Capsule coffee machine: rating of the best models of 2021. Instructions on how to choose a good capsule coffee machine

Operating principle of a capsule coffee maker

In a regular coffee machine you need to pour ground coffee or beans.
The capsule is loaded inside the machine, where it is pierced through by a needle. Boiling water passes through the hole in the capsule, brewing the drink. Coffee is packaged in an aluminum or plastic box, which is filled with inert gas. This allows you to preserve the taste of the drink for a long time.

pros

• price. Capsule machines are much cheaper than any other coffee makers;
• high quality coffee. High demands are placed on the contents of the capsules, and the manufacturing process is carefully controlled. You can be sure that when you load a capsule into the machine, you will receive an excellent drink;
• ease of operation. To brew coffee, you need to press 1-2 buttons. It’s difficult to make bad coffee here - in just one minute you can get a three-layer latte with strong foam;
• large selection of drinks. Many types of coffee, cocoa and even tea are produced in capsules.

Minuses

• high cost of capsules. They are mostly disposable and quite expensive;
• binding to one type of capsules. The choice of drinks is limited to 15-26 standard recipes.

How a capsule coffee machine works
The ability to try a new drink depends mainly on the manufacturer of the capsules. And it is advisable to buy coffee in advance - they are sold mainly in large or specialized stores.

On a note! You can save a lot if you buy empty capsules. They can be topped with coffee to suit your taste. There are disposable ones with foil lids (Capsul'in and C&M) or reusable ones that need to be washed after use (manufacturers Coffeeduck, Emohome).

Compatibility of capsules and coffee machines

How to use the coffee machine?

The operating principle of a capsule coffee machine is based on passing hot water under high pressure through a coffee capsule containing natural coffee.

Preparing the drink takes little time: you just need to place the capsule inside the device, place the mug, and press the button.

All capsules must be used once. There are also reusable ones, but using them is almost pointless, since the seal of the packaging is broken. The resulting drink will lose all the coffee flavor, leaving only harmful caffeine.

The machine brews coffee automatically in 30 seconds.

Criteria for choosing a coffee machine

1. Water tank volume. Here you need to build on your needs. For a family of two people, a coffee maker of 0.5-0.8 liters is enough. For a large family or office, it is advisable to choose options with a much larger volume.
2. Case material. Most coffee machines are made entirely of plastic or with metal inserts. Premium category devices can be made entirely of metal.
3. Availability of a cappuccino maker. If you plan to make coffee with the addition of fresh milk, it is advisable to choose models with a built-in cappuccino maker.
4. Type of capsules. This is the most important criterion, since regular expenses for coffee and the choice of drink varieties will depend on the type of capsules.

Advantages of capsule coffee makers over other coffee makers

Important! The quality of operation of a capsule coffee machine is not affected in any way by the operating pressure. This parameter is important for conventional coffee makers, while capsule coffee makers are designed for their own pressure. For example, Nespresso has 19 bars, Dolce Gusto has 15, Tassimo has 3.3.

Video - Types of capsule systems

Krups KP 1002/1006/1009

The Krups KP 1002/1006/1009 coffee machine is a capsule-type model, in less than a minute it will prepare you a cup of espresso, cappuccino, latte, cocoa, mocha - in a wide palette of flavors, everyone will find something of their own.

Thanks to thermoblock technology, the water is heated almost instantly to the desired temperature. The controls are simple - you just press the power button, insert the capsule and turn the lever. The machine will do the rest itself.

The model is popular and has good user ratings. Krups KP 1002/1006/1009 has characteristics that exceed the category average:

• capsule coffee machine;
• automatic;
• for coffee capsules;
• Dolce Gusto capsules;
• shutdown when not in use;
• plastic body.

Functions

The presented model does not have many functions:

• energy saving mode;
• height-adjustable cup stand;
• auto shutdown

Using the Krups KP 1002/1006/1009 coffee machine you can prepare not only excellent espresso, but also cappuccino, latte, cocoa and mocha. To save energy, the device has a built-in auto shut-off function.

The design includes a removable tray for drips, a height-adjustable stand for cups, and a water level indicator.

