Reusable pods: the right coffee to use
Reusable pods have been standardized. They can only contain 5g of ground coffee. In terms of quality, it must be full-bodied. Only espresso coffee can be used.
Which coffee for reusable pods?
Good coffee. But it's not easy to know good coffee from bad. It's a real barista's job to get there. That being said, there is a way to find and recognize the good coffee to use for its reusable pods. You must imperatively take Espresso, it is not a choice.
Choose the right grind
We strongly recommend medium ground coffee: neither fine nor coarse. Your roaster will be able to grind your coffee exactly to your specifications. Simply tell him/her what you want to use it for. Coffee ground too finely will simply pass through the sieve of your pod and coffee ground too thickly will not make good coffee because it will be too light. Of course, there are other grind options.
The right intensity
While the success of a good coffee prepared with a reusable pod depends fundamentally on its grind, other secondary requirements are to be seen. One of them is intensity. Baristas use a scale from 1 to 10 to evaluate the intensity of the coffee. From 1 to 4, it is light. From 5 to 7, it is balanced and from 8 to 10, it is strong. If, for example, you were expecting a coffee with a smoothness and aroma similar to that of a Nespresso, choose an intense coffee of at least level 7.
The right guy
The use of reusable pods allows you to freely choose your type of coffee. You will be able to base your choice on several criteria such as caffeine content, which you will not be able to do with disposable pods. Then you can also refine your choice based on quality: organic, labelled, entry-level or top-of-the-range...
Packing, an important step
You also need to take the packing into account. This phase of preparation is very important. Its quality determines the taste and aroma of your coffee. When your coffee is well packed, the water flows slowly to allow a perfect brew. Therefore, we advise you to buy a coffee cup as soon as you decide to use the reusable pods. However, be careful not to overdo it. Too much water will not flow anymore.
How do I use the coffee pods?
For a first use
If this is your first use, first use the vacuum pod to rinse it. Check that the water flows freely, otherwise there is a manufacturing defect, malfunction or incompatibility. If this is the case, please contact us.
Preparation
- Fill the pod with medium ground coffee.
- Pack it, to reduce it and leave only 2 to 3 millimetres of part without coffee. If necessary, add more coffee and stir again.
- Install the pod in the zero-waste coffeemaker. Let it run.
Be careful, because when you leave the machine, the pod will be very hot, even burning. Leave it to rest before disassembling it or remember to remove it with a pair of pliers if you intend to use it again immediately.
Tips to get a creamy lather
You'll get a naturally creamy froth if you know how to pack your coffee and if you've chosen full-bodied. It is not forbidden to push a little to get a better froth. Follow our little trick.
- Prepare your pod: filling and packing.
- Start the brew. Allow a few drops of water to flow into the pod and then press stop.
- Wait just a few seconds and restart the infusion until you get your coffee.
This very effective manual technique is used to pre-infuse the coffee so that its aromas can be released and thus give a smooth froth. This is the same technique that is used automatically in bean machines.
For reuse
The reuse of a pod is not limited in time. You can reuse it as soon as your first coffee is ready. Just be careful not to burn yourself, because when you get out of the machine, it will be extremely hot. Empty the grounds and clean with plenty of water and your pod is ready for its umpteenth reuse.
Note: Remember not to throw away the Marc, as it can be used in gardening, for beauty formulas or for household maintenance.
Maintain your reusable coffee pod
As with any device or accessory, it is essential that you maintain your reusable pod. Its main component being stainless steel, the pod has a fairly long life, especially if it is perfectly and regularly maintained. After each use, do not forget to rinse it abundantly with water so as not to leave any residue. Never let the pomace macerate in your pod, as the rapid decomposition of the pomace can cause rust or other deterioration.
The pods have 2 different seals. These are parts that wear out faster than the stainless steel pod. The first one goes with the cap to hermetically close the pod and the second one for the contact with the coffee machine. You can replace them separately at the pod.
For your eco-friendly approach, you've combined business with pleasure: the coffee machine with reusable pods. Your decision is beneficial to everyone, to the planet for your contribution to its protection and to yourself for a better coffee, but also for a de facto saving in view of the price.