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With Nespresso pods being the new trend, getting that quick cup of coffee at home is super easy. But seeing your trash can fill up with used pods week after week can be a little concerning.
You can almost feel the earth cringing with each disposable pod being dumped away.
Luckily, most machines are compatible with a more sustainable option like reusable Nespresso pods.
Finding the best types can go a long way in decreasing waste in the environment.
Since Nespresso has its own coffee pod line, some users may think finding a reusable capsule is out of the question. fortunately, this is not the case!
We put this review together for you to see which brands are the most effective, durable, and easy to use. It will also tell you which ones are compatible with certain machines to take the guesswork out.
What are the Best Reusable Nespresso Pods?
Even though Nespresso has its own (extensive) line of disposable coffee pods, there are third-party companies that have entered the market and have made great options that are compatible with your machine.
Here are some of our favorites:
Capmesso
In terms of convenience and ease of use, CAPMESSO’s reusable capsules are an excellent choice. These pods are compatible with the original Nespresso line and come with foil tops that stick to the refillable capsule.
Foil is all that is needed to cover the cap and then slide it into the machine. The results are better because of the sticker tops, and cleanup is a breeze.
This type of container is lightweight and not very durable. They’ll last you about a month if you use them every day. You’ll also need to replenish your supply of disposable tops.
As a result, these capsules serve as an intermediate solution. More environmentally friendly than single-use pods, but not as long-lasting as some other options.
RECAPS Top Rated Reusable Nespresso Capsules
RECAPS are made from food grade stainless steel pods and a food-grade silicone ring to stop leaks. This set includes three reusable pods, one tamper, and one plastic scoop.
These pods are compatible with most Original line products, including U&Umilk, Lattissima&Lattissma+, Essenza mini, Most of Inissia Series Pixie Series, CitiZ &CitiZ Milk, Gran Maestria & Maestria, Concept, Most of Le Cube, and Breville Creatista Plus BNE800BSS. It is not compatible with the Vertuo line machines.
Alchemy Bar Goods
For use with Original Nespresso machines, these refillable Alchemy Bar Goods pods are compatible because they are made of BPA-free plastic and can withstand high temperatures.
Using reusable Nespresso capsules is simple and convenient. Dishwasher-safe, too, so cleanup is a breeze. It’s not necessary to replace the coffee pod or any other component because the latching tops keep everything in its original place.
Latching tops are more expensive because the pressure that builds up before the water is released is lower and the crema that results is thinner. Using these reusable coffee pods will result in weaker and less authentic shots of espresso.
Seal Pod Reusable Capsules
The Seal Pod reusable caps come in a pack of 2. They are made from high-grade steel and come with 100 covers so you can pre-fill your capsules to save time in the future.
The Seal Pod refillable Nespresso capsules are compatible with the following Original line machines: Citiz, Citiz Milk, Concept, Essenza, Essenza Mini, Gran Maestria, KitchenAid, Latissima+, Latissima, Le Cube, Maestria, Pixie, U, and Umilk.
The I Cafilas are steel with a mesh lid to perfectly filter your coffee. The stainless steel is 100% BPA free and can be recycled. This set comes in a 3-pack with a reusable scoop.
These capsules are compatible with the following machines: Essenza & Essenza Krups, U & Umilk, Lattissima & Lattissma+, Inissia, Pixe, CitiZ & CitiZ Milk, Gran Maestria & Maestria, Concept, Le Cube.
My Cap
The My Cap foils are a unique way to create your own capsule out of old plastic pods.
This set comes with 100 foil seals with directions on how to re-seal previously used pods. They are made from food-safe materials and are 100% recyclable.
These pods are compatible with all Vertuo line machines.
AOZBZ
The AOZBZ set comes with two stainless steel refillable capsules and 100 foil lids.
They are lightweight and easy to store while also being 100% recyclable. The set includes one scoop and a brush for cleaning.
The AOZBZ pods are compatible with the following machines: Nespresso U, Citiz (not Fit For D110 And Prodigio Krups), Pixie, Le Cube, Maestria, Lattissima, Inissia, Concept, Nesspresso Essenza, and Essenza Expert.
Soprety
The Soprety stainless steel pod comes with one pod, one brush, and one scoop.
The pod is made from food-grade material and is BPA-free. The pod includes a silicone ring to prevent leaks while brewing.
This pod is compatible with the following machines: Nespresso U, CitiZ (Not Fit for D110 and Prodigio Krups), Le Cube, Maestria, Lattissima, Inissia, Concept.
MG Coffee
The MG Coffee stainless steel refillable pod is durable and easy to clean.
The pod includes a tamper that isn’t made of plastic, a brush, and a scoop. This pod is safe to use and is recyclable. This pod is best used with medium to fine grinds.
The MC Coffee pod is compatible with all Original line Nespresso machines except: Dolce Gusto, Nesspress Vertuoline, Nespresso Krups, Prodigio Krups, Pixie C60, Nesspress D50, Mueller, Nespresse Essenza C100, CITIZ TYPE XN 7006, Citiz C110, Inissia C40, Le Cube, D185, Krups CitiZ XN740B, Delongi EN 80 B inissia, Essenza Mini C30/C40, Lattissima One, Krups xn 7001, and U C50.
Are ALL Nespresso Machines Compatible with Reusable Pods
This is a tricky question. You can probably find a reusable coffee pod that is compatible with your machine, but very few are compatible with all Nespresso machines.
There are more reusable pod options for the Original line brand, but you have to do your research. Some pods are only compatible with certain models.
Although it is harder to find, there are some that are compatible with the Vertu line. Check the information before purchasing to be sure the pods will fit your machine.
See our list above to find out which refillable pods are compatible with each type of Nespresso product.