Peculiarities

Model features:

• Case material – plastic;
• Water level indicator;
• Power-on indication;
• Dimensions (W*H*D) – 21x38x27 cm;
• Weight – 5 kg;
• Additional information – energy saving mode; height-adjustable cup stand.

The coffee maker is made of high quality plastic. The model is presented in three color variations: red, white and black.

Characteristic

General characteristics:

• Manufacturer: Krups;
• Type: capsule;
• Coffee used: Dolche Gusto capsules;
• Heater type: thermoblock;
• Power: 1500 W;
• Water tank volume: 0.6 l;
• Maximum pressure: 15 bar;
• Making cappuccino;
• Making espresso;
• Control of coffee strength;

Extra options:

• Auto shutdown;
• Removable tray for collecting drops;
• Power-on indication;
• Case material: plastic.

Design:

• Removable tray for collecting drips.
• Water tank volume – 0.6 l;
• Water tank material – Plastic;
• Removable water tank;
• Number of servings – 1.

Advantages

The advantages of the presented coffee machine include:

• Cheap;
• Small;
• Makes excellent coffee if used correctly;
• Low price;
• Ease of use;
• Quick cooking;
• A large number of capsules;
• The quality of the machine itself is good - nothing cracks, creaks, leaks or breaks.

Flaws

The main disadvantages of this model can be identified:

• Poor selection of capsules by coffee variety;
• Small water tank;
• Expensive coffee capsules (you can refill them yourself and save money);
• Espresso with milk - instant coffee only;
• Sometimes it rattles when working.

Video review

Presentation of this coffee machine in the video below:

Bottom line

As a conclusion, we can say that the model is worth the money - it is a budget small coffee maker for every day, and it can make excellent, tasty coffee.

The unique Krups KP 1002/1006/1009 coffee machine has a power of 1500 W and a pressure of 15 Bar. This is enough to please the user with a variety of prepared drinks from your favorite coffee beans.

In addition, Krups KP 1002/1006/1009 has an unusual design that will attract the attention of anyone. The coffee maker is very easy to use; all you have to do is insert the capsule and turn the lever. The height of the cup stand can be adjusted.

Reviews for the Krups KP 1002/1006/1009 coffee machine are contradictory. On the one hand, this is a fairly budget model. Actually, this is its main advantage, on which the emphasis is placed. There are not so many functions, but for such a price everything is justified.

During operation, there are inconveniences - noise and rattling . Most buyers are unhappy with the fact that coffee capsules cost a lot of money. It turns out that the coffee machine itself costs little, but you will spend a lot of money on refilling it. However, many are cunning and refill the capsules themselves.

It is worth noting the quality of the machine itself, namely the material from which it is made. Despite the rattling during operation, it is not subject to cracking, leaking or breaking in general.

Rating of capsule coffee machines

Which capsule coffee machine would you choose or recommend?

Take the survey

Capsule coffee machines of the high price segment

No. 3. DeLonghi EN560

Compact, wear-resistant coffee machine with self-cleaning function. Powered by Nespresso capsules. A simple control system allows you to prepare any drink with one touch of a touch button. The device is programmed for 6 recipes. Unlike previous models, cappuccino here is prepared using the correct technology - first, coffee is poured into the cup, and thick milk foam is placed on top. The machine heats up very quickly and allows you to prepare aromatic coffee in a matter of seconds.

DeLonghi EN560

Characteristics:

• water capacity - 0.9 l;
• size - 26x17x32 cm;
• pressure - 19 bar;
• case material - heat-resistant plastic;
• cost - 24,000 rubles;
• automatic washing;
• sleep mode;
• indicator of inclusion and amount of water.

pros

• spacious water tank;
• cappuccino maker;
• removable milk container;
• touch control.

Minuses

• plastic case;
• small container for milk;
• inconvenient location of the water tank.

DeLonghi EN560

No. 2. KitchenAid 5KES0503EAC Artisan Nespresso

Reliable, beautiful and functional coffee machine. Works on Nespresso capsules. The case design is made in “retro” style. Available in premium colors. The housing coating is scratch-resistant.

