Portugal is a country of coffee lovers. The numbers don't lie: according to the AICC and the European Coffee Federation, each Portuguese person consumes an average of 2.5 cups of coffee daily. That translates to 5 kg of coffee per person per year!
While the majority of coffee consumption in Portugal traditionally took place outside the home, this trend has changed in recent years, especially after the pandemic. Between 2020 and 2021, sales of domestic coffee machines increased by 200%! Thus, the habit of enjoying a good cup of coffee at home has become more prevalent.
However, not all coffee is created equal. According to Marktest, 2 out of every 3 Portuguese households have a capsule coffee machine... But is that the best option?
In this article, we compare the differences between automatic, manual, and capsule coffee machines, as well as the pros and cons of each option.
What is an automatic coffee machine?
Clicking a button and having a coffee ready in seconds, with the beans freshly ground at the moment. This is the main feature of automatic coffee machines, which simplify the process of making coffee to the maximum.
An automatic coffee machine, also known as a super-automatic coffee machine, is a marvel of modern coffee technology. Its operation occurs in three phases: grinding, dosing, and preparation.
Grinding: A perfect coffee starts with the bean. Automatic coffee machines are equipped with built-in grinders. After adding your preferred coffee beans, the machine grinds the beans to the perfect consistency. This ensures the freshest flavor possible, as the coffee is ground immediately before brewing.
Dosing and compaction: These machines automatically measure the right amount of coffee and press it with the correct pressure. Consistent compaction is crucial for a uniform coffee extraction.
Coffee extraction: With the press of a button, the machine forces hot water at high pressure through the compacted ground coffee. This process, known as extraction, is what creates the rich and concentrated coffee.
What is a manual coffee machine?
Manual coffee machines are an excellent option for true coffee enthusiasts who appreciate a hands-on and personalized approach to coffee preparation. These machines typically require the user to handle the grinding, dosing, and control of the coffee extraction process.
In this case, it is possible to start with pre-ground coffee or grind the coffee beans just before brewing (which helps preserve more flavor in the coffee).Fortunately, it is also possible to do the grinding process at home, using an electric grinder or a traditional manual grinder. Then, the ground coffee is added to the coffee filter, compacted, and placed in the machine for extraction.
How does a capsule coffee machine work?
As the name suggests, capsule coffee machines use pre-packaged coffee capsules to prepare espresso. These machines are extremely convenient and offer a wide variety of flavors and types of coffee.
Each capsule contains a measured amount of ground coffee, sealed to preserve the maximum possible flavor. These capsules are available in a variety of flavors, blends, and even options for tea or hot chocolate. This variety can be a significant advantage for users who enjoy exploring different flavors without the hassle of measuring or grinding beans.
Making coffee couldn't be simpler: choose the capsule, insert it into the machine, and press a button. The machine punctures the capsule and forces hot water to pass through it under high pressure, extracting the coffee.
One of the biggest advantages of capsule machines is the consistency of the produced coffee. Each capsule is designed to yield a perfect cup, eliminating variables like grind size and compaction pressure that can affect espresso quality in traditional machines. However, as we will see next, there are other factors to consider in this choice.
Differences between automatic, manual, and capsule coffee machines
When comparing automatic, manual, and capsule espresso machines, it's important to evaluate them on various key parameters: coffee flavor, convenience, flexibility, maintenance and cleaning, and total cost per coffee.
Here's a detailed comparison:
| Criteria | Automatic Machine | Manual Machine | Capsule Machine |
| Coffee Flavor | Good (Consistent quality, but may lack flavour nuances) |
Excellent (Customizable settings for optimal flavor, but skill-dependent) |
Average (Consistent, but may lack freshness and depth) |
| Convenience | Good (Convenient, automated processes) |
Poor |
Excellent (Extremely easy to use, no technical knowlegde required) |
| Flexibility | Good (Fair Control, depending on settings) |
Excellent (High control over the entire process) |
Poor (Limited to capsule types, little control) |
| Maintenance and Cleaning | Average (Regular maintenance, often with self-cleaning) |
Good (Simpler mechanics regular cleaning needed) |
Excellent (Minimal cleaning and maintenance, fewer components) |
| Total Cost per Coffee | Excellent (Higher initial investment but diluted in cost per coffee) |
Good (Additional costs for accessories) |
Poor (Higher ongoing cost due to capsule prices) |
Cost per coffee: Automatic machine vs. Capsules
A particularly interesting detail in this comparison is the cost per coffee. In the following graph, we present the evolution of the total cost, including the machine acquisition cost and the cost of beans or capsules, between an automatic machine and a capsule machine.
Note: The comparison assumes an automatic machine priced at €339.90 and a cost of coffee beans at €10/kg, with an average of 120 coffees per kg of beans; for capsules, it assumes a capsule machine priced at €52.90 and a cost of €0.36 per capsule.
Options for every taste.
Despite all the differences between the various types of coffee machines, one thing is certain: we all want to enjoy a good cup of coffee, whether at home or on the go.
Fortunately, there is no shortage of excellent options. Today, we can afford to choose based on convenience, cost optimization per coffee, or greater flexibility and involvement in the process.
At Aquário, you will find everything you need to achieve the perfect cup. Explore our selection of automatic coffee machines, manual coffee machines, capsule coffee machines, coffee beans/powder, and coffee capsules.
Venture out, explore, and savor!
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