For many of us, coffee is more than just a drink – it is an indispensable companion throughout the day. But not everyone has the time or inclination to grind beans in the morning, set the perfect grind or let the coffee steep in a French press. This is where the capsule coffee machine comes into play. They are the ideal solution for all those who value quick, uncomplicated coffee enjoyment without having to compromise on quality.
From intense espresso to creamy cappuccinos – modern capsule machines offer an amazing variety and are as easy to use as pressing a button. But with so many models to choose from, the question is: which one is really the best? In this blog post, we take a closer look at the top devices, compare functions and clarify what really matters when choosing the perfect capsule coffee machine.
The best capsule coffee machine: our recommendations
So which is the best capsule coffee machine? Well, there is no clear answer to this question. There are various systems from different manufacturers vying for the favor of coffee connoisseurs. We present our 5 recommendations, limiting ourselves to one machine per system (such as Tassimo, NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto, Cafissimo, Nespresso or Senseo).
Bosch Tassimo Vivy2
The Bosch Tassimo Vivy2 is a compact and versatile capsule coffee machine that is perfect for small kitchens or limited space. With its modern design and numerous color options, it blends seamlessly into any living environment. Thanks to its small dimensions, it takes up minimal space without compromising on performance. The intuitive one-button operating concept makes preparing hot drinks child’s play, so you can enjoy your favorite coffee quickly and easily.
An outstanding feature of the Tassimo Vivy2 is the intelligent barcode technology integrated into each capsule. This system ensures that the machine automatically sets the right amount of water, temperature and brewing time for each drink. With a wide selection of beverages, from aromatic espresso to creamy cappuccino and hot chocolate, the Tassimo Vivy2 offers a variety that leaves nothing to be desired. It is also equipped with a large selection of brand compatibility such as Jacobs, Milka or Twinings.
Cleaning and caring for the Bosch Tassimo Vivy2 is uncomplicated and user-friendly. An integrated descaling program and dishwasher-safe parts make maintenance effortless. The machine also has a removable water tank, which makes refilling easy. With its efficiency, wide range of beverages and sleek design, the Tassimo Vivy2 is the ideal choice for anyone who wants to combine convenience and enjoyment in their everyday life.
Krups Infinissima Touch
The Krups Infinissima Touch is an elegant and space-saving capsule coffee machine that combines modern design with innovative technology. Its curved, infinity symbol-like shape makes it a real eye-catcher in any kitchen. Thanks to its compact design, it also fits into smaller kitchens or offices without compromising on performance or convenience. The simple touch operation enables intuitive handling, allowing you to prepare your favorite drinks effortlessly.
With the Krups Infinissima Touch, you can enjoy an impressive variety of hot and cold drinks. The machine works with the proven Nescafé Dolce Gusto capsule system, which offers a wide selection of coffee specialties such as espresso, latte macchiato, cappuccino as well as teas and even cold drinks. Thanks to the customizable beverage strengths and filling quantities, you can personalize each drink exactly to your taste. The high-pressure pump with up to 15 bar ensures an authentic aroma and a perfect crema with every cup.
Care and maintenance of the Infinissima Touch is uncomplicated. With a removable 1.2-liter water tank, the machine is easy to refill and clean. The energy-saving design, including automatic switch-off after five minutes, also makes it particularly environmentally friendly. The Krups Infinissima Touch combines style, functionality and versatility, making it the ideal choice for anyone who wants to enjoy coffee moments with a touch of luxury.
Tchibo Cafissimo Milk
The Tchibo Cafissimo Milk is a versatile capsule coffee machine that offers barista-quality coffee enjoyment at home. With its sleek, modern design, it fits perfectly into any kitchen and impresses with its intuitive operation. Thanks to the integrated milk frother, the Cafissimo Milk allows you to prepare creamy milk coffee specialties such as latte macchiato or cappuccino at the touch of a button – ideal for coffee lovers who enjoy variety.
