Technical developments simplify our lives in many ways. But is it always the case that you ensure an increased joie de vivre and that simplification is synonymous with better quality? Using capsules and pads for coffee preparation is modern and practical. But what do the relatively newly created preparation forms of the freshly ground bean do and what not?

Coffee capsules

The “Nespresso” system from Nestlé, in which capsules are used for the preparation of coffee in special machines, is already over 40 years old, but was only able to prevail a few years ago. Critics claim that the product is not improved, but a newly oriented advertising strategy. In the meantime, the devices are widespread and available in many versions. In addition to the simple coffee, many coffee specialties are now also offered, such as espresso, latte macchiato and others. Even flavored drinks can be prepared with the Nespresso machines. The assertion of some consumers that the drinks somehow taste artificial is a matter of taste. But it could also be because the raw material coffee cannot be used pure. It must be converted and prepared “capsule -friendly”. After that, it must be durable and despite all the production steps, the contents of the capsule must taste like coffee after preparation.

However, the biggest shortcoming is the environmental pollution from the empty capsules. They are made of aluminum and therefore recyclable, but must first be produced extensively and fed afterwards.

Coffee pads

Coffee pads offer the opportunity to quickly drink a hot drink of constant taste. In the meantime, they have been on the market for more than a decade, but could not prevail on a large scale. Coffee broth systems for the gastronomy, which worked on the basis of the technology developed for Senseo, had no chance. Somehow they look like a marginal phenomenon in the coffee world. Most coffee drinkers referred to the taste of a coffee from a pad as acceptable, but in no way outstanding. Compared to the capsules, pads offer the advantage that the remains are completely degradable. The purchase of a special coffee pad machine needs to be considered due to the follow -up costs. Compared to the whole bean, pads are much more expensive compared to the amount of coffee/gram. Both the use of capsules and pads requires the purchase of a separate device. The decision for one of them binds it to the chosen preparation type.

Coffee beans

Fresh beans require a higher effort because you always have to grind the coffee first. But keep in mind: the taste is in the beans! Only when these are ground does the unique aroma of the coffee develop. If this has happened, the coffee should be consumed as soon as possible, because the longer the contact with the air lasts, the more the components that matters. Anyone who makes the comparison will find that the original is still the best. Enjoy your coffee freshly brewed in the cup or pot or use the proven French-press system. Brewed coffee should never be in contact with oxygen over a longer period of time. It not only loses taste, but may become bitter and therefore even inedible. Better fresh coffee again and again. If the preparation in the cup, the jug or fench-press does not agree, consider a one-time purchase: a fully automatic coffee machine not only grinds the coffee fresh for every cup, but also presses the hot water with the necessary pressure through the powder. A cup of coffee prepared in this way contains all the digestible substances of the drink, with the harmful remaining in the powder. In addition, the aroma is protected by the fine crema on the coffee to the last sip.