Works in six coffee preparation modes depending on volume. Your favorite volume can be programmed and saved. A definite plus is that the water for cooking heats up in a third of a minute.

KitchenAid 5KES0503EAC Artisan Nespresso

Characteristics:

• water capacity - 1.4 l;
• pressure - 19 bar;
• body material - aluminum;
• size - 20x33x33 cm;
• cost - 41,000 rubles;
• automatic removal of used capsules;
• automatic water heating function.

pros

• high heating speed - 25 seconds;
• reliable equipment;
• shockproof housing;
• original design;
• cast construction;
• you can program the shutdown time;
• sound signal about readiness.

Minuses

• high price.

Reviews of KitchenAid 5KES0503EAC Artisan Nespresso

No. 1. DeLonghi EN650

The best option in terms of price and quality. Works with Nespresso capsules. The machine is controlled using the Soft Touch touch panel. Built-in filters allow you to adjust water hardness. Unlike many previous models, the drip tray grid is made of metal, which makes it more durable.

DeLonghi EN650

The machine has a container for frothing milk. As a result, you can get a strong, thick foam.

Characteristics:

• water capacity - 1.3 l;
• size - 27x20x37 cm;
• case material - plastic;
• pressure - 19 bar;
• cost - 35,000 rubles;
• built-in coffee grinder;
• anti-drip system.

pros

• versatility;
• touch control type;
• memory function for favorite recipes;
• removable cup holder;
• silent during operation;
• presence of a display.

Minuses

• plastic case;
• short power cord.

DeLonghi EN650

Delonghi EN 125 Pixie

Description and technical specifications

• Power: 1260 W;
• Maximum pressure: 19 bar;
• Water container volume: 0.7 l;
• Container volume for used capsules: 9-11 pieces;
• Heating element: thermoblock;
• Case material: metal;
• Dimensions of the device (HxWxD): 23.5x11.1x32.6 cm;
• Device weight: 3.0 kg.

Functions

Prepares two different portions of coffee: espresso (half a cup, 40 ml) or lungo (full cup, 110 ml).

Peculiarities

• Control of the amount of water in the cup: automatic and programmable dosage;
• Warm up: 25 seconds;
• Adjustable cocktail glass stand;
• High pressure pump;
• Energy saving mode: the machine will automatically turn off after 9 minutes of inactivity;
• Signal that the water container is empty;
• Removable water tank and drip tray;
• Cable storage compartment;
• Semi-automatic capsule removal.

Additional Important Features

• Warm-up time 25-30 seconds;
• Neon illumination of the container for capsules;
• Convenient capsule installation system.

Advantages

• The ability to choose or program the amount of water per cup - now it’s not a standard drink, but the proportions that are optimal for you and your favorite taste. By long pressing the “lungo ” button, water will flow until you consider the amount sufficient and release the button. The machine will remember this volume and in the future will pour exactly this amount of water into the cup;
• Water pressure reduces the spill to half a minute - you don’t have to wait long for your portion;
• Ergonomic, compact and stylish design;
• The ability to adjust the height of the cup stand allows you to drink coffee from your favorite utensils;
• Affordable price;
• Thanks to removable parts, the design is easy to clean.

Flaws

• Original capsules for this coffee machine are quite difficult to find. The rest of the suitable ones may disappoint in taste;
• High price of capsules;
• A little noisy during operation;
• Short wire.

Video review

Presentation of this device and its remarkable characteristics in the video below:

Comparison of two devices of this line of coffee machines in a video review:

Road capsule machines

Separately, it is worth highlighting compact coffee machines. This is currently an unpopular product and there are only two models in the rating.

No. 2. Sippy Espresso Maker

Mechanical compact coffee machine for travel. Allows you to make coffee without electricity or other power sources.

Sippy Espresso Maker

Characteristics:

• runs on a carbon dioxide cartridge;
• cost - 8000 rub.

pros

• collapsible design;
• versatility - works on Nespresso capsules;
• energy independence.

Minuses

• fragility. One CO2 cartridge is enough for 5 cups of espresso;
• high price;
• You can only pre-order it on kickstarter.

