The Undeniable Advantages of Pod-Based Coffee Makers
For a long time, the range of machines open to those who wanted to make proper coffee at home was really restricted.
Based on the machines seen in coffee bars and restaurants, the home espresso maker used ground coffee. You had to follow a set procedure:-
1. The coffee had to be ground to the ideal grade. Not fine enough and the coffee was insipid - and you didn't get the characteristic crema that is so important on a decent espresso. Too fine and the machine would not be able to drive the water through. And for best results the coffee had to be very uniformly ground as well. To get the best results, you had to buy a high-quality coffee grinder, if possible of the burr-grinder sort.
2. The right quantity of coffee then had to be added to the holder and tamped down very accurately and evenly. If you didn't do this perfectly, the water would run through any loosely-tamped areas and give you a tasteless brew.
3. Hot water (at precisely the right temperature) was forced through the coffee grounds by the powerful pump.
4. If you wanted frothed milk for a cappuccino, there was a steam wand included.
5. After all this, you had to be very conscientious to clean the machine, getting rid of all the old grounds and other coffee dregs, or the coffee next day would taste bad.
However, there's little doubt that once you had learned to do the procedure properly, you finished up with high quality, authentic espresso.
The procedure is eased to a large extent with a bean-to-cup machine. and the right quantity is measured out and ground finely. The right amount of coffee was automatically added to the container, tamped down and the coffee brewed as before. These machines work well, but a decent one will be pretty pricey and take up a lot of room on the counter.
Against this, the advantages of a pod-based machine are clear:-
1. The coffee comes in sealed pods, ready ground and measured out.
2. Instead of having to measure and deal with the coffee grounds, you just insert the pod into the top of the coffee maker.
3. Press a button and the machine does the rest - measured water at the correct temperature is forced through the grounds in the pod.
4. Because the coffee is contained, there is no cleaning to do - just take out the used pod and throw it away.
5. A wide range of pods are available - and the system permits other drinks to be made in the same way. Chocolate or tea are just as simple.
It can be argued that the results are not in actual fact as good as from a conventional espresso maker; that may be so. These machines do not have steam wands either - they give you a kind of foamed milk from the pods, which many think does not taste so good.
But the convenience is amazing. These are machines that will be used, not just tried out and then put away in the cupboard. Along with the adaptability they offer, their appeal is obvious.
Based on the machines seen in coffee bars and restaurants, the home espresso maker used ground coffee. You had to follow a set procedure:-
1. The coffee had to be ground to the ideal grade. Not fine enough and the coffee was insipid - and you didn't get the characteristic crema that is so important on a decent espresso. Too fine and the machine would not be able to drive the water through. And for best results the coffee had to be very uniformly ground as well. To get the best results, you had to buy a high-quality coffee grinder, if possible of the burr-grinder sort.
2. The right quantity of coffee then had to be added to the holder and tamped down very accurately and evenly. If you didn't do this perfectly, the water would run through any loosely-tamped areas and give you a tasteless brew.
3. Hot water (at precisely the right temperature) was forced through the coffee grounds by the powerful pump.
4. If you wanted frothed milk for a cappuccino, there was a steam wand included.
5. After all this, you had to be very conscientious to clean the machine, getting rid of all the old grounds and other coffee dregs, or the coffee next day would taste bad.
However, there's little doubt that once you had learned to do the procedure properly, you finished up with high quality, authentic espresso.
The procedure is eased to a large extent with a bean-to-cup machine. and the right quantity is measured out and ground finely. The right amount of coffee was automatically added to the container, tamped down and the coffee brewed as before. These machines work well, but a decent one will be pretty pricey and take up a lot of room on the counter.
Against this, the advantages of a pod-based machine are clear:-
1. The coffee comes in sealed pods, ready ground and measured out.
2. Instead of having to measure and deal with the coffee grounds, you just insert the pod into the top of the coffee maker.
3. Press a button and the machine does the rest - measured water at the correct temperature is forced through the grounds in the pod.
4. Because the coffee is contained, there is no cleaning to do - just take out the used pod and throw it away.
5. A wide range of pods are available - and the system permits other drinks to be made in the same way. Chocolate or tea are just as simple.
It can be argued that the results are not in actual fact as good as from a conventional espresso maker; that may be so. These machines do not have steam wands either - they give you a kind of foamed milk from the pods, which many think does not taste so good.
But the convenience is amazing. These are machines that will be used, not just tried out and then put away in the cupboard. Along with the adaptability they offer, their appeal is obvious.
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