Kitchen Appliances / Espresso Machines

Though true coffee aficionados are likely to favour traditional manual or semi-automatic coffee machines that allow them room to experiment with strength and flavour, those who just want a reliable, consistent and swift coffee that they can make themselves at home are turning in growing numbers to capsule-based espresso machines. We have put some currently available models through our stringent tests to rate just how easy they are to use, how speedily they can produce results and the quality of the beverage brewed. Among the models in our current tests are some older machines that have been around for a while, as well as some newer models that have emerged recently at both the lower end and the top end of the price range to give plenty of excellent options for coffee lovers who are looking for a quick, no-mess method of producing a great-tasting cuppa.

Capsule convenience

Capsule-based espresso machines have surged in popularity in recent years. Illustrating this growth are 2014 figures from Euromonitor, which note that sales of coffee capsules, or pods, in Western Europe almost doubled over the last four years to more than €4 billion, with the worldwide market estimated to be around €10 billion. These fully automatic machines cater to those looking for an at-home coffee option that delivers a more authentic taste than instant coffee and that does not involve the time associated with using a semi-automatic or manual coffee machine, where loose ground coffee needs to be correctly prepared before brewing and the filter has to be cleaned afterwards. In contrast, coffee capsules are small, sealed pods of ground coffee that can be popped straight into the machine, which then pierces the capsule and forces hot water through it to produce a single serving of espresso. Capsules involve a minimum of fuss and mess with the pods containing the precise amount of coffee compressed to the right pressure and operation of the machine generally comprising of little more than pulling a lever, inserting the pod and pressing a button. Afterwards, you simply remove the empty capsule and there is no need to clean out a filter.

Of course, you do not have the same control over the coffee produced as you would with a more traditional machine – but not everyone is an experienced barista, so this may not necessarily act as a disincentive. Another drawback often cited is the cost of the capsules compared to buying ground coffee. Most proprietary capsules will cost upwards of 36 cents for a single serving, which is undoubtedly pricey compared to buying a packet of coffee in the supermarket but, on the other hand, does compare favourably with the €2.50-€3.00 per beverage commonly charged in a coffee shop.

New EU rules

As of January 2015, new EU rules came into force that affect all new coffee machines, requiring them to automatically switch off or go into standby mode after a specified amount of time. The rules are aimed at reducing energy wastage in the EU by making coffee machines – as well as other devices like printers and smart TVs – more energy efficient. The European Commission notes that these new eco features will save money for the consumer by cutting down on electricity bills. Different types of coffee machine have different requirements:

• Espresso machines have to switch off a maximum of 30 minutes after the completion of the brewing cycle.
• Drip-filter coffee machines with an insulated jug have to switch off five minutes after the last brewing cycle is finished.
• Drip-filter coffee machines that do not have an insulated jug have a maximum of 40 minutes after completing the brewing cycle before they must switch off.

The rules will not affect older coffee machines that people already own, nor do they apply to coffee makers used in the commercial or industrial sector. Many coffee machines, including most of those tested in our current batch, already feature an automatic shutdown function.