Best Reusable Nespresso Pods (2023) - Save Money and the Environment
Yes, George Clooney is a silver fox and the sight of him advertising Nespresso is partly why anyone buys it.
And now that he’s roped in Brad Pitt to advertise them too, it’s like a dream come true.
But, those little pods create a mountain of waste!
They are convenient. No grinding of beans, no measuring, just popping the pod into your machine and pressing a button. Then after your aromatic cup of coffee is made, you simply throw that pod into the bin.
But that’s the problem.
Love your Nespresso capsules but feel guilty about adding to the mountains of waste that are destroying our planet?
When you see a bit of plastic lodged in some poor sea turtle and David Attenborough telling you how bad plastic is, do you feel yourself looking over at your Nespresso machine with a sheepish look?
We’re all in the same boat (hopefully one sailing in a sea not filled with plastic).
Don’t feel guilty anymore. With 39,000 capsules being produced every minute, you can help reduce the 29,000 of those that go to landfills (1).
By doing the little things, like buying reusable Nespresso Pods, we can be more environmentally friendly. Plus, you can choose any type of coffee and save money!
Yes, Nespresso capsules are convenient, but it’s not only bad for our planet but for your pocket.
Reusable capsules will keep that money in your pocket, give you more choice of coffee, and take away that guilt of harming our environment.
We are here to help you reduce your environmental footprint by helping you select the best reusable Nespresso pods for your needs!
Let’s get started!
What are the Best Reusable Nespresso Pods?
There are plenty of options, but we’ve reviewed the 5 we think are the best reusable capsules. Check out our overviews below and click on "Read More" to jump down to the in-depth reviews:
no. 1
AOZBZ Refillable Coffee Capsules
- Includes 2 pods,100 lids, a scoop, and a brush
- Compatible with Nespresso Original Line machines
- Food-grade stainless steel
no. 2
Seal Pod Reusable Nespresso Capsules
- Includes 5 pods, 120 lids, tamper, 5 extra O-rings, and 1 pack of coffee sample
- Compatible with Nespresso Original Line
- Can fill and store for later
no. 3
CAPMESSO Reusable Espresso Capsules
- 100 pods, 100 lids, and 1 scoop
- Compatible with Nespresso Original Line
- Can be reused 200 times
no. 4
Easy-seal Coffee Capsule Refill Kit
- Includes brush, scoop, reusable capsule holder, and 80 premium foil seals
- Compatible with Nespresso Vertuo Line
- Apply lid with a single twist
no. 5
Madama Refillable Dolce Gusto Coffee Capsule
- Includes 1 pod, 2 interchangeable filters, and instruction booklet
- Compatible with Nespresso Dolce Gusto machines
- Easy to clean
Now stick around so you can learn more about each product we mentioned and what you should look for when you're shopping for one!
1. AOZBZ Refillable Coffee Capsules
Overview
With 2 reusable capsules, it means you always have one spare in case you were too lazy to wash the one you used earlier that morning (or worse, someone else used it and didn't wash it!).
Features
- It comes with 2 reusable Nespresso pods, 100 lids, a scoop, and a brush, this should last you for many cups of coffee.
- Made of food-grade stainless steel, which is dishwasher safe.
- It is compatible with most Nespresso OriginalLine machines. You should make sure it suits your machine before buying.
- It may take some experimenting with the amount of grind coffee needed.
- It’s easy to use. Simply fill the stainless steel refillable pod with any coffee grounds you prefer, tap it down gently with the back of the scoop, and ensure it's filled right to the edge and the edges are clean before applying the lid and placing it in your machine.
Bottom Line
It’s great to have more than one reusable pod, so if you’re feeling a bit lazy, you don’t have to wash them immediately.
For more information or to buy, check it out on Amazon.
2. Seal Pod Reusable Nespresso Capsules
Overview
These Nespresso refillable capsules could last you a lifetime, so they are sustainable and save you a lot of money.
Features
- It comes with 5 reusable pods, 120 lids, tamper, 5 extra 0-rings, and 1 pack of coffee sample. The 5 innovative Fresh Covers mean you can pre fill your pod for use later.
- Compatible with the Nespresso Original Line.
- The lids allow the pressure to build inside to produce a rich coffee.
- The airtight fresh covers are black and the pods are pressed into them making them easy to use.
- The foil needs to be removed within a few hours if not right away or you may have difficulty removing it.
- There may be some more water than the Nespresso pods which could be a problem if you like to drink espresso as they could be a little weaker.
- It’s easy to use. Press your grinds into the stainless steel pod with the tamper and use the handle to siphon off any excess, and seal it with a foil sticker.
Bottom Line
These refillable Nespresso pods are good value for money since they could last a lifetime.
3. CAPMESSO Reusable Espresso Capsules
Overview
These reusable coffee pods can be used up to 20 times each, so you could get up to 2000 coffees. Please drink these responsibly.
Features
- Comes with 100 refillable Nespresso pods, 100 lids, and 1 scoop. With so many reusable capsules, you don’t have to constantly wash them after use.
- Compatible with the Nespresso Original Line but not Vertuo line.
- Made with 100% BPA free, food-grade material that’s recyclable.
- It takes some experimenting to find the right amount of grinds to suit your taste.
- The quality may decline a little with each use of the same pod as more water leaks into it.
