What are coffee machine pods and how to use them correctly

Lately you can often hear about pod coffee. Someone tried it or they sell it somewhere - all these are pieces of rumors floating around. However, let's figure out together what it is and what it tastes like.

A pod or monodose is a variant of standard packaging for ground coffee. The country of origin is Italy. The purpose of creating coffee pods was to make it easier to prepare espresso at home.

In Italian, “Cialda” is translated as “tablet”. This name very accurately characterizes the appearance of the product. One cannot but agree that outwardly coffee in pods resembles a tablet.

In practice, this is a strictly verified formula for making a product:

• A portion of ground coffee is 7, and sometimes 9 grams.
• Compressed filter paper packaging.

Most often, coffee pods are additionally placed in packaging containers made of strong foil. Such packaging is necessary so that the coffee aroma does not fade over time. Carbon dioxide is pumped under the foil to protect the coffee from contact with oxygen and subsequent oxidation of the product.

Different types of such coffee, however, are packaged in a standard way - one package contains from 18 to 100 “tablets”. The very invention of coffee pods was necessary in order to standardize the process of preparing the drink, and therefore their diameter is standard - 55 or 44 mm.

You can prepare tableted coffee using specialized coffee makers and modern coffee machines. All major household appliance factories produce the corresponding equipment.

By the way, for a coffee machine you need to take pods of the diameter provided by the manufacturer. Be sure to pay attention to this when purchasing - the corresponding marking is on the packaging.

What are pods?

Italy is considered the main consumer of coffee, and it is not surprising that the very name “pods” is Spanish and is translated as “tablet”; they were invented there. In 1974, Illycaffe introduced circle-shaped packages containing 7-9 grams of roasted, ground and pressed coffee beans, which remain the same to this day.

The first pods were created in Italy.

With their advent, the process of making coffee has been reduced to the simplest possible level; you just need to put the pod in the coffee machine and press the start button.

See alsoWhat is a freshness zone in the refrigerator: types, disadvantages and advantages, tips.

Introductory certificate

An unusual way of packaging coffee in pods appeared in Italy. This country is the main consumer of coffee products, where in every home the morning begins with the preparation of an aromatic drink. The word "pod" is also of Italian origin and is translated as "tablet". The principle of coffee pods is to simplify the creation of a serving of the drink without losing quality.

A pod is a portion of ground grains placed in a paper filter bag

To prepare coffee you only need to take two steps: put it in the coffee machine and press the start button

Appearance

When producing pods, companies adhere to standard parameters; the insignificant difference is the quality of the paper used and the modified forms. They are divided according to the diameter of the filter bag, depending on the type of coffee machine in which it will be used. Filters with a diameter of 44 mm are designed for a classic shot of espresso, using 60 ml of water when preparing. Pods with a diameter of 55 mm are used for preparing a large number of coffee drinks, which may also include milk foam; the required volume of water is 150 ml. Thanks to individual foil and sealed packaging, each filter bag preserves the taste and aroma of coffee beans.

Pods come in different diameters.

See alsoWhich is better: a coffee maker or a Turkish coffee maker: description, their advantages and disadvantages

Ranking of the most popular coffee machines

When choosing a coffee machine, you may be faced with the problem of having a large selection among different models. Despite the differences in characteristics, some models are more popular than others due to the optimal set of functions and reasonable prices. Among the models on the market, the most popular are the 3 coffee machines presented below.

Coffee machine De'Longhi MAGNIFICA S ECAM 22.360.B

The leader of the rating is a modern coffee machine equipped with a unique one-touch auto-brew function. The device has a convenient display that allows you to make individual settings, a heated platform and built-in water filtration. The coffee machine allows you to adjust the water level, degree of heating and strength of the drink. The device is easy to operate and convenient to store. Cleaning of the internal system is carried out using a single button. The water tank holds 1.8 liters and is equipped with a level indicator.