No. 1. Wacaco Minipresso NS

This is a unique coffee maker that works without electricity. Easy to manage. To make coffee, you need to pour water into the machine and press the button on the body 12-15 times to create pressure.

Wacaco Minipresso NS

Allows you to make coffee anywhere, anytime. Powered by Nespresso capsules.

Characteristics:

• water capacity - 70 ml;
• weight - 360 g;
• pressure - 8 bar;
• dimensions - 17.5x7x6 cm;
• cost - 4000-5000 rubles.

pros

• works without a network connection;
• The machine comes with a cleaning brush;
• convenient and compact device.

Minuses

• limited functionality;
• Possibility of preparing only espresso;
• You only need to add hot water.

Wacaco Minipresso NS

Cremesso Compact One Creamy

The model is somewhat similar to the previous one. However, a portion of hot water can also be obtained manually, which is not available in Lavazza. And a water level indicator appeared. There is no automatic decalcification. The manufacturer claims that this model has an energy saving mode: the machine goes into standby and shutdown mode faster (1 minute and 15 minutes).

Options

• The pressure in the coffee machine is incredibly high - 19 bar
• The tank volume is much smaller - 1.5 liters
• weight does not exceed 4 kg
• dimensions 23/33/29 cm.

Functions

• preparing 11 flavors of coffee and 4 types of tea;
• powerful generated pressure of 19 bar;
• adjusting the portion of hot water;
• making cappuccino (automatic mode);
• hot water supply;
• water level indication.

Peculiarities

The Delica company, which produces Cremesso capsules, successfully passed the voluntary global certification of UTZ products in 2010 and guarantees the quality not only of the product sold, but also of the product grown, since the company itself also grows coffee. And if you wish, you can find out which specific plantation the purchased coffee came from. To do this, you need to go to the company’s website and enter the barcode of the capsule.

The above-mentioned company also claims that it produces capsules from a safe food-grade polymer.

The design of the coffee machine in question was awarded the Red dot design award in the Best of the best category.

In addition to the total number of coffee flavors, the manufacturer produces limited quantities of capsules with exclusive varieties (World Tour series) for special coffee connoisseurs.

Advantages

• created pressure of 19 bar;
• energy savings declared by the manufacturer;
• hot water supply;
• compact size;
• low cost.

Flaws

• it is not possible to prepare two cups of drink at the same time
• There is no anti-drip system and automatic decalcification.

Video review

Video review of the main indicators and the device in the video:

A little about the car in the video below:

Results

In terms of efficiency, Cremesso Compact outperforms even machines with class A energy consumption . And the price, which can play a significant role in choosing between these two models. Cremesso's price is much lower. You'll also like the touch controls. In addition, capsules for the Cremesso machine are easy to buy at the nearest hypermarket, while Lavazzo capsules are best bought in large quantities at once for the entire team in the office.

Types of coffee capsules

No. 1. Nespresso

Manufacturer: Nestle. Today there are 26 types of capsules, which differ in type, strength of the drink and type of coffee. The range is more than extensive:

• 21 types of classic espresso;
• 5 types of lungo coffee.

Most capsules are pure black coffee, a couple are with flavors such as caramel or vanilla.

They are aluminum capsules with 7 grams of coffee. This is 2 grams less than what is usually used to make espresso, but the lack of weight is fully compensated by the highest quality of the drink.

To prepare drinks with foam, you need to purchase a cappuccino machine - a device for frothing milk. Many machines that run on Nespresso capsules come with a cappuccino maker.

Types of Nespresso capsules

These types of capsules are mainly used by Krups, Delonghi and KitchenAid brands. The cost of Nespresso coffee machines varies from 5,000 to 48,000 rubles.

You can save money or diversify your menu if you buy non-original capsules. For example, many companies produce capsules for such machines - Julius Meinl, Starbucks, Bialetti, Carraro, L'Or, Caffesso, Vergnano, Single Cup Coffee, Movenpick, Brill Cafe, Coffee Joy, RIOBA. The cost of a set of capsules is 200-500 rubles.

pros

• a large selection of drinks from Nespresso and alternative manufacturers;
• the ability to use reusable capsules to refill your own coffee;
• a wide range of high-quality and reliable coffee machines.

