Why are pod machines with automatic ejection and a collection tank unhygienic?

Choosing a coffee machine is often a decision based on convenience, drink quality, and ease of maintenance. Among pod systems, one of the most convenient models seems to be those with automatic ejection and a collection tank: the used pod is automatically removed after brewing. However, this feature presents technical challenges, especially in terms of hygiene and coffee quality.

Coffee pods, unlike capsules, have a paper casing that tends to retain moisture and coffee residue. This isn't the case with plastic capsules, which seal the contents longer but aren't compostable and therefore unsustainable from an environmental perspective.

(To learn more about the difference between pods and capsules, read our article here .)

At Aroma, we have always chosen pods for their sustainability and have decided not to design machines with a collection tank for used pods, precisely to guarantee safety and hygiene for our consumers.

How automatic ejection works

The automatic ejection function, with a dedicated container for collecting used pods, features an internal compartment where used pods are ejected immediately after each use, without the need for manual intervention. Each pod, once used, falls into the internal container, where it remains until the compartment is emptied. While this feature may seem advantageous for those looking to reduce the steps required to prepare coffee, it presents some critical issues related to maintenance and hygiene.

Humidity and bacteria: an environment favorable to proliferation

When used pods accumulate in the container, they release coffee grounds and a small amount of moisture. This moisture, combined with the heat inside the machine, creates a favorable environment for the growth of bacteria and mold. Even if the container is emptied regularly, a damp film and coffee grounds often remain in the collection chamber, which are difficult to completely remove. This hygiene issue translates not only into a potential risk of contamination, but also into unpleasant odors and a deterioration in the taste of the coffee.

Limited cleaning and the problem of invisible accumulation

Pod machines with automatic ejection require constant and careful maintenance of the tank. Their closed design makes access to internal parts difficult. Over time, invisible residues can accumulate, generating unpleasant odors and compromising the quality of the coffee. Furthermore, bacteria can proliferate in hidden areas, making it even more difficult to maintain high hygiene standards.

How Aroma machines solve these problems

Aroma machines are designed with a manual system that allows you to manage the used pod immediately after making coffee. Thanks to their open design and easy access, our models allow for quick and thorough cleaning. After use, the pod is ejected manually, preventing moisture from building up in the compartment and minimizing the possibility of lingering residue.

Simplicity, safety, and quality: Aroma has decided not to design machines with automatic ejection and a storage tank, precisely to ensure greater hygiene control. With a simple gesture, the pod press can be easily emptied and cleaned, without leaving residue that could compromise the flavor of the coffee or encourage the growth of bacteria.

The advantages of the manual system for a purer and safer coffee

Choosing a manual system means choosing consistent coffee quality, prepared in a clean and safe environment. With the manual system, each pod is handled individually and doesn't remain in the pod compartment for long, eliminating any risk of flavor alterations due to residue buildup. Furthermore, the design of Aroma machines allows for easy disassembly of key parts for periodic and thorough cleaning, ensuring your coffee experience remains consistently enjoyable.

Aroma's philosophy: quality and hygiene at the service of the consumer

Aroma believes that every cup of coffee should reflect the quality of the blend and the machine used, without compromising hygiene. For this reason, our machines are designed for simple and safe use, without any elements that could hinder maintenance. All components are designed to last a long time and be easily accessible for cleaning, without the need for complex technical interventions. The filter holder on Aroma machines is removable and detachable, so with a simple movement, it can be completely disassembled and cleaned. A fixed filter holder does not allow for the removal of coffee deposits that form inside. Washing the filter holder with plain water once a week ensures consistently delicious coffee that is safe for consumers' health.

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Our decision not to use an automatic ejection system with a collection tank reflects a philosophy that puts the consumer first: consistently fresh, contamination-free coffee, and a machine that lasts over time, reflecting Aroma's values of quality and sustainability. Thanks to our attention to detail and the use of durable, easy-to-clean materials, our machines represent an investment not only in the quality of our coffee, but also in the health and safety of our customers.