Most of these capsules and pods have one thing in common, though: they’re petite plastic containers filled with a single dose of coffee. Some brands, like Tassimo, also offer tea or sizzling chocolate options, and each manufacturer has a wide range of flavors and types of coffee to choose from.
One exception to this rule is Effortless Serving Espresso (ESE) capsules: instead of a petite plastic cup, they resemble a tea bag filled with coffee grounds. You’ll often see them as 44mm ESE capsules, which is the standard size they come in. Unlike all other types of coffee capsules and pods, ESE capsules can be used in any manual coffee machine with a compatible filter basket – you don’t have to buy a specific type of machine.
Will every capsule or pod fit every coffee machine?
No, definitely not. Even Nespresso capsules come in standard and Vertuo versions, and they are not interchangeable – you have to operate the right capsule for your type of machine.
Similarly, you cannot operate different capsules from different manufacturers: Dolce Gusto capsules by Nescafè, A Modo Mio by Lavazza, and Nespresso and Vertuo capsules by Nestlé only work in specially designed machines.
As we mentioned, you can operate 44mm ESE capsules with any compatible coffee machine. Some will just require a filter basket replacement, while others require special add-on kits to add ESE support. If you’re not sure if your machine is compatible, check your machine’s manual before spending your money.
Do all coffee capsules and pods produce the same type of coffee?
No. Capsules and pods allow you to brew a wide range of different strengths and styles of coffee.
Manufacturers often include a strength rating on the labels of capsules or pods to give you an idea of the strength of the coffee you’re getting. You can also choose from a wide range of different blends and styles of coffee.
For example, in addition to the different blends and flavors, the Nespresso range of capsules are designed to produce different amounts of coffee. Some are designed to produce a forceful ristretto shot, some for a slightly larger shot of espresso, and some for a much larger cup of lungo. Of course, you can experiment, but making a lungo drink from a ristretto or espresso capsule – or vice versa – may not yield the best results.
Are coffee capsules harmful to the environment?
If you’re eco-conscious and worried about creating plastic waste every time you fancy a cup of coffee, don’t worry. Manufacturers like Nespresso produce aluminium capsules that not only have the advantage of being infinitely recyclable, but also keep the coffee inside fresh.
It must be admitted that recycling Nespresso capsules is not the easiest process. You will have to order (free) Recycling bag with Nespresso and arrange curbside pickup as soon as it is filled. If curbside pickup is not available, you will need to take your used capsules to a collection point. See Nespresso website For more information on recycling options.
If that sounds like too much trouble, you’ll be elated to know that Lavazza has developed a fully compostable capsule that you can throw in your food waste bin. Just remember, you’ll need a Lavazza capsule machine to operate them.
