Coffee pods are a simple and fast way to get consistent, quality coffee in an instant. However, there are common issues against coffee pod machines. To reuse coffee pods with my own fresh coffee beans, I need to pay attention to the grind size and dose. Grinding the coffee too coarse will result in water gushing through the pod, while grinding too fine will cause the pod to choke the machine. Take a look at my afternoon coffee routine recycling Nespresso pods in this video.
Common issues with coffee pod machines
Coffee pod machines have been criticized for their negative impact on the environment, limited coffee options, and high cost. However, there is a solution to these issues. By using Aluminum Espresso Lid Foil Seals Compatible with Reusable Capsule Coffee Pods, I can reuse original Nespresso pods with any ground coffee I prefer. I can also use Nespresso compatible stainless steel pods instead of recycling the original pods. This method allows me to use my own coffee beans and save money while reducing waste.
While recycling coffee pods may seem easy in this video, it is actually a complex process that requires a lot of patience and trial and error. It took me several months to perfect coffee pod shots with my favourite beans in recycled pods, and it was frustrating when the machine choked or produced a weak shot. This method is not recommended for anyone who is not willing to go through a lot of trial and error.
The video that got me started
Here is a very good video that convinced me to try reusable coffee pods.
Understanding espresso video series from James Hoffmann
I love experimenting with coffee brewing because it expands my knowledge and skills. It’s all worth it when I finally get it right. James Hoffmann’s video series gave me a better understanding of how to measure the dose, yield, and grind size to get the best extraction when using reusable coffee pods. I learned that grind size and consistency are crucial factors that can dramatically change the taste of my coffee. Grinding the coffee finer increases the extraction rate, but if the grind is too fine, it can result in an over-extracted and bitter brew.
What I learned
I learned that copying the same grind used in original capsules is not as easy as it seems. No matter what combination of dose and grind I tried, I could never match the flow rate and extraction of the original pods. Grinding too fine or stuffing the pod with too much coffee would choke the machine, while grinding too coarse or not using enough coffee would result in a weak shot. Even my best shots using dark roasted espresso beans were not as strong as the original pods. I gained a new respect for the original pods, as the coffee is so strong that I can add 110ml of hot water and it still tastes good. I often add a lungo shot to the most intense pods to make them more drinkable.
Grind size superiority
Copying the same grind used in original capsules is not as easy as it seems. Coffee brewing experts suggest that the coffee grinder is the most important item that affects the taste of home-brewed coffee. They recommend using professional-grade coffee grinders such as the German hand-made COMANDANTE or the commercial Mahlkonig EK43 grinder, which produce consistent grinds that maximize the flavor of coffee beans.
However, there’s a coffee grinder that puts both of those grinders to shame.
The Roller Mill is a coffee grinder that can produce the most efficiently extracted and delicious coffee due to its control over grind size distribution. However, it is beyond the budget of most cafes. Nespresso uses a Roller Mill to grind coffee beans, which explains why they can achieve such a high extraction from tiny pods containing 5-6g of coffee grounds.
Where do I go from here?
Grinding fresh coffee beans for a pod machine yields unsatisfactory results. Pre-ground coffee may be a solution to achieve a higher extraction and emulate the original pods. Although whole beans last longer and have superior taste and aroma, a small bag of high-quality pre-ground espresso coffee may become my preferred way to drink pod coffee.
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Filter/Immersion Coffee Method with a generic drip coffee machine
French Press Coffee James Hoffmann Style
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References:
The Ultimate Coffee Grind Size Chart, Coffee to water ratio calculator
https://honestcoffeeguide.com/
Equipment used:
Nespresso Pixie
Aluminum Espresso Lid Foil Seals Compatible with Reusable Capsule Coffee Pods
HARIO “Smart G” Ceramic Coffee Mill
HARIO “Electro Solo” Electric Grinder Attachment