ESE pods vs Nespresso capsules vs K-Cups: what is the difference?
By the Siag team ·
Pods and capsules all promise a good cup with no effort, but they are not interchangeable. Each one is made for a different kind of machine. Here is how to tell them apart.
| Type | Format | Machine | Brewing |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESE pod | Flat paper pod, 44 mm | ESE pod machines | Espresso |
| Nespresso Original capsule | Aluminum or plastic capsule | Nespresso Original line machines | Espresso |
| K-Cup | Plastic cup with a paper filter | Keurig brewers | Drip-style coffee |
ESE pods
ESE pods are made of filter paper. The machine brews through the pod with hot water under pressure, like a real espresso machine. Many Italian roasters use this standard, so you can choose among different coffees for the same machine.
Nespresso Original capsules
These are sealed capsules made for Nespresso Original machines. The machine pierces the capsule and pushes hot water through it. Besides Nespresso, other roasters make compatible capsules. Siag Super Cremoso is one of them, made for Nespresso Original machines.
K-Cups
K-Cups are plastic cups made for Keurig brewers. These machines brew a cup in the drip style, at low pressure, so the result is closer to filter coffee than to espresso.
Which one is right for you?
Start from the machine you own, or decide the machine from the coffee you want. If you love the ritual of a lever and a paper pod, ESE is the natural choice. If you already have a Nespresso Original machine, you can keep it and change the coffee.