Minuses

• high cost of capsules;
• You can buy such capsules only in specialized stores;
• To make coffee with milk you need to buy additional equipment.

nespresso capsules

No. 2. Dolce gusto

Manufacturer: Nescafe. Capsules and coffee machines that use them cost much less than Nespresso.

The assortment includes 26 types of drinks:

• 14 types of black coffee;
• 7 types of coffee with milk;
• 4 chocolate drinks;
• milk tea with spices.

On a note! There is even less coffee in one capsule than even in Nespresso - only 6 grams.

Variety of flavors Dolce gusto
The advantage and at the same time the disadvantage of these capsules is that the milk comes in a separate capsule. This is convenient because you don’t have to froth the milk yourself. The downside is that the cost of coffee with milk is twice as high - since you need to spend two capsules to prepare them.

This type of capsule is used only by Krups coffee machines.

pros

• a wide variety of drinks;
• relatively low cost of capsules and coffee machines;
• the ability to prepare drinks with milk foam without additional equipment.

Minuses

• the quality of coffee machines is slightly worse than in the previous version;
• double price for drinks with milk;
• “underweight” of black coffee.

Some of the drinks are prepared on the basis of instant coffee and may contain various additives such as emulsifiers. These are mocha, iced cappuccino, café au lait and cortado.

Dolce gusto capsules

No. 3. Tassimo

Manufacturer: Bosch. The capsules are filled with Jakobs Monarch coffee. Today, 15 flavors are produced. There are options for black coffee, tea, cafe au lait and cocoa. Coffee with milk will cost twice as much as black coffee, since you need to use two capsules - an espresso capsule and a milk capsule.

The capsules are larger than those of previous manufacturers and are disc-shaped. One capsule contains 9 grams of coffee.

The machines designed for Tassimo capsules operate at lower pressure - all 3.3 bar. Their contents are not as tightly compressed as in Nespresso or Dolce capsules and there is simply no need for powerful pressure.

Tassimo capsules

Coffee machines are inexpensive, the cost of the most budget models starts from 3,000 rubles. But the savings on the device are offset by the high cost of the capsules. Coffee makers that cost above average have a built-in water filter and a larger water tank capacity.

pros

• intelligent coffee preparation process. The built-in scanner reads information about the method of preparation of each individual capsule - water temperature, volume, cooking duration;
• 9 grams of coffee are used to prepare one serving;
• large selection of available coffee machines;
• the ability to prepare cappuccino, cocoa and even tea without the use of additional equipment.

Minuses

• black coffee only 7 types;
• The barcode scanner that reads the prescription from the capsule must be wiped regularly;
• double price for latte and cappuccino;
• Café au Lait capsules are filled with instant coffee;
• from 2021, powdered milk is used instead of sterilized concentrate;
• coffee machines are quite sensitive to water quality and are inferior in service life to previous options.

Tassimo capsules

No. 4. Lavazza

Can only be used in coffee machines of the same brand. The result is a delicious Italian drink with thick coffee foam.

The capsules are made of food-grade plastic. Filling - 7.5 g.

Lavazza coffee flavors

There are about ten types of coffee, mostly espresso. The cost of capsules is practically no different from Tassimo.

pros

• high-quality coffee machines;
• high taste qualities of coffee.

Minuses

• the cost of coffee machines is much higher than that of models from other manufacturers with similar characteristics.

Lavazza capsules

Nuances and subtleties of choice

The most important thing to pay attention to when choosing a capsule coffee machine is the type of capsules. Devices of this type are produced under one of the brands of capsules and can only work with it.

Some devices, however, allow the use of non-original capsules. This is also an important part of the choice - information about what consumables, besides the “original” ones, the machine can work with.

Capsules from different manufacturers differ not only in taste, but also in the types of drinks: in addition to espresso, manufacturers can offer you cappuccino, tea, cocoa, and so on. There are also differences in price.

