While many of our readers are dedicated coffee drinkers who love making their own drinks entirely on their own, there are always those who love the convenience and speed of home capsule coffee machines.
There are a large number of different home coffee machines that use capsules or tablets. Probably the most popular brand of such machines is Nespresso.
However, the more options, the greater the responsibility. We have written a simple guide on how to choose the best Nespresso capsules according to your tastes.
So who are Nespresso?
Seriously? Okay, we'll explain everything to you.
Nespresso machines and coffee are produced by the Swiss company Nespresso, part of the Nestlé group of food companies. If you switch channels during commercials or head to the kitchen to make coffee, then you should watch Nespresso's most famous commercial. It stars the man who is the “face of Nespresso” – George Clooney.
Nespresso machines use an original, patented capsule system that produces a single mug of premium quality coffee. These machines are tamper-proof. You just need to load the selected capsule into the machine, press the “start” button and wait while the machine prepares and pours coffee.
When the machine runs hot water through the pod, the flavor of the coffee is extracted and the drink goes straight into your mug.
Before you start brewing, you can choose the size of the mug and the capsule you want to taste, as well as how strong you want the drink.
By the way, the Nespresso machine can be used to make lattes and cappuccinos. To do this, you will have to purchase an electric milk frother to finish the drink yourself.
Nespresso capsules are not all the same...
Each Nespresso capsule is not just a capsule. There are several main types of capsules that form “collections”.
- Espresso capsules
Nespresso Espresso capsules contain premium quality traditional coffee that is loved by most coffee lovers. The Espresso collection contains 7 capsules of varying intensity, containing ground coffee.
- Pure Origin capsules
As in the previous point, Pure Origine capsules contain espresso. The coffee in this 3-capsule collection can be traced back to where the coffee was grown.
- Lungo capsules
Lungo capsules are used to create a “higher” drink. When preparing lungo (“high” coffee), approximately 2 times more water is used than in the case of espresso.
- De-caffeinato capsules
De-caffeinato are special Nespresso capsules that do not contain caffeine. There are 3 such capsules in the Nespresso collection. They produce flavors of varying intensity.
Capsule coffee machines advantages and disadvantages
Coffee machines of this type are easy to manufacture and operate. The capsule is placed in a container where it is pierced with a needle. Steam under pressure passes through the holes, condenses and the liquid enters the mug. The remaining powder remains on the capsule filter and, together with it, ends up in a container for collecting them.
Most coffee lovers appreciated the new product. Among its advantages are:
- Affordable price. They really are cheaper than conventional machines for preparing an invigorating drink from grains or ground coffee.
- Compact size and stylish design. It's no secret that a coffee machine with a large number of functions is quite cumbersome. The capsule one can easily fit on the windowsill of a small kitchen.
- Ease of operation and wide functionality.
At the same time, car care does not take much time. There is no need to constantly empty the container of accumulated grounds and wash it.
Disadvantages include a small number of manufacturers. Among the main companies producing such household appliances are: Nespresso, Dolce Gusto, Tassimo.
Capsule or ground
Coffee capsules are powder made from ground beans, intended for preparing an aromatic drink. Among its advantages.
- A variety of flavors achieved by mixing soft Arabica and strong Robusta in various proportions.
- Cooking method. The roasted grains are ground and immediately packed into completely sealed capsules, which prevents the loss of even a fraction of the aroma and taste during storage.
- Quick preparation in compliance with all proportions, allowing you to get the perfect drink to taste.
- It is possible to prepare not only espresso or Americano, but also cappuccino and latte by pressing a couple of buttons.
How to choose a drink. Most companies produce several types of it. They differ:
- degree of roasting – low, medium, strong;
- intensity, which is determined on a ten-point scale;
- volume of the prepared drink, from 27 ml for espresso and Americano to 110 ml for latte or lungo;
- additions of milk or cream;
- number of pieces per package;
- Possibility of application for different types of machines.
Unfortunately, the cost of the capsules cannot be called budget. Companies involved in the production of capsule coffee machines supply not only them, but also a large assortment of blends to the retail chain. The administration is interested in using capsules exclusively from their brand.
However, demand creates supply. Today, capsules are also appearing from other equally well-known players on the market. In terms of taste characteristics, the drink is not inferior to the original. People are increasingly talking about reusable capsules for coffee machines.
Nespresso Espresso capsules
Nespresso Espresso capsules are the core of their range of coffee capsules. They showcase a variety of the most popular coffee flavors.
The 7 capsules in the Espresso collection differ in flavor intensity due to the fact that all types of coffee are produced in different places.
