How to use reusable Nespresso capsules?

Explore the benefits of reusable Nespresso capsules, a choice that allows you to savor exceptional coffee while reducing your ecological footprint. In this detailed guide, you will learn how to use these stainless steel capsules to optimize your coffee experience. Embrace this sustainable approach and rediscover the pleasure of a customized cup according to your preferences.

As François Etienne explains in his book Le guide pratique du café affiliate link, Nespresso has done good for the coffee world. This brand has succeeded, thanks to their varied range of capsules, in making the general public aware that coffee doesn’t have just one taste.
They paved the way for the notion of “coffee for oneself”, and people began to take an interest in the multiple possibilities that a cup of coffee offers.

A portion of consumers, including myself, disappointed with Nespresso, returned to classic extraction systems with the goal of creating better coffee. But there was an intermediate step: using reusable Nespresso capsules.
I fired up my old Nespresso machine to show you step by step how to use them effectively.

General Information

Where to get reusable Nespresso capsules?

There is a large number of reusable Nespresso capsules available for sale, particularly on Amazon.

Reusable capsules are available in plastic or stainless steel.
👉 After testing both, I highly recommend stainless steel: stronger and without BPA risk.

Disadvantage of plastic: it can deform under water pressure, making the capsule difficult to extract.

Some capsules include a tamper. This small accessory allows you to tamp the coffee. Not essential (a cork stopper works fine), but very practical.

Note: using reusable capsules does not damage Nespresso machines. Since 2010, they have been officially compatible with competitor capsules.

Do reusable Nespresso capsules give the same coffee as the originals?

No, the taste differs slightly.
Two main reasons:

• The coffee used in your homemade capsules is not Nespresso’s.
• Reusable capsules contain approximately 0.5 g less coffee than the originals.

The coffee is similar but not identical.

Do we save money with reusable capsules?

Yes, and the investment pays off quickly.

• A standard Nespresso capsule ≈ €0.35 → 3 coffees/day = €383 per year.
• With a reusable capsule + ground coffee (≈ €0.075/coffee) → 3 coffees/day = €82 per year.

You save money and choose the coffee you want.
A double advantage: ecological and economical.

How to use reusable Nespresso capsules?

1. Fill the capsule with ground coffee.
   Ideally, use a manual grinder.

   Small manual coffee grinder affiliate link

   A manual grinder ≈ €20, perfect for adjusting the grind fineness and ensuring freshly ground coffee.

2. The grind must be close to that for espresso:
   • Too fine → risk of clogging the capsule.
   • Too coarse → water flows through too quickly.

3. Tamp the coffee with the tamper (or a cork stopper).
   Add a little more coffee if necessary, then close the capsule.

4. Use like a regular capsule.
   (With the right grind setting, extraction is excellent.)