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What is a capsule coffee machine?

Amina23 JULY 2026
A black Dolce Gusto coffee machine makes espresso on a white worktop, beside pink capsules, a box, chopping boards and a sink.

Capsule coffee machines let you brew coffee in a matter of seconds, making them a practical choice when you're short on time and want a quick cup. Discover how a capsule coffee machine works, the drinks you can make with it, and what sets it apart from the other types of coffee machines.

How does a capsule coffee machine work?

A hand places a capsule into a black L'OR coffee machine, with the lid open and water tank visible in warm kitchen light.

A capsule coffee machine let’s you prepare coffee quickly and easily every day. Thanks to the pre-portioned capsules, you can brew a cup in no time without having to measure the right amount of coffee and water yourself. Here's how to prepare a cup of coffee with a capsule coffee machine:

  1. Fill the water tank to the indicated level.
  2. Switch on the machine.
  3. Place a cup under the coffee outlet.
  4. Insert a capsule into the machine and close the capsule compartment.
  5. Press the button that matches your preferred coffee size.
  6. After a few seconds, your coffee is ready.

Ontdek de koffiemachines met capsules

What sort of coffee can you make with a capsule machine?

A black Dolce Gusto coffee machine with a tall latte stands in the centre, surrounded by different glasses of coffee on a white background.

Capsule coffee machines offer a wide variety of drinks and flavours. At the touch of a button, you can prepare the coffee you’re in the mood for, from a smooth latte to a strong espresso, lungo, americano and more. Some machines prepare not only coffee but also tea, hot chocolate and other hot or cold beverages. If you’d like to top your coffee with creamy milk foam, you can use a milk frother. That way, you can also make milk-based coffee specialities, such as cappuccino and latte macchiato.

Which coffee machine should you choose?

Which brands sell capsule coffee machines?

A yellow and black Nespresso machine stands on white blocks, surrounded by glasses of coffee and colourful capsules on a beige background.

Several brands sell capsule coffee machines, with Dolce Gusto, Nespresso and Philips among the best known. Some machines are designed to work with a single type of capsule, while others are compatible with a wider range of capsule brands or formats. For example, the Philips L'OR Barista coffee machine is compatible with many capsules, including Nespresso-compatible capsules. When buying a capsule coffee machine, check whether it’s compatible with the capsules for your favourite coffee or drink.

The differences between Dolce Gusto and Nespresso

What to do with used coffee pods?

A hand drops a used coffee capsule into a bin lined with a yellow bag, beside an open appliance or cupboard in the kitchen.

If you take good care of your capsule coffee machine, it will serve you well for years.. Regular maintenance helps extend its lifespan and keeps it performing at its best. Used coffee capsules can also be recycled in Belgium. You no longer need to take used coffee pods to a collection point: you can throw them into the blue PMD bag without emptying them.

How do you maintain a capsule machine?

A hand cleans the spout of a coffee machine with a cloth, beside a removable tray and loose parts on the kitchen worktop.

Maintaining a capsule coffee machine helps extend its lifespan and maintain consistent coffee quality. Use the appropriate maintenance products and follow these steps to maintain your capsule coffee machine:

  • Clean the used capsule container, drip tray and water tank every day.
  • Descale the machine at least every 3 months to prevent limescale build-up.
  • Rinse the machine daily by running a cup of water through it without inserting a capsule.
  • onlook out for signs that your coffee machine needs maintenance, such as unusual noises, warning lights, reduced water flow or a change in the taste of your coffee.

Buy your favourite capsule coffee machine

Advice on capsule coffee machines from MediaMarkt Belgium

A black L'OR coffee machine fills a glass with iced coffee, beside capsules and the words HOT and ICED on a two-colour background.

A capsule coffee machine is a simple and convenient way to enjoy great coffee every day. Thanks to pre-portioned capsules, you can prepare a cup in seconds without measuring the right amount of coffee yourself. Some machines also let you make tea, hot chocolate and other hot or cold drinks. With proper maintenance, including the use of the right cleaning products and descaling every 3 months, your capsule coffee machine will last longer.

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