Published, Nov 07, 2023
The Coffee Capsule Machine Buyer’s Guide
Discover the best capsule coffee machines with this expert guide from our baristas.
Brewing coffee in capsule form has come a long way. With so many machines to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. Read on to discover the best capsule coffee machines for home use, with a tailored collection curated by our expert brewers, so you can craft the ultimate brew time and time again.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST COFFEE MACHINE: FACTORS TO CONSIDER
COST
Deciding how much to spend on your capsule machine is a good place to start. There are plenty of coffee capsule machines on the market to suit any budget or skill level. If you’re looking for a universal coffee capsule machine that’s a good all-rounder - quick, convenient, and easy to use - expect to spend up to £150. There are plenty of affordable options too, with the cheapest coffee capsule machines starting around £40.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I SPEND ON A COFFEE CAPSULE MACHINE?
Coffee capsule machines are perfect for those with busy schedules who still want to enjoy a great cup of coffee at home. Place one in your home kitchen or office; these machines have been calibrated to give a consistent brew each time. All capsule machines have a similar basic function, but there are differing levelling options in terms of customisation options and add-ons such as steam wands or app connectivity technology.
There are many coffee capsule machines available at different price ranges, with coffee capsule sizes ranging between some brands. We offer two different types of capsule machines:
The first is the OPAL One Coffee Capsule Machine - sitting on the lower end of the price bracket for capsule machines - which was awarded best speciality coffee capsule machine in 2023 by BBC Good Food. Available in black or white, and currently with 15% off - shop now.
We also offer the Morning Coffee Machine for those wishing to elevate their home experience with precision-brewing technology. Also available in black of white, and now part of a bundle - explore now.
Of course, these capsule machines usually come with the heavy caveat of environmental impact, which is why we have fully compatible, home compostable capsule which are easy to dispose of responsibly at home. Our two coffee capsule options showcase what speciality coffee is all about: provenance and quality. Simply discard them in your food waste bin or garden compost after use. Stronghold (espresso) presents a rich, luxurious flavour, whilst Atlas (decaf) offers a balanced and sweet profile.
AESTHETICS
The look and feel of your capsule machine is another important factor. This varies depending on the brand, machine features, and price, but there are plenty of options that allow you tailor your capsule machine so that it fits in with your existing interior design.
CAPSULE MACHINE FEATURES
Depending on your budget, you can find coffee capsule machines with minimal user interaction for quick, convenient coffee making at the touch of a button. The cheapest coffee capsule machines will have a universal design for easy functionality. Advanced coffee capsule machines incorporate optimum design for an immersive coffee making experience, with more user control, personalisation and digital display for a precisely engineered brew.
COFFEE PREFERENCES
Depending on your preferred brew, you may need to consider which type of machine is best for you. If you’re primarily using your machine to make a capsule espresso, you can opt for a simpler design with a primary function of exerting water pressure to make a coffee. Other coffee capsule machine designs include a built-in automatic milk frother, or steam wand, allowing you to get creative with your coffee for a wider range of drinks, such as a latte or cappuccino.
DO I NEED A CAPSULE MACHINE WITH A MILK FROTHER?
It may be worth buying a coffee capsule machine with a built in milk frother if you regularly have milk with your coffee, or you might look to purchase a milk frother separately. You can shop our entire range of coffee capsule machine equipment and accessories here.
CAPACITY AND SPEED
Depending on your lifestyle and the average capsule machine usage, you may want to prioritise a capsule machine with a fast brew time for minimal fuss in the morning. Some capsule machines require more user interaction to make the perfect brew, whereas others can make a fresh cup of coffee with a press of a button.
MACHINE SIZE AND FOOTPRINT
Depending on how much counter space you can afford to store your capsule machine, you may need to consider the machine dimensions. The smallest coffee capsule machines can have a footprint between 30cm to 40cm, with larger capsule machines taking up more space, particularly if you buy a capsule machine with a frother.
CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
In general, capsule machines are far less ‘messy’ than traditional espresso machines, as the residue from the coffee capsule is kept within an in-built receptacle. Capsule coffee machines generally require little maintenance, as long as the water tank is refreshed, the drip tray is cleared out, and used capsules are removed on a regular basis.
Make less of an impact on the planet with a compostable coffee capsule subscription. Simply dispose of your speciality coffee capsules in your compost.
CAPSULE COMPATIBILITY
Try to find a capsule machine that’s compatible with your favourite coffee brands, so you don’t limit yourself to a singular brand of capsule. Most coffee capsule machines will be compatible with nespresso capsules, including our compostable capsules - this keeps your options open, and means you can shop around for the best coffee to suit your tastes.
THE BEST COFFEE CAPSULE MACHINES
Designed for speciality coffee, the best coffee capsule machines consider every element of brewing, just as an espresso machine would, with water temperature, weight, water, and extraction time central to their design.
THE MORNING MACHINE' COFFEE CAPSULE MACHINE
Key features
- Precision brewing features with real-time control
- Built in scales for weight based brewing
- PID algorithm for water temperature precision
- Interactive OLED screen
- 850ml water tank capacity
- Nespresso capsule compatible
- £349.00
The Morning Machine from speciality coffee brand Morning has changed the future of home brewing with coffee capsules. The sleek, award-winning design not only looks great, but houses some seriously clever tech, too. The two brains behind the Morning Machine - both with a wealth of speciality coffee experience - have taken their time to consider and perfect every detail, from water quality monitoring through to a built in bloom in order to present an effortless and consistent, delicious brew, every time.
Although the Morning Machine is certainly not the cheapest coffee capsule machine, the bespoke features provide improved accuracy and personalisation, as well as a smart, sleek design, making this a great choice if you’re happy to invest a little more into your capsule machine.
Craft the ultimate coffee in style with the Morning home capsule coffee machine; with a simplistic, clean aesthetic, it's suited to any workspace. Easy to use, with a streamlined user-friendly design, you can explore ten default brew modes while you enjoy building up your own library of recipes on the downloadable Morning App.
Buy now or explore the Morning machine coffee bundle, an exclusive bundle complete with milk frother and coffee capsule selection.
OPAL ONE COFFEE CAPSULE MACHINE
Key features
- Easy to use
- Compact design
- Unique silicon brew chamber
- Nespresso capsule compatible
Slim, smart, and affordable, the OPAL coffee capsule machine is designed specifically for speciality coffee capsules. The OPAL coffee machine boasts a silicone brew chamber that eliminates unwanted dilution, plus optimum brewing technology, with an intelligent flow rate at a high pressure. With adjustable water temperatures for a customised brew, you’re in control of the temperature and weight of your shot.
THE BEST COFFEE CAPSULES TO BUY
Choosing the right coffee capsule is as important as the machine you buy. It’s vital to find quality coffee capsules that present a seamless brewing experience, as well as brilliant tasting notes, for the best coffee drinking experience, right at home.
- Prioritise a quality coffee brewer to ensure as much flavour and freshness as possible. Speciality coffee capsules are made from exceptional SCA approved coffee for an unbeatable flavour and drinking experience.
- Compatibility is key - make sure the coffee capsules you choose are compatible with your coffee capsule machine, and you can make life even simpler with a coffee capsule subscription, bringing fresh quality coffee to your door.
- Look for sustainable coffee capsules that use fully recyclable materials. Compostable coffee capsules are easy to dispose of in your food bin or compost bin, making them a great option for fuss-free coffee.
ORIGIN COFFEE SPECIALITY COFFEE CAPSULES
Our speciality coffee capsules feature our speciality Stronghold house espresso. Originating from Brazil, with tasting notes of nut, caramel and chocolate, this coffee makes for a rich, clean-tasting brew.
DECAF COFFEE CAPSULES
No caffeine? No problem. Our decaf coffee capsules are the perfect alternative; sourced from Colombia, this brilliant blend provides an approachable, easy drinking cup made to enjoy day and night.
Shop decaf capsules
Find out more and explore the full collection here. Or our full gifting collection here.