Why are pod machines with automatic ejection and collection tank not hygienic?
Choosing a coffee machine is a decision that is often based on the search for convenience, drink quality and ease of maintenance. Among the pod systems, one of the most convenient models seems to be the machines with automatic ejection and collection tank: the used pod is automatically removed after brewing. However, this function presents technical problems, especially from the point of view of hygiene and coffee quality.
Coffee pods, unlike capsules, have a paper casing that tends to retain moisture and coffee residues. This is not the case with plastic capsules, which insulate the contents for longer but are not compostable and therefore unsustainable for the environment.
(Read more about the difference between pods and capsules in 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 reservoir for collecting used pods, provides an internal compartment in which used pods are ejected immediately after each use, without the need for manual intervention. Each wafer, once used, falls into the internal container, where it remains until the compartment is emptied. Although this feature may seem advantageous for those who wish to reduce the steps required to prepare coffee, it presents some critical issues related to maintenance and hygiene.
Moisture and bacteria: a favourable environment for proliferation
When the spent pod accumulates in the container, it releases coffee residue and a small amount of moisture. This moisture, combined with the internal heat of the machine, creates a favourable environment for the proliferation of bacteria and mould. Even if the container is emptied regularly, a damp patina and coffee residues often remain in the collection compartment, which are difficult to remove completely. This hygiene problem results not only in a potential risk of contamination, but also in a bad smell and an altered coffee taste.
Limited cleaning and the problem of invisible accumulation
Pod machines with automatic ejection require constant and careful maintenance of the reservoir and not only that, but their closed design makes access to the internal parts difficult. Over time, invisible residues can accumulate, generating unpleasant odours and compromising coffee quality. In addition, bacteria can proliferate in hidden areas, making it even more difficult to maintain high standards of hygiene.
How Aroma machines solve these problems
Aroma machines are designed with a manual system that allows you to handle the used pod immediately after coffee preparation. With their open design and easy access, our models allow for quick and thorough cleaning. After use, the pod is ejected manually, preventing moisture from accumulating in the compartment and minimising the possibility of lingering residue.
Simplicity, safety and quality: Aroma has decided not to design machines with automatic ejection with an accumulation tank precisely to ensure greater hygiene control. With a simple gesture, the waffle press can be easily emptied and cleaned, leaving no residue that could compromise the taste of the coffee or encourage the proliferation of bacteria.
The advantages of the manual system for a purer and safer coffee
Choosing a manual system means you prefer coffee of consistent quality, prepared in a clean and safe environment. With the manual system, each pod is handled individually and does not remain in the pod chamber for long, thus eliminating any risk of taste alteration due to residue build-up. Furthermore, the design of the Aroma machines allows the main parts to be easily disassembled for periodic thorough cleaning, ensuring that the coffee experience remains 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 on hygiene. Precisely for this reason, our machines are designed for easy and safe use, with no elements to hinder maintenance. All components are designed to last a long time and to be easily accessible during cleaning, without the need for complex technical interventions. The filter holder of the Aroma machines is removable and detachable, so with a simple gesture you can completely dismantle the filter holder and clean it. A fixed filter holder does not allow the coffee deposits that form inside to be removed. Washing the filter holder once a week with simple water will ensure that your coffee is always tasty and safe for your health.
Our decision not to use an automatic ejection system with collection tank responds to a philosophy that puts the consumer first: coffee that is always fresh, free of contamination, and a machine that lasts, reflecting Aroma's values of quality and sustainability. With attention to detail and the use of durable, easy-to-clean materials, our machines represent an investment not only in coffee quality, but also in the health and safety of our customers.