Equipped with three different brewing pressure levels, the machine adapts perfectly to the respective coffee variant, be it espresso, caffè crema or filter coffee. The Tchibo capsule system offers a large selection of high-quality coffees from sustainable cultivation, so there is something for every taste. The simple operation and quick heating process make preparation convenient and time-saving, without compromising on aroma and quality.
Cleaning the Cafissimo Milk is also user-friendly. The milk frother is easy to remove and clean, and an automatic descaling program ensures that the machine has a long service life. With its combination of functionality, style and quality, the Tchibo Cafissimo Milk is an excellent choice for anyone who appreciates coffee enjoyment at the touch of a button and values variety.
De’Longhi Nespresso CITIZ EN 167.B
The De’Longhi Nespresso CITIZ EN 167.B is a compact and elegant capsule coffee machine that impresses with its modern retro design and slim construction. It has been specially developed for coffee lovers who want to combine style and functionality in their kitchen. With its intuitive operation and fast heating system, which is ready to use in just 25 seconds, the machine offers an incomparable coffee experience without waiting.
The CITIZ EN 167.B works with the proven Nespresso capsule system, which is known for its wide range of coffee flavors and types. With its two programmable cup sizes for espresso and lungo, you can prepare your favorite coffee specialty just the way you like it. The high-pressure pump with 19 bar ensures a perfect aroma and a dense crema, while the automatic switch-off function after nine minutes saves energy and protects the environment.
Thanks to the removable 1-liter water tank and the easy-to-clean drip tray, the CITIZ EN 167.B is particularly easy to clean. It also offers a generous capsule drip tray that holds up to eleven used capsules, making everyday use easier. With its combination of style, ease of use and excellent coffee quality, the De’Longhi Nespresso CITIZ EN 167.B is a perfect choice for connoisseurs who want high-quality coffee enjoyment in a compact design.
PHILIPS Senseo Maestro
The PHILIPS Senseo Maestro is an innovative pod coffee machine that combines state-of-the-art technology with ease of use. Its slim, elegant design blends seamlessly into any kitchen and impresses with its high-quality workmanship. Thanks to the option of preparing one or two cups at the same time, the machine is ideal for daily coffee enjoyment or for cozy moments for two. The intuitive user interface with touch operation ensures effortless handling.
A special highlight of the Senseo Maestro is the individual adjustability of coffee intensity and strength, allowing you to customize your cup according to your preferences. The integrated Crema Plus technology ensures a particularly fine and long-lasting crema that makes every coffee a pleasure. With a large selection of Senseo coffee pods, you have a wide range of flavors and roasts to choose from, so you can always choose the right one to suit your mood and the occasion.
The PHILIPS Senseo Maestro also impresses when it comes to sustainability: the machine is partly made of recycled plastic and has an automatic switch-off function that saves energy. Thanks to the removable water tank and dishwasher-safe parts, cleaning is quick and easy. The Senseo Maestro combines eco-friendly design, ease of use and an excellent coffee experience, making it an excellent choice for any coffee lover.
Which capsule coffee is the best? A comparison of the most popular brands
For many people, coffee is much more than just a drink – it’s a daily ritual and a moment of indulgence. Choosing the right capsule coffee can make the difference between a mediocre start to the day and a real coffee treat. But with so many capsule coffee machines and brands on the market, one important question arises: which capsule coffee is the best?
In this blog post, we compare five of the best-known capsule coffee brands: Tassimo, Senseo, Nescafé Dolce Gusto, Cafissimo and Nespresso. Each brand has its own advantages and characteristics. We take a look at the quality of the coffee, the choice of varieties, sustainability and of course the price to help you decide which capsule brand is best for you.
Tassimo – versatility and convenience
Tassimo is known for its versatility and offers a wide range of capsules for different types of drinks. From classic coffees, cappuccinos and latte macchiatos to teas and hot chocolate, almost anything is possible with a Tassimo machine. The system uses so-called T-Discs, which are recognized by the machine using a special barcode on the capsule, to automatically set the right amount of water and the ideal brewing time.
