Abstract: A capsule for use in a coffee machine having a brew chamber, which capsule is formed from a ductile metal such as aluminium. The capsule has a generally frusto-conical form with an upper surface and a lower surface, an annular flange being provided at the lower surface. An annular seal is provided on the annular flange having first and second layers, wherein the first layer comprises long, well-bound fibres of a cellulose material.

Abstract: A frother comprising a chamber (1) for receiving milk or a liquid and a powder, drive means (2) adapted to drive a whisk (3), which whisk is adapted to rotate in the milk or milk based liquid to mix the milk or liquid with the powder, the frother further comprising heating means (4) adapted to heat the milk or liquid. A whisk is provided with cover means (11) arranged to prevent powder from settling into coils on the whisk.

Abstract: A capsule for use in a coffee machine having a generally frusto-conical form with an upper surface and a lower surface, an annular flange being provided at the lower surface. The annular flange is provided with annular sealing means which deforms plastically in use when engaged by a capsule cage of a coffee machine to provide a seal, the seal being held in position on the flange by one or more protrusions from the capsule wall.

Abstract: A filter holder for an espresso coffee machine comprising a handle (1) and an outer holder (2), which outer holder is adapted to receive a filter plate (8). The filter plate (8) comprises a plurality of upstanding elements such as truncated pyramids adapted to tear, in use, a surface of a coffee capsule. Between the pyramids a plurality of perforations allow passage of coffee from a capsule to a cup. The holder further comprising a retaining member, which retaining member is adapted to retain the capsule in position and to permit water or steam to be applied under pressure to a surface of the capsule remote from the surface adjacent to the filter plate, the water or steam penetrating the capsule surface to reach the coffee in the capsule.

Abstract: A filter holder for an espresso coffee machine comprising a handle (1) and an outer holder (2), which outer holder is adapted to receive a filter plate (8). The filter plate (8) comprises a plurality of upstanding elements such as truncated pyramids adapted to tear, in use, a surface of a coffee capsule. Between the pyramids a plurality of perforations allow passage of coffee from a capsule to a cup. The holder further comprising a retaining member, which retaining member is adapted to retain the capsule in position and to permit water or steam to be applied under pressure to a surface of the capsule remote from the surface adjacent to the filter plate, the water or steam penetrating the capsule surface to reach the coffee in the capsule.