The best reusable Nespresso pods (and ones to avoid)

[@demetriostsillas8981]

For the vertuo pods I find blending a course grind with a fine grind works well. I use about 50% dark roast medium grind and 50% medium roast espresso grind. The course grains of coffee seem to trap the finer grains and prevent them from leaking out from the pod. I also use a flat butter knife to swage over the edge of the foil so that the sealing surface near the rim is smooth and results in a better seal. One thing I've noticed is that it is best to eject the pods from your vertuo right after use. If you leave them in there you risk them getting stuck. This happens more often when you reuse pods as I believe Nespresso applies some sort of coating to make sure the pods don't stick. This coating doesn't last and you will eventually get stuck pods which can result in frustration and potential damage to your machine. The vertuo makes amazing coffee and you can enjoy it at a much lower price point.

[@craftcoffeespot]

Great advice, thank you!

[@fedism]

fanks

[@craftcoffeespot]

Two things to add to this video: First, I bought and tested about a dozen kits to come up with my favorites. The opinions are entirely my own and, frankly, I don't know how to pronounce "Aieve" and "Triplot" (sorry to the companies!). Also, I didn't have success with non-foil lid kits but am happy to try another one that worked for someone else. Second, really fill up the pods with coffee for the best results. On the Vertuo test, the crema was thin because I didn't add enough coffee. On the Original pod, I filled and tamped twice (the second tamp didn't make the edits) to get 5g. Nespresso pods don't have much coffee to begin with, so really fill them up for full flavor.

[@RainorShine1]

I am so glad that you put the amout of grounds you need for each pod as that does make a big difference. then you said you dont measure you just fill up tamp then go well it does matter the amout you put in, i refill alot and i have put more an less in and the right amount and it does matter i have used the illys pre ground coffee and it works well as long as you put the right about. it is espresso grind.

[@missinglinq]

Great video. It is so outrageous how expensive Nespresso pods are.

[@ILovHondaS]

Wow. Thanks for the info. I might be late to the party meaning I just got my first Nespresso machine but I’m blown away by how easy you made this informative video. 👍🏽👍🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽

[@dperreno]

I like the Capmesso kit as it has a funnel to guide the coffee into the pod and the holder has a built-in guide for positioning the foil lid, and the funnel can then be used to securely press the lid onto the pod. It's really a pretty elegant solution. Also, for the coffee pods, I can only ever fit about 12.5 grams of coffee into them without overflowing (even after using the tamper).

[@craftcoffeespot]

@@dperreno the funnel is nice to use.

[@flyer617]

A few months ago I bought one of the stainless steel reusable pods and had the exact same problems you described and gave up on it. I will try your method with the new stick on foil tops. Generally I just buy pods from them but once in a while I pick up a specialty coffee and would like to use it in the machine.

[@craftcoffeespot]

@@flyer617 agree, foil pods do take a little more work though, but can worthwhile if you make a dozen at once.

[@dperreno]

The foil lids on a used pod work really well as long as you use the correct grind. Somewhere in between espresso and drip - I use the same grind as I use for my moka pot. Also, I recommend buying the Capmesso kit - it has a funnel to easily load and tamp the coffee into the pod, the base has a rim that you can use to align the foil lid on the pod and then you use the funnel part to press the foil onto the pod.

[@davidhawley4679]

I'm looking forward to reusing all the Vertuo pods for making good decaf coffee (yep, heresy!! :) ) The Nescafe Vertuo decaf blend has almost zero depth and is also almost tasteless. We have found a really good (non-Nescafe) blend that I would really like to try in a reusable pod for everyday use.

[@angelguzman3530]

Do the Aieve reusable pods work on the Vertuo Next?

[@craftcoffeespot]

Yes!

[@GregRBaird]

Thank you for the video. Where can I just buy the wooden holder for the pod at?

[@craftcoffeespot]

It comes with the Aieve kit.

[@Knockknock12348]

Very good! Do you think we should put the reusable in the washing machine to prevent mold

[@craftcoffeespot]

I think you should clean them out well before reuse, yes. I doubt they will go into the dishwasher though, given the small size and light weight.

[@Knockknock12348]

@ you are the best, thanks!

[@jamisbruening6010]

Thanks for the vid! I have a pixie (original nespresso pods) and bought the triplot set. I'm having the issue that very little liquid is coming out, way less than usual with a store-bought pod. Seems not to matter how much coffee I put in the pod (I thought I packed it too tightly at first, but I'm having this issue still with a very loose fill). Any thoughts?

[@craftcoffeespot]

Grind coarser. It’s clogging up.

