Reusable coffee pods. We've all heard that they work out to be cheaper than disposable capsules, they're great because you get to choose your own coffee, and of course they're the most planet-friendly way to brew with your pod machine.
But moving away from single-use coffee pods to switch to reusable capsules can seem daunting at first, right? Not to worry - we've got your back. Our crew of coffee pod experts have gathered all the information you need to help you select a superior pod, and become a home barista!
1. ARE REUSABLE COFFEE PODS ANY GOOD?
There are so many perks (pun intended) to switching to reusable pods! Some of the best benefits are:
✔ They're much more budget friendly - reusing saves you money without a doubt.
✔ They allow you the luxury of being able to brew your favourite coffee beans, right there, in the comfort of your home.
✔ They're earth-friendly, helping to divert countless plastic, single-use pods from ending up in landfill.
So they're the pros. But what about the cons? Some DIY pods can take a little work when it comes to perfecting your brew, so dependant on which brand you go for, it may require a little experimentation to get your new morning cuppa down pat.
2. DO REUSABLE COFFEE PODS WORK IN ALL MACHINES?
As coffee capsules vary in size from brand to brand, you need to select a reusable pod compatible with your specific machine. At Crema Joe, our range of environmentally friendly pods is ever expanding. Our current lines include environmentally friendly capsules for the most popular machines, such as:
Nespresso OriginalLine \ VertuoLine
Aldi K-Fee
Caffitaly
Dolce Gusto
Expressi
3. HOW DO REUSABLE COFFEE PODS WORK?
Whilst each reusable pod system varies slightly, the concept is basically the same across the board. To use, simply:
1. Fill the reusable capsule base with your favourite ground coffee (whether it be organic, fair trade, or even decaf).
2. Apply the lid to the top of the refillable pod (most utilise either a stainless steel, aluminium, or silicone lid).
3. Pop the capsule into your machine as normal, and brew a shot.
4. Rinse, repeat, and enjoy!
4. HOW MANY TIMES CAN YOU USE REUSABLE COFFEE PODS?
The longevity of a refillable capsule depends on which system you choose. Any premium stainless steel capsule base should technically outlive your appliance, maximising your environmental impact, and your savings. We've listed the lifespan of the most popular refillable pods below:
WayCap: Infinitely reusable (zero waste)
SealPod: Infinitely reusable base (recyclable & biodegradable lids)
FeePod: Infinitely reusable base (silicone lid)
Bluecup: 200+ uses
MyCap: 100+ uses
5. ARE ALL REUSABLE COFFEE PODS THE SAME?
Not all capsules are created equal - each reusable capsule system performs slightly different. For example, the design of some steel-lidded pods can lack the ability to generate a strong pressure build up within the capsule itself, consequently producing a weak cup of joe. Whereas others (such as our famous Bluecup capsules) have the ability to brew a lovely rich coffee and great crema - these are definitely the top pick for a coffee-quality conscious brewer.
Selecting the right capsule for you, comes down to deducing what your main priority is, whether it be:
• Sustainability and environmental impact
• A quality cup of java / crema and intensity, or
• Time-efficiency and convenience
If you're a Nespresso user, we recommend heading over to our comparison article, which details the key differences between all the best Nespresso compatible pods on offer. We also suggest checking out our specially designed Perfect Press for filling reusable capsules.
6. WHAT ARE THE BEST REUSABLE COFFEE PODS?
We know that every person is different, so we've carefully collated our range to include all of the leading refillable eco pods on the market, ensuring we cover the different reusable systems to suit varied needs and tastes.
A great (and easy!) way to work out which refillable coffee pod will be best for your machine and lifestyle, is to take this short coffee capsule quiz.
And as always, we recommend reading the reviews first, as well as ensuring the brand you purchase from has a genuine passion for the planet, as all this amounts to nothing, if the reusable you choose, gathers dust on your bench, or falls apart after a few uses.
7. HOW MUCH MONEY IS SAVED BY SWITCHING TO REUSABLE COFFEE PODS?
Throwaway capsules actually cost a lot more to brew than good ol' coffee beans. When you look at price-per-brew, you generally pay a lot less per kilo if you refill your pods at home.
Simply by filling your own eco-friendly coffee pods, an average household can save over $300 a year, making refillables a much more economical choice.
Use our Coffee Capsule Calculator to calculate the hidden costs of your cappuccino!
8. HOW MANY SINGLE-USE COFFEE PODS ARE DIVERTED FROM LANDFILL BY SWITCHING TO REUSABLE CAPSULES?
If you drink one coffee per day, by simply swapping out single-use for reusable, you'll be saving a whopping 365 disposable pods from ending up in places like landfill and our oceans. At one cup per day, you'll also save 15kg of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere.
Calculate how much capsule waste you could save by converting to reusables here.
9. CAN REUSABLE PODS BE FILLED WITH ANY COFFEE?
Pre-filled capsules can contain added flavour enhancers or concentrates to give the illusion of a "stronger" espresso. Whereas real, fresh coffee is bursting with rich fruity flavours, complex spice notes and sweet aromas. When ditching disposable for reusable, we suggest investing in good quality, freshly ground coffee - the taste of your latte is only as good as the coffee you put in your pod!
There are certainly a couple key factors to consider when sourcing coffee for your DIY capsules, such as selecting the correct grind size and choosing a lovely rich, dark roast, or Italian-style roast. These small considerations will ensure you're able to extract the perfect amount of flavour from your coffee, and attain consistent optimal results with your pod machine.
Alternatively, you might want to try out our locally roasted Bespoke Coffee which has been crafted exclusively for capsule use. It is a smooth, full bodied, rich blend combining notes of Dutch cocoa and toasted nuts - we're big fans!
10. HOW CAN I JOIN THE REUSABLE COFFEE POD REVOLUTION?
It’s time to embrace conscious consumption - satisfying your caffeine cravings and promoting minimal waste is what we do best!
At Crema Joe we believe the best reusable is the one you use, and whilst sustainable supply and manufacture are crucial, quality and enjoyment play a role in adopting new behaviours. Talking about sustainability isn't enough - action is the only way we'll make a difference.
Join the sustainable coffee pod movement and the fight against waste today.