Making Great Coffee

Making great coffee with a reusable pod is easy once you know the basics.

 

This guide will show you how much coffee to use, the best grind size, 

when to use one or two pods, and a few simple tips to help you make a consistently great cup.

How much coffee should I use?

Nespresso Original 5.5 g
Vertuo 9 g
Espressotoria 6.5 g
Aldi / K-Fee 7.1 g
Lavazza 5 g

Different capsule systems hold different amounts of coffee, so the recommended coffee weight varies.

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.

Too fine

Water struggles to pass through.

• Slow dripping
• Stalling
• Machine stops

 

Too coarse

Water passes through too quickly.

• Weak coffee
• Watery taste

Ideal grind

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're grinding your own coffee:

• Too slow → go a touch coarser
• Too fast → go a touch finer

The pour

For best results: 

Start the pour 

Watch the colour

The coffee should start dark and gradually become lighter.

Stop before the coffee turns pale

Once it turns pale, most of the flavour has already been extracted. 

Want a stronger coffee? 

Use a second pod and repeat into the same cup.

See it in action:

Milk, long blacks and cup styles

Different drinks need different amounts of coffee.

Long black

Add hot water after brewing the coffee to preserve the crma and flavour.

Milk-based drinks

Add milk gradually. The colour of the coffee will tell you when you've added enough.

Larger cups

Larger cups will always taste weaker unless you use more coffee. For café-style strength, use a second pod.

Tips and care

Filling your pod

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.

Looking after your machine

Use fresh water and clean your machine regularly.

Descale your machine as recommended by the manufacturer.

Before you brew

Always check that your machine model is compatible before use.

Still need help?

Every coffee and every machine is different. If your coffee isn't quite right, a small adjustment to your grind, coffee dose or brew can make all the difference.

Visit our Help Centre for more tips and troubleshooting or Contact Us if you'd like some personalised advice.