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Espresso at the touch of a button, in many many choices!

For several years, quality espresso has ceased to be the exclusive of baristi professionals and has become a personal affair since it can be easily prepared at home - the machines are now more or less easy to use, available in a wide variety, widely available. prices and an even wider range of options. Although espresso fanatics usually prefer coffee beans and fully manual machines, there are few consumers who turn to espresso capusle machines.

Although slandered for a plethora of (unsupported) reasons, espresso capsule machines seem to be back in the limelight, claiming a significant chunk of coffee friends. We look at the pros and cons, but also do a little crash test on three of the most popular espresso capsules!

What are the main advantages of capsule espresso machines?

Although many espresso fanatics may not particularly like them, espresso capsules have some clear advantages, depending on the needs of each user. Initially, it is a fact that the ease of use of the capsule machines is much greater than that of any other machine, since the coffee is extracted at the push of a button, while minimizing the need to purchase additional equipment such as a grinding mill. The need for maintenance and cleaning of equipment is also reduced, as these machines are extremely easy to clean and maintain and have remarkable durability. Still, the extraction speed is significantly fast, which for many categories of user can be considered an important privilege, and the variety in blends is now quite large.

Who do the capsule-operated espresso machines adress to?

Capsule espresso machines are a popular choice for both home and business and some categories of catering businesses, since they have several comparative advantages over machines that use ground coffee or coffee beans, which may seem appealing to certain categories of users.

 In the case of home use, the encapsulated espresso machines offer easy-to-use, reliable and consistent results without much hassle and now quite a wide variety of different blends and coffee options. In the case of business premises (offices, businesses, hairdressers, etc.), espresso machines with capsules, in addition to their convenience and speed, minimize the need for cleaning and maintenance of equipment, while offering easier control of consumption, both between employees as well as customers. Finally, a capsule espresso machine can be a decent solution for caterers where coffee is not the staple product, but it is essential to have it on the menu, such as restaurants.

Are there disadvantages to capsule espresso machines?

Freelance espresso enthusiasts often report that they eschew espresso machines because of their very limited handling options, which deprive them of the user experience, especially for those who espresso is more than just a habit. Still, many cite the clearly narrower range of options than espresso beans, especially for machines that do not accept compatible capsules, although this is slowly being phased out. Finally, it is important to note that the absolute cost of capsule coffee is greater than that of granulated coffee, while a serious issue arises from waste management, which in the case of espresso capsules is more difficult to recycle.

Which espresso capsules shoud we choose?

Nespresso capsules

Nespresso capsules are one of the oldest and most popular options in espresso capsules, both in the Greek and international markets. Their advantages include the wide variety of nespresso capsule machines as well as their low purchase price, as well as the very wide variety of compatible capsules. It is no exaggeration to claim that almost all major coffee companies market at least their most recognizable blends in nespresso compatible capsules, while the wide variety results in lower prices in compatible capsules. Especially for small dining rooms (rented rooms, small hotels, restaurants etc.) practical packages of 100 pieces, specially designed for this use, are available at very competitive prices.

Their use is very simple, while aluminum or plastic capsules can be recycled, even though the collection points for the capsules are relatively rare. In general, nespresso capsule machines are a reliable and value for money option for beginners as well as experienced users, for holiday homes and small scale hotels or restaurants that want quality coffee easily and without fluctuation.

Illy Iperespresso Capsules

Illy Iperespresso is a patent of the Italian colossus Illy, whose name is a guarantee of quality espresso. Designed to deliver maximum aroma and flavor when extracted, Iperespresso capsules deliver quality espresso with Illy's known quality in seconds. The machines that accept iperespresso capsules are significantly less, but their design is particularly elegant and beautiful. Compatible capsules are not commercially available, so the fatality of such a machine is that consumers are bound exclusively to Illy capsules - which however, in addition to their given quality, are available in different varieties (Classico, Lungo, Intenso, Decaffeine) but also in exceptional single origin choices (Guatemala, Ethiopia, Brasil). Illy Iperespresso is a great choice for business, as the elegance of the machines and the consistent quality of coffee are ideal for offices and businesses.

Lavazza Blue capsules

The Lavazza Blue capsules bear the signature of the other big name of the Italian espresso, Lavazza, so the quality and excellent taste are guaranteed. Their main disadvantage is that the machines are relatively difficult to find (and repair) in Greece, but the capsules offer a wide variety of Lavazza's best blends, such as Tierra, Top Class, Gold Selection and still quite. Compatible capsules exist, but they are not as widely available as compatible nespresso capsules. Many home consumers may find it discouraging that Lavazza Blue capsules are packaged in 100 pieces, but this makes them ideal for business and dining businesses.

 

In the coffee world, there are no restrictions and no boundaries. The only sure thing is that, whatever our choice, we can access excellent blends and very good coffee - the coffee we deserve.