Difference Between Nespresso Pods And Capsules

Save On The Cost Of Coffee Pods

Despite the fact coffee pod machines can be relatively cheap to buy compared to manual espresso machines, the single-use pods can be expensive, costing up to $100/kg .

Costs do vary though, so it’s wise to consider all your options before you commit to a certain type of machine.If you drink one standard coffee per day , you could be adding an average cost of about $182 per year on top of the cost of your machine .

Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.

Comparing Plastic And Aluminium Capsules

With the skyrocketing popularity of coffee capsules and other single-serve coffee options, there are more materials available on the market than ever before. For pods, there are two main categories: plastic and aluminium.

But how exactly are plastic and aluminium capsules different? And what should consumers and roasters consider when buying them?

Does This Mean Lungos Are Less Intense Or Flavourful Than An Espresso

This is a common misconception in short, no. The strongest espressos are more intense than the strongest lungos, but the possible range of how mild or intense a roast is ultimately comes down to the coffee the capsule is produced from. On a scale of one to ten, Nespresso lungo capsules have an intensity ranging from 2 to 7 so you can already see that some of them are stronger in flavour than many regular Nespresso espresso capsules.

The strongest Lungo that youll find in the Nespresso capsule lineup is the Fortissio Lungo. Going down from this is the Vivalto Lungo capsule, which has an intensity rating of four. Finally, the Linizio Lungo capsule is even milder and has a whiff of malted cereal about it a mild but very distinct taste. This has an intensity rating of just two and rounds out the standard Nespresso offering.

Fortissio Lungo

As well as intensity of flavour, some people ask whether this means lungos also have less caffeine in them. There is no more or less caffeine in a lungo than an espresso, as the main differentiating factor is how much water you are passing through to produce the lungo during extraction, and how long the extraction of the coffee takes. The only differences are down to the type of beans, because Robusta beans tend to have more caffeine in them than your normal Arabica beans. However, the amount of Nespresso capsule caffeine is about the same in each because the blend ratio of these types of beans doesnt vary too much.

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Which One Brews Better

Serious Eats / Ashley Rodriguez

While Keurig machines tend to brew a weak, bitter version of drip coffee, most of the Nespresso capsules were strong and bitter, and tasted very darkly roasted. Neither machine can brew a great tasting coffee when compared to drip coffee makers, pourover, or espresso machines.

There are a wider variety of K-cup options available, which means that people can find a roast style that appeals more to their flavor preferences. This is not so for Nespresso, which features limited options. One saving grace for the Nespresso is that its dark, bitter tasting espresso stands out well in milk, making a fair approximation of a latte, similar to what you might find at a chain like Starbucks that uses dark-roasted coffee and superautomatic espresso machines.

Nespresso Espresso Capsules Compared

Nespressos Espresso capsules are basically the staple of Nespresso and are some of the most common Nespresso products that people buy. They contain common coffee blends and range in intensity. Youll also find a wider variety of tastes in Espresso capsules than in other categories. Here are the full details on each kind of Espresso capsule.

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The Plus Points The Pros

One of the stand-out plus points and pros of a Bestpresso is that they are compatible for both Keurig and Nespresso machines. This makes their selection of coffee pods, which are well-reviewed and liked by coffee enthusiasts and regular coffee drinkers.

They have a whole range of choices that makes them stand out. Their 16 different pods contain coffee for a wide range of roasteries across the globe and each pod has a unique flavor and taste.

They are a conscious coffee company that is 100% Rain Forrest Alliance certified and fair trade coffee certified.

Their coffeebeans are natural coffeebeans, mostly organic and harvested with no added flavorings or preservatives, which, in my own opinion as a coffee enthusiast, results in a cup of coffee that is better tasting and more aromatic.

They have a 60-day satisfaction guarantee, which means if you are not happy you can request a refund. This is a very strong point in the Bestpresso product line their no quibbles 60-day guarantee tells you, as the consumer, are highly valued by the company.

Best Light Roast: Nespresso Cosi

Amazon

Pros: A well-balanced light roast espresso.

Cons: Very mild flavor profile.

If you prefer light roasts, try the Nespresso Cosi, says Pavlovich, who also recommends the Nespresso Voltesso capsules if youre a light roast drinker with a Vertuo machine.

The Cosi blend has cereal-forward notes that are mild and lightly toasted. With an intensity rating of just 4, this likely wont be the most vibrant coffee to come out of your Nespresso machine, but if you or your guests prefer a light roast, Cosi is a great capsule to have on hand.

Price at time of publish: $29

• Cup size: 1.35 ounce

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When Were Nespresso Vertuoline Machines Released

The VertuoLine machines were first released in the United States in 2014, and were initially not available in Europe. The launch date in Europe was October 2016, with the Nespresso VertuoLine launching in France and expanding to the rest of Europe as well. Nowadays, the machines are available globally.

So whats the difference between the two? Aside from having different ranges of machines, the main difference is how they are brewed.

