A Guide on Nespresso Pod Sizes And How to Program

In this guide, I’ll discuss different Nespresso pod sizes, focusing on both the Vertuo and Original Line ranges. 

From exploring different Nespresso sizes to programming the ideal cup size, I’ll help you customize your coffee experience to perfection.

Nespresso Vertuo Pod Sizes

Nespresso Vertuo pods offer 6 different pod sizes to cater to different coffee preferences:

1. Espresso pods: Makes concentrated Italian-style espresso with a small serving size of 1.35 oz. It has an intense flavor and is used as a base for various coffee drinks.
2. Double espresso Pods: They are similar to solo Espresso but have double the amount of coffee grounds and make 2.7oz doppio Espresso Shot
3. The Gran Lungo pod: Prepares a 5oz drink that is ideal for those who prefer a milder taste. Although Gran Lungo contains the same amount of coffee grounds as the double espresso pods, it is brewed with more water to create a smoother and slightly less intense flavor with a hint of bitterness.
4. Coffee mug-size pods: Prepares a regular 8 oz drink similar to traditional drip coffee. These pods are specially designed for Americans, who generally prefer larger servings of coffee.
5. Nespresso Alto pods: Prepare 12 ounces serving of coffee. This makes them a great choice for those who enjoy a bigger cup of coffee or want to share their coffee with someone else.
6. Nespresso Carafe Pods: These pods are only compatible with the Vertuo Next and Vertuo Creatista Models. They make an 18 oz serving of pour-over style coffee that is smooth and mild in taste.

Whether you prefer a concentrated shot, a milder brew, a full coffee mug, or a larger serving for gatherings, there is a Nespresso Vertuo Pod to suit your needs!

Nespresso Original Pod Sizes

The Nespresso Original line only offers small Espresso-styled Drinks. There are three types of Pods available.

1. Espresso pods are designed to brew a single shot of espresso, typically around 40ml (1.35 oz) of coffee. They contain just the right amount of coffee grounds for a concentrated and intense espresso taste.
2. Lungo pods are designed to brew a Lung shot of espresso, which is a larger brother of an espresso shot. These pods prepare 110ml (3.75 oz) of coffee, which has a milder flavor profile than espresso.
3. Ristretto Pods: Some Nespresso Original line Models also have the Ristretto option. Ristretto shot is basically a smaller brother of Espresso brewed with a 1:1 coffee-to-water ratio and has a very thick and syrupy coffee taste.

Although the Nespresso Orignal line only offers smaller coffee sizes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a regular 8 oz Mug of Coffee. Here’s a guide on how to make Americano with Nespresso

What is the Difference Between Original and Vertuo Nespresso Pods

The Vertuo line Capsules and the Original line Capsules are not interchangeable. That means you can’t use Original line Capsule in Vertuo line machines and Vice versa.

Nespresso Vertuo capsules are bigger and have a barcode around the top edge. The barcode technology enables Vertuo machines to automatically adjust brewing parameters for each capsule.

On the other hand, the Original Line capsules are dome-shaped and made of aluminum without any barcode.

Read a detailed article on Nespresso Vertuo line vs Original line

The Nespresso Vertuo machine incorporates a unique Centrifusion technology that rapidly spins the capsule while brewing. This produces a rich and flavorful cup of coffee with a thick crema layer on top.

The Original Line machine uses a pump to pressurize water and brew espresso similar to a traditional espresso machine.

If you are looking for affordable Nespresso capsules, check out our guide on 3rd party Best Nespresso Compatible Pods

How to do cup size programming for Nespresso Vertuo line

Nespresso allows users to customize the volume of their coffee according to their preferences.

For example, you can change the serving size of mug-sized Coffee pod (8 oz) to 10 oz or 6 oz whatever you like.

And these settings will get saved in your machine for that specific pod size until you reset the machine.

Here are the 2 simple steps to follow:

Prepare the Machine: To begin programming, open the machine head by pressing the lever upwards and insert the coffee pod of your choice.

After inserting the capsule, close the machine head by pushing the lever back down securely.

Adjust the Cup Size: Now it’s time to program the cup size according to your desired volume.

Press and hold the button on the machine until the desired volume is reached. 

This will customize the machine to use your preferred setting every time that particular capsule size is inserted.

I suggest experimenting with different cup sizes to find the perfect balance for your taste. Remember, you can adjust the volume from 10ml to 500ml depending on your taste

How to Program Nespresso Original Cup Size?

Nespresso machines offer various models under the Original line, including the Nespresso Inissia, Pixie, Essenza Mini, Lattissima, and the Creatista series.

Here’s how to program the cup size volume for these machines:

Prepare the Machine: Turn the machine On and wait until the buttons stop blinking, indicating that the machine is ready for use. 

Open the lever of the machine and insert a Nespresso Capsule of your choice.

Program the Espresso & Lungo Volume: To program the desired volume for an espresso, Press and hold the “Espresso” button, and to Program the volume for Lungo Press and hold the Lungo Button until the desired volume is reached.

You’ll notice the button flashing three times, indicating that your machine has successfully stored the programmed volume. 

Once you’ve set your preferred cup size, the machine will automatically dispense the precise amount of coffee, on a single press of the button.

How to Reset Nespresso Machine to Default Cup Size?

If you have accidentally programmed the wrong size for the specific Nespresso pod or if you don’t like the taste of coffee after cup size programming you can always easily reset the Nespresso machine to default factory settings.

Resetting OriginalLine Machines

1. Switch off the machine by pressing the Lungo and Espresso button at the same time.
2. Press and hold the “lungo” button for five seconds and the lights on the machine will blink three times quickly to indicate the reset.
3. Wait for the lights to stabilize, and your Nespresso machine will now reset to its default cup size.

By following these steps, you can easily reset your Nespresso Inissia, Essenza, CitiZ, and Nespresso Pixie machines. 

Here’s a detailed guide on how to reset Nespresso for every model

Resetting VertuoLine Machines

1. Nespresso Vertuo & Vertuo Next

• Open the machine head and allow the capsule to be ejected.
• Close the head and leave the lever in the unlocked position.
• Push the button five times within three seconds.
• The button will blink orange five times slowly, indicating the reset.

2. Nespresso VertuoPlus

• Turn off the machine by holding down the lever for three seconds.
• Press and hold the button and lever down simultaneously for three seconds.
• A orange steady light will appear.
• Press the lever three times, and then push the button to confirm the reset.
• The orange light will blink three times in three seconds, indicating the reset is complete.

Also Read: Nespresso Next vs Plus

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Nespresso’s range of pod sizes and cup size programming provides a delightful and customizable experience for coffee lovers.

Whether you crave the intense kick of an espresso shot or prefer a longer, milder cup of coffee, Nespresso’s Vertuo Line system has you covered.

The ability to program the cup size on your Nespresso machine allows for an even more personalized experience, ensuring that every sip matches your desired volume.

If Nespresso pods seem expensive, check out our guide on how to use your own coffee in Nespresso and the Best Nespresso Reusable pods

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