Reusable capsules are a real godsend for owners of capsule-type coffee machines. Firstly, reusable capsules for a Nespresso coffee machine are much cheaper, secondly, they make the choice of coffee limitless, and thirdly, they are suitable for brewing tea, herbs and fruit drinks.
Due to their affordability and versatility, reusable capsules are becoming increasingly popular. Today, a large number of capsules for Nespresso standard coffee machines are produced. The Dutch brand of reusable capsules deserves special attention, offering its analogue of Nespresso capsules - Recapsule. They are manufactured to high quality standards and are one of the most cost effective replacement options for your original capsules.
What are capsules and their composition?
Externally, a coffee capsule looks like a small glass with a lid, made using a special technology . Inside there is coffee: roasted, ground and pressed.
In one glass - 1 serving of approximately 7-9 grams . The capsule is inserted into a special compartment in which punctures are made on both sides: on one side, boiling water is supplied under pressure, on the other, the finished drink is filtered.
Reference! Not everyone knows the difference between a coffee maker and a coffee machine. The coffee machine only requires inserting coffee capsules and pressing a button - it does the rest itself.
A coffee maker
requires much more human attention : it is necessary not only to insert a capsule or pour in ground coffee, but also to correctly form a coffee tablet, remove the grounds and clean the filter.
Materials for production
- Aluminium foil . Used by most manufacturers. Foil protects coffee from the negative effects of metal, which eliminates harm to the human body . The packaging is recyclable (eg for Nespresso models).
- Food grade plastic (polymer materials). Environmentally friendly raw materials, which themselves do not have an unpleasant odor and do not absorb the smell of coffee.
- A combination of aluminum foil and polymer materials mixed with a small percentage of cellulose. They can be recycled, however, a significant “minus” is the lack of treatment of the internal surface .
Types of capsules for coffee machines
Today, each manufacturer has developed unique capsules for their own coffee machines. Despite their formal incompatibility, the container designs are not fundamentally different:
— capsules for Nepresso coffee machine
— capsules for Lavazza coffee machines
— capsules for Nescafe Dolce Gusto coffee machines
— capsules for coffee machines
— capsules for Espresso coffee machines
Before refilling a capsule for a coffee machine, you should learn a little about the structure of such containers. There is nothing complicated here: inside the plastic cup there are two membranes that protect the coffee between them from moisture and other negative influences.
Advantages and disadvantages
First, let's list the advantages :
- Using them is easy and simple: just put them in the compartment, set the device with the necessary parameters, and at the end, throw away the used packaging without wasting time on cleaning and washing out the hated grounds from the coffee machine.
- The coffee machine processes capsules absolutely silently .
- Since the parameters you set (water temperature, grind size) remain unchanged, the taste and quality of your favorite drink does not change . The lid allows you to preserve the aroma, taste and richness longer.
- Universal . You can prepare any desired variety, as well as mix different ones, creating a unique drink.
- It is easy to calculate portions of the prepared drink , which is actively used in restaurants, coffee shops and bars.
There are also disadvantages
- The cost of capsule coffee is significantly more expensive than grain or ground coffee, so there is no need to talk about savings here.
- A specific type is suitable for a certain line of devices.
Before buying a coffee machine, thoroughly study the market , ratings, compare the range and prices , so that in the future you do not need to scour the whole city in search of capsules.
If you rented the device for a while, it will be somewhat easier for you: you can take the capsules from the lessor or find out from him where you can get them or order them.
The taste of perfect coffee
We can talk endlessly about the taste diversity of the drink. All amateurs and professional tasters agree that real coffee beans should have a delicate aroma and rich taste. Proper roasting, transportation and storage of beans ensures the drink reaches the perfect, tantalizing notes. Reusable Nespresso capsules can provide 100% protection and preservation of the value of the drink. For coffee to taste perfect, it must be brewed correctly. When preparing, it is necessary to observe proportions, and it is advisable to drink the drink without sugar.
Kinds
Nespresso
Manufacturer of coffee capsules for coffee machines and coffee makers is Nestlé . It was this brand that first began to develop this product and still does not lose its relevance. There are 16 types of coffee for sale, with Arabica predominating .
The range consists of:
- Lungo (soft and rich, 110 ml per cup),
- Espresso: 7 varieties plus 3 elite,
- Decaffeinated coffee,
- Hot chocolate
- Tea with mountain herbs
The cost of a package of 10 pieces is from 320 rubles.
Dolce Gusto
For Delonghi and Dolce Gusto (Krups) devices . Produced by the Nescafe brand. Food-safe plastic is used in production. The assortment is extensive: more than 20 flavors are available to Russian coffee lovers .
Arabica with varying amounts of Robusta predominates. Limited edition products with 100% Brazilian Arabica are up for sale. Also available:
- 10 types of espresso
- Decaffeinated coffee – 1 type
- Latte, cappuccino, coffee with milk – 6 types
- Hot chocolate – caramel, mocha, chocochino flavors
Price per package (16 pieces) – 380-420 rubles.
For your information! The filling of the packaging is 6 g instead of what is required according to the gold standard 7.
Tassimo
The capsules look like discs, which makes them stand out from others . Each has a barcode that is read by the coffee machine.
This brand’s coffee brewing technology differs from that of most competitors: the coffee powder is not pressed, which has a positive effect on the aroma and taste of the drink . Dosage of coffee in packaging – 9 g.
types of flavors can be purchased on the Russian market :
- 1 type of cocoa,
- 3 types of black coffee,
- 3 types of coffee with milk (including latte macchiato for a large mug),
- 4 types of tea,
- Milk,
- Hot chocolate
A package of 16 pieces costs approximately 360 rubles . You can not only buy it in a specialized store, but also order it online.