Coffee machine De'Longhi MAGNIFICA S ECAM 22.360.B

Characteristics:

• type of coffee machine – espresso;
• uses ground and bean coffee;
• power - 1450 W
• water volume - 1.8 l;
• pressure - 15 bar;
• capacity for grains - 250 g;
• weight 9 kg;
• case material – plastic;
• 13 ways to grind beans;
• waste container for 14 brews.

The average cost in the store is 40,000 rubles.

Melitta Caffeo Barista TS

A unique stylish design, a convenient display, and a large selection of recipes for coffee drinks allow you to include the coffee machine among the premium ones. The device allows you to create an individual profile for each family member (4-8 people). Drink preparation can be started by pressing one button. Each drink recipe has its own key. The machine contains two compartments for coffee beans: one for automatic selection, the other for manual selection. The device independently selects the container depending on the recipe.

Coffee machine Melitta Caffeo Barista TS

Characteristics:

• type of coffee machine – espresso;
• uses ground and bean coffee;
• power - 1450 W
• water volume - 1.8 l;
• pressure - 15 bar;
• capacity for grains - 270 g;
• weight - 10.5 kg;
• case material – plastic;
• 18 ways to prepare the drink;
• individual settings for 4-8 people;
• two-chamber container for grains.

The average cost in the store is 74,500 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

Coffee prepared in pods for a coffee machine has a number of advantages and disadvantages. Its advantages include:

• ease of use and preparation;
• hermetic packaging preserves the aroma of freshly ground coffee;
• the cost of pods is lower than coffee capsules;
• It is more convenient to dispose of a used filter bag than coffee grounds;
• there is no need to clean the filter holder from grounds;
• no chemical additives are used in the production of pods;
• has high and stable taste;
• economical consumption, one sachet per cup.

Thanks to a special filter, coffee does not lose its natural taste and aroma.

The disadvantages inherent in this product include:

• the cost is higher than that of ground coffee;
• in production they use grains that are not of the highest quality, and the taste is not original;
• It is difficult to change the taste or strength of the drink.

The downside of the pods is the high price.

See alsoWhich coffee grind is best for a coffee machine

Production of pods

As you know, premium coffee beans are sold whole. The contents of the pods are made from beans of the same quality as packaged ground coffee. Raw beans are roasted in advance and ground after 1–2 days.

Ground coffee is packaged in paper bags (pressed if necessary). Coffee tablets are round, but the bags can be square or petal-shaped. One pod contains 7–9 g of coffee (depending on the manufacturer).

After grinding, contact with air lasts only 20–30 seconds, so the coffee does not lose its aroma. Paper bags of coffee are placed in sealed envelopes made of three-layer film, where the middle layer is made of aluminum. To prevent aromatic substances from evaporating, coffee is preserved using carbon dioxide or nitrogen.

In metallized film packaging, coffee retains its taste and aroma for 2 years. High-quality pod coffee does not contain emulsifiers to form foam. Manufacturers can add various additives to the contents of the pods, for example, with the taste of nuts, chocolate, caramel, cream or vanilla.

What kind of coffee is packed in pods?

Typically, several types of coffee are used in the production of pods, which are mixed, ground and subsequently packaged. Elite varieties of coffee are not involved in production in this case, because premium coffee is sold exclusively in bean form. Despite this, the filter bags contain the best grades of coffee beans collected from plantations in different parts of the world.

The pods do not contain elite coffee varieties.

See also Niche under the kitchen window: advantages and disadvantages, use cases

Preparation method

The process of making pods goes through several stages. First, green Arabica and Robusta beans are mixed, using different varieties allows you to achieve a variety of flavors. Then they are subjected to heat treatment, which is divided into medium or high degree of roasting. After this, the beans are left to stand in the fresh air for two days in order to initiate and successfully complete organic reactions that preserve the aroma of coffee. Finally, the grains are pressed or ground into powder and promptly packed into pods. Carbon dioxide, pumped into packages with aluminum foil in the middle layer, allows you to preserve the freshness and aroma of coffee for a long time.