- It may not work with the Nespresso Lattissima, as the pod has holes for water inlet and this machine causes more holes in the foils making it less likely you will be able to use them again.
Bottom Line
Great for sustainability as the materials are recyclable and great if you don’t like washing coffee pods.
4. Easy-seal Coffee Capsule Refill Kit
Overview
A user-friendly kit, the lid is applied with a single twist and the holder is ergonomic. This kit is for the VertuoLine Nespresso machines.
Features
- Comes with a brush, scoop, a reusable capsule holder, and 80 premium foil seals.
- Compatible with the Nespresso VertuoLine but not Originalline.
- There is a marker to align the foil lid which is applied with a single twist.
- The foil lids are aluminum food-grade.
- The twist-seal lid has a luxe gel coasting making it easy to grip, so you don’t make a mess.
- You have to take the pod out straight after you make your coffee or it may stick to the machine.
- The lid must be applied properly, or it won’t brew correctly. The brush is convenient to brush the edge before sealing.
Bottom Line
An easy-to-use reusable capsule, but comes with fewer foils than other options.
5. Madama Refillable Dolce Gusto Coffee Capsule
Overview
Made in Italy, the home of great coffee. There’s a filter in the lid for a better diffusion of water meaning a better flavor of coffee.
Features
- It comes with 1 refillable pod, 2 interchangeable filters, and an instruction booklet.
- Compatible with the Nespresso Dolce Gusto machine.
- Made with stainless steel, making it durable for long life, and food-grade silicone.
- The interchangeable filters suit any size of grind, but a very fine coffee grounds are not recommended.
- It has a support ring for the capsule and a tamper.
- The bottom filter may not click or lock so when you are emptying your pod, the filter may come off too and you might find yourself rooting around through your lovely garbage for it.
- It’s easy to clean.
- Brewing takes a little longer than Nespresso pods because of the slower flow of water.
- The lid needs to be closed properly, like other reusable coffee pods, or there could be spillage.
Bottom Line
These refillable pods create an authentic coffee experience and should last a long time.
Why Should You Use Nespresso Reusable Pods?
It’s Good for the Planet
Less waste is better for our planet. Don’t add to the heaps of plastic and waste that already swamp the earth.
While you can recycle Nespresso pods by taking them to a Nespresso store (not an option if you live in the middle of nowhere) or mail them back (who has time for that), Nespresso admits that 75% of their pods aren’t being recycled (2).
For the makers of convenient coffee, recycling them is certainly not as straightforward. It’s no wonder why most people don’t.
Coffee pods have become so controversial that Hamburg, in Germany, even banned coffee pods back in 2016 to cut down on waste (3).
Think about how many pods you use. How many of those 29,000 going to landfills could you stop?
They Help You Save Money
Do you want to throw your money away or keep it? Exactly. Why hand over your hard-earned money to multi-million making brands when you can just use refillable pods?
You Can Get Higher Quality Coffee
You don’t have to be limited to Nespresso’s range of coffee. You can use your favorite brands for a better cup of coffee.
Greater Variety of Coffee
There are so many amazing coffee beans out there, and experimenting with different types of coffee is all part of the fun of being a coffee fan. With reusable pods, you can choose different types of coffee grounds Or even better, you can buy whole coffee beans and then grind them and put them into your refillable Nespresso capsules.
What Should You Consider When Purchasing Reusable Nespresso Pods?
Compatibility
You need to check if the reusable nespresso pod you want works with your Nespresso machine. Check the reviews because even if the manufacturer states it does work with some machines, there may be those who have found it doesn’t work great on that particular machine.
Different models of Nespresso machines work differently. The Nespresso Original Line creates high pressure before pushing the water through the grinds, whereas the Nespresso Vertuo pushes the water into the capsules and blends them together.
Materials
If you choose stainless steel, it is more durable and can withstand higher temperatures. It may clog and need to be descaled to maintain it. This means the cleaning of these types will take longer.
If you choose plastic, plastic isn’t great for the environment, which is one of the main reasons for using reusable pods. Plastic is not as durable and is not always the best of quality.
Lids
Latching lids don’t need to be replaced but sticker lids do. Latching lids will save you more money and the inconvenience of having to order more.
How to Use Nespresso Reusable Pods
- Grind your coffee beans using a high quality burr grinder. The fresher the grind, the better the flavor.
- Select one of your reusable capsules and fill with the beans of your choice.
- Tamper the coffee grounds gently.
- Clean around the rim of the pod and attach the lid.
- Place the pod into your machine.
- Brew and daydream about George Clooney.
- Smell the rich aroma spread through your kitchen as you lift your fresh coffee and take that first delicious sip.
- Empty your coffee from the pod.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use any coffee in reusable pods?
Yes! This is one of the best things about reusable capsules. You can use any coffee you like. The finer the grind the stronger your coffee, the more coarse the grind, the more gentle.
What are the disadvantages of using reusable capsules?
It may take you a few seconds longer to grind and fill the pod. You will also have to wash it.
How can you maintain your refillable nespresso pods?
Try to empty and wash them as soon as possible, so they last longer.
Bottom Line
Remember neither George Clooney nor Brad Pitt will be harmed by choosing to buy any of these reusable Nespresso pods.
In fact, they most likely will cheer you on for taking such a huge step towards saving the planet.
Because every step matter!
As for our favorite amongst the best 5 refillable pods, we would choose the AOZBZ Refillable Coffee Capsules.