[@jamisbruening6010]

@@craftcoffeespot Thanks - will try a slightly coarser grind. Problem is I don't have a bur grinder so I used the one at the grocery store... Might be time to upgrade

[@craftcoffeespot]

@@jamisbruening6010Burr grinder is the best coffee upgrade. Baratza Encore ESP has been my go to recommendation, as it works for every brew method and is easy to use. Read about it here -> craftcoffeespot.com/grinder/fellow-opus-vs-baratza-encore-esp/

[@JenniferEiko]

This was really helpful and informative. Thank you for sharing!

[@erinwilhiterealtor]

Thank you so much - I am not the espresso aficionado my husband is. I am a tightwad who will buy him an espresso machine for his birthday. This helps me compromise our values. 🙂

[@chomp54321]

Some users of the foil seal type reusable kit had serious problems when the seal broke. This may not happen often, but you'd be in serious trouble if you get unlucky. Sure, it seems expensive for that little bit of coffee in a capsule, but what you buy is convenience. Even drip coffee requires more work than this. Other brewing methods, if one really cares about their coffee, would be even more elaborate and involved. I like the "ritual" of making my espressos, pour over or Moka pot, but there are times that I just want to have a fairly decent cup of coffee without all the work, and I don't really mind the $1+ for the pod.

[@fedism]

where can i read up on this ?

[@optorch131]

Fantastic video! Very helpful! Thank you

[@dylanlundgren]

What's a non-plastic refillable pod for a VertuoPlus machine? I'm looking at picking one up!

[@craftcoffeespot]

Any of the ones from this video work for VertuoPlus! Still recommend refilling an existing pod.

[@tlflora]

the first on of foil lid kits. im concerned abt the glue on the peel off lid-- is it cancerous? what is it made of ?

[@craftcoffeespot]

@@tlflora no idea.

[@tlflora]

@@craftcoffeespot thank you

[@rachellevanboven3433]

Do you have to buy specific beans if you want to make an espresso shot as opposed to a cup of coffee using the refillable pod?

[@craftcoffeespot]

@@rachellevanboven3433 most any beans will work well. I like Dark Matter Unicorn Blood for espresso.

[@nikkirica4410]

So can I just clarify - you're re-using existing Nespresso pods?

[@craftcoffeespot]

Yes!

[@A.GuyMedia]

@@craftcoffeespot Ever tried with ground coffee in tins? I have one that's laying around and would pass it that way istead of wasting it if it does work.

[@kristenwelsh8349]

Do you think using the foil lid refillable pods contributes to an increase in frequency of descale light? Lately I’ve been using refillable pods with the foil stickers and my descale light has been on 4 times now. I just can’t figure it out and this is the most often I’ve used the foil sticker reusable pods.

[@craftcoffeespot]

Seems hard to believe. Also, I thought the descale light was strictly based on # of uses? I don’t think it can sense what type of pod you use. I’d reach out to Nespresso and ask - may be under warranty if it’s serious.

[@carlgrainger2669]

Can you do the same for the pods used with the Nespresso Zenius Pro - I’m struggling to buy pods even direct from Nespresso!

[@sebastiantevel898]

You can grind the grains a tad thinner than what you have shown. It may get you a better foam and more dense coffee. The coffee coming out from the Breville Vertuo Machine, looked a little too watery than it should be. Also there are other brands of foils that come with a tool to actually press them down precisely with little effort and you would not need to fold them by hand. Other than that, good video. Thank you for sharing.

[@craftcoffeespot]

Can you share the foils with the tool? You’re right in the grind size - tough to do on air. I could’ve used a darker roast too.

[@sebastiantevel898]

@@craftcoffeespot I think I cannot post direct links to Amazon on KZbin comments, but the name of the product is:"Grasseed Reusable Vertuo Capsule Kit for Vertuo Line Capsules". There are a few others with the "capping" tool but this one is the one I bought. Cheers.

[@craftcoffeespot]

@@sebastiantevel898 thank you! I’ll find it and give it a try. Always appreciate good suggestions.

[@RainorShine1]

I only drink a double shot so I am thinking the veturo one that i have is a little much for me, was thinking about getting the orginal one but then i would have to use 2 pods and that would be the same price as the double shot on the veturo

[@craftcoffeespot]

@@RainorShine1 yeah, I like Vertuo because there’s more coffee in the pods and I like a little bigger, stronger drink. 5g of coffee in original is too low.

[@alanbenyamin487]

Does this work on the vertuo pop+ machines. Thanks.

[@craftcoffeespot]

@@alanbenyamin487 yes!

[@Tony-m2g]

How many times can you re-use the same pod, from your experience? Thanks!

