Vandaag of morgen in huis
Kwaliteit gegarandeerd
Welkomstaanbiedingen ontgrendelen: GRATIS bezorging | Tot 80% korting | Gratis 30 dagen JoyPlus-proefperiode
Download de app
Coffee capsules make brewing coffee at home quick and simple. However, not every capsule is suitable for every coffee pod machine. A wrong choice can lead to capsules that don’t fit, disappointing flavour, or a value pack that turns out not to be such a bargain after all.
Before you buy coffee capsules, there are three common pitfalls to watch out for:
The most important check is compatibility. Look in the manual or product description of your machine to see which system it supports.
Many espresso capsules and lungo capsules are designed for Nespresso Original machines. This applies, for example, to various Lavazza coffee capsules, Douwe Egberts coffee capsules and g’woon capsules. Always check that it explicitly says “compatible with Nespresso” or “Nespresso Original”. A capsule for a different system can get stuck or not be pierced properly.
Dolce Gusto capsules are larger and have a different design. Products such as Nescafé Flat White and Nescafé Hazelnut Macchiato are intended for compatible Dolce Gusto machines. With milk-based varieties, you may sometimes need two capsules or a milk and coffee component. So check how many drinks a pack actually yields.
Some machines accept more than one type of capsule, for example capsules alongside ground coffee or ESE pods. This can be handy for households with different preferences. One example is the HiBREW H2B, which according to the product specification supports multiple brewing methods. However, check the exact combinations and included accessories before you buy.
An espresso is typically brewed in a smaller volume than a lungo or grande. A capsule designed for around 110 ml will taste stronger with a short brew than if you run much more water through it.
Look out for terms like:
A lungo capsule is therefore not automatically suitable as a replacement for an espresso capsule. The coffee can become thinner or more bitter if you adjust the recommended volume.
Intensity is a flavour indicator, not a universal unit of measurement. Lavazza Espresso Maestro Ristretto, for example, states an intensity of 12/13, with Arabica and Robusta beans and flavour notes of chocolate and caramel. The Douwe Egberts Lungo Intense pack lists intensity 8 on a scale of 1 to 12, a dark roast and a blend of Arabica and Robusta.
If you’re after a strong, spicy cup, look for a dark roast and a higher intensity level. For a milder everyday coffee, a lighter roast or lower intensity makes more sense. When in doubt, try a pack of 10 or 16 coffee pods first rather than buying a large box straight away.
Compare the price per capsule, not just the price of the pack. A pack of 40 can be good value for daily coffee drinkers. A smaller pack is more practical if you like to switch between flavours.
With cappuccino capsules and latte varieties, you also need to read the ingredients. Nescafé Dolce Gusto Hazelnut Macchiato contains, according to the product information, milk powder, sugar and natural flavourings. Nestlé Cappuccino Light lists milk and soya as allergens. Check the current packaging if you need to consider allergies or dietary choices.
Store coffee capsules in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Don’t use a damaged pack. The best-before information is on the packaging; that is the definitive source.
Why this suits the profile: A pack of 20 coffee pods offers a manageable quantity for daily use without committing to a large bulk pack straight away.
The product information explicitly states compatibility with Nespresso machines and a lungo brew. Still, double-check this against your own machine model.
20 capsules, dark roast and a blend of Arabica and Robusta.
Why this suits the profile: For those who want a short espresso with a distinctive flavour profile and consciously consider the bean blend and intensity.
The pack states it’s capsules for Nespresso and lists the intensity 12/13. This allows you to compare your choice against concrete details.
10 capsules, Arabica and Robusta beans and described notes of chocolate and caramel.
Why this suits the profile: A household that makes several espressos a day will benefit more from a larger pack than from individual small boxes.
The pack states 40 capsules of 5.2 grams and use in Nespresso machines. This makes the contents clearer to calculate in advance.
40 capsules, Arabica-Robusta blend and a described strong flavour.
Why this suits the profile: The compact coffee pod machine is ideal for small kitchens, a home office, or anyone wanting to get started with espresso and lungo.
The machine uses the Nespresso Original system and has two programmes for espresso and lungo. This reduces the chance of choosing the wrong capsule.
0.6 litre water tank, dimensions approx. 32.5 × 11 × 20.5 cm and automatic shut-off.
We’ve put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and current European safety regulations.
No. Nespresso Original, Dolce Gusto and other systems use different capsule sizes. Check the system in your manual and compare it with the product description. Also note the difference between Nespresso Original and other Nespresso systems.
The date on the packaging is the definitive guide. Store capsules in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. Seal an opened pack properly and don’t use capsules if the packaging is damaged. Flavour and aroma may gradually decline after opening.
That depends on the price per capsule, the number of cups and the type of coffee. So compare the price per brew. A value pack can be economical for daily use, while ground coffee often offers more flexibility. A coffee pod machine mainly saves time and makes it easy to measure out portions.