Squesito
The Italian manufacturer launched its products on the market relatively recently, but gourmets have already appreciated its composition. A significant disadvantage is that the packaging is below standard (6 g) .
The recipe is excellent, kept secret. Food-grade plastic and aluminum are used in the manufacture of capsules . The assortment is still small and includes decaffeinated coffee, 4 types of black coffee and hot chocolate.
Important! It is in these capsules that lovers of caffeine and characteristic bitterness will find 100% Robusta coffee.
Compatible with Squisito and Philips coffee machines. Cost – 35 rubles and more .
Lavazza
The consumer is offered more than 3 types of black coffee blends and 6 types of espresso.
Packaging – 7.5 g. Material used – food grade plastic. The cost of a package of 30 pieces is approximately 840 rubles. Capsules can only be used in Lavazza machines .
Prices for the Nespresso brand are hefty, however, quite good Chinese analogues have recently appeared on sale .
Their cost is 20-25% lower. Nespresso and Dolce Gusto capsules are quite successfully used for Krups brand devices.
Popular models
Coffeduck
Quite a popular product. The cost of 5 pieces is no less than 800 rubles. Depending on the year of manufacture of the device, you should also choose packaging .
There are two types on sale: black and brown. Black ones are used in machines manufactured after October 2010, where the capsule receptacle tray is ribbed. Brown is used in machines equipped with a smooth tray, and such devices were produced until October 2010.
Capsulin
Product of a French brand. The cost of a set of 100 pieces is approximately 500 rubles. Food grade plastic is used in production.
The kit includes sheets with self-adhesive foil lids and a dispenser.
Attention! Foil lids allow you to use the product up to 20 times, but the plastic gradually becomes deformed, which affects the taste of the drink.
Emohome
Suitable for Nespresso and Dolce Gusto machines. Capsules made of food-grade plastic are not used in machines manufactured before 2003 (F896/893/897 are easily recognizable from this series).
The kit includes a silicone ring. There are holes on the lid and bottom of the capsule; the hinged lid is easy to close and open.
Xawax
Products of this brand are not suitable for devices manufactured before 2003 and for machines with automatic feed .
Cannot be used in Krups Nespresso devices from October 2010.
Dolce Gusto
Produced by the Sealpod brand. Made from silicone and steel. The set includes 100 paper filters, 1 capsule, and dispensing spoon. The cost of the set is approximately 3200 rubles.
The drink must be prepared according to a special scheme : a metal holder with a filter is installed in the capsule, coffee is poured and compacted, a perforated disc is inserted and pressed, and, finally, a silicone lid.
For your information! According to consumer reviews, this activity takes a lot of time, and the taste of the drink is far from ideal.
Reviews of coffee capsules
Owners of coffee machines who already use reusable Nespresso capsules leave enthusiastic reviews that encourage them to purchase. Many people enjoy the richness of this amazing drink several times a day. Those who have tried Nespresso (reusable capsules) confidently say that capsule coffee is a successful innovation and a stylish approach to making a new generation of coffee. Do you want to enjoy yourself and not worry about your own health? Think carefully in advance which type of capsule is best to purchase. A cheap price category does not always indicate the quality and internal safety of the product! It’s ideal when your favorite drink is extremely tasty and safe! Know that coffee can be prepared instantly, all you need is an automatic machine and the right capsule! Try it and see for yourself! Feel the bright and excellent taste of your favorite sophisticated drink!
How to brew without a coffee machine?
If you get your hands on a coffee capsule, but the machine is missing (or broken), allow yourself to conduct a fun experiment and brew it without a device. Remove the cap from the capsule. Make a semicircular cut on the plastic; just pierce the foil with a needle and pry it off with a knife.
Further actions depend on what you have in your home: a Turkish coffee maker or a geyser coffee maker.
If you have a Turk, pour coffee into it, pour in water (no more than 35 ml for espresso), put it on the stove and wait for the liquid to boil. Make sure the foam doesn't run away !
Pour a teaspoon of cool water into the prepared drink - this will allow the grounds to settle. The geyser coffee maker should be disassembled, pour water into the lower container (not higher than the mark), pour coffee into a special filter , put the device back together and plug it in (or put it on the stove). After waiting for the sizzle, turn it off and enjoy the taste.
How to refill a coffee machine capsule yourself
As mentioned, the differences between capsules from different manufacturers come down to shape and size. Therefore, having learned how to refill a capsule for a coffee machine of one brand, you will be able to cope with other machines.
Strictly speaking, it is not possible to refill a disposable capsule. More precisely, you can try to do this, but in practice such attempts are fraught with damage to the device. On the other hand, you can get even better results by making a reusable capsule with your own hands. There is nothing complicated about this, and it will only require a few minutes of time and two already used containers:
- Using a knife, cut off the bottom end of the capsule just above where the foil membrane is located (this can be discarded).
- Clean the inside of the container of any remaining coffee and dry it thoroughly. Be careful: there is another membrane in the capsule - it must be kept intact.
- Take the second capsule and cut it in the center area. Here the plastic is somewhat thicker and you can use scissors or other available tools to obtain an even cut line.
- Remove the membrane from the second capsule, clean it of coffee residues and dry it. As a result, you should have two parts of capsules, one of which can be put on the second.
- Pour the prepared coffee into the resulting structure and connect its two halves, lightly squeezing each other.
- Your reusable capsule is ready to use!
- Important! When using reconstituted capsules, it is necessary to accurately align the hole in the top with the needle, otherwise coffee may get into the mechanism of the device and clog it.
You can watch the whole process in action in the video on how to refill a capsule for a coffee machine:
