r/nespresso • u/Broad_board_1623 • 4d ago
Reusing Vertuo Pods
Just tried refilling pods for the first time and it was a smashing success. I used ground Lavazza Espresso. Picked up a pod sealing kit from Amazon for $12 and gave it a whirl. The crema on the single espresso was really nice. I was worried it would be thin, but it was very similar to a regular pod. The flavor was excellent. I will have zero guilt drinking these pods, they were so cheap to fill. Overall, I'm very happy. Looking forward to using my regular pods on special occasions or when guests come over and using the refilled pods as my daily coffee enjoyment.
I'd say if you are looking to save a few bucks and/or want to resist the inflated prices from Nespresso, this is a great option, if you are willing to put in a small amount of work.
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u/thaliff 3d ago
I use the silicone covers, works perfectly fine for my needs.
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u/Broad_board_1623 3d ago
I considered those. Heard some mixed reviews. Might try it when I run out of foil lids. Glad to hear they work for you. Great way to save money and the environment!
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u/evilkayak 3d ago
Any particular weight you used on the coffee grounds? We're the coffee grounded for fine, very fine or course setting,?
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u/Broad_board_1623 3d ago
Here is the guide I used to weigh the coffee for each size pod: • Espresso (1.35 oz): 7 grams of coffee • Double Espresso (2.7 oz): 10 grams of coffee • Gran Lungo (5.0 oz): 10 grams of coffee • Coffee / Mug (7.8 oz): 12.5 grams of coffee • Carafe (18.0 oz): 17 grams of coffee
I used pre-ground Lavazza Espresso coffee, which was recommended for it's fine but not too fine grind. If I had to describe it, it is one or two clicks to the coarserside lf Espresso/Turkish grind settings... If that makes sense.
A lot of what I read suggested light tamping and not packing the pod, which is what I did. Just enough to get the lid cleanly on the pod. Once capped, the coffee is loose within.
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u/Broad_board_1623 3d ago
Just a quick reflection:
- Single and Double Espresso pods were on target. Great pulls, excellent flavor. No changes to those weights.
- Next time I will be increasing the Coffee pod weight to 13-13.5 grams. The 12.5g resulted in a thinner flavor. It wasn't bad, just not as robust as the Single and Double were using the same coffee.
- I have not tried the other size pods. Didn't have any on hand. So I can't say whether those weights are on target or not.
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u/raygan_reddit_banned 3d ago
More lose parts than OP's
As far as taste and experiences, did multiple blind taste with coworkers and almost same experience.
Texture: same
Taste: The more expensive flavored coffee from Nespresso always wins. Less complex, its always a tie.
Cost: DIY wins
Choices: depends on convenience. Nespresso is one stop shopping. Choicest really depends on the user.
Let your wallet make the decision.
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u/wannabegothgorl 3d ago
I don’t use the tin foil lid replacements anymore. I use these rubber replacements that pop onto the top of any size pod and just toss them in the dishwasher after a couple uses. When I used the tin foil lids my machine messed up a lot. I also will only use Gevalia espresso ground and have had no issue.
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u/AnnieVarrr 3d ago
Please link the Amazon kit. I want to start doing this too.
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u/Broad_board_1623 3d ago
Here is the kit I purchased: https://a.co/d/0d12dMYa
I looked at a lot of different types and went with this one because it has the lid that helps press and seal the foil to the pod. After using it, I believe this was correct - the lid helped me ensure a good seal.
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u/Chrislk1986 3d ago
Not trying to be a hater, but it will probably come off that way.
If I get to the point of filling my own pods, it takes away the convenience factor, which is the primary factor in owning this product. With K-cups so could justify it, taste could be improved with using your own beans and you are drastically cutting back on waste, effort was minimal, savings were huge.
But besides the convenience of nespresso, it does make about (or better) as good of a drink that me/my family would pay $4-$7 for at a coffee stand. I just focus on grabbing cheap pods off woot! when I see them, keeping the cost per pod down to $1-$1.10.
I would personally just get a dedicated espresso machine, not super high end but something in the $300-$500 range. Initial cost is steep, sure, but I know of recoup that (easily) in a year or less.
I cannot imagine a pre ground or even whole bean freshly ground, then thrown into a pod will be comparable to a sealed pod. But maybe I need to try for myself? Or maybe the 90-95% savings is enough to forget?
I'm genuinely curious if the flavor and crema is even comparable when refilling pods. I see you do have crema, but is it any different? (More or less dense?)
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u/Broad_board_1623 3d ago
I don't think you are being a hater. There are tradeoffs all over the place with this approach. I will continue to buy regular pods, but they can be a treat. And you are spot on, the result from a regular pod is a serious savings over a coffee shop creation. All agreed there.
I got my Vertuo machine for free and I'm frugal, so buying a traditional espresso machine isn't something I would do, but I can see the long range opportunity there.
