Various beverage preparation systems, components, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system includes a brewer machine and a beverage pod. The brewer machine can include a brew chamber unit, which can receive the beverage pod. The brew chamber unit can be adapted to receive multiple beverage pod types. Some embodiments include a drawer that includes the brew chamber and that moves to present the brew chamber unit to a user. Certain embodiments include locking mechanisms.

A pack for preparing a food or beverage product is disclosed, as well as methods of use thereof. The pack includes an insert comprising at least one primary fluid inlet with aqueous and gaseous fluid injection inlets, as well as a container where the ingredient or ingredients are stored, wherein the aqueous fluid injection inlet and the gaseous fluid injection inlet communicate with the inner volume of the container. Also disclosed is a machine for use with the pack in preparing a food or beverage product, a system containing the pack and the machine, and methods of use of the system containing the pack and machine.

A beverage preparation machine includes a fluid system comprising a fluid source, a pump, a heating element, at least two container holders adapted for receiving ingredient containers, and a control unit for controlling the fluid system to prepare a beverage by mixing fluid with the beverage ingredient contained in the containers to produce a mixed beverage component in each of the containers. The control unit is further arranged to dispense part or whole of the mixed components sequentially or simultaneously to produce the beverage. The container holders differ from one another for holding containers of different sizes and/or types. Separate fluid injection interfaces have different structural and kinematic configurations and are arranged for independently delivering fluid in one of the corresponding ingredient containers. Each interface is connected to the fluid system and adapted to a different container.

A capsule is designed for insertion in a centrifugal beverage production device for preparing a beverage from a substance contained in the capsule by introducing liquid in the capsule and passing the liquid through the substance using centrifugal forces. The capsule includes a body having a bottom end and an open end spaced apart in the axial direction, an upper wall for covering the body at the open end along a direction transverse to the axial direction, and an enclosure between the body and the upper wall containing a predetermined amount of beverage substance. The capsule further includes an annular pressure-setting ring configured for adjusting the backpressure in the beverage production device. The pressure-setting ring provides an improved coffee in-cup quality. A set of capsules can have pressure-setting rings of different dimensions for setting different backpressure when engaged in a centrifuging beverage production device.

A disposable beverage bag, filled with beverage material, for use in preparing a beverage in connection with single-serve beverage brewing machines. The beverage bag is preferably made from environmentally-friendly woven or knitted materials that are biodegradable, compostable and/or recyclable, or any other suitable stretchy, water-permeable, eco-friendly material. The beverage bag offers an easy, convenient, cost-effective and mess-free way to prepare beverages, and easy, eco-friendly disposal. The beverage bag can be configured to work with any beverage brewing machine, and it can be filled with any suitable beverage material, including coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. An adapter comprising a gasket and plug can be installed in the beverage machine to allow for the beverage bag to be used without the need for a reusable cup.

A method for brewing Japanese-style iced coffee with a single-serve beverage dispenser includes dispensing heated water onto coffee grounds disposed within a brew chamber of a brew module, flowing brewed coffee from the brew chamber into an ice chamber of an iced coffee module, the brewed coffee flowing over ice within the ice chamber, and flowing the iced brewed coffee from the ice chamber into a container. A related single-serve beverage dispenser is also provided.

An apparatus for making beverages, which uses capsules containing a food substance, comprising a forward movement duct for a capsule which extends between an infeed section and an extraction unit, an image acquisition device associated with a first side of the forward movement duct and facing towards an opposite side so as to frame a predetermined portion of an inner surface of the forward movement duct, a pattern having a known shape present in the predetermined portion, wherein an electronic processing unit is programmed to receive a first image acquired by the image acquisition device, and to perform an inspection step, during which the processing unit inspects the first image, a classification step, in which it classifies the first image as corresponding to an image of the transit zone-occupied by a capsule or not, and a control step, in which it controls the operation of the apparatus depending on the result of the classification step.

Unit, capsule and method for preparing infusions. The unit comprises a capsule (2) and a device (100) for preparing infusions. The capsule (2) has a cup-shaped main body (6) open at one end. This end is closed with a lid (26) and forms an inner chamber (4). From said end there projects a perimetrical rim (12) having a sealing member (14) with an annular groove (16) formed between the side wall (18) of the main body (6) and a remote wall (20). The device (100) comprises an enclosing member (102) configured to receive the capsule (2) and having a leading sealing edge (104) which, in the operative position, is inserted in the groove (16) and is sealingly compressed simultaneously on the side wall (18) of the main body (6) and the remote wall (20). The invention also relates to a method for preparing infusions with this unit.

A brewing system for brewing a single flavored beverage of different varieties is disclosed which comprises a holder for receiving a flavored beverage packet (pod) of different sizes, said holder being a technically cantilevered receptacle to hold the flavored beverage packet (pod) beverage in a brewing position, a hinged cover which is secured by a latch, and introduces water in the sealed and enclosed brewing area to produce a flavored beverage drink that flows through the beverage packet and into a receptacle for consumption.

A multi-purpose beverage pod holder for a beverage brewing apparatus is disclosed comprising a flange adapted to be received in a slot in the brewing apparatus, a screen disposed orthogonal with the flange for allowing fluid to pass therein through, a first cylindrical wall encircling the screen on a first surface of the pod holder, the first cylindrical wall having a first diameter and defining a first packet retainer, and a second cylindrical wall encircling the screen on an opposite surface of the pod holder, the second cylindrical wall having a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter and defining a second packet retainer. The pod holder can be used to brew both espresso and coffee in the same machine depending upon the orientation of the pod holder.