Pacific Coffee Launches First Capsule Coffee Machine

If you’ve ever wanted to recreate café-quality drinks at home without the hassle of grinding, tamping, or mastering espresso techniques, you’re not alone. The challenge isn’t just equipment—it’s having a simple, reliable system that delivers consistent results with minimal effort. In 2012, one major coffee chain in China set out to change that with a new kind of home solution.

Pacific Coffee launched its first brand-owned capsule coffee machine and nine drink capsules in mainland China on October 17, 2012. Designed for ease and versatility, the machine works with both coffee and tea capsules, offering a streamlined way to make everything from espresso to milk tea at home or in the office.

A Designer Collaboration with a Cause

The launch event unveiled the "Pinocchio" capsule machine, reimagined with artwork by renowned Chinese artist Liu Ye. Each designer-edition machine sold contributed 100 RMB to the Operation Smile education charity for children in rural China. Spanish bartenders also demonstrated how to mix coffee capsules with spirits, showcasing the machine’s potential for creative, cross-cultural drinks.

The Machine: Specs and Features

The Pacific Coffee capsule machine is built with German engineering. It offers 19-bar pressure for optimal extraction, automatic capsule ejection, and adjustable cup height. Its compact dimensions (150W x 378D x 297H mm) and sleek red, white, black, or silver finish suit any setting. Operation is simple—just two steps to brew. The machine retails for 2,680 RMB.

Nine Drink Capsules, Endless Combinations

The machine works with a range of Pacific Coffee-branded capsules: Colombian Supremo, Espresso Blend, Breakfast Blend, Black Tea, Lemon Green Tea, Camomile Tea, Peppermint Tea, Milk, and Chocolate. Each capsule holds premium ingredients—selected coffee beans, loose-leaf teas, fresh milk, and chocolate—all sealed to preserve aroma. Capsules retail for 88 RMB per box of 16. Users can mix and match to create customized drinks, from lattes to mochas to British-style tea blends.

Special Launch Offer

Until December 31, 2012, customers who bought the machine in Pacific Coffee stores in mainland China received a K-fee capsule starter pack (20 capsules, 5 each of 4 flavors) and an 85% discount on additional PCC-branded capsules.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Pacific Coffee capsule coffee machine?

The Pacific Coffee capsule coffee machine is a 19-bar pressure, German-engineered home brewer released in 2012. It features automatic capsule ejection, adjustable cup height, and a compact design. It works with Pacific Coffee’s proprietary capsules, which include coffee and tea varieties.

How much does the Pacific Coffee capsule machine cost?

The Pacific Coffee capsule coffee machine was priced at 2,680 RMB at launch in 2012. It featured a sleek design in red, white, black, or silver and was built for both home and office use.

What types of capsules are compatible with the machine?

The machine is designed to work with nine Pacific Coffee capsules: Colombian Supremo, Espresso Blend, Breakfast Blend, Black Tea, Lemon Green Tea, Camomile Tea, Peppermint Tea, Milk, and Chocolate. These can be used individually or mixed for custom drinks.

Does the machine support customizable drinks?

Yes, users can combine different capsules to create a variety of drinks, such as lattes, mochas, and tea blends. The system allows for mix-and-match functionality beyond standard single-serve coffee.

Was there a charity component to the launch?

Yes, each limited-edition capsule machine featuring art by Liu Ye contributed 100 RMB to the Operation Smile charity for educating children in rural China. Spanish bartenders also demonstrated cocktail-style capsule mixing at the event.

What was included in the launch promotion?

Buyers who purchased the machine before December 31, 2012, received a free K-fee capsule pack (20 capsules, 5 each of 4 flavors) and an 85% discount on other PCC-branded capsules in Pacific Coffee stores across mainland China.

Recommended FrontStreet Blends for Capsule Brewing

For those inspired by Pacific Coffee’s capsule system, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend offers the rich crema and balance ideal for espresso-based drinks, while the Specialty Blend captures the nuanced flavours of a well-rounded coffee shop experience. Both are expertly roasted for home brewers seeking café-quality results. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.