[@craftcoffeespot]

I’ve only reused pods twice at most, so I haven’t found the upper limit!

[@Tony-m2g]

@@craftcoffeespot Is there any indication from your experience, that there would be any possible risk from pushing this upper limit to five, 10, infinite re-uses?

[@craftcoffeespot]

@@Tony-m2g I honestly don’t know, sorry. I’m sure there’s a limit because it’s thin aluminum will wear under heat and there is a shellac coating that will wear too. Is it 3? Probably fine. 10? That’s a lot. Love to hear if you test it! Also, those lids don’t come off the edges completely. Once you redo several lids, it’ll become impractical to going. I’m already noticing lots of foil on the edges on the original pods after 5-6 refills.

[@alangoldin]

I used my pods with the silicone lids 4 or 5 times before the bar code started fading. First the outer color came off completely; it seemed the bar codes weren't affected but then eventually, they too started coming off. Then the entire machine died! They're sending us a new one but now I wonder if my reusing pods had something to do with the machine failure.

[@fedism]

@@alangoldin OMG! Did you ever find out the cause of failure? My lady would kill me if my macine dies after I use these reussables.

[@NathanandElisaJenks]

Do you just wash them by hand? And you say make them about a week in advance, max?

[@craftcoffeespot]

Yes, and yes. Easy water rinse and wipe with a dry towel to get out the coffee oils. I notice they get stale faster so I don’t make more than a week at once.

[@infoff1]

What did you say at 0:52? Why to use within a week?

[@craftcoffeespot]

They lose freshness faster than regular pods. Can’t reseal it as strongly as original.

[@musicinmyaura]

Sounds like he says: You need to fully clean these out. You want to use these pods probably within a week of using them. Cos otherwise they can start growing some mould.

[@fashnek]

Nespresso pods are packed with nitrogen gas, no oxygen. They last for years. Obviously this is not what's occurring when you fill your own pods, it's more like the grounds are sitting out on the countertop. You should not keep them for very long at all.

[@Antnav619]

How many times can u reuse the pod?

[@craftcoffeespot]

Very unclear. I’d like to hear other opinions on this.

[@dimi9437]

Hi, I have a question. While brewing the coffee grinds do not flow into the mug along with the brewed coffee? Specially in case of the pods being reused. Does the machine have a filter inside? A response will be highly appreciated as I plan to buy a Vertuo Plus soon. Thanks !!!!

[@craftcoffeespot]

The grinds don’t flow into your cup. It’s because of the centrifugal force of spinning the pod, mostly. Reusable pods don’t have coffee grounds either, as long as you seal the pod tightly! That’s what I emphasize on putting the foil lid in. It takes some practice but can be done.

[@dimi9437]

@@craftcoffeespot Thanks !!!!

[@pattyo.9162]

Are the reusable pods also an option for the Nespresso VertuoPlus machine?

[@craftcoffeespot]

Yes! Same Vertuo kits.

[@mothertaracey2510]

my Virtuo seems to read the fakelid & not allow me to use???

[@craftcoffeespot]

@@mothertaracey2510 this happens and you have to be careful - don’t cover up the bar code with the seal. Or, try another option.

[@zenpool1]

It's anecdotal , but I've read many times that the stainless pods are too heavy and overheat , destroying machines . The machine isn't made to turn that heavy of pod . Nespresso won't cover it under the warranty .

[@craftcoffeespot]

Agree. I don’t like the steel pods at all.

[@fedism]

Tried steel pods and came out super watery never again.

[@jsl4228]

I tried that Vertuo metal capsule and it was useless - coffee came out like water. I just use the foil lids on original capsules now and have done for over a year.

[@craftcoffeespot]

@@jsl4228 foil lids, ftw

[@fedism]

Any noise issues or failures resuing pods? Im scared..

[@jsl4228]

@@fedism I've been refusing pods for over 18 months now with lids I buy from Amazon. They are perhaps very marginally louder than first use capsules, but I mean very very marginally, and I've had absolutely no issues with my machine.

[@fedism]

@@jsl4228 I just ordered the Nessus lids with the foil sealing thing, and its actually really fun, I feel like a barista, hopefully these foils are good quality.

[@BrandMcCarley]

I bought the Nessus foil seals. I find the refill process easy, but I am having a leak issue. At the end of a brew cycle, if I check the used pod waste box, there is about a 1/4" of coffee on the bottom. In comparison, when brewing a Nespresso pod, they do not leak. I checked the seal, and there doesn't seem to be any opening. I think the Nessus foil holes are ripping open more than the Nespresso pods, causing leakage????? Does anyone have any solutions on how to fix this issue? Thank you in advance for anyone's feedback.