Questions to Ask Before Buying Refillable Capsules
Are they compatible with your machine?
This is the most important question to ask before buying a capsule.
Not all refillable capsules work in every type of Nespresso. It’s important to do your research before buying a reusable pod.
If you don’t get the right one, your pod may leak or even damage your machine.
What is the lid type?
Many pods come with disposable lids. Check the material to ensure they are recyclable to ensure you choose the best option for the environment.
The most sustainable route would be to find a pod with a reusable lid that can be cleaned before each use.
What material are they made out of?
Coffee capsules come in different materials. Some are made of plastic, while others are made of stainless steel.
Stainless steel will hold up better than plastic containers, while plastic containers are easier to clean.
How many are in a pack?
If you have multiple people living in your household, you may want to find a reusable pack that comes with more than one pod.
This way, you won’t have to clean and reuse one pod for multiple family members.
Are The Best Nespresso Reusable Pods Good
I believe that they are actually better than the pods that are branded for your Nespresso machine.
You can use your favorite coffee and grind it fresh so that you can still have the rich flavor and silky texture that you love.
You don’t have to worry about waste or buying the Nespresso recyclable bags to put the disposable pods in.
Benefits of Using Reusable Coffee capsules
Although Nespresso uses eco-friendly materials, the number of pods that go to waste after each use means extra waste for the environment.
Considering a reusable pod might be beneficial. Here are some other reasons why you should consider buying them.
You can use any coffee
Nespresso has a huge list of coffee flavors. But that doesn’t mean they have it all. One of the greatest things about refillable pods is you can use whatever coffee you like.
Just make sure the grounds match the recommended size for the pod.
Helps the environment
Refillable pods allow you to be more eco-friendly. Instead of throwing away handfuls of coffee pods each week, you only need to discard the used grinds and reuse the pod the next day.
Cheaper
Buying ground coffee is a lot cheaper than buying coffee pods. You aren’t paying for that extra packaging. Instead, find your favorite ground coffee for cheap and keep refilling those capsules.
You will be able to ground fresh coffee
Who knows when your coffee pod was packaged or how long it was sitting on the shelf at the store.
To ensure you have the freshest cup of coffee possible, you can grind your own beans and fill your reusable pod with fresh coffee for every brew.
How to Use Nespresso Refillable Capsules
Yes, it’s as simple as filling up your reusable pod and pressing brew! But, let’s break each step down to be sure. Here is how to use your refillable Nespresso pods.
- Grind your coffee- A fine to medium-fine grind is best for reusable pods. Make sure your grind is even and consistent. If you want to skip this step, buy your favorite bag of ground coffee.
- Wipe the pod out- Before using your pod, make sure you wipe out any old coffee grounds or residue. The cleaner it is, the fresher your coffee will taste.
- Use a scale to know how much your grounds weigh– If you overfill it, the coffee will not brew correctly and can actually cause harm to your pod or machine. If you don’t fill your pod enough, your coffee may be weak or bland.
- Fill the pods- fill your pod with the appropriate amount of coffee. Be sure to check your scale!
- Do you need to tamp it?- Some pods suggest you tamper the coffee or pack it down. Tampering can create a more even brew. Read the instructions for your reusable pod to see if this is necessary.
- Close the capsule- Now it’s time to seal the capsule. This step differs depending on what type of lid you have. Be sure to check the directions of your pod and make sure the lid is sealed tightly.
- Start brewing- Follow your machine’s directions for brewing!
- Remove used grinds- When you’re finished, make sure you remove any used grinds and wash out your pod. Old coffee or residue can cause your pod to get dirty and smelly and can affect the taste of your next brew. Coffee grinds can be used in composting as an added environmental benefit!
How Many Times Can You Use Them
The capsule itself is used over and over again but a question that is asked a lot is how manytimes can you use the coffee that you put inside of it.
Once you pack your pod you should only brew one drink then throw the spent grinds away and repack it before making another drink.
You can reuse the grinds, but the subsequent shots will be much weaker and watered down.
Tips for Using Reusable Nespresso Pods
It’s important to know how to use your reusable Nespresso pod correctly so you can get the best cup of coffee.
How Much Coffee Should You Use
The first tip is to make sure you are putting the right amount in. It’s suggested to use about 5 grams of coffee in most reusable pods.
Most of the time, your pod will come with instructions. Double-check the amount your pod holds, and do not overfill it.
How To Keep Your Coffee from Being Weak
The next tip is to make sure you’re brewing your coffee to the best strength. You don’t want your coffee to come out tasting weak.
Be sure to put the right amount in. The best type of grounds to use is medium to dark roast. When grinding, be sure to use a medium-fine to fine ground to extract the right amount of flavor.
How Many Shots Do They Make
Finally, know the size of your desired cup, and be sure to purchase a reusable Nespresso pod that is capable of that size. Some pods make larger cups, while others are meant for small espresso shots.
Where Should You Buy Them
You can buy reusable Nespresso pods in a variety of stores. Walmart, Target, and Bed, Bath, and Beyond are the most common places to find options.
Amazon is probably the most popular place to find the right reusable pod. Don’t forget to check your machine’s compatibility!
Are They Expensive
Reusable pods are pretty inexpensive and can range between $12-$35 depending on the material and how many pods come with each set.
When thinking long-term, this one-time purchase will save you a ton of money compared to the price of buying disposable coffee pods each month.
Conclusion
Reusable Nespresso pods are a great option for coffee lovers. They are great for the environment, reduce waste, and can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Not only can you use your favorite type of coffee, but you can also switch up the coffee flavor whenever you feel like it.
Remember to do your research and be sure the reusable pod you purchase is compatible with your machine. With so many benefits, you won’t regret investing in one of these reusable Nespresso pods!
