Drip coffee makers - popular and controversial at the same time

They have their die-hard supporters and sworn opponents. Before you make up your own mind, you should know something about them...

You'll know them from TV commercials, where it's not uncommon to see your favourite Hollywood actor glowing alongside a flashy capsule coffee machine. Is this just a marketing strategy, or is the star of the silver screen trying to convey a completely relevant message about the taste and quality of the coffee prepared in this way?

Most baristas will refuse to talk to you about capsule coffee machines. It's like it's beneath them to comment on the subject at all. But the number of products and coffee capsules sold clearly indicates that this coffee has a large fan base too. The only conclusion is that people like capsule coffee.

For the nitpickers, we add the necessary "some people". Maybe they were tempted by the advertising at the beginning, or maybe they found the capsule coffee machine under the Christmas tree. But if they continue to buy capsules and prepare their daily dose of coffee in this way, it's certainly saying something.

The reality of whether you'll find a liking in this coffee should probably be the first thing that falls on the scales when you consider buying a capsule coffee machine. Next, you should familiarize yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of capsule coffee brewing.

Advantages of capsule coffee machines

• Saves time

This is a valuable attribute for many people. There is no need to first wash the coffee in a capsule coffee maker, measure out the appropriate dose, warm up the machine, etc. You don't have to keep an eye on the amount of water or its temperature, the machine takes care of everything for you in about two minutes.

• Simple preparation

As mentioned in the previous point, this method of making coffee is ideal for anyone who is in a hurry in the morning but refuses to leave home without a cup of their favourite beverage.

• Chual stability

Be warned - we're not talking about taste quality, but the fact that if you drink capsule coffee, one cup will taste like the next.

• Choice

Even capsule coffee machines today will offer you capsules for making ristretto, latte, americano, cappuccino or even flavored coffees.

• Easy operation and maintenance

Although individual products vary, of course, in general they do not require difficult cleaning or complicated operation. Basically, all you need to do is make sure the water reservoir is full and position the capsule correctly + select the appropriate button. Maintenance then consists of keeping the reservoir clean, washing the machine with a suitable cleaning agent and, if necessary, using a special cleaning capsule - see the instructions for the specific procedure.

Disadvantages of capsule coffee machines

• They are not very eco-friendly

If you use disposable capsules, then of course you are creating waste, which may not always be well recycled. Those who care about the environment usually don't even consider these capsules. Still, you don't have to give up a capsule coffee machine, just choose one that has refillable capsules. If you would like to dispose of a used disposable capsule properly, you should tear off the aluminum top, which belongs to a different waste than the plastic container. However, you should first remove the coffee residue from the capsule, as this has its place in organic waste.

• Nothing for fans of traditional espresso

Those who enjoy a strong, aromatic espresso made from freshly ground coffee will be disappointed with a drink from a capsule machine. So it depends a lot on how much of a "coffee connoisseur" you are. There are certainly not a few people who are completely comfortable with capsule coffee.

• Necessity to buy only compatible capsules

This assumption depends on the specific type of coffee machine. Many chains now offer capsules compatible with commonly sold capsule coffee machines. It is a good idea to first find out what options the product offers.

• The price per coffee is often higher

This is especially true for coffee machines for which you have to strictly buy the original capsules. The financial aspect is also good to think about early on.

• You don't choose the type of coffee

If you don't have a capsule coffee machine that allows you to use refillable capsules into which you can pour your favourite freshly ground coffee, you have no choice but to accept that the capsule manufacturer chooses the type of coffee for you.

• You are guaranteed freshness

Although the capsules are well packaged and properly stored, they still contain already ground coffee, which of course will never taste like the coffee you grind a few minutes before making your drink. And of course, the longer the time that has passed since the capsule was made, the greater the risk that the coffee will not be as good - in terms of freshness.

The decision is yours

If you have the opportunity to taste coffee from a capsule coffee machine, be sure not to avoid it or approach it with unnecessary prejudice. You may be pleasantly surprised and soon become the happy owner of just such a machine.

Ideally, everyone should enjoy the coffee that suits them best, both in terms of taste, price and preparation.