The capsule machine in portrait: what it does well, what the coffee costs per cup, which capsule systems exist, the waste problem and which alternatives are almost as convenient.
The capsule machine brought espresso into millions of households with one simple promise: no effort, always the same. That promise it keeps. Everything else, taste, cost, waste, is up for negotiation.
What is inside the capsule
Five to six grams of ground coffee, packed under protective gas so that it keeps for a long time. The machine pierces the capsule and pushes water through it at high pressure. Because there is so little coffee inside, you get an espresso with less body and complexity than from 18 grams in an espresso machine, but with a stable crema and no failed attempts.
The sums
One capsule costs 35 to 50 cents. At two cups a day that is 250 to 365 euros a year, for around four kilos of coffee. The same amount of good beans costs 100 to 160 euros. Over five years the difference pays for a decent espresso machine and grinder.
Systems
There are closed systems with capsules from one manufacturer and open systems for which many roasters offer capsules, these days including small specialty roasteries. Refillable stainless steel capsules solve the waste problem but cost the convenience that defines the machine. Compostable capsules are progress, but they belong in the food waste bin, not in the garden.
Who it is for
For single households, offices, guest rooms and for everyone who values convenience above taste and price. Not for people who drink a lot of coffee, and not for anyone who wants to taste origin and freshness.
For
- Nothing to grind, nothing to dose, hardly anything to clean
- Very small and fast
- A consistent result
- A wide choice of varieties
Against
- 35 to 50 cents per cup, several times the cost of whole bean coffee
- Five to six grams of coffee per capsule, a thin espresso
- Aluminium or plastic waste with every cup
- No control over freshness and origin
Common questions
What does a cup of capsule coffee cost?
Between 35 and 50 cents for the capsule. Whole bean coffee costs 10 to 25 cents per cup depending on quality.
Are capsules recyclable?
Aluminium capsules yes, if they go back through collection schemes or recycling bins. Plastic capsules only to a limited extent. Compostable capsules belong in the food waste bin.
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