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Everything you need to know about choosing, using and caring for your Podstar reusable coffee pods. Browse the topics below to find answers to common questions. If you still need help, we're only a message away.
Choosing the Right Capsule
Which Podstar reusable capsule fits my coffee machine?
Podstar makes reusable capsules for Nespresso Original, selected Nespresso Vertuo, Aldi Expressi, Lavazza A Modo Mio and Espressotoria machines.
Not sure which capsule you need? Visit our Find Your Machine guide to identify the right reusable capsule for your coffee machine.
If your machine isn't listed, contact us with the brand and model number and we'll be happy to help.
Do your reusable capsules work in all Nespresso Original machines?
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Do your reusable capsules work in Vertuo machines?
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Which Aldi Expressi machines are compatible?
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Do you make reusable capsules for Dolce Gusto?
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Getting Started
What coffee should I use?
One of the biggest advantages of using a Podstar reusable capsule is that you get to choose the coffee.
With disposable capsules, you're limited to the coffee that's inside. With Podstar, you can enjoy freshly roasted coffee from your favourite local roaster, explore different blends and origins, or even roast your own beans if you're passionate about coffee.
Freshly roasted coffee contains more of the natural oils and aromas that give coffee its flavour. Combined with the right grind, it can produce a noticeably better cup than coffee that has been sealed in a disposable capsule for months.
If you've just purchased your first Podstar reusable capsule, start with the complimentary Lygon St Coffee Co. sample included with your order. It's freshly roasted and ground specifically for reusable capsules, making it the perfect place to begin.
Once you've mastered the basics, half the fun is experimenting. Try different blends, roast levels and single origins until you discover the coffee that's perfect for you.
For more tips and step-by-step instructions, visit our Making Coffee guide.
How do I get the best coffee from my reusable capsule?
Great coffee comes down to a few simple things:
Use freshly roasted coffee whenever possible.
Choose a stovetop grind or adjust your grinder until you achieve a smooth, even extraction.
Fill the reusable capsule evenly and tamp it firmly, without over-packing.
For a stronger, café-style coffee, brew two reusable capsules into the same cup.
For more tips and step-by-step instructions, visit our Making Coffee guide.
Don't be afraid to experiment. It may take a few coffees to find the grind and tamp that produce the flavour you enjoy most.
How many reusable capsules do I need?
Most people use two reusable capsules to make a café-strength coffee.
Because reusable capsules aren't vacuum-packed like disposable capsules, they hold slightly less coffee than a single-use capsule. Using two capsules gives you a stronger, fuller-bodied coffee that's comparable to what you're used to.
If you prefer a lighter coffee, one reusable capsule may be enough. For a stronger coffee, simply brew a second capsule into the same cup.
Why does a reusable capsule hold less coffee than a disposable capsule?
Disposable capsules are filled and vacuum-sealed using commercial equipment, allowing manufacturers to pack more coffee into a small capsule.
Reusable capsules are filled by hand, so they naturally hold a little less coffee. A typical Nespresso Original reusable capsule holds around 5.5g of coffee, compared with around 11g in a café espresso.
That's why many customers brew two reusable capsules into one cup to achieve a fuller, café-style coffee while still enjoying freshly ground beans and complete control over the flavour.
What grind size should I use?
We recommend a stovetop (Moka pot) grind.
This is slightly coarser than a traditional espresso grind and works well in reusable capsules. If you're buying coffee from a local roaster, simply ask for a stovetop grind.
If you're grinding your own beans, aim for a grind that's similar to fine table salt. You can then make small adjustments until you achieve the flavour and flow you prefer..
How firmly should I tamp the coffee?
Tamp the coffee until it's level and firmly packed, but don't force it.
The aim is to create an even coffee bed so the water flows through consistently. If your coffee runs too slowly, try tamping a little lighter. If it runs too quickly, try tamping a little more firmly.
With a little practice, you'll quickly find the pressure that produces the flavour you enjoy most.
Cleaning & Care
How do I clean my capsules?
After each use, empty the used coffee grounds and rinse your capsule under warm running water. This is usually all that's needed to keep it clean.
