Barista Guide

Podstar Barista Guide

Reusable coffee pods work a little differently to disposable pods. This guide explains how pod size, grind, flow and pour affect flavour — and how to adjust each one to get the best results from your Podstar reusable pods.

Why pod size matters

When it comes to coffee, the amount of coffee in your pod makes a big difference to strength and flavour.

Podstar reusable pods hold different amounts of coffee depending on the system:

Nespresso: 5.5 g

Vertuo: 9 g

Espressotoria: 6.5 g

Aldi / K-fee: 7.1 g

Lavazza: 5 g

For comparison, a café-style barista coffee typically uses around 11 grams of coffee to achieve that rich flavour.

This is why reusable pods often work best when two pods are used per cup, especially with smaller pod systems.

One pod vs two pods

Reusable pods contain less coffee than a café-style shot, so the number of pods you use matters.

One pod can work for smaller cups or lighter drinks.

Two pods are recommended for standard mugs, milk-based drinks, or when you want café-style strength.

Using two pods isn’t a workaround — it’s how you match café dosing at home. Adjust based on cup size and taste.

Grind size and flow

Flow is how easily water moves through the coffee in your pod.

If the grind is too fine, water struggles to pass through. You’ll see slow dripping, stalling, or the machine stopping.

If the grind is too coarse, water rushes through and the coffee tastes weak and watery.

You’re aiming for a steady, even flow.

For best results, use a fine-to-medium (stovetop) grind, which is ideal for reusable pods.

If you are grinding your own coffee:

Too slow → go a touch coarser

Too fast → go a touch finer

A note on pre-ground coffee

Supermarket coffee is finely ground for pump espresso machines. This grind is generally not suitable for any reusable pods and will restrict water flow, regardless of how firmly or loosely the coffee is packed.

For best results, use freshly ground coffee at a fine-to-medium (stovetop) grind, or coffee specifically ground for reusable pods. This grind allows water to pass through the coffee at the right speed, producing a balanced extraction and better flavour. The upside of reusable pods is that you’re not locked into a single brand or blend. You can buy coffee ground to order from your local café, or choose a coffee specifically ground for reusable pods. Many cafés will grind coffee for you at the time of purchase, or you can use a simple home grinder and grind your coffee fresh.

Using the correct grind size makes far more difference than tamping pressure or fill level.

The pour

Most of the flavour in coffee is extracted at the start of the pour.

As the coffee runs, it will start dark and then become lighter. Once it turns pale or watery, the flavour has already been extracted.

For best results:

Start the pour and watch the colour

Stop the machine before the coffee turns pale

Use a second pod and repeat into the same cup

Running a full pour with one pod usually dilutes the coffee.

Milk, long blacks and cup styles

Your drink style changes how strong the coffee tastes.

For a long black, add hot water after brewing the coffee.

For milk-based drinks, add milk gradually. The colour of the coffee will tell you when you’ve added enough.

Larger cups will always taste weaker unless you adjust pod quantity.

Practical tips and care

Fill your pod gradually and tamp as you go so the coffee is compact and level.

Make sure the lid screws on fully. If it doesn’t, remove a small amount of coffee and try again.

Never force an overfilled pod into your machine.

Always check that your machine model is compatible before use.

Use fresh water and clean your machine regularly.

Descale your machine as recommended by the manufacturer.