The overall coffee quality of Tassimo is solid. The coffees are generally aromatic and offer a good blend of different intensities. Milk drinks such as latte macchiato and cappuccino are a particular highlight thanks to the integrated milk capsules. However, the selection of pure espresso and strong coffee is somewhat limited, which could be a disadvantage for real espresso lovers.
Advantages:
- Large selection of drinks (coffee, tea, hot chocolate)
- Easy to use thanks to automatic adjustment of brewing parameters
- Good quality milk drinks
Disadvantages:
- Capsules are slightly more expensive than other brands
- Limited selection of strong coffees
Senseo – classic filter coffee for quick enjoyment
Senseo is the first choice for anyone who prefers classic filter coffee. The brand is known for its mild yet full-bodied coffee taste and uses pad technology instead of capsules. The Senseo machines offer the option of brewing several cups at the same time, making them ideal for households or offices with several coffee drinkers.
The Senseo coffees are generally slightly less intense than the espressos from Nespresso or Dolce Gusto, but they offer a pleasant taste for anyone who wants to enjoy a larger amount of coffee. The system is also particularly environmentally friendly, as the pods are made of paper and are therefore easier to recycle than plastic capsules.
Advantages:
- Good quality for classic filter coffee
- Affordable price
- Environmentally friendly paper coffee pods
Disadvantages:
- Less choice of intense and specialized coffees
- No milk drinks or espresso varieties
Nescafé Dolce Gusto – Creative coffee and tea creations
Nescafé Dolce Gusto impresses with its variety of creative coffee and tea creations. Dolce Gusto can be used to prepare not only standard coffee drinks such as espresso and cappuccino, but also unusual variations such as iced coffee, chai latte and teas. A particularly striking feature is the option of enjoying various milk drinks directly from the capsule, which makes preparing latte macchiato or cappuccino child’s play.
The coffee quality with Dolce Gusto is good overall, although not as intense as with Nespresso. The milk drinks are particularly impressive, as they are easy to prepare with the right milk capsule. The machines themselves are compact and user-friendly, so that even beginners have no problems using them.
Advantages:
- Large selection of creative drinks (incl. teas and iced coffee)
- Easy preparation of latte specialties
- Good price-performance ratio
Disadvantages:
- Coffee can be less intense and complex than other brands
- The capsules are often more expensive than normal pods or coffee powder
Cafissimo – sustainability meets taste
The Cafissimo brand from Tchibo scores with a wide selection of high-quality coffees and a particularly sustainable philosophy. Cafissimo uses capsules made from 100% recyclable material, making the brand a good choice for environmentally conscious coffee drinkers. The range includes classic coffees such as espresso and lungo as well as unusual varieties such as the “Cafissimo Golden Caramel”.
Cafissimo’s coffee quality is excellent, especially when you consider the price. The capsules offer a balanced blend of aroma and intensity, making them particularly suitable for everyday coffee enjoyment. A particularly practical feature is that Cafissimo capsules are compatible with the most popular machines, which expands the choice of appliances.
Advantages:
- Environmentally friendly, recyclable capsules
- Very good price-performance ratio
- Large selection of coffees
Disadvantages:
- Not as extensive a selection of milk drinks as with Tassimo or Dolce Gusto
- Fewer options for specialties such as chai latte
Nespresso – The classic for real espresso
Nespresso is undisputedly the best-known brand in the capsule coffee market and offers an excellent selection of espressos and coffee variations. The Nespresso capsules offer an exceptional intensity and variety of flavors that particularly appeal to espresso and coffee connoisseurs. The machines are known for their ease of use and offer a high quality of preparation.
The Nespresso machines are ideal for coffee lovers who are looking for perfect espresso preparation and attach particular importance to intense, rich flavor. Nespresso also offers a wide range of milk drinks such as cappuccino and latte macchiato, which can be prepared quickly and easily.
Advantages:
- Outstanding quality and intense flavor
- Large selection of high-quality espressos and coffee specialties
- Compatible with a wide range of milk drinks
Disadvantages:
- Capsules are relatively expensive
- Machines are generally more expensive than other brands
Conclusion: Which capsule coffee is the best?
