If you are here, it’s because you want to know the difference between pods and coffee capsules. Right? Practical, hygienic, easy to use and with guaranteed results: single-serving packs of coffee conquered many coffee lovers thanks to these qualities. Even if they have few characteristics in common, there’s a big difference between pods and capsules. Both the pods and capsules are pre-measured packs of coffee. They are simple to use, just put one of them in the professional coffee machine and start brewing. Thanks to the single-serving pack, the preparation of the coffee has speeded up. You don’t need to measure the coffee anymore before filling the filter, and the time for cleaning the grounds is reduced. An important thing is that the taste of coffee doesn’t change: there are many pods and capsules on the market with fine and high-quality blends. Furthermore, since the coffee is pre-measured and already pressed, you don’t need to be an expert bar-tender to extract a good espresso. The result is constant since the parameters for the preparation of the coffee remain unchanged.
- What is the difference between pods and coffee capsules?
- What is the best product for your espresso?
The main difference between pods and coffee capsules is the way they are individually packaged: while the first ones are made of recyclable paper, capsules are made of plastic or aluminium. From the wrap derive all the other differences: the packaging, the correct coffee machine for the preparation, the brewing system, the impact on the environment, and the cost. Pontevecchio lever coffee machines are compatible with pods but not with capsules. Among the accessories supplied with our lever machines, together with tools such as the tamper and the funnel, the filter for the pods is included too. For this reason, we decided to talk about this subject, so as to help users not to confuse pods with capsules.
What are all the differences between pods and coffee capsules
Although the final result is the same, the difference between pods and coffee capsules depends on their characteristics, in particular the structure of the pod and the capsule. Coffee pods are very similar to tea bags.
To use the pods, just insert them into the special filter of the coffee machine and activate the brewing system. Coffee capsules are plastic or aluminium packs containing coffee powder.
Typically, they have a cylindrical shape, and the top is made of aluminium. They can only be used with capsule coffee machines and are often only compatible with a single brand. Let’s see in detail what are the differences between pods and coffee capsules:
- Coffee quantity: capsules contain 5 grams of coffee while pods 7 grams.
- Cost of coffee: coffee pods are less expensive than coffee capsules, they cost about 18 cents compared to well over 40 cents for a single cup of coffee from a capsule.
- Shape: capsules are cylindrical while pods have a round shape, ideal for the pod coffee machines.
- Individual packaging: capsules are made of plastic and aluminium. Paper, usually rice paper, is used for the coffee pods.
- Packaging: capsules are sold in vacuum packs. Pods, instead, are available in single doses.
- Coffee Machine: to prepare espresso with capsules, you need to use a particular coffee machine. Generally, each coffee machine has its own specific capsules.
- Brewing system: capsules require more pressure during extraction, while pods need less power like normal coffee machines.
- Disposal: the capsules must be thrown in plastic or metal while the pods are compostable and go in the wet waste.
- Environmental impact: the coffee capsules have a disastrous effect on the planet, pods instead, do not contaminate completely because they are biodegradable. With more than 10 billion coffee capsules sold annually around the world, over 12 thousand tonnes of waste are produced in Italy. Despite being made of plastic or aluminium, they are improperly disposed of and wind up in unsorted waste.
Let’s see which is the best.
Why do we recommend pods?
If you need a specialist’s opinion, we absolutely recommend pods, and we explain to you why. Pods and capsules are two simple ways for those who want to prepare coffee without getting dirty. However, although espresso is good in both cases, pods have better characteristics. Let’s start from the coffee content. The difference between pods and capsules is considerable since capsules contain 5 grams of coffee while pods contain 7 grams. This means that the coffee extracted from pods is more full-bodied. Pods are more environmentally friendly, they can be easily recycled and have no negative impact on the environment. In addition to the wet, in fact, they can be used as a natural fertilizer for plants and vegetable gardens. They cost less too. Given the nature of the plastic and aluminium capsules, their prices are higher also in proportion to the amount of powder contained. In fact, coffee sold in pods costs roughly 26 euros per kilogramme, while coffee sold in capsules costs about 58 euros per kilogramme. Another advantage of choosing pods is that they can be used with any coffee machine equipped with a pod filter. In fact, on the market it is possible to find the ESE pod, a type of standard pod compatible with most open system machines. The last advantage is the reduction of waste. The pod paper wrap, thanks to its porosity, allows the water to come into contact with the entire coffee powder, so the product is used in all respects. If you are looking for a pod coffee machine, discover the Pontevecchio models. Our lever coffee machines are suitable both for home use and for small hospitality businesses such as bed & breakfast and farmhouses. All the machines in our store can be used both with ground coffee and with pods, so that you can prepare a high-quality espresso in the way you prefer.