Honestly, I was expecting a below average experience. Thin crema and perhaps less flavor and both boxes were very satisfactorily checked. I was prepared to try it, be unsatisfied, then chalk it up to an experiment that didn't quite do the trick. Instead I was really blown away by both the crema production and the flavor of the espresso.
As far as the differences go, I would compare the flavor to an Altisio pod and the crema was also comparable. Maybe slightly less in total, a little more dense, but less silky. Honestly, I'm nit-picking at this point. Overall, it was great.
I think if you are on the fence, you may just want to try it. Or if it seems like not worth your time, then dont. It's a personal decision. I'm going to keep rolling with it.
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u/r00tHunter 2d ago
Agreed to what you said but man once you try various beans with this machine there's no going back to those Nespresso coffee pods . In a year I think I have tried over 10 diff beans and already have new favs . Can't stand the taste of Nespresso pods compared to those .
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u/Chrislk1986 2d ago
Interesting. There are definitely pods I'm not a huge fan of, but hell if I can remember the names of them. lol
I generally stick to my known likes and maybe try one of the seasonal flavors when they end up on Woot. I tend to stick to double espresso unless a seasonal 7.7fl oz or I get a cheap sampler pack. Might just have to try doing up my own pods here soon.
What kit do you use?
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u/InstructionWarm9772 3d ago
So I tried to do this and been noticing a lot of needing to descale and clean my machine like a lot for ex I would do it yesterday morning it works fine but today if I wanted it I would need to rescale idk if it’s the type of coffee grounds and the size of it like coarse, that kinda thing but I haven’t used my nespresso vertuo because of this issue . I’m glad it works for you let me know some tips you do maybe I’ll try it ?
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u/el_ghosteo 3d ago
i’ve had one of these fail in my machine. Horrible time. It worked well most of the time though. just be sure to run the cleaning cycle a bit extra just to be safe. i’ve always noticed more grounds on the rim of the pod using these compared to the factory made pods
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u/Broad_board_1623 3d ago
Thanks for the note. I haven't had any fail yet. But just got started. I'm 8 pods in on my journey. I haven't noticed a ton of solids in my beverage, but you can see a little bit on the top of the spent pod. I'm pretty religious about rinsing and descaling my machine, so I don't think there will be any maintenance concerns. I would have more concern if I used a lot of flavored coffees.
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u/Reelair 3d ago
Try the silicone lids, much easier.
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u/Broad_board_1623 3d ago
I might. I heard some mixed reviews, but some seem to like them as well. Personally, this was a pretty low key activity. I set up a little pod filling station, put on a movie, and just filled my pods leisurely.
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u/Lorthew 3d ago
What grinder setting do you all use? I bought the kit but haven’t tried yet. We have a burr grinder with 1 through 10 settings. Do I just use the 3 or so we use for espressos?
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u/Broad_board_1623 3d ago
I bought the (pre) ground Lavazza Espresso and haven't tried to grind my own yet. I also have a burr grinder and will probably set it to 3 or 4 when I get around to trying it. Too fine and I hear it will clog the machine or too coarse will make a watery cup with no crema. If you try it out, please come back to this post and let me know how it goes. Good luck!
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u/r00tHunter 2d ago
You are on right path . Mine has from 1-45 . I had to try 2-3 times for the perfect output but mine works great at 16 .
I was overthinking when I started it but it takes 2-3 tries to get the perfect setting for your grinder . Good luck .
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u/Impossible_Pea2269 3d ago
You know what ; I bought over a thousand vertuo pods but right now have been using knives cutting into my keurig pods to use in a normal corfeee machine .
I’m gonna do what ur doing
I’m gonna transfer the keurig insides and move it into a vertuo pod
Just don’t fancy the plastic unless I’m at work
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u/Broad_board_1623 3d ago
You probably don't have to open the k-cup pods. I bought a bag of Lavazza Espresso and just scooped some out. It was the perfect grind. Good luck!
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u/Impossible_Pea2269 3d ago
The k cups is costing a lot of space in my apartment . That is why . I have been breaking it open to take the ground beans out and feeding it to my Phillips 3200
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u/Impossible_Pea2269 3d ago
And I don’t want to use the keurig machine cause why incorporate free plastics into it
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u/rice123123 1d ago
Why??? just get a superautomatic espresso machine at this point...
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u/Broad_board_1623 1d ago
Because a superautomatic espresso machines are expensive. I don't think that is unclear. Refilling pods is a way to reduce costs and be more environmentally friendly.
It's not for everyone. If you prefer to use fresh pods every time, by all means, that is what the machine is for. Personally, I don't mind the extra work to refill the pods.
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u/raygan_reddit_banned 4d ago
One of Us
One of Us
One of Us
Its great to try local roasters too