What's The Difference?: Capsules, Beans, Grounds

       Many people are unfamiliar with the pros and cons, and differences between capsules used in a capsule based espresso machine, beans, and grounds. However, it is very important to do your research especially when choosing a machine. 

       Before I get into the pros and cons of each type, let's first start with the basics and explain which is which! Capsules are tiny plastic or aluminum "containers" that are capped with either a filter paper or foil and the espresso or coffee is stored inside. Capsules became more popular as of recent years. Grounds on the other hand are coffee beans already grinded in a grinding machine and prepackaged. Whereas beans are the actual coffee beans, untouched from coffee plants. 

      Now onto the more important section, the pros and cons. 

       Beans and grounds have many similar pros and cons which are almost the complete opposite to those of capsules. However, there are many benefits as well as downfalls to beans that are separate from grounds, and vice versa. 

       Some perks to using capsules and the types of machines capsules fit in are:

• they are much smaller than true espresso machines
• a lot more convenient and quick (which is good for people always on the go)
• they are less expensive than your traditional espresso machine
• capsules come in a variety of flavours and roasts
• these machines can make drinks other than coffee (ie. tea, hot chocolate)

       However, there are a few cons to these types of machines:

• the taste of the espresso using capsules (although good, the capsule based machines are unable to deliver the full effect of a perfect, authentic tasting espresso)
• not all capsules fit into all capsule based machines
• although the machine is not very expensive, the capsules themselves are much more costly than beans or grouds

  When buying beans, you must remember that you have to grind them yourself using a grinder. This can be a pro or con depending on the person. Although it is time consuming, when grinding your own espresso beans you get to choose how coarse or fine you want them.

       Advantages to buying beans for your espresso machine:

• choosing the texture of your grinded beans (coarse, fine)
• always fresh tasting espresso
• can use any brand of espresso beans you please (unlike capsules)
• more active role in making your espresso
• always have the fresh coffee smell in your house after grinding your beans

       Disadvantages to using beans:

• more effort (to grind beans)
• more time
• have to clean out the grinder 
• machines are more expensive than capsule based

  As for grounds, some benefits include: 

• can use any brand of espresso grounds you want (unlike capsules)
• more active role in making your espresso
• more convenient than beans
• always ready to brew
• a more fresh tasting espresso than capsules

      Downfalls to choosing ground espresso:

• the grounds go stale in a short period of time 
• not as fresh as beans
• machines are more expensive than capsule based

When choosing grounds vs. beans be sure to consider convenience, freshness, and control. 

       Everyone has a different opinion on which type - capsule, grounds, beans - they prefer and before you choose which type, do your research and test them out.

Follow all our social media to see the type we prefer and visit our website at www.espressobella.ca  for our showroom address. Come in anytime to try our freshly grinded espresso beans and to view all the different types of machines we carry. (you can also find them on our website)

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