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A Definitive Guide to Coffee Pods
Coffee pods have flooded the market in the past decade, but is it the right choice for you?
Published October 28, 2021
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Asharita D'Silva
Coffee experts@Era of We
Coffee pods are a staple in many homes, offices, and public spaces. From Keurig to Nespresso and everything in between, coffee pods changed the way we view coffee. With their emergence, coffee pods made coffee more accessible to a larger audience but also gave rise to many questions about their environmental impact and cultural impact on coffee consumption.
What Are Coffee Pods?
Coffee pods or coffee capsules are single-serving coffee containers that are inserted into a machine to brew coffee. These pods come with their own filters and dramatically reduce the time and skill needed to brew coffee. They also keep the coffee fresh for longer since the capsule is only opened at the time of use.
Coffee pods and coffee capsules aren’t exactly the same, however, even though many people use the term interchangeably. Coffee pods are just a paper filter with pre-packaged ground coffee while coffee capsules are made of plastic or aluminum like K-cups or Nespresso. Here we’ll be discussing the latter and most people call these plastic or aluminum capsules coffee pods as well.
How To Brew with Coffee Pods
Before you start brewing, it’s important to remember that coffee pods are not interchangeable. They are designed for specific machines, so you can’t use a K-cup in a Nespresso machine for example. Doing so can ruin your machine. Always pick the correct pods that match your brewing machine.
The metal or plastic body of the coffee pod is placed into a non-removable receptacle in the machine, marked for this purpose. Most coffee pods are single-serving, but larger quantities are also available.
First, turn on the machine and place the coffee pod in the marked receptacle. Then you press the designated button on the machine which activates the water and pressure. The water and pressure combine to push even more pressure into the pods. The pods then expand and give you the froth that is so characteristic of espresso.
The pod keeps expanding until it’s pierced by metal spikes which opens up the pods, letting the water run through, and pour down as your brewed coffee. In some machines, you need to manually remove the pod after brewing and in some cases, it’s automatically disposed of. Read the user manual for your machine carefully.
It’s also worth noting that you shouldn’t place your hand too far inside the machine since the metal spikes are sharp and could lead to injury.
How Do You Pick the Right Coffee Pods for You?
There’s a huge variety of coffee pods on the market which makes it hard to choose. These are a few questions you can ask yourself:
1. Do you prefer normal, decaf, or extra strong coffee?
If you need a caffeine boost and you like your coffee strong, you could consider espresso pods instead of normal coffee pods. These give you a more potent brew. On the other end of the spectrum, if you’re trying to cut down on your caffeine intake, there are several decaf options available.
2. What kind of roast do you like?
If the flavor is more important to you than the strength of the coffee, go for a light roast. If you like full-bodied, strong coffee, then a dark roast would be more suitable. Medium and dark roasts are also a better choice if you like to drink your coffee with cream/milk and sugar.
3. What grind size do you prefer?
A coarse grind will reduce the particulate matter in your coffee. If you like strong coffee with a balanced flavor, then a medium grind is good. A fine grind gives you strong coffee as well but is prone to over-brewing and becoming bitter.
Benefits Of Using Coffee Pods
The clearest advantage of using coffee pods is that they greatly simplify your brewing experience. Simply insert the pod, press a button, and you have your coffee.
A coffee pod also controls all the variables involved in brewing coffee to give you consistent results every time. In addition, it’s less messy and has a longer shelf life so your coffee stays fresh until it’s brewed.
Drawbacks Of Using Coffee Pods
The biggest drawback of coffee pods is the environmental impact. Since these are single-use products made of plastic, they contribute to the global waste problem. Billions of these pods are used each year and end up in landfills. In recent years, there has been a push towards expanding recycling efforts as well as developing biodegradable coffee pods.
Coffee pods are a good option for those with busy schedules or people who prefer their coffee quick and easy. However, we do need to consider the environmental impact of these pods and capsules. Use them sparingly or switch to more eco-friendly options for a guilt-free coffee experience.
About the author
Asharita D'Silva
Join me in discovering the wonderful world of coffee! As a writer, coffee is my fuel and newfound passion. I love writing about new coffees, sustainability, and coffee culture around the world. I'm always discovering new things about coffee and the industry, which I share with the great community here at Era Of We.
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