General information about the capsule system
Capsule machines have become increasingly popular in recent years. They offer a quick and convenient way to prepare coffee, with each capsule containing just the right amount of coffee for one cup. This system minimizes waste and guarantees a fresh taste every time. However, as with any system, there are pros and cons to capsule machines.
Do you wish to directly know our final verdict and find out which capsule system is best for you? Or which coffee capsule system you should invest in? Then, please scroll all the way down.
beanarella
Cafissimo
Coffee B
Delizio
Dolce Gusto
ESE Pad-System
Iperespresso
Nespresso
Tassimo
Our Conclusion
beanarella
Beanarella combines traditional coffee expertise with modern technology and sustainability. As an innovative brand in the capsule coffee sector, Beanarella stands out for its high-quality coffee, exclusively using compostable coffee capsules and compostable coffee packaging.
The union of tradition and innovation
Beanarella is the only provider that allows one to customize their coffee machine. Moreover, another distinguishing feature is the use of empty capsules for any ground coffee and the use of pads.
Advantages:
- High-quality coffee: Beanarella emphasizes the highest quality standards at every production step. The only provider that can surpass Nespresso in taste.
- Sustainability-focused: Beanarella relies on Fair Trade and organically grown coffee, supporting both the environment and coffee producers.
- Flavor diversity: With 15 different organic fair-trade capsule varieties, they offer the largest range in Europe.
- Eco-friendly capsules and packaging: Both the coffee capsules and the packaging are 100% compostable.
- Customizable coffee machines: Whether personal photos, graphics, logos, or designs, one can customize a Beanarella Nori coffee machine to their liking.
- Usable empty capsules and pads: Beanarella is the only provider that allows the use of empty capsules for any ground coffee, as well as pads with their coffee machines.
- Coffee machines are made in Italy and all coffee machines are repaired in Switzerland (even after the 5 years warranty)
- 5 years warranty
Disadvantages:
- Price point: The combination of quality and sustainability can lead to higher prices. While the capsules are affordable for organic and fair-trade coffee, there are cheaper coffee capsules available.
- Market availability: Beanarella is available online and in some organic and Claro Fairtrade stores but not in Migros or Coop.
Cafissimo
Cafissimo is part of the traditional German company Tchibo. With a range of coffee and tea capsules specifically designed for the Cafissimo machines, it allows coffee lovers to prepare everything from classic espresso to a rich Caffè Crema and refreshing tea, all with a single machine. The biggest advantage is its availability in Coop branches and the ability to also use tea capsules.
Advantages:
- Variety: In addition to various coffee types, Tchibo also offers a selection of teas for the Cafissimo system.
- Availability: Tchibo Cafissimo is available in Coop branches.
Disadvantages:
- Plastic capsules: The capsules consist of several parts of plastic and therefore cannot be effectively recycled.
- Coffee machines: The coffee machines are made in China.
- Coffee taste: The coffee flavor, compared to other systems, is also rather average.
Coffee B
Coffee B is the new capsule system from Migros. With Coffee B, alongside beanarella, there is now the second capsule system featuring compostable coffee capsules. The advantages of Coffee B lie in the compostability of the coffee capsules and their availability in every Migros branch.
Advantages:
- Compostable coffee capsules.
- Available in every Migros store.
Disadvantages:
- Unfortunately, only the coffee capsules are compostable, not the entire packaging. The packaging is coated, making it difficult to recycle.
- In terms of the sustainability of the coffee, the system hasn't been thoroughly thought through. Only a few coffees are from organic farming or are Fairtrade certified.
- Average coffee taste.
- No traditional drum roasting. This can mean that the coffees might be harder on the stomach.
- The coffee machines are made in China.
Delizio
After Nespresso, Delizio is the number 2 brand in the Swiss market. The biggest advantage of Delizio lies in the availability of its coffee capsules. Every Migros branch offers Delizio coffee capsules.
Advantages:
- Flavor variety: A wide range of coffee types offers diversity in the cup.
- Availability: Delizio capsules are available at Migros.
Disadvantages:
- Sustainability: Few organic and fair-trade coffees available, and the capsules are made of plastic.
- Roasting type: Absence of traditional drum roasting. This can cause the coffee to have a quicker impact on the stomach.
- The coffee machines are made in China.
Dolce Gusto
Dolce Gusto, a brand by Nestlé, offers much more than just coffee. With its innovative capsule system, Dolce Gusto brings a variety of hot beverages right to your home - from Espresso to Latte Macchiato, including cocoa and tea.
A festival of flavors
The main advantage of Dolce Gusto clearly lies in the preparation of mixed beverages rather than in pure coffee.
Advantages:
- Versatility: With a wide range of capsule options, you can prepare coffee, cocoa, tea, and even cold drinks.
- Ease of use: The system is intuitive and allows for a quick beverage preparation.
Disadvantages:
- Environmental impact: The plastic capsules are neither biodegradable nor compostable.
- Coffee taste: Those who mainly drink coffee at home should consider buying a coffee machine from another brand.
- The coffee machines are made in China.
ESE Pad System
The ESE pad system is one of the oldest and most straightforward solutions for espresso preparation. ESE stands for "Easy Serving Espresso" and describes pre-portioned coffee pads. They were developed to provide consistency and convenience for espresso drinkers, regardless of the machine brand.
Uniform quality with every brew
Each ESE pad contains the exact amount of coffee needed to prepare a top-quality espresso. The pads themselves are sealed between two layers of filter paper, ensuring consistent extraction. Unfortunately, these pads also contain plastic fibers, which often leads to incorrect disposal.
Advantages:
- Consistency: The pre-portioned pads ensure consistent quality with every espresso.
- Universality: ESE pads are compatible with a wide variety of espresso machines.
Disadvantages:
- Sustainability: ESE pads are often individually packaged. Additionally, it's commonly assumed that the filter paper is compostable, even though it contains plastic fibers. When such pads are composted, it's a disaster as the plastic fibers remain in the soil for centuries.
Iperespresso
illy's Iperespresso system embodies the company's decades of coffee expertise and promises to deliver the perfect espresso every time. The Iperespresso capsule system by Illy is almost exclusively focused on preparing an espresso. Those who exclusively enjoy drinking espressos should take a closer look at this system.
Advantages:
- Good espresso quality: Iperespresso clearly showcases its strength in espresso preparation.
Disadvantages:
- Price point: Iperespresso capsules are quite expensive.
- Sustainability: The capsules are made of plastic, and there are no organic or Fair Trade coffees available.
- Long coffees: For anything other than espresso preparation, unfortunately, Iperespresso is not suitable.
Nespresso
Nespresso, a subsidiary of Nestlé, is the most known and widespread capsule system. With a wide range of machines and a variety of coffee flavors, Nespresso offers a premium coffee experience at home. The advantages of Nespresso lie in the ease of use of the coffee machines and the availability of numerous third-party capsules.
Advantages:
- Easy handling and quick preparation of the coffee machines
- High consistency in taste
- Broad selection of coffee types and flavors
- Numerous third-party capsules available
Disadvantages:
- Cost per cup is very high compared to other capsule systems
- Waste production due to single-use capsules; even if they are recyclable, very few are actually recycled
- The coffees are not sustainable. No organic or fair-trade coffees
- Absence of traditional drum roasting. This can lead to the coffee affecting the stomach more quickly.
- The coffee machines are made in China.
Tassimo
As a brand under Jacobs Douwe Egberts, Tassimo represents a fusion of technology and taste, allowing for the preparation of a variety of hot beverages at the simple press of a button. From classic espresso to creamy cocoa drinks, Tassimo offers a wide selection. Much like Dolce Gusto, Tassimo's strength lies in the diversity of mixed beverages.
Advantages:
- Beverage selection: From coffee to tea to hot chocolate drinks, Tassimo offers a broad range.
- Partnerships: Tassimo collaborates with renowned brands such as Jacobs, Milka, and Twinings to ensure a high-quality beverage selection.
Disadvantages:
- Environmental impact: The T-Discs are made of plastic, raising concerns about environmental footprint.
- Coffee taste: Those who drink exclusively coffee at home might want to consider buying another coffee machine.
- The coffee machines are made in China.
Our Conclusion:
Nespresso stands out for its ease of use, allowing even newcomers to prepare coffee in a short time. Furthermore, the taste consistency of Nespresso coffee is impressive, and the wide variety of flavors and types of coffee caters to nearly every preference. An additional benefit is the ability to use third-party capsules, further expanding the selection.
On the other hand, beanarella emphasizes the highest quality standards at every step of production. It's remarkable how this system can even surpass Nespresso in terms of flavor. beanarella's commitment to sustainability is evident in its support for fair trade and organic coffee, an initiative that benefits both the environment and coffee producers. Their range of 15 different organic fair trade capsule varieties is outstanding and is considered the broadest selection in Europe. The 100% compostable capsules and packaging are another strong point. Additionally, beanarella's coffee machines can be customized, be it with personal photos, graphics, logos, or designs. Moreover, the coffee machines are produced in Italy and offer the possibility to use both empty capsules for any ground coffee as well as pads. A particular bonus is the traditional drum roasting, which, when combined with organic coffee, results in a low-acid, stomach-friendly, and healthy coffee.
In summary, if you're looking for a machine that's easy to use with quick preparation, Nespresso is the right choice for you. However, if you place a high value on sustainability, quality, and individuality, you should consider beanarella. Both brands offer excellent taste and quality.