Every few weeks, or if you notice a build-up of coffee oils, wash your capsule in warm, soapy water using a soft brush or cloth. Rinse thoroughly before using it again.
A clean capsule not only helps your coffee taste its best, but also keeps your machine performing well.
Can I put my capsules in the dishwasher?
Yes. All Podstar capsules are top-rack dishwasher safe.
If you have a Nespresso Original capsule, we recommend removing the silicone ring before placing it in the dishwasher to help extend its life.
However, rinsing your capsule under warm water after each use is usually all that's needed. An occasional dishwasher cycle is a convenient way to remove any build-up of coffee oils.
How often should I clean my capsules?
Rinse your capsule under warm water after every use to remove used coffee grounds and prevent coffee oils from building up.
Every few weeks, or more often if you use your capsule several times a day, give it a more thorough clean with warm, soapy water or place it in the dishwasher.
Keeping your capsule clean will help maintain both the flavour of your coffee and the performance of your machine.
Do I need to descale my coffee machine?
Yes. Regular descaling helps remove mineral build-up, keeping your coffee machine performing at its best.
How often you should descale depends on how often you use your machine and the hardness of your water. We recommend following the descaling instructions provided by your machine's manufacturer.
Regular descaling helps maintain good water flow, consistent extraction and great-tasting coffee.
How long will my capsule last?
Podstar capsules are made from 316L marine-grade stainless steel and are designed to last for many years with normal use.
Simply rinse your capsule after each use and clean it regularly to keep it performing at its best.
If you have a Nespresso Original capsule, the silicone ring may eventually need replacing, depending on how often it's used. Every Nespresso Original capsule includes a spare replacement ring, so you'll be ready if you ever need it.
Brewing & Troubleshooting
My coffee is weak or watery.
If your coffee tastes weak or watery, it usually means the water is passing through the coffee too quickly instead of extracting all the flavour. This is most commonly caused by the coffee being ground too coarsely, not enough coffee in the capsule, or the coffee not being tamped firmly enough.
We recommend using a stovetop (Moka pot) grind, filling the capsule to the top and tamping the coffee until it's level and firmly packed.
Remember that reusable capsules aren't vacuum packed like disposable capsules, so they naturally hold less coffee. For a stronger coffee, many customers brew two capsules into one cup.
If you've tried these steps and you're still not getting a good result, please get in touch and we'll be happy to help troubleshoot your setup.
My coffee is coming through too slowly or not at all.
If your coffee is dripping very slowly, or not coming through at all, the coffee inside the capsule is probably packed too tightly. This prevents the water from flowing through the coffee properly.
Try using a slightly coarser grind, tamping a little more lightly, or using a little less coffee in the capsule. Even small adjustments can make a big difference.
If the problem continues, remove the capsule and check that the filter holes are clean and free from coffee grounds before trying again.
Coffee is leaking around the capsule.
If coffee or water is leaking around the capsule, it usually means the capsule isn't sealing properly or coffee grounds are preventing a good seal.
Remove the capsule and check that the rim is clean and free from coffee grounds before inserting it again. If you're using a Nespresso Original capsule, make sure the silicone ring is fitted correctly and isn't twisted or damaged.
If the leak continues, try using a little less coffee in the capsule. Overfilling can prevent the machine from closing properly and affect the seal.
If you've checked these steps and the problem persists, please get in touch and we'll be happy to help.
Can I use supermarket coffee?
Generally, no.
Most supermarket ground coffee is ground too finely for reusable capsules. This can cause your coffee to run very slowly, become blocked or produce poor results.
For the best coffee, we recommend using freshly roasted coffee ground for a stovetop (Moka pot). If you're buying from a local roaster, simply ask for a stovetop grind.
Every Podstar capsule includes a complimentary sample of Lygon St Coffee Co. coffee, ground to the specification we recommend for the best results.
Why doesn't my coffee taste like the café?
Great coffee starts with great coffee beans.
While your Podstar capsule plays an important role, the biggest difference comes from the coffee you use. Freshly roasted coffee retains more of its flavour and aroma than coffee that's been sitting on a supermarket shelf for months.
