A true gourmet knows a lot about real coffee; it must be brewed. Thanks to progress and the advent of a coffee machine, this process has been simplified, but the coffee grinder must be well configured and be able to properly compact the beans in the holder. It can be difficult for a beginner to cope with a coffee machine, and pods used for a coffee machine come to his aid, quickly gaining authority and recognition.
Pods make working with the coffee machine easier.
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.
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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.
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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.
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Positive and negative sides
Minuses
High-quality pod coffee machines are an expensive pleasure. Even for budget models you will have to pay 4-5 thousand rubles, and for more advanced ones - from 10-15 thousand. Turka does not require such investments.
Pod coffee has a limited range of flavors and little resource for combining varieties.
You can't always find pods in hypermarkets or supermarkets. But it’s easy to order them online.
pros
Environmental friendliness of paper packaging: raw materials come into contact only with filter paper. It prevents oxidation during storage and preparation of coffee.
Time saving: cooking takes half a minute. In addition, you do not have to grind coffee beans in advance, dose portions, compress powder, and clean the coffee machine at the end of the cycle.
Ease of use: anyone can understand the control of the pod unit.
Natural composition: the properties of hermetic packaging make it possible not to “spoil” the raw materials with chemicals, thanks to which the shelf life is extended, the aroma is enhanced and a spectacular foam is created. All indicators remain unchanged due to the freshness of the ground grains.
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.
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Pros and cons of pod coffee machines
The number of people who are convinced that coffee bags are of poor quality is noticeably decreasing. Well-known companies use freshly ground Arabica and Robusta beans for its production in unequal proportions and with different degrees of roasting, and also without caffeine. The mixture is packaged in a special way, and household appliance factories produce pod coffee machines based on carob models.
The popularity of filter bags is high even among fans of impeccable espresso. Thanks to precise proportions and speed of preparation, the drink turns out to have excellent taste and aroma.
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.
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Mode of production
The pods are manufactured using complex technology in specialized factories:
1. A mixture of selected green grains is prepared.
2. After roasting, they are allowed to sit under certain conditions for one or two days in order to expose them to the environment. It is the organic reactions that occur during this process that bring the coffee mixture to the state in which it must be processed.
3. After receiving the coffee powder, it is pressed into pods and within 20 seconds packed into a sealed package made of metallized gas-tight film, into which the inert gas nitrogen is pumped. This gives the pods a round shape, which is why they are also called coffee tablets.
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:
- 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.
- San Giusto makes pods from Brazilian Arabica and Indonesian Robusta, used for spirits.
- Italco has two varieties, Assolo with a minimal concentration of caffeine, and the invigorating Concerto, rich in caffeine.
- Bristot is suitable for classic espresso, it contains a quarter of Alpine Robusta, and the rest is Brazilian Arabica
- ILLY is a high-quality brand using high-altitude Arabica beans
Natural material is used for coffee packaging.
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Manufacturers and prices
Manufacturers of such coffee regularly expand their range. Each coffee brand has 15-29 pod coffee flavors. They differ in taste and degree of roasting.
The most popular brands of pods:
- Lavazza
- Bristot
- Buscaglione
- ILLY
- San Giusto
- Italko
The pod technology was developed by Illy
Italko produces two flavors: Concerto and Assolo. The second flavor has low caffeine content (approximately 1.2%). San Giusto is ideal for coffee lovers with chocolate notes and rich aroma. Made from Indonesian Robusta and Brazilian Arabica. The drinks made from it are strong.
Bristot is suitable for espresso. It consists of 25% Alpine Robusta and 75% Brazilian Arabica. Italco Concerto is suitable for caffeine lovers as it is very energizing. Ristretto and cappuccino are made from it. The most delicate of these is Lavazza. It has a rich aroma and no bitterness at all.
You can buy coffee in large chain hypermarkets. The price depends on the number of pods. The greater their quantity, the cheaper the packaging. For 150 pieces, on average, the price is 3,000 rubles.
Lavazza pods have a rich aroma and no bitterness at all
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.
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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.
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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.
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The best way to make espresso
Tablet coffee was created for restaurants and coffee shops, where portion accuracy and accounting are important. Bags of ground roasted beans are appreciated by people who do not have enough time to brew a real high-quality drink. Offices are also switching to pod coffee. It is relatively inexpensive and does not differ in taste from professionally prepared espresso. The taste of freshly ground coffee deteriorates after a few days. Airtight sachets will preserve the taste and aroma of roasted and ground beans for several months. A cup of an invigorating drink is prepared in 20-30 seconds, during which time aromatic substances and flavor components are extracted, and harmful resins remain in the filter bag with coffee grounds. After removing the bag, the coffee maker is immediately ready to prepare the next portion.