Ristretto capsule
Ristretto is a blend of East African and South American Arabica beans. Just a little robusta is added to it. The coffee is roasted individually. The result is a delicate, fruity, sour note that perfectly complements the strong, rich espresso.
By the way, the beans are slowly roasted to obtain a truly intense and original bouquet, the taste of which is reminiscent of chocolate. These capsules use finely ground coffee to create an Italian-style drink.
Approximate cost: $42.99
Arpeggio capsule
Arpeggio Arabica coffee capsules are made from a mixture of beans from Central and South America. They have a malty, fruity flavor characteristic of Costa Rican coffee. Fine grinding helps to better extract the rich flavor.
Arpeggio coffee is strong, with woody notes and a delicate hint of cocoa.
Approximate cost: $41.99
Roma capsule
Roma capsules are a balanced blend of Arabica from Central America and Robusta from Brazil. This coffee has a pleasant, viscous taste.
The beans used to make Roma coffee are lightly roasted and finely ground. Thanks to this, relatively strong espresso gains grace and brightness. The bouquet of taste contains woody notes.
Approximate cost: $42.89
Livanto capsule
Livanto coffee is made from a blend of beans from Costa Rica and Colombia. Coffee is grown there in the traditional way. This is necessary in order to preserve its fruity, malty taste.
The medium roast used to create Livanto enhances the flavor. A delicate, complex, almost caramel bouquet of taste appears with notes of cereals.
Approximate cost: $42.89
Volluto capsule
Volluto is one of our favorite espresso flavors from Nespresso. Volluto is a lightly roasted, cereal-flavored coffee. It is made from a blend of Brazilian and Colombian Arabica beans. This coffee is grown organically on small plantations, following local traditions.
In terms of taste, this coffee is sweet and fruity. The note of bread and cereals is clearly audible.
Approximate cost: $42.99
Capriccio capsule
Capriccio is a blend of South American Arabica beans. The coffee is grown at high altitudes and has a rich flavor with a slight sourness. There is a perfect balance between Brazilian Arabica and a small amount of Robusta. Cereal notes dominate this smooth coffee.
Approximate cost: $16.89
Cosi capsule
Cosi coffee capsules have a light, citrus taste. They make the perfect “light” espresso. It's great to drink mid-morning, perhaps with biscotto.
Cosi is made from a blend of East African Arabica beans. Because of this, easily distinguishable, subtle notes of lemon are obtained. Arabica beans from South and Central America are also added. They add lightness and sweetness to coffee.
Approximate cost: $42.89
Nespresso Pure Origin capsules
Next we will look at Nespresso Pure Origine capsules. They are still espresso, but the coffee from which they are made has the same place of origin.
These capsules are considered premium Nespresso coffee. Coffee from Pure Origine capsules has a different taste: from calm and gentle to extremely strong. You can find literally every taste in this collection.
Dulsão Do Brazil capsule
To create Dulsão Do Brazil capsules, red and yellow bourbon coffee beans are used, which are grown on highland plantations in southern Brazil. The grains are hand-selected and sun-dried along with their mucilage, which adds more sweetness to the final flavour.
Roasting plays a particularly important role in the creation of this coffee. Some beans are lightly roasted to extract their sweetness. The rest are fried longer to ensure a balanced result.
We love the sweet, honeyed aroma of this coffee, which has a bready or cereal-based flavor.
Approximate cost:
Rosabaya de Brazil capsule
The coffee used in Rosabaya de Brazil capsules comes from small plantations in the highland regions of Colombia.
The beans are hand-selected and then wet-processed to create an intense flavor bouquet. The wet coffee is then dried in parchment and sent to the Paramo de Letras region. The climate there is dry and cold, which allows the beans to retain their flavor.
As for the taste, you will enjoy the sour, fruity notes. The body of the taste is average. As for the aroma, Rosabaya de Brazil capsules have notes of wine, red currants, and red fruits.
Approximate cost:
Indriya capsules from India
The name of these capsules gives away the origin of the coffee they contain!
Arabica and Robusta beans from southern India are grown in the shade on high mountain plantations. Peppers and spices are also cultivated there. The result is a very clean, strong, slightly bitter coffee.
Arabica beans are lightly roasted to capture delicate aromas. But robusta is roasted thoroughly to obtain strength and intensity. As for the smell, you'll find dry notes of cocoa, as well as spices like nutmeg, cloves and black pepper.
Approximate cost: $54.99
Nespresso Lungo capsules
If you like to drink larger portions, then you will like lungo.
Nespresso has you covered here. Their Lungo collection, consisting of 3 capsules, is specially designed for those who enjoy large portions. All capsules in the Lungo collection require a 110 ml mug.