The production of pods occurs in several stages.

See alsoHow to choose a coffee machine for your home, what you need to know when choosing, useful tips

Advantages

We have sorted out the concept of “coffee machine pods” (what they are), now it is necessary to note the main advantages. In addition to the ease of preparing coffee, this packaging has a number of other advantages. The main thing is the consistency and stability of the taste, reminiscent of freshly ground coffee, and the quality of the drink. At the same time, the cost of the pod product is comparable to a good ground analogue and lower than the cost of prepared grains in capsules. Thus, the price for a package of 18 pods can vary between 500-700 rubles, and for 100 pieces - within 2000. Equally important is the cost-effectiveness of coffee consumption, as well as the ability to track it. Another point that is significant for many consumers is the absence of preservatives, chemical additives and emulsifiers used to create a stable and dense foam. The unique aroma comes from aromatic oils extracted from coffee beans under pressure. Inert gas nitrogen ensures the best preservation of the taste and aroma of coffee, allowing it to remain fresh for two years. While the product in grains preserves them for no longer than a week, and ground - only a few minutes. This packaging is also very environmentally friendly during use due to the lack of contact of the coffee powder with the material from which the horn is made.

Types of coffee

Manufacturers strive to expand the presented range of coffee pods and create new combinations. Typically, each company strives to provide the buyer with a choice among 15-20 flavor solutions. In addition to coffee, they have now begun to produce tea in pods, which is many times superior in taste to bagged tea.

Coffee in pods is superior in taste to other types.

The leading brands are the following:

1. Buscaglione. They produce three flavor varieties for making espresso, Americano or cappuccino; they also offer Decaffeinato, prepared using technology that allows caffeine to be extracted.
2. San Giusto makes pods from Brazilian Arabica and Indonesian Robusta, used for spirits.
3. Italco has two varieties, Assolo with a minimal concentration of caffeine, and the invigorating Concerto, rich in caffeine.
4. Bristot is suitable for classic espresso, it contains a quarter of Alpine Robusta, and the rest is Brazilian Arabica
5. ILLY is a high-quality brand using high-altitude Arabica beans

Natural material is used for coffee packaging.

See alsoFeatures and principle of operation of an inverter compressor in a refrigerator, its advantages and disadvantages

Types of pods

Manufacturers of pod coffee are constantly trying to expand their range and create new blends. As a rule, each of them produces from 15 to 20 flavors. Manufacturers are also experimenting with the degree of roasting of beans. Recently, in addition to coffee, they began to produce teas in pods, which differ greatly in taste from bagged ones.

Now you can find the following pod brands on the market:

• Buscaglione,
• San Giusto,
• Italko,
• Bristot,
• ILLY,
• Lavazza.

In addition to traditional Arabica and Robusta, compositions with chocolate, floral, nutty, creamy, and caramel notes are created.

Buscaglione produces 3 flavor varieties of pods, as well as a decaffeinated version. Classic Buscaglione Arabica is ideal for making espresso. It has a mild floral taste and a sweetish aroma. Buscaglione Long has a coarse grind and makes a rich Americano or Lungo. It has a slight sourness and bitterness, as well as an almond aftertaste. The aroma of the drink is very rich and spicy.

Buscaglione Passione will appeal to true gourmets who prefer a multifaceted taste. It is suitable for making espresso and cappuccino. This variety is distinguished by nutty and chocolate notes, as well as a thick brown foam on the finished drink.

For people with health problems, this brand has created separate pods of Buscaglione Decaffeinato. They are made from South American Arabica beans, from which caffeine is extracted during processing. At the same time, the coffee turns out to be rich in taste with a slight sourness and a fruity aftertaste.

How to choose the right pods

When purchasing pods for a coffee machine, in order not to be disappointed in your choice, you should adhere to the following tips.

