Reusable coffee pods are a smart choice — better for the planet, your wallet, and your morning brew.
But like anything new, there’s a learning curve.

Here are the five most common mistakes we see with reusable pods — and how to avoid them for smooth, café-quality results every time.

1. Using the Wrong Grind Size

This is the most common issue.

Too coarse and your coffee will taste weak and watery.
Too fine and it won’t extract properly — or worse, it clogs your machine.

Fix:
Use a medium-fine espresso grind. Not as fine as Turkish coffee, not as coarse as plunger grind.
The best way to get it right? Use a quality hand grinder and adjust until it’s just right.

Tip: Our Pod Star grinder is calibrated specifically for pod brewing.

2. Skipping the Tamp

A loose fill leads to under-extracted coffee — thin, acidic, and underwhelming.
But over-tamping can block water flow and create too much pressure.

Fix:
Lightly press the coffee down with a tamper — just enough to level it off and give some structure.

We recommend the Pod Star stainless steel tamper — designed to fit our capsules perfectly.

3. Overfilling or Underfilling the Pod

It’s tempting to pack more in for a stronger shot — or too little for speed.
But getting the dose wrong can cause poor flow, spluttering, or no crema.

Fix:
Fill your pod just below the rim, then gently tamp.
Consistency is key — our scoop is pre-measured to take the guesswork out.

4. Not Cleaning the Pod Properly

Leaving old coffee grounds in the pod can affect the next shot’s flavour — and even damage your machine over time.

Fix:
Rinse your pod under warm water straight after use.
A quick scrub ensures flavour, flow, and longevity.

Bonus: Pod Star pods are dishwasher safe, but a rinse right after brewing is best.

5. Giving Up Too Early

It’s easy to get one average shot and think, “Reusable pods just aren’t for me.”
But chances are it’s a fixable setup issue — not the pod.

Fix:
Dial in your grind. Adjust your tamp. Check your dose.
Once you’ve found the sweet spot, it’s pure coffee bliss — no waste, no extra cost.

And you don’t have to do it alone — we’re here to help.

The Bottom Line

Reusable pods aren’t complicated. But like any brewing method, they work best with a little technique.

Avoiding these five mistakes can mean the difference between frustration and flawless coffee — all with the same machine you already own.

Ready to brew better?
Shop the Pod Star Kit →