Fortissimo Lungo capsule
Fortissimo Lungo capsules are made from an elegant, balanced blend of Central and South American Arabica beans. A little robusta is added, which makes the coffee “with character.”
The coffee is roasted until it cracks. This enhances the intensity and bitterness of the coffee. This drink has woody notes, as well as a characteristic bouquet of cereals.
Approximate cost: $35.00
Vivalto Lungo capsule
The South American Arabica beans used to create this Lungo coffee are grown at high altitudes. Because of this they are slightly sour. Brazilian Cerrado coffee makes this drink stronger, slightly bitter, and Arabica from Ethiopia adds a floral note.
The different beans used to create Vivalto Lungo are roasted separately. This blend is designed to be enjoyed in large portions. When drinking Vivalto, you will experience sweet, malty, slightly floral and woody notes.
Approximate cost: $38.00
Linizio Lungo capsule
Linizio Lungo coffee is made from Brazilian and Colombian Arabica beans that are hand-picked. Brazilian bourbon grains are washed and then depulped. After this, they are dried in the sun, without removing the mucus. Colombian beans are fermented and then washed.
When roasting beans, the characteristics of each region are emphasized. Due to the longer roasting time, dark bourbon beans develop malty, grainy notes. Colombian Arabica coffee roasts faster. The result is “lighter” grains. The emphasis is on the soft, sugary notes that are typical of the region.
Approximate cost: $10.00
Manufacturing materials
The product consists of 2 parts, aluminum foil and food-grade plastic. Foil is used in the production of most companies, as it is able to protect the product from the negative influence of the metal shell of the capsule. This allows you to completely eliminate harm to the consumer’s body.
Plastic, or polymer materials, belong to the group of environmentally friendly substances. In addition, it does not have an unpleasant odor, so the smell and composition of coffee beans does not deteriorate, but, on the contrary, remains unchanged.
The plastic, foil and metal construction is often supplemented with a small percentage of cellulose. This also allows you to extend the shelf life of the product. After preparation, the capsules can be disposed of. The packaging in which the capsules are stored can be reused, for example, when creating Nespresso models. Each capsule contains from 5 to 7 grams of coffee.
Buyers of capsules believe that the product has a significant disadvantage in its design, in particular, there is no internal surface treatment. That is, the foil and grains are in contact. However, this does not in any way harm the health of coffee drink connoisseurs.
Nespresso Decaffeinato capsules
The Nespresso Decaffeinato capsule collection is aimed at those coffee lovers who love the taste of coffee, but don't need all the anxiety that caffeine brings.
Nespresso Decaffeinato capsules do not contain caffeine, but this does not mean that their taste is weaker. You'll still be able to enjoy top quality coffee, you just won't have to deal with the effects of caffeine.
Decaffeinato capsules
The coffee beans used to create Nespresso Decaffeinato capsules are a blend of several Colombian and South American Arabica beans with a small amount of Robusta.
A short, light roast accentuates the fresh, fruity nature of this drink. Nespresso has also chosen the right grind to create a light yet special coffee. The delicious aroma that reaches your nose in the form of coffee steam has notes of wine, butter, red and dried fruits.
Coffee Nespresso VertuoLine, Decaffeinato, 30 pcs.
Approximate cost: $33.00
Decaffeinato Lungo capsule
The Lungo capsule in the Decaffeinato collection is made from a mixture of Colombian and Brazilian Arabica beans with a small addition of Robusta.
Slow roasting brings out the roasted flavor of the coffee, which is also reflected in the aroma.
Approximate cost: $10.00
Decaffeinato Intenso capsule
Intenso is a strong, bright coffee that is obtained by dark roasting South American Arabica beans with a small addition of Robusta. Thanks to this, the emphasis is on notes of cocoa and cereals.
The coffee made from Intenso capsules has intense chocolatey, roasty notes. They can be felt both in the drink itself and in the creamy foam.
Nespresso OriginalLine: Decaffeinato Intenso, 20 pcs.
Approximate cost:
conclusions
When deciding to purchase a capsule-type coffee machine from the famous Italian manufacturer De'Longhi, you should consider the following nuances :
- for a small kitchen it is better to choose the EN 85 SOLO Essenza Mini or EN 85 AE Essenza Mini model;
- gourmets who rarely drink coffee and milk drinks and prefer classic black coffee are better off with EN 80 AE;
- if, in addition to the taste of coffee, stylish design is important, you should pay attention to the EN 500 model;
- To make coffee, you need to additionally buy Nespresso capsules, as less expensive capsules from other brands may not be suitable.