• The main role in the taste is played by the place where the coffee beans grow; the best varieties are considered to be those brought from Ethiopia, Colombia and Costa Rica. Brazilian varieties are distinguished by their strength, and coffee beans from Haiti have a sweet taste.
• It is recommended to choose pods of medium or fine grinding; they have a higher quality of water passage and taste release.
• Don't skimp when purchasing. The higher the quality of the coffee, the higher the price. The best tablets are those with a minimum content of Robusta, which is approximately 20%.
• You must purchase the product based on the technical requirements and recommendations of the coffee maker manufacturer. Failure to comply with this rule may result in tasteless and low-quality coffee, as well as equipment breakdown.

Making coffee using pods will seem like a real pleasure.

See also: Silent refrigerators: features, tips for choosing, TOP 5 quietest refrigerators

Selection rules

When purchasing coffee in such packaging, you should follow the advice of experts. They are as follows:

1. Don't buy too cheap coffee. The price depends on the quality of the product. As a rule, a low price is evidence of not very good grain
2. The place where the plant is produced is of great importance. Preference should be given to grains from Ethiopia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Colombia
3. They allow water to pass through best and, accordingly, give off the taste with the aroma of coffee pods with fine and medium grinds.

Fans of coffee drinks with a rich aroma and acidity, as well as high strength, should buy Brazilian varieties.

Place of growth

The process of growing a coffee tree is labor-intensive; in order to obtain high-quality beans, work on coffee plantations is mainly done by hand. The birthplace of coffee is Ethiopia; it has been consumed there since the 9th century. Over time, the growing areas of coffee trees increased and reached Central and South America, Ethiopia and southeast Asia. The production of pods includes Arabica beans from Ethiopia, which has a chocolate flavor, and coffee beans from India and Haiti, which have a sweetish taste; coffee beans from Brazil are distinguished by a slight sourness. Consistently, the most popular beans are those grown in Colombia and Costa Rica, which are distinguished by their high quality of taste.

To make coffee, all you need is a pod machine and coffee pods.

See alsoBeautiful and stylish dishes - features and tips for choosing

Flaws

In addition to many advantages, using coffee in pods also has its disadvantages. There is an opinion that, contrary to all the statements of manufacturers about the highest quality of grains, not the best raw materials are packaged in this way. After all, elite varieties always go on sale in the form of grains. Many consumers claim that freshly ground coffee is still much tastier than pod coffee.

Due to the fact that all the ingredients are inside the pod, it can be difficult to choose the coffee that suits your taste. Yes, and experimenting with additives and dosage during the cooking process will not work. And only milk, cream, syrup, lemon, cinnamon or other spices can be added to the finished coffee.

Another disadvantage of pods is that they are not easy to find on the shelves of regular supermarkets.

Grinding degree

One finely ground compressed tablet in 30 seconds of preparing a cup of espresso will give the drink all the taste and aroma of coffee beans. Medium grind beans also make ideal drinks; the filter bag allows water to pass through well and releases maximum nutrients; it is suitable for both carob and pod coffee makers.

In addition to coffee, you can find tea in pods.

See alsoGerman-style kitchens: features, selection tips, best manufacturers

Coffee maker type

Carob or pod coffee makers are used to prepare coffee from tablets.

Carob coffee makers, or also called holder coffee makers, are the most common type, in addition to classic espresso, you can use them to prepare latte, cappuccino, and macchiato. They are divided into two types:

1. Boilers creating pressure 2 - 4 bar
2. Pump-type with pressure up to 15 bar

Pod coffee machine.

The holder of the carob coffee maker has a filter; the finest grind coffee is poured into it, or you can put one bag of pod coffee. A pod marked ESE (Easy Serving Espresso), having a diameter of 44 mm and weighing 7 grams, is suitable for these machines.