In addition, it is worth finding out in advance how easy it is to buy the selected consumables - capsules are not sold everywhere, and some types, for example Nespresso, can only be purchased in special boutiques.

Frame

Assembly, appearance, dimensions. Modern capsule-type devices usually strive to take up minimal space in your kitchen or office. Most of these coffee machines are plastic. Design can be very different; in terms of elegance, DeLonghi machines traditionally lead. Krups and Paulig have interesting options.

Main nodes

The body of the capsule coffee machine is mounted on the supporting frame. The control unit and all components, as well as finishing materials (plastic, metal), which give the coffee machine a pleasant appearance, are mounted on it.

Boiler/thermoblock is a component of a capsule coffee machine that heats cold water to the temperature required for brewing coffee.

A pump is a self-regulating pump that creates high pressure in a capsule coffee machine (works according to the Bezer principle).

The control unit is an electronic unit of a capsule coffee machine, consisting of wires and boards. It contains the software and system for controlling the device. A signal is sent from the control unit to all brewing units of the coffee machine if you press any button on the control panel.

Capsule ejection and brewing system is a capsule coffee machine system that allows you to correctly fix the capsule, pierce a hole, brew coffee and dump the used capsule into a special tray.

What is a capsule

A capsule is a portion of natural (roasted) ground coffee that is packaged in pressed paper, food grade polymer or aluminum, or a combination of these materials. The dosage (6-9 g) and grinding of the coffee are precisely selected for optimal preparation of espresso coffee in capsule coffee machines.

Caring for the device

This is the only part of the relationship with the device in which the user gets to work. However, tidying up is not a big deal here - it mainly consists of filling the reservoir with water and emptying the container to collect used capsules. You also need to regularly empty the drip tray and grille under the tap.

Compatible with capsules from other brands

Officially, all capsule machines only work with “native” capsules —at least, that’s what the manuals say. In fact, there are cheap capsule options, such as the Live Coffee brand, that are compatible with some appliances. Before buying a car, you should find out if there are cheap consumables for your model.

Features of capsule machine care

Although capsule machines do not need to be washed after each use, they still require regular care.

Once every couple of weeks or two, depending on how often you use it, you need to wipe the working parts of the coffee maker - the container for loading the capsule, the drip tray.

Once a month, it is necessary to rinse the water tank and the compartment where used capsules are stored (if the model provides this).

Scale should be removed 3-4 times a year. Some machines already come with a built-in self-cleaning function or at least a scale level indicator. To wash, you need to buy a special liquid - a decalcifier. The product must be selected depending on the model of the machine. This could be a liquid that needs to be added to the water container or rinse capsule.

If you plan to leave or simply not use the machine for a long time, it is better to drain the remaining water from the tank so that it does not stagnate.

Voting for the best capsule coffee machine

Which capsule coffee machine would you choose or recommend?

Wacaco Minipresso NS

0.00 % ( 0 )

Sippy Espresso Maker

1.79 % ( 2 )

DeLonghi EN650

8.04 % ( 9 )

KitchenAid 5KES0503EAC Artisan Nespresso

8.04 % ( 9 )

DeLonghi EN560

6.25 % ( 7 )

Caffitaly S06

4.46 % ( 5 )

Di Maestri Esperto

1.79 % ( 2 )

Saeco HD 8603 Cafissimo Latte

1.79 % ( 2 )

Inhouse Multicoffee ICM1901BR

15.18 % ( 17 )

Xiaomi Scishare Capsule Coffee Machine S1103

8.93 % ( 10 )

Nespresso C30 Essenza Mini

10.71 % ( 12 )

Bosch TAS 1401/1402/1403/1404/1407 Tassimo

6.25 % ( 7 )

Dolce Gusto Krups Piccolo KP100B10

4.46 % ( 5 )

Bosch TASSIMO SUNY TAS 3202/3203/3204/3205

0.89 % ( 1 )

Krups XN3005/3006/3008 Nespresso

10.71 % ( 12 )

Krups Dolce Gusto KP 1301/1305/1308 Lumio

6.25 % ( 7 )