Capsule Coffee Machines

Capsule or Pod Coffee Machines are the most popular espresso machines in Australia. They are compact and easy to use, as instead of measuring out and grinding coffee, they use single serve Coffee Pods & Capsules that contain hermetically sealed coffee grounds to brew. When the capsule in placed in the machine it pierces the seal on the capsule and runs a preset volume of hot water through the grounds inside to produce the espresso. Coffee Capsules and Pods come in a variety of different flavours, blends and strengths to suit a wide range of tastes.

Different machines and brands use different capsules so always check to make sure you like the blends and flavours compatible with the machine. Most coffee capsules fit most machines with many capsules compatible with popular Nespresso Pod Coffee Machines. Capsule Coffee Machines take up very little bench space and can produce multiple servings quickly with minimal cleanup by simply removing and throwing away the used pod.

Another advantage of Capsule Coffee Machines is they're relatively easy to clean and maintain. The two main cleaning tasks are descaling and flushing out the brewing chamber.

All Coffee Machines need to be descaled regularly using descaling liquid solution, and should be descaled once every 3 to 6 months depending on the type of water being used to brew. Minerals found in water get deposited inside the lines, pipes, pump and boiler of the machine. If not cleaned out regularly this can lead to water blockages and stop the machine from working properly. Using filtered water in a Coffee Machine can help reduce build up.

Flushing out the brewing chamber requires a cleaning capsule which uses a soft detergent to remove coffee granules and residual oils. Some products combine a descaler and cleaner in one which should be done every 1 to 4 weeks depending on how often the machine is used.

Capsule machines with Milk Frothers should have these components cleaned after each use. Also clean the drip tray and water tank every day and refer to the user manual for the cleaning and maintenance requirements of any machine.

Along with the running costs using disposable Coffee Capsules or Pods which can still cheaper than store bought coffee, there is also the environmental impact to consider. The pods themselves are made from either strong aluminium or plastic depending on the brand. If these are thrown out in general waste they will end up in landfill where they will take hundreds of years to break down.

Thankfully, there are some solutions to this issue. There are many brands producing biodegradable pods and some brands like Nespresso have also set up collection points so their pods can be reused and recycled.

Some brands also make refillable stainless steel pods which can be refilled with coffee grounds of your choice and used over and over again. These are great for the option for extra blends and are cheaper than buying new single use pods. This requires a small amount of extra cleaning after uses but will help save on waste. If you're considering biodegradable or reusable pods, make sure that the machine you have or are planning for will be compatible.

Besides a quick shot of espresso some Pod Coffee Machines can also make cappuccinos and lattes at the touch of a button, with built-in milk frothers like some Breville Capsule Coffee Machines or an accompanying milk frothing unit. Some will have either a single or multi serve milk jugs or containers. For models without it included Milk Frothers are available separately.

Consider the bar pump pressure of the model with many quality options including 15 to 19 Bar Pressure, perfect for creating full bodied and aromatic espresso. Most machines come with lights to alert when it’s time to descale, empty the capsule drawer or refill the water tank.

Keep the cost and variety of pods or capsules in mind. The price varies per brand and style but it's more expensive than buying coffee beans for a Manual or Automatic Coffee Machine. Although Capsule Coffee Machines are relatively cheaper upfront, their running costs are higher. Consider how cheap pods that are compatible with the machine are before buying.

Aesthetics wise Pod Machines look great on the kitchen bench with various sizes and colours to choose from, even in stylish 1950's retro red like the Lavazza Smeg range.