"closed" ingredient systems
POD MACHINES
Pod machines are they latest arrivals on the market and as such are enjoying a wave of popularity. The very term "pod" can cause confusion as there are many different types of items called pods. Some are circular tea-bag type things which fit into the machines and water is then pressed through. Even this can be confusing as there are different sizes of teabag style pods! The ESE pod seems to be getting the upper hand and many machines will now accept these pods.
Other pods are nothing like teabags! They are capsule which are punctured when inside the machine. Again, there are many different types of pods, with each manufacturer developing pods that are unique to their machines. Lavazza have several different types of pods. When buying pods, please make sure that you tell the retailer EXACTLY which machine (make and model) that they are for.
There is virtually no cleaning required on many pod machines, but some like the Lavazza (above) have steam arms and it's good practice to have a damp cloth handy at all times by any machine which has a milk steamer / frother. This should be used to wipe the steam arm immediately after each use to prevent a build up of dried milk from forming . If you are selling the coffee, then the relatively high cost need not be an issue. Ideal sites for these machines are canteens, restaurants, pubs, clubs, where high quality drinks are required. As the machines can be either tank-fill or plumbed in, they are also suitable for meeting rooms, or boardrooms where a high quality drink is required, but where the room is not in constant use.
+ Plusses
· Excellent Drink Quality
· Easy to use
· Low maintenance
· Inexpensive to acquire
· Easy to keep clean
· Flexible drink quality
· Freshbrew drinks
· Drinks kept fresh
· No wastage
- Minuses
· Only “main” product is dispensed
· Milk and sugar added separately
· Very expensive drinks
· Can be messy with sachets, jiggers, to dispose of
· No jug facility
· Requires storage space
· Limited choice of drinks
