As a coffee enthusiast, achieving the perfect cup is a daily quest. With Nespresso’s innovative machines and premium coffee pods, the quest becomes even more exciting.
In this guide, I’ll take you on a journey into the world of Nespresso pod sizes, focusing on the Vertuo and OriginalLine ranges.
From exploring different Nespresso sizes to programming the ideal cup size, I’ll help you customize your coffee experience to perfection. Get ready to unlock the secrets of Nespresso and savor every sip of your personalized brew!
Nespresso Vertuo Pod Sizes
Nespresso Vertuo pods offer a range of sizes to cater to different coffee preferences:
| Pods | Brew Size | Amount of Coffee Grounds |
| Espresso | 1.35 oz | 5 – 7g |
| Double Espresso | 2.7 oz | 9.5 – 10g |
| Gran Lungo | 5 oz | 9.5 – 10g |
| Coffee | 7.77 oz | 12.5 – 13g |
| Alto XL | 12 oz | 15 – 16 g |
| Carafe | 18 oz | 18 – 20 g |
Espresso Pods are specifically designed to prepare a concentrated Italian-styled Espresso. It has a small serving size of 1.35 oz, and intense flavor, and is used as a base for various coffee drinks.
Double espresso Pods are similar to solo Espresso but have double the amount of coffee grounds and are prepared with double the amount of water, providing a larger serving size, stronger intensity, and robust flavors.
Gran Lungo pod, with its 5oz volume, offers a milder taste and is perfect for those who prefer less intensity. The Gran Lungo pods have the same amount of coffee grounds as the double espresso pods but are brewed with more water for a smoother taste.
The Coffee mug-size pod is suitable for those who prefer a larger cup of coffee, ideal for enjoying a generous serving of coffee in a single brew much similar to traditional drip coffee. These pods are specially designed for Americans as they generally prefer smooth and larger servings of coffee.
Nespresso Alto pods provide a greater serving size, of approximately 14 oz of coffee. They are meant to provide a more satisfying coffee experience for those who prefer a bigger cup.
Nespresso Carafe Pods are only compatible with the Vertuo Next and Vertuo Creatista Models. These pods deliver 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 pod size to suit your needs!
Nespresso Original Pod Sizes
With Nespresso Original line Machines you are only restricted to small Espresso styled Coffee. There are three types of Pods available.
| Pods | Brew Size | Amount of Coffee grounds |
| Espresso | 1.35 oz | 5 – 6 g |
| Lungo | 3.7 oz | 7 – 8 g |
| Ristretto | 0.85 oz | 5 – 6 g |
Espresso Pods: Espresso pods are smaller in size and 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.
Lungo Pods: Lungo pods are larger in size and are designed to brew a Lungo coffee, which is a larger brother of an espresso shot. These pods produce 110ml (3.75 oz) of coffee, which has a milder flavor profile than espresso.
Ristretto Pods: Some Nespresso Original line Models also have the Ristretto option. Ristretto 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
Difference Between Original and Vertuo Nespresso Pods
The Nespresso Original Line and Vertuo Line differ significantly in the brewing systems, available coffee sizes, and capsule designs.
Nespresso Vertuo machines use a unique Centrifusion technology, where the capsule is spun rapidly while hot water is injected into it. This spinning motion creates a centrifugal force that extracts the coffee flavors from the capsule.
The Original Line machine uses a pump to pressurize water to brew espresso much like a traditional espresso machine.
Read a detailed article on Nespresso Vertuo vs Original
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.
Vertuo capsules are larger and have a barcode around the rim. This barcode provides brewing instructions to the Vertuo machine, which adjusts parameters like water volume, rotational speed, and water temperature.
The Original Line capsules are smaller and made of aluminum.
If you are looking for affordable Nespresso capsules, check out our guide on 3rd party Best Nespresso Compatible Capsules
Nespresso cup size programming for Vertuo line
Programming cup size allows you to personalize your coffee experience, ensuring each cup matches your taste preferences precisely.
For example, you can change the serving size of Mug mug-sized Coffee pod (8 oz) to 10 oz or 6 oz whatever you like.
And those 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.
Once you have inserted 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, allowing for a wide range of customization options.
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 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 with a simple press of the button, the machine will automatically dispense the precise amount of coffee, guaranteeing a consistent cup every single time.
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
- Switch off the machine by pressing the Lungo and Espresso button at the same time.
- Press and hold the “lungo” button for five seconds and the lights on the machine will blink three times quickly to indicate the reset.
- Wait for the lights to stabilize, and your Nespresso machine is now reset to its default cup size.
By following these steps, you can easily reset your Nespresso Inissia, Essenza, CitiZ, and Nespresso Pixie machines.
Resetting VertuoLine Machines
- 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.
- 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 Vertuo Next vs Plus
Final Thoughts on Nespresso Pod Sizes
In conclusion, Nespresso’s range of pod sizes and cup size programming provides a delightful and customizable coffee experience for enthusiasts everywhere.
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.
So, embrace the freedom to experiment, discover your favorite cup size, and elevate your coffee enjoyment to new heights!
If Nespresso pods seem expensive, check out our guide on how to use your own coffee in Nespresso and the Best Nespresso Reusable pods
FAQs
Do the Vertuo pods fit in all Nespresso machines?
No, Vertuo pods are designed specifically for Nespresso Vertuo machines and are not compatible with Original line Nespresso machines. A barcode system on these dome-shaped capsules allows the machine to recognize and brew the coffee properly.
What does intensity level mean on Nespresso pods?
The intensity level on Nespresso pods refers to the strength and flavor profile of the coffee. Higher intensity levels indicate a bolder and more robust taste, while lower intensity levels offer a milder and smoother coffee experience.
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