Manufacturers use medium and fine grind coffee beans and varying degrees of roasting. Coffee acquires different flavors thanks to natural flavors.
Why choose coffee pods:
- fast and simple brewing process;
- convenient accounting of consumption in catering establishments and offices;
- lower price compared to capsules;
- a large assortment;
- no special skills are required for preparation; the manufacturer took care of a balanced taste.
The administration of establishments that have switched to coffee pods notes that the quality of the drink is not inferior to espresso prepared by a professional barista.
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:
- Boilers creating pressure 2 - 4 bar
- 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.
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Choosing a pod coffee machine for home and office
Let's take a closer look at what a pod coffee machine is. This device resembles a regular carob coffee machine, differing only in the design of the carob .
In the pod model, its filter is expanded, flat and made to fit the size of a bag of ground coffee. The equipment is so easy to use that even a child can handle it.
To make a flavorful drink, the filter bag is placed in the tank. Heated water passes through it under pressure, and in half a minute the coffee is ready. There is no need to clean the device, since the tank does not get dirty. Immediately after one bag, you can load the second one. After use, the pods are thrown away. What is a pod coffee machine :
- quick espresso preparation;
- pods have to be selected to match the model of the coffee maker;
- high-quality coffee is prepared by machines with a pressure of 15 bar.
Coffee machines are produced by WMF AG, Severin, Philips . This technique is silent and makes a quality drink, but does not regulate the strength of the coffee. This characteristic applies to the pods themselves. Therefore, when choosing tablets for your machine, choose the strength level. It also depends on the speed of passage of water - the slower the water passes through the tablet, the stronger the drink.
Advice. You should not buy cheap models, as they make weak coffee.
Pod coffee makers are suitable for the office and home, as they are compact, lightweight and easy to use. There are 2 types of devices :
- ordinary, with replaceable filters for coffee from ground powder or pods;
- special pod coffee machines.
Devices of the first type are manufactured by many large manufacturers of coffee equipment . To understand whether the device can prepare coffee in filter bags, see the characteristics in which o. The second group of devices specializes only in pods.
Manufacturers of pod devices:
- Grimac , Italy. Two models are the most popular. Grimac Terry Opale produces 25 cups per hour, pressure 15 bar. The machine is made in a stylish steel body and has a water softener. It only prepares espresso, as there is no cappuccino maker. Price - from 16,500 rubles. The Grimac Nuvola model is similar in characteristics to Terry. But it has a cappuccino maker with an additional boiler for supplying steam to froth the milk. Price - from 19,000 rubles. Users praise Grimac for producing rich, foamy espresso.
- Senseo Philips . Models are not found in Russian stores so often. They are modest in size, designed for a couple of cups. Suitable for those who do not like strong coffee. The pressure in the machines is low - about 3.5 bar, so the drink will be similar to an Americano. The foam turns out to be unstable, since it does not come out under pressure, but through the passage of liquid through a thick mesh filter. Such models cost from 5,500 rubles.
- Gretti . The range of this Chinese brand includes various devices. They usually have substantial water tanks, which is suitable for offices or cafes. The pressure in the coffee maker is 15 bar. You can choose a cappuccino maker for any model of this manufacturer. Price - from 8000 rub.
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.
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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.
Product Detail
Based on the principle of tea
Let's find out what coffee pods are. The word cialda is translated from Italian as “waffle”. In the Italian-Russian dictionary there are also options with a medical bias: “tablet” and “wafer”.
Disposable sachets made of filter paper with ground coffee are called pods. The technology is borrowed from the features of the production of bagged tea.
But if thrifty citizens manage to reuse a tea bag, then from one coffee preparation one serving is obtained. To prepare it, pod coffee makers or “hybrid” carob coffee makers are used.
Where and when was it invented
The pods from which coffee is brewed originated in Italy. Initially, the Italians came up with pod coffee machines to make the work of baristas in restaurants and bars easier. Later, this technique began to be used at home.
Specialists from the Italian company Illycaffe developed, manufactured and brought pod “tablets” to the market in the 70s of the last century. The driver of the ideas was the head of the company, Ernesto Illi.
In 1974, the debut batches of pod coffee were released under the Illy family brand. In general, the public liked the new product called pods. The next round of product development occurred in the 90s. It was then that the pod standards were outlined, which are described below.
