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If you’re looking for a capsule coffee maker on a budget, CHULUX is a solid choice. The brewer retails for $39.99 and comes in a lightweight, portable design. You’ll get a tasty cup of coffee within three minutes and enjoy a handy auto shut-off button, so you never have to worry about overheating.
Splurge on this ultra-sleek design, which comes with four espresso capsules and eight regular coffee capsules. Heating is lightning fast — between 20 to 25 seconds — and a motorized brew head makes it super easy to insert capsules.
Made by the signature brewing manufacturer Keurig, this coffee maker is ultra quiet and can brew multiple cup sizes (6, 8, 10 and 12 oz). The straightforward design makes the process super easy and you can brew five cups before refilling.
Made by the signature brewing manufacturer Keurig, this coffee maker is ultra quiet and can brew multiple cup sizes (6, 8, 10 and 12 oz). The straightforward design makes the process super easy and you can brew five cups before refilling.
Capsule coffee machines use capsules or pods of coffee beans wrapped in filter paper. The pods are about the same size and shape as a single-serve UHT milk carton that you might find in a hotel room or on the plane and are sealed to retain freshness for up to nine months.
Capsules are inserted directly into your coffee machine, and they’re pierced to allow hot water to mix with the contents, producing an espresso. There are many different capsule flavors to choose from and these machines don’t require intensive cleaning after every coffee-making session, which makes them a no-fuss, low-maintenance option.
However, with a capsule coffee machine, while you’ll be able to control how diluted you want your shot of coffee, you’ll be restricted to preset options rather than tailoring a perfect cup of coffee. You may also find that the intensity of the coffee flavor is weaker than a professional coffee maker.
If you’re a coffee aficionado, check out our list of the best coffee machines.
Before deciding which coffee machine to purchase, consider the following key factors:
If you can, try to taste a sample from the coffee machine you’re interested in to make sure you’re satisfied with the crema, aroma, flavours, creaminess and aftertaste. Look for a machine that’s compatible with a range of capsules.
If the coffee machine is probably going to be heavily used within a short span of time – for example, if the machine is going to be shared in a large office– look for one that has a high temperature consistency score.
Some capsule coffee machines will use a milk frother, milk-based capsule or coffee capsule with milk poured over it. Decide which you prefer and find out what options your selected machine is compatible with.
How easy to operate are the coffee machine’s functions? Check if filling the water tank is simple and if the machine easy to clean both inside and outside.
Consider how much kitchen-top space you have. For those with little benchtop space, it would be more practical to pick a compact, miniature, portable or storable model.
Some models offer personalised functions such as pre-programmable coffee settings, adjustable water and milk temperatures and steam pump rates. More-advanced models let you choose the style and temperature of the froth.
If you’ll be sharing the machine with a large number of coffee drinkers, it’s important to consider how efficiently and quickly the machine heats and froths milk.
For those who are concerned about the environment, it’s important to find a coffee machine that allows you to recycle the coffee pods. Some manufacturers have their own recycling scheme.
Consider how large the capacity of the drip tray and water tank are. The larger the capacity, the less time you’ll have to spend refilling and maintaining your coffee machine.
Is the digital screen easy to read and are the functions easy to control?
Look for a coffee machine that has a warranty of at least six months to one year.
If you won’t be drinking your coffee immediately, a machine with a cup-warming plate is a nice addition.
While capsules are convenient and easy to use they typically cost more per cup than coffee beans. Also, a single coffee machine brand is typically only compatible with its own line of capsules.
Before purchasing your chosen coffee machine, take a taste test from a variety of brands.
Knowing whether a capsule coffee maker is the right purchase for you will take some investigating — especially if you’re a die-hard coffee drinker. Be sure to shop around and see what will best suit your space, budget and taste.
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