Pod coffee makers only work with filter bags that are loaded into a special reservoir, and in less than a minute you can enjoy your coffee. After preparation, there is no need to clean the device thanks to the filter bag, which does not allow coffee to pass through, and the tank remains clean.

Most pod coffee machines operate completely silently.

Note! Do not put unpackaged ground coffee into the pod coffee maker's horn.

See alsoTips on choosing a design for a small kitchen of 5-6 meters in Khrushchev

How to choose a coffee machine for your home or office

When faced with choosing which coffee machine model to choose for your home or office, you should focus on the capabilities of the device, its parameters and the format of coffee beans used.

The most important parameters that you should pay attention to when choosing a device include:

1. the machine’s capabilities in heating water and the degree of pressure applied. The best criteria are a temperature of about 95°C and a pressure of at least 15 bar;
2. coffee machine power. The pressure level and the quality of the finished coffee depend on this criterion. With a power of less than 1000 W, you should not expect more than 5 bar from the device. The category of devices having from 1000 to 1700 W can provide the required degree of air pressure of 15 bar;
3. cappuccino maker capabilities. If the buyer loves cappuccino and delicate milk foam, the presence of such a function in the device will be necessary. There are three types of built-in devices:

• Panarello. Allows you to control the process of creating milk foam manually;
• auto. Whipping foam without external intervention;
• in the form of the Milk Island system. Just like the previous one, it performs whipping automatically using an additional jug.

Milk Island System

1. quantitative possibilities for preparing cups per day. For home use, ordinary models are suitable, capable of preparing up to 50 cups of drink. For a large office, it is worth choosing professional-type models aimed at large volumes.
2. software. Controls the volume of coffee brewing, sets the required temperature, performs auto-rinsing and many other qualities. It is important to make sure that the menu contains characters of the Russian alphabet.
3. the presence of a plate to keep the coffee warm;
4. overall dimensions and design.

Coffee makers for pod coffee

The Nespresso company was the first to invent pod coffee machines; along with the machine, it also released its own line of pods. In Russia I started doing this in 2004. Currently, the range of coffee machines is extensive; they are produced by Philips, ARIETE, Tassimo and other companies. The pricing policy for these coffee makers is extensive; you can purchase a budget option for one or two pods for 3,000 rubles, or you can treat yourself to a model with a built-in cappuccino maker for 20,000 rubles.

Preparing coffee using pod coffee machines takes just a few minutes.

See alsoAdvantages and disadvantages of finishing wood surfaces in the interior

Tips for choosing

Choosing a coffee maker for your home based on reviews on various sites is quite difficult. It is necessary to consider what characteristics of quality, functionality and reliability are needed, and how much you are willing to pay for them.

Considering that a pod coffee machine does not provide much room for making coffee, both the taste and quality depend on the “tablet” used, so when choosing, you can rely on the set of additional functions, the manufacturer’s brand and the technical capabilities of the machine.

There are more than 15 types of coffee pods on the market.

Having examined in detail what pods for a coffee maker are, we can come to the conclusion that this invention of visionary Italians is indispensable for those coffee connoisseurs who plan their time, because the preparation process does not require special skills and abilities and does not take much time.

Types of coffee makers for making coffee in pods (photo)

The invigorating drink is prepared using carob coffee machines, which are quiet, ergonomic and inexpensive compared to any other representatives of this class of household appliances, operating on a very simple principle.

Hot water flows into the cone and coffee tablet, after which the finished drink is poured into the cup. With these coffee machines, it is not possible to change the strength of the drink during the preparation process - it depends on the degree of compaction of the prepared powder. Such machines are suitable for use without pods, but in this case you will have to measure out the required amount of ground coffee and compact it.

To do this, you need to have special skills, because the quality of the drink directly depends on the compaction of the tablet. If the tablet is pressed too tightly, the water will take too long to pass through, and the drink will be strong and have a bitter aftertaste. That is why it is much easier to purchase pods that will greatly facilitate the cooking process and do not require special skills.