For the best results, we recommend using freshly roasted coffee ground for a stovetop (Moka pot). Fill the capsule to the top, tamp it firmly and, for a stronger coffee, brew two capsules into one cup.
Every Podstar capsule includes a complimentary sample of Lygon St Coffee Co. coffee, so you can experience the grind we recommend and see the difference freshly roasted coffee can make.
Machine fit & Compatibility
My capsule doesn't fit in my machine
First, check that your coffee machine is listed on our Find Your Machine compatibility guide.
If your machine is compatible, make sure the lid is screwed fully onto the base. If the lid isn't tightened completely, the capsule becomes slightly longer and may not fit properly in your machine.
Also avoid overfilling the capsule. Fill with coffee to just below the thread, leaving enough room for the lid to screw fully onto the base.
If you have a Nespresso Essenza Mini, fitting the capsule is slightly different. Please see How do I fit a capsule into a Nespresso Essenza Mini? for our demonstration video.
If you've checked these steps and your capsule still doesn't fit, please contact us and we'll be happy to help.
I can't close the lever
If your machine is listed on our Find Your Machine compatibility guide, the most common cause is that the capsule has been overfilled or the lid hasn't been screwed fully onto the base.
Fill the capsule with coffee to just below the thread, then screw the lid firmly onto the base. Overfilling can prevent the lid from closing completely, making the capsule slightly longer and harder to fit into your machine.
If you're using a Nespresso Original capsule, it's also normal for the lever to feel firmer than it does with a disposable capsule, especially when your capsule is new. This will usually ease after a few uses.
If you have a Nespresso Essenza Mini, please see How do I fit a capsule into a Nespresso Essenza Mini? for our demonstration video.
If you're still unable to close the lever, please contact us and we'll be happy to help.
My capsule is getting stuck in the machine
If your capsule is getting stuck in the chamber after brewing, it's usually because the lid hasn't been screwed fully onto the base.
When the lid is left loose, the capsule becomes slightly longer and can become lodged in your machine.
Overfilling the capsule can also prevent the lid from screwing down completely. Fill with coffee to just below the thread, leaving enough room for the lid to screw fully onto the base.
Before each use, check that the lid is firmly tightened. This simple step will help ensure the capsule fits and ejects correctly.
If you've checked these steps and your capsule is still getting stuck, please contact us and we'll be happy to help.
How do I fit a capsule into a Nespresso Essenza Mini?
The Nespresso Essenza Mini uses a slightly different insertion technique to some other Nespresso Original machines. If you're having trouble fitting your Podstar capsule or closing the lever, watch our short video below.
Watch the video: Fitting a Podstar capsule into a Nespresso Essenza Mini
Contact & Support
I still need help.
If you haven't found the answer you're looking for, we're here to help.
Please include your coffee machine make and model, the Podstar capsule you're using, and a brief description of the problem. If possible, attach a photo or short video so we can see exactly what's happening.
We'll get back to you as quickly as we can.
I think my capsule is faulty.
Every Podstar capsule is hand-lathed, individually assembled and checked before it leaves us, but if you think there's a problem, we'd like to help.
Please contact us with your order number, your coffee machine make and model, and a brief description of the issue. If possible, include a few photos or a short video showing the problem.
We'll investigate the issue and work with you to find the cause. If your capsule is found to have a manufacturing fault, we'll make it right.
Do the capsules come with a warranty?
Yes. All Podstar capsules are covered by our warranty against manufacturing defects.
Every capsule is hand-lathed, individually assembled and checked before it leaves us. If you believe your capsule has a manufacturing fault, please contact us with your order number, your coffee machine make and model, and a description of the issue. Photos or a short video are always helpful.
If we determine that your capsule has a manufacturing fault, we'll replace it in accordance with our warranty and your rights under Australian Consumer Law.
Still can't find the answer?
If you can't find the answer you're looking for, we'd love to help.
The quickest way to get in touch is through our Contact Us page. Please include your coffee machine make and model, the Podstar capsule you're using, and a brief description of the problem. If possible, attach a photo or short video so we can see exactly what's happening.
We'll get back to you as quickly as we can and do our best to get you back to enjoying great coffee.