The Environmental Impact Of Coffee Pods

A huge factor to consider if you’re thinking of buying a capsule machine is the environmental cost. A downside of the convenience of pods is that most single-use pods are made of strong aluminium and plastic and will likely end up in landfill, taking between 150 and 500 years to break down. This is in contrast to coffee grinds from a manual espresso machine or plunger that you can throw in the compost.

If you use Nespresso pods, you can recycle them by returning to a Nespresso boutique, dropping them at a participating collection point or posting them back to Nespresso, but it’s not clear how many of them are actually being recycled. There’s also a recycling program available for Nescafe Dolce Gusto pods that’s run in partnership with TerraCycle.

Even if you do recycle your pods though, you need to consider the carbon footprint of production and distribution before you even buy them.

Most single-use pods are made of strong aluminium and plastic and will likely end up in landfill, taking between 150 and 500 years to break down

There are many Australian brands on the market now that offer compostable, biodegradable or recyclable coffee pods, but these are mostly compatible with Nespresso machines only, so you may like to consider this before you buy a machine. You can look at brands such as Pod & Parcel, PodCo, Goliath Coffee, Tripod Coffee and Urban Brew . Pods from brands such as Republica are available from Coles.

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Vertuoline Vs Original Cost Per Capsule

OriginalLine capsules cost around $0.70-$0.85 per capsule.

VertuoLine capsules cost around $0.90-$1.25 per capsule.

Compared to all pod and capsule-based coffee makers, Nespresso is definitely on the pricier side .

But OriginalLine owners have another option: 3rd-party OriginalLine compatible capsules. These can be purchased for as little as $0.35 per capsule from brands like Gourmesso. We prefer HiLine Coffee. They cost a little more than Gourmesso’s dirt-cheap capsules, but they’re freshly roasted and still cheaper than Nespresso brand capsules.

Your tastes may vary, but judging by espresso quality, capsule compatibility and cost, my recommendation is to stick with an OriginalLine machine.

Is Capsule Coffee Healthy

Coffee pods have similar health benefits to brewed coffee But there are a few potential health concerns with these pods that are not present with other coffees. Compared to espresso or instant coffee, coffee pods contain five times the amount of toxic chemicals that consuming copious amounts will harm the human body.

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Cons Of Nespresso Vertuo

• Limited range of machines and high entry prices
• Locked into Nespresso-branded capsules
• Capsules are much bigger in size

Capsules for the Vertuo machines are dome shaped and they come in three different sizes, which can be used to make four different-sized drinks: Espresso, Gran Lungo, Mug and Alto . This also means they are bigger in size compared to the normal Nespresso pods, which means they need more storage space and the waste pod collection tank can get full quickly.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Nespresso

Pros:

• The aroma, flavor and all-round quality of the coffee produced by a Nespresso machine is significantly higher than that of Dolce Gusto – particularly when used with high-end gourmet coffee pods.
• Nespresso coffee capsules are among the only coffee pods on the market that are fully recyclable. Dolce Gusto pods cannot currently be recycled.
• The Nespresso brand is aimed primarily at connoisseurs and those who enjoy simple, short coffees in their purest form.
• That said, there are also Nespresso machines available that can make an endless range of long and milky coffees of impeccable quality.

Cons:

• Nespresso machines and coffee capsules typically cost more than Dolce Gusto, but there is a noticeable difference in quality.
• Dolce Gusto capsules are more readily available in physical stores and supermarkets, whereas gourmet Nespresso capsules usually need to be ordered online.

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Best For Americanos: Nespresso Originalline Ispirazione Firenze Arpeggio

Courtesy of Bloomingdales

Pros: A bold, intense capsule that is great on its own or with added water.

Cons: Not for light roast enthusiasts.

Firenze Arpeggio capsules are one of the most popular blends in the Nespresso Originals lineup. This coffee is rich, creamy, and intense perfect on its own as a ristretto or espresso, but also wonderfully suited to Americanos since the brew is bold enough to maintain flavor and character when diluted with hot water.

This is a dark roast for sure, with elegant notes of cocoa and just a touch of fruit. Nespresso aficionados will have a sleeve of Arpeggio capsules on hand at all times.

Price at time of publish: $38

• Cup size: 0.85 to 1.35 ounces

What Is Coffee Pod

A coffee pod is a round pod placed into a filter to have a brewed coffee. Coffee pods also have their own filter. Generally, seven grams of roasted ground coffee is compressed inside a two-sided disk-shaped paper pod to make a coffee pod. The coffee is also packed in single doses.

Since coffee pods are made from paper, it can be easily disposed of. So, there is minimal environmental pollution. Coffee pods can be used with almost all coffee machines that use a portafilter. Coffee pods are available from major coffee brands like Lavazza, Easy Serving Espresso Pod, and Illy.

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What Are Nespresso Capsules Made Of

Nespresso capsules are made out of aluminum material. Not only does this type of packaging ensure freshness and rich flavor, but it is also recyclable. Since capsules are single-use, Nespresso aims to prevent people from just throwing their capsules away, which adds to landfills. Instead, Nespresso specifically designed its capsules to be recycled so you can feel good about your single-serve coffee.

