capsules for systems almost always differ: a kind of “coffee slavery” forces you to choose not so much from the coffee makers themselves, but from the range of costs and flavors of capsules for them.

Taking all this into account, the range of prices for capsule devices is simply enormous, so the most obvious way is to go through the main systems.

1. Nespresso. From 5000 to 45000 rub. for the car. And a lot - for original capsules (40-50 rubles/piece), which are sold only in original stores. But Nespresso is the record holder for alternative capsules. For example, the companies Cafe Royal, Julius Meinl, Coffesso, Oquendo, Porto Rosso, and the domestic “Moscow coffee shop on shares” sell them for 15-40 rubles.
2. Dolce Gusto. 4000-20000 rub. coffee machine. Capsules cost 18-25 rubles, a drink with chocolate or milk costs up to 50 rubles. per cup.
3. Tassimo. Perhaps the most affordable are 3000-9000 rubles. But capsules cost 25-35 rubles, milk “luxuries” cost twice as much.
4. Cremesso. Rare, but worthwhile system. From 5,000 to 20,000 rubles, plus about 30 rubles. per serving of coffee.
5. Caffitaly System. Prices range from 8,000 to 20,000 rubles, the company has its own line of Ecaffe capsules, 30-35 rubles each. The alternative ones are not much cheaper and, in fact, complement the tastes of the original ones; for example, Tchibo or Espresso Club.
6. Bialetti. Perhaps the most notable ones are their design and quality; 10,000-20,000 rubles, at frequent promotions you can find a car for 5,000 rubles. Capsules only native ones - 18-32 rubles. a piece.

The cost of capsule-type household coffee makers starts from 3,000 rubles, and at sales it is even cheaper. For many, the low price is the main argument that a capsule coffee machine is better than a grain coffee machine. At the same time, the cost of some professional models easily reaches 100,000 rubles.

Cereals

They can also be simple and sophisticated - with a grain selector, functions such as self-shutdown, settings from a smartphone.

The average cost of a decently equipped unit is 40,000 rubles, the simplest – up to 10,000 rubles. A cup of coffee costs half as much as a capsule cup – about 10 rubles.

• Don't miss: What types of coffee machines are there and how they differ

Prices for top grain coffee machines from well-known manufacturers:

• Delonghi ECAM – RUR 45,000-140,000;
• Saeco – 40000-150000 rub.;
• Bosch – 50,000 p.;
• Philips – 40000-52000 p.;
• Melitta Caffeo Solo – 32000 rub.;
• Redmond – 10000 p.;
• Krups – 35000-40000 p.

In principle, among both capsule and grain coffee machines there are coffee machines for every budget; the main thing is to choose the most comfortable one.

Which is better: a coffee maker or a coffee machine?

The question of which is better: a coffee maker or a coffee machine is not entirely correct. These devices have different purposes:

1. The coffee machine has a high level of productivity and automation. Therefore, it will be the optimal solution for an office group, coffee shop, bar, restaurant and other places with a large number of users.
2. The coffee maker is compact, low-efficiency, and easy to use. Therefore, it is ideal for home cooking.

So, what is the difference between a coffee maker and a coffee machine:

Disadvantages of capsule coffee machines

• Capsule coffee is not cheap and this is the main disadvantage of the capsule method of preparing the drink. 100 grams of coffee packaged in capsules will cost twice as much as 100 grams of the same product without capsule packaging. It is not difficult to calculate how much the buyer pays for the product packaging itself.
• There is not one, but several different types of capsules (of different shapes) and, unfortunately, they are not compatible with each other. When buying a coffee machine from any manufacturer, you will also have to buy capsules of the same brand. This is not entirely convenient for us. It seems that manufacturers of capsule machines deliberately design their models exclusively for their capsules and in this way compensate themselves for the low cost of the device itself.
• Not every store can buy the capsules you need. They can usually be found in specialty coffee shops or ordered from a catalogue.

How to choose a device for your home

The coffee maker and coffee machine must meet certain requirements. When choosing a particular unit, personal preferences should be taken into account. Coffee prepared in various devices will have a number of distinctive features:

• drip devices are ideal for Americano;
• you can get delicate cappuccino and strong espresso in a carob device;
• geyser units are suitable for connoisseurs of strong coffee drink;
• capsule machines provide the opportunity to experiment.

The power of the device is of no small importance. The strength of coffee directly depends on this indicator. The smaller it is, the richer the drink will be.

Additional options also deserve attention. The following will be useful:

• heating system. It will turn out to be simply irreplaceable if each family member wakes up at a different time in the house;
• drop-stop. As soon as the coffee tank is removed, the brewing process automatically stops;
• timer. It will be useful for those who find it difficult to wake up early in the morning. The aroma of espresso will help you get out of bed faster and get down to urgent business;
• water indicator level. Thanks to its presence, it will be possible to select the optimal strength of the drink.

There is no consensus on which machine is best for preparing coffee drinks. Knowing the features of each of these devices, making a choice is much easier. Individual preferences and financial capabilities should be taken into account.