Pods are prepackaged espresso doses similar to tea bags. Using pods can simplify the espresso preparation process as they eliminate the need for grinding, dosing and tamping.
How To Use
You don’t need to find the right grind setting or question the firmness of your tamp. You just pop in a pod, push a button and let the espresso pour.
You don’t need to find the right grind setting or question the firmness of your tamp. You just pop in a pod, push a button and let the espresso pour.
Pros
Some feel that pod machines offer the convenience of a super-automatic, the cost of a semi-automatic and eliminates the need for a grinder.
Some feel that pod machines offer the convenience of a super-automatic, the cost of a semi-automatic and eliminates the need for a grinder.
Cons
Lack of control and potential troubles regarding coffee freshness. Ground coffee degrades very quickly and stale coffee will produce lesser taste and crema. High-pressure extraction (compared to slow-process brewing) acts like a magnifying glass – small changes can make a big difference. Also, the selection of coffees available in pod format are limited (and twice as expensive as whole coffee beans).
Lack of control and potential troubles regarding coffee freshness. Ground coffee degrades very quickly and stale coffee will produce lesser taste and crema. High-pressure extraction (compared to slow-process brewing) acts like a magnifying glass – small changes can make a big difference. Also, the selection of coffees available in pod format are limited (and twice as expensive as whole coffee beans).
Shopping Tips
Some pod-ready machines can be used with either pods or ground coffee. This best-of-both-worlds approach involves using an adapter or different portafilter.
Some pod-ready machines can be used with either pods or ground coffee. This best-of-both-worlds approach involves using an adapter or different portafilter.