Coffee Pod Review: Nespresso Original Vs Nespresso Vertuo

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Nespresso Vertuo Pods

Nespresso

There was a good portion of my life in which whenever someone mentioned a Nespresso machine to me, I assumed they were talking about the same single model. Then I learned that my neighbors had no less than four different Nespresso machines, from different manufacturers, providing different and similar functions. Its a bit of overkill, but it all comes down to the pods.

When Nespresso first landed, it used espresso pods similar to those used in Keurig machines. These machines still exist and are referred to as the original line of Nespresso machines. Since then, Nespresso has launched its Vertuo line of its pods, demanding a new assortment of machines with variable features to fully utilize the variability of the pods. The differences between these two Nespresso pod options arent complex, but they are important when it comes down to choosing which Nespresso-compatible machine to purchase.

De’Longhi EN80B

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What Is The Difference Between The Nespresso Vertuo Machines

So it turns out that trying to navigate the minefield that is Vertuo machine models can be a very daunting venture. With so many versions on the market and sparkly new ones constantly being produced, it can be extremely challenging to decipher what the differences are between the various machines available, and determine which one will suit you best.

To save you time wading through the endless ocean that is Vertuo machine information on the internet we’ve simplified everything and compiled the vital details into one comprehensive guide – YOU. ARE. WELCOME!

Design Storage And Ease Of Use

When Nestle unveiled its first-generation single-serve espresso maker, the Pixie, people raved about its sleek and luxurious design. The second-generation model for coffee, the VertuoLine, continues this legacy with its stylish appearance and range of color options to suit almost every kitchen.

Nespresso VertuoPlus by Breville features intuitive design.

Keurig models are larger and take up more countertop spacein part due to their much larger reservoirs. When it comes to brewing large cups of coffee, the Keurig K-Elite is able to handle more than eight cups of eight-ounce coffee. In comparison, the Nespresso only brews six cups of the same-sized coffees.

Both companies have incorporated intuitive design into the machines control panels, so theyre equally easy to use. A small difference is that Nespresso VertuoLine ejects used capsules automatically into a container, so you wont have to replace the hot pods by hand.

Another detail to note is that all single-serve coffee makers need routine cleaning and descaling once every six months. To descale the machines, you can simply add descaling solution to the water tank and press a button.

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Best Dark Roast: Nespresso Ispirazione Palermo Kazaar

Amazon

Pros: A rich, peppery dark roast perfect for sipping.

Cons: Very intense definitely not for everyone.

Dark roast coffee drinkers will surely appreciate the Palermo Kazaar Nespresso capsules, which yield a pleasant bitterness and a rich, roasted flavor. This blend is meant to be enjoyed in either ristretto or espresso form, but its certainly robust enough to stand up to either milk or water should you choose to use it in a latte or Americano.

With an intensity rating of 12, Palermo Kazaar isnt going to appeal to everyone but thats fine, right? More for you.

Price at time of publish: $38

• Cup size: 0.85 to 1.35 ounces

What Is The Difference Between Coffee Pods And Coffee Capsules

Every coffee machine owner, knows for sure that there are two different types of them: for pods and for capsules. But what is the difference? Is there a real difference? Is one better than the other?Dont worry, this is a question that makes perfectly sense. Lets see how to explain it once and for all!

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Nespresso Original Versus Nespresso Vertuo: Whats The Difference

If you are considering a more convenient coffee solution, youre likely looking into Nespresso machines. These machines use special coffee pods to create a variety of espresso-based drinks and some will also make regular coffee. But what is the difference between these two systems and which one is ultimately better? I went hands on to compare c to try them out side by side to see.

What Is The Difference Between Nespresso And Keurig

The difference between Nespresso and Keurig is that Nespresso machines make espresso, while Keurig coffee makers make drip coffee. The two brewers also use different types of coffee capsules. Additionally, Nespresso uses recyclable aluminum capsules, whereas Keurigs plastic K-Cups have a negative environmental impact.

For more details, we have a whole article comparing Nespresso and Keurig.

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Nespresso Original Coffee Machine Features

The perfect cup of coffee is no accident. It takes a delicate balance of craft and technology to create coffee that satisfies, cup after cup.

Original machines use a high-pressure 19 bar extraction system to release the aromas and notes from each capsule. This means simple preparation of some of your favourite coffees including Ristretto, Espresso, Lungo and Long Blacks, Cappucino, Latte or Iced coffee.

Nespresso Original Vs Nespresso Vertuo

• Choosing the best Nespresso machine

If you’re in the market for a Nespresso machine, you’ll need to choose between the Vertuo and Original capsule or pod coffee systems before you decide what machine you buy.

Back in 2017, Nespresso launched its Vertuo range of coffee machines in the UK. These use a completely different type and size of coffee pod to previous Nespresso machines, meaning you can’t use standard Nespresso pods, or the third-party varieties now found in most supermarkets, in the Vertuo models.

Here we explain the pros and cons of each system, and what type of coffee drinker they suit, to help you choose between them.

Not sure you want a Nespresso machine? Our guide to the Best coffee machines for 2022 will help you choose the best type of machine for you.

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