[@craftcoffeespot]

Try different lids, as the foil quality varies. Aieve or Capmesso have worked great and check the link in the description for those brands.

[@fedism]

I just got the Nessus foil seals! 😮 Did you every try different seals? Any updates pls?

[@tonitomei6323]

I'm ready to go back to my Keurig machine; these pods are ridiculously expensive which I did not know when I bought my machine...

[@RainorShine1]

The pods i get are $1.50 FOR double esspresso thats cheaper then me buying a double shot at dutch bros whi h cost $2.66 so the pods is cheaper for me. I wanna try the sticky lids cant wait

[@thegallery]

I've used nothing but the silicone lids with various ground store bought ground coffees and not had a problem. Only time jammed up is when I've over filled the pod and the machine turns red and doesn't' run. But then I've just opened it and reset the silicone lid. That said I want to make pods I can transport easily so looking at the sticker solution. This one looks simple enough, but there's another with a screw down feature that sort of seals the lid, which may be worth looking at.

[@craftcoffeespot]

@@thegallery I’ve tried those screw on lids and they’re worse than silicone. Stick to stickers.

[@michaelbattistamusic]

The lids work great but if you don’t put them on correctly they will lift up in the machine then you got coffee grind everywhere. I do weigh them because if you put too much, they will open up inside there and once again coffee grind everywhere. I got it down to a science . 5 ounce pods & double espresso - put 8.5 grams of ground coffee in the empty pod. Weigh the pod after filling them, it should weigh no more than 10.5 grams. 7.7 ounce pods- put 11.5 grams of ground coffee in the empty pod This pod should weigh no more than 13.5 grams after filling the pod. That being said I’m really sick of this way of doing it and I’m looking for alternatives. 😊

[@craftcoffeespot]

@@michaelbattistamusic great feedback. You should create a device that does this automatically! It’d be a hit for Nespresso users.

[@michaelbattistamusic]

@@craftcoffeespot Thanks wouldn’t that be cool. By the way, I just made some corrections I had ounces for everything when it should be grams.

[@craftcoffeespot]

@@michaelbattistamusic thank you. I’ll keep these notes.

[@hongkongcitywalk]

❤❤

[@alangoldin]

You are clearly putting the silicone lid on UPSIDE DOWN! The white design side goes UP. Maybe that's why they didn't work for you. They worked great for me, until the bar codes on the pods started fading, perhaps from going through the dishwasher. Then, my entire machine died. Coincidence? Dunno.

[@lordkered]

Vertuo is a complete rip-off. Normal pod is around 14p and tastes fine. Vertuo of the exact same thing costs around 88p. It's just pure greed that they won't allow other suppliers to used the new patented pods. My Vertuo now just sits in the corner doing nothing and I'm back on my old machine.

[@craftcoffeespot]

@@lordkered Vertuo tastes better, hands down. More coffee in the pod too. Cheap, no. But better value than chain coffee.

[@RubiconV]

Nespresso is ripping everyone off until their patent expires in 2030...so no competition on pods until then. All this work etc. Just get a normal or different coffee maker. Don't let them screw us all.

[@staceyconley1683]

I’ve seen Starbucks Nespresso pods at the grocery store

[@graphicmaterial5947]

I really don't get this.. sure, to save money and maybe the environment, of course this is a good deal. But the reason to get a pod machine in the first place is to save time, right? And not have to deal with weighing, scooping, tampering and all the other pottering of manual espresso making. But this takes forever! Why not get a real espresso maker instead? Totally befuddled...

[@craftcoffeespot]

To each their own

[@nickhen4196]

I do it because you get that nice foam on the top. I can make my own coffee with regular pot. But that foam on top is great.

[@kara6898]

I agree but for me personally I had a Keurig it broke then I decided to try Nespresso vertuo but didn't do research about it and it's so hard to find the pods except on the Nespresso site I also do not like the way the coffee tastes it just does not taste like regular coffee too me

[@samhugh4965]

@@kara6898Target has a pretty good selection of pods.

[@selina8816]

The difference is saving hundreds of dollars a year on the pods by buying and making them yourself lol and I’m not whipping out an espresso machine for 5-10 minutes to make my morning coffee when I’m already late

[@EllaandRiley]

are you kidding me, no one is going to go to all that trouble, only hippies who don't work and time to bludge, oh my GOD! The reusable stainless steel are good, but the pther, get real.

[@craftcoffeespot]

64,000 viewers may disagree.

[@fedism]

Its actually kind of fun, some people like to food prep, it helps de-stress... you should try it sometime..