Choosing the best capsule coffee depends heavily on your personal preferences. If you are a real espresso fan and are looking for high quality and a variety of flavors, Nespresso is probably the best choice for you. For milk drinks such as latte macchiato or cappuccino, Tassimo and Nescafé Dolce Gusto offer the best selection, with Dolce Gusto also scoring points with creative iced coffees and tea creations. If you prefer classic filter coffee, Senseo is an excellent option. For those who value sustainability, Cafissimo from Tchibo offers recyclable capsules and excellent coffee taste at a fair price.
Ultimately, the ‘best’ capsule brand is the one that best suits your personal tastes and needs – whether you’re an espresso lover, a latte fan or an environmentally conscious person.
Capsule coffee machine vs filter coffee machine: the ultimate comparison
For many people, coffee is one of the most important moments of the day – whether it’s the first sip in the morning or a well-earned break in the afternoon. But when it comes to how coffee is prepared, there are a variety of options. Capsule coffee machines and filter coffee machines are particularly popular, each offering their own advantages. But which is the better choice?
Capsule coffee machine: convenience and variety
Capsule coffee machines have enjoyed great popularity for years, and for good reason. They offer maximum convenience as the coffee capsules are pre-portioned – simply insert a capsule, press the button and the coffee flows. Capsule machines are a real blessing, especially for people with little time or a preference for quick coffee enjoyment. They are generally faster than filter machines and also offer an impressive variety of coffee variations – from espresso and latte macchiato to tea and hot chocolate. This means that every coffee drinker can be catered for with a special taste. Another advantage of capsule machines is the consistent quality of the coffee.
The capsules are sealed airtight, which keeps the coffee fresh and ensures a consistent result. The system is also ideal for coffee beginners, as preparation does not require a great deal of knowledge – the machine takes care of everything for you.
However, capsule coffee machines also have some disadvantages. The capsules are usually more expensive than loose coffee powder, which can lead to higher costs in the long run. The environmental impact is also an issue, as the capsules are often made of aluminum or plastic and are not always recyclable. Although there are now more environmentally friendly alternatives, the widespread use of capsules remains a problem from an environmental point of view.
Filter coffee machines: traditional enjoyment and flexibility
Filter coffee machines are among the classics among coffee machines. They are particularly suitable for those who want to prepare their coffee in larger quantities, whether for the family or for guests. The great advantage of filter machines is their flexibility: you can decide for yourself which type of coffee bean or which coffee powder you want to use.
This allows you to adjust the taste of your coffee to suit your preferences and discover different flavors. Preparation is also simple: insert the coffee filter, add the coffee powder, pour in the water and wait for the coffee to brew. Many filter machines also offer practical functions such as a keep-warm plate or an automatic switch-off function so that the coffee stays hot for a while after preparation. Compared to capsule machines, filter coffee machines are often cheaper, both to purchase and in terms of running costs, as the coffee powder in large quantities is significantly cheaper than coffee capsules.
However, there are also some disadvantages here. Filter machines usually take longer to prepare and are not as convenient as capsule machines. In addition, the coffee variety is more limited – the coffee is extracted slowly through the filter, which does not always offer the same intensity as capsules. A filter machine is less suitable for people who want to enjoy an espresso or latte quickly.
Conclusion: Which coffee machine is right for you?
The decision between a capsule coffee machine and a filter coffee machine depends heavily on your personal preferences and needs. If you prefer quick, convenient coffee with a wide range of flavors, a capsule machine is probably the better choice. It’s ideal for busy people who are in a hurry and don’t want to worry about the exact amount of coffee or grind. A capsule machine is also a practical solution for smaller households that don’t drink a lot of coffee at once.
The filter coffee machine, on the other hand, is perfect for those who enjoy the traditional, more intense taste of freshly brewed coffee and value flexibility and cost-effective preparation. If you like to try out different types of coffee or regularly prepare large quantities of coffee, a filter machine is the best option. It is also more environmentally friendly and sustainable, as you don’t need capsules and can dose the amount of coffee powder individually.
