Waking up and drinking coffee is a staple for all coffee aficionados. However, somedays you do not feel like brewing a cup which requires so many steps. From grinding your coffee beans to measuring them and waiting for the perfect cup to brew can be excruciating.
The option to go to a cafe is there, but how many times a week can you do that? The best option in such a scenario is to use coffee pods. A coffee pod machine uses a single pod to brew an exact cup of coffee within seconds. The pod has pre-measured coffee, so you do not have to worry about measuring or grinding your coffee.
If you are thinking about buying Nespresso pods for the first time, you must have many questions regarding pods. For instance, what they are, and what all types there are?
Let’s start this incredible journey…
What are coffee pods?
A coffee pod is equal to a teabag. There is a container either of plastic or aluminum which contains pre-measured ground coffee. It is then sealed pack which you put in your coffee pod machine and brew a quick cup of java in the morning.
Types of coffee pods
Soft pods
Soft pods or drip brew pods are compatible with Senseo or Hamilton breach brand machines. These machines are non-pressurized. They are versatile with loose packaging to ensure that they achieve better drip extraction when you put them in a pod machine.
More about them:
- It has around 8 to 12 grams of ground coffee.
- Their size is 55-70mm. However, there are many other sizes available.
- To find soft pods, you need to figure out a specialty store as their availability in superstores is limited.
- Soft pods are popular as they make less waste and are aromatic but with fewer flavors and varieties.
Hard pods
Hard pods or ESE (easy serve espresso pods) are best for espresso lovers. Here are more facts about ESE:
- They have about 7 grams of coffee
- The size of ESE is approximately 44mm.
- They have a filter paper with pre-measured ground coffee providing distinctive flavor and aroma.
- To brew coffee using ESE, you need a compatible machine, and it is easy to find in many places like supermarkets or online.
Coffee bagss
It is exactly what it sounds like, similar exactly to a tea bag. With this, you do not need a single-serve machine. It only requires you to put the coffee bags in a mug and pour hot water over them. Without using any machine, use this coffee pod variation to make a single cup of coffee.
Coffee capsules
Coffee capsules are small containers having pre-measured premium ground coffee sealed with aluminum foil. Nespresso pods, as we call are coffee capsules providing premium coffee. They have a variety of flavors and also come in reusable containers. Coffee capsules are a bit more expensive than the other options. However, the aroma, texture, roast, intensity, and flavors they provide are unmatchable.
Reusable coffee pods
Coffee pods or capsules are impressive for making a quick cup of joe. However, many people have one issue with coffee pods/capsules. And that is using plastic or unrecycable coffee pods. However, keeping this ethical issue in mind, brands like Nespresso have come with reusable, biodegradable, and compostable coffee pods.
How to pick the right coffee pods/capsules?
To pick the correct coffee pod for yourself, follow these tips:
- Pick pods that are compatible with your machine.
- When choosing pods, check their roasting date & intensity levels.
- Also, you want to check whether the beans are arabica or robusta. The former one is sweeter and aromatic. The latter is a bit bitter and most people do not prefer it.
- The cost of the pod also factors in when choosing the coffee pods.
Coffee pods are changing how the world drinks coffee. No matter how late you are running to the office, you will never be without coffee if you use pods or capsules.
If you are thinking of getting a coffee pod machine and Nespresso pod, this guide will help you. Hopefully, with this short guide, you will be able to buy the premium coffee pods and enjoy your cup of joe at home.