Can you use Nespresso pods twice?

by

Nespresso machines are super conventional, user-friendly, and highly innovative coffee machines that brew a perfect shot of coffee at the push of a button. However, regular usage of machines surely isn’t too convenient and cheap.

Depending on whether you have Nespresso vertuo or Original, a single Nespresso pod costs you anywhere from 60 cents to $1.20.

So if you are trying to get a lot of use out of your Nespresso machine without breaking the bank, you might be wondering can you use Nespresso pods twice.

The ultimate answer is Nespresso doesn’t recommend you use Nespresso pods more than once. Yeah, you can reuse Nespresso pods if you want. However, the taste, aroma, and flavors will be affected and you will end up with a very bitter cup of coffee.

Contents show

how many times can you use a Nespresso pod?

Nespresso capsules are super convenient, easy to use, super-fast, and brew great quality Espresso shots. However, on the downside, they are costly (as mentioned, a single Nespresso pod can cost you anywhere from 60 cents to $1.20).

So economically it might make sense to use Nespresso pods more than once but I am sure you will not like the taste.

However, the taste is a completely subjective matter if you are not offended by a bitter and less flavorful cup of coffee then Sure! you can reuse them

Technically, you can use a Nespresso pod twice. Nespresso’s original line models don’t have a sensor to detect whether there’s present a pod in the chamber or not.

If you want to reuse pods in Vertuo line models then make sure that the barcode on the top of the pod is not affected in the first run.

However, there is some limitation associated with using the Nespresso pod for the second time.

This method works only best if the duration between brewing hasn’t been too long as once the punctured pod is exposed to air, it quickly loses quality aroma and aesthetic look. So don’t expect a good cup of coffee the next day if you leave a spent pod in the machine.

Why shouldn’t you use Nespresso pods twice?

Just because you can technically brew pods twice doesn’t mean you should use them. As mentioned, Nespresso pods are specifically made to be used only once. When you run pods twice or more, you compromise on the taste and quality. Therefore, Nespresso doesn’t recommend you reuse the pods.

The following are the reasons why you should avoid using Nespresso pods twice.

  1. Your coffee might end up being taste bitter or burnt. The reason is if you brew pods twice, the grounds will get over-extracted.
  2. The taste of your coffee or espresso will become watery. The reason is when you brew the pod for 2nd time, there will be fewer flavors left.
  3. If you run pods multiple times, the pod might melt inside the machine and end up being a failure of the machine.

If you are using more intense pods then it might be possible that you get a rich cup of coffee in the second run. But in most cases, it will more be like brown water than coffee.

2 methods to use Nespresso machines economically

Nespresso is a popular coffee machine known for its convenience but this convenience comes at some cost.

Nespresso capsules are way more expensive than regular ground coffee. There is also speculation that Nespresso earns more by selling the coffee capsules than by selling the machines.

Here we are discussing two methods to use your own coffee grounds to make your favorite coffee using Nespresso machines.

These hacks don’t work for Vertuoline machines because of barcode technology. If you have an Original line machine here’s how to make coffee in an economical way.

Remember, applying these hacks may void your warranty, so do it at your own risk.

Method 1: Aluminum foil method to reuse Nespresso pods

This method of getting more out of used pods is a little bit complex, but if you do it in the right way, you can have a great cup of coffee or the perfect espresso.

This is a DIY hack for reusing Nespresso capsules.

Steps include

  • Remove the aluminum foil of the used capsule: With the help of a sharp knife, cut away the aluminum foil from the top of the coffee pod
  • Empty & clean capsule: Now, discard spent coffee grounds from the capsule and thoroughly rinse the capsule with warm water to remove any residue left behind and let the capsule dry.
  • Fill the capsule with ground coffee beans: Now fill the capsule with about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of your desired coffee grounds. It is recommended to use a fine grind.
  • Now slightly press the grounds to equal them out, but you don’t have to tamp them down as in the case of the Espresso machine.
  • Cover the capsule with aluminum foil: Cut a piece of aluminum foil large enough for the capsule and entirely wrap the capsule top with it.

We recommend choosing a special aluminum foil lid made by Capmesso.

  • Brew the coffee: now, put the capsule back in the machine and enjoy freshly brewed coffee with your Nespresso machine.

Remember, this hack may doesn’t work every time. You have to try your best to make your DIY foil exactly closer to a brand-new coffee pod. It might take some experimentation, different foils, or a coffee grind.

Also Read: Can you use your own coffee grounds in Nespresso

Method 2- Using Refillable Nespresso capsules

Another hack to use the Nespresso machine economically is using a Refillable Nespresso capsule.

The same refillable capsule can be used over and over again. Products like this are your best bet if you want maximum reusability and value for money.

Refillable capsules are easy to use and surely save you a lot of money in the long run if you are a daily coffee consumer.

Additionally, it also helps to do experiments with different types of coffee roast and flavors, which is available in the pre-sealed cup. You can have full control over your coffee because you are using your desired coffee.

Can reusing Nespresso pods damage your machine?

Yes, reusing Nespresso pods can damage your machine. But no worries if you do it properly.

If you reuse the Nespresso pods, the following things might happen.

  1. The coffee grounds may get caught in your machine. This happens if you don’t cover the pod properly or overfill the pod with coffee grounds.
  2. Your coffee will not be of great quality as it would be if you used an authentic Nespresso pod. This happens when you use the wrong grind size or use too few coffee grounds.
  3. The pods could become stuck in the machine. This happens if you insert a damaged or bent capsule into the machine.

Using hacked capsule is generally a bad idea and not recommended by the manufacturer. But many folks have tried this method and get success in it.

So, the bottom line is if you are going to do it make sure to do it the right way.

Final thoughts

So in the end, You can use the Nespresso pods twice if you are not bothered by the bitter and watery taste of coffee.

If you want to use your Nespresso machines more economically then you can reuse the Nespresso pods by filling your own coffee grounds.

Related Nespresso Articles: