Learn how to refill Nespresso Vertuo pods to save money and help the environment. A weekly batch of DIY Nespresso pods can be made in under 20 minutes.
Want To Save This Article?
Enter your email below and we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll receive new weekly recipe inspiration.
Jump to:
I absolutely love my Nespresso Vertuo machine. It makes delicious shots of espresso, with minimal effort.
However, the downside to this machine is that each pod costs anywhere from $1.00 - $1.50 per pod. When you think about how much your morning coffee is costing you after you purchase the Nespresso pods, buy your favorite milk or creamer, plus the simple syrup, the cost really starts to add up.
Luckily, it's easy to reuse Vertuo pods by refilling them with a coffee of your choice. By using this technique, the pods end up costing closer to $.23 per pod.
I'll teach you my tried and true method for refilling Nespresso pods, plus answer any questions or concerns you may have about reusing your pods.
What You'll Learn In This Post
- The supply kit you'll need to make DIY Nespresso pods.
- How well the refilled Nespresso pods actually work.
- And, I'm answering the questions and concerns you might have about reusing your pods.
If you enjoy learning about cooking topics like this, sign up for my weekly newsletter for more tips and tricks like this.
Supplies You Need
- Used Nespresso pods: In order to refill the pods, you'll first need to have some previously used Vertuo pods. Make sure the pods are still in good shape. They should not have severe dents, rust, or discoloring.
- Finely ground coffee: Espresso is a type of brewed coffee that uses finely ground coffee beans. I'd suggest using freshly ground coffee to ensure you'll brew a high-quality shot.
- Foil seals: These are a necessity for sealing off the refilled pods.
- Nespresso pod holder: This tool is super helpful to keep the pods steady throughout this refilling process.
- Brush: This helps to brush away any excess coffee grounds.
You can buy all of these supplies to refill Nespresso pods in one convenient kit.
How To Refill Nespresso Pods
Here's my step-by-step process for refilling Vertuo pods.
Step 1
First, using a sharp paring knife, carefully cut around the edge of the pod to remove the foil seal. Once you get halfway around the pod, it becomes easy to peel off the remaining foil.
Try to remove the foil around the lip of the pod; however, if there is still a little foil on the lip, it shouldn't mess up this process.
Step 2
Next, remove the coffee grounds from the pod and discard them in the trash can.
You may notice some mold growing on the coffee grounds if they have been sitting around for a while. As long as you scrape out all of the grounds, the mold should not cause any problems.
Then, thoroughly wash the pods with warm water and soap. Allow the pods to fully air dry or pat dry with a towel.
During this process, try not to dent or misshape the pods.
Step 3
For the final step, you'll need a Nespresso pod refill kit (it costs around $20) and some finely ground coffee.
Set the bamboo holder on the counter, then place a Vertuo pod inside the holder. This technique will work for both single and double shots, so choose whichever size pod you have on hand.
Pour a scoop of finely ground coffee into the pod. Using the plastic scoop that comes with the refill kit, tamp (gently tap) down the coffee grounds into an even layer. If needed, add additional coffee until the pod is almost filled to the top.
Use a brush to sweep away any excess coffee grounds on the lip of the pod.
Then, place a foil seal on top of the pod.
Use the tip of your finger to adhere the foil seal to the pod. As long as the foil completely seals the top of the pod, it will work. Don't worry if the seal is not perfectly even.
Finally, fold over the edge of the foil underneath the lip of the pod. This is an important step to ensure the pod doesn't get stuck in your Nespresso machine.
Does This Really Work?
When I began researching if you can reuse Nespresso pods, I had a lot of questions. However, my main question was - does this really work?
Overall, this method works well! As you can see, the original pods versus the refilled pods look and function very similarly.
The main differences between the two pods are:
- The refilled pods generally produce less crema (the foam on top of the freshly brewed espresso).
- It takes additional time to refill the DIY pods versus simply purchasing them.
- The espresso from the refilled pods generally tastes a little weaker (although not very noticeable) than the original pods.
Overall, I'd highly recommend this method. My Nespresso refill kit has saved me lots of money and helped me experiment with different flavored coffee.
Expert Tips
- Refilling the pods can get messy. In order to avoid wasting coffee, lay out a piece of parchment paper and refill the pods on top. Any coffee that falls onto the parchment paper can easily be reused.
- Making your own Nespresso Vertuo pods can seem time-consuming. However, this is an easy process to batch. I like to take 10 - 20 minutes every Sunday to refill my Nespresso pods for the week.
- I'd definitely suggest purchasing a Nespresso refill kit. It has all of the supplies you need to reuse the Vertuo pods including 80 foil seals, a brush, scoop, and bamboo pod holder.
FAQs
Technically, yes, the Vertuo pods can be used twice. However, the second shot of espresso will be significantly weaker.
I would suggest brewing espresso with the Nespresso Vertuo pod a maximum of two times. The second shot of espresso that is brewed will be significantly weaker, so only run water through the pod twice.
However, you can refill the Nespresso pods until they start to seem worn out, or the outside plastic coating begins to degrade.
No. I have brewed hundreds of shots of espresso with these DIY pods and I have never had a pod spill or explode in the machine. As long as you ensure the edges of the foil seal are completely secured against the pod, you shouldn't have any problems.
It takes a couple of minutes to prepare the pod by ripping off the old foil seal and washing the pod. Then, it only takes about 30 - 60 seconds to refill each Nespresso pod. The more you practice, the quicker you'll be.
Make sure you purchase finely ground coffee. This is the grind size you'll need to brew espresso.
The flavoring of the coffee you purchase is up to you and your personal taste. Remember, it's important to buy a high-quality coffee and grind it yourself (or at the grocery store). Good coffee comes from good beans, so don't skimp on this part.
Coffee Recipes
Love this guide? Please leave a comment below. Don't forget to follow along on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest for more recipes.
Johnny
I just tried this over the weekend and it works great. I'm so excited about how much money I'll save with this process. Thanks for sharing!
Mia
I purchased a refill kit. The steps were a bit messy but I did it. Unfortunately my machine would not brew them. Too much time and money spent. After 5 pods, I realized this was a waste.
Jessica Mode
Hey Mia! I'm sorry to hear that this didn't work out for you 🙁 I've been using this method for over 3 months now, so I'm happy to help you troubleshoot if you give me more information about what was going wrong when you tried to brew the pods.
Jordan
The same thing just happened to me. The grounds came up out of the pod and stopped the process. It was sealed well. The grounds came up through the holes in the foil.
Jessica Mode
Hey Jordan! How much coffee did you add to the pod? If you can DM me a photo on social media I'm happy to try to work through the issue 🙂
Maria
Hi Jessica. I would like to ask you do you have any idea if is better to grid the coffee for filtered or for espresso. As some people above were saying that coffee was coming out the capsule I am wondering if bigger grid like filtered it might be better. Thank you.
Jessica Mode
Hi Maria! I always do a fine grind (espresso size) and have never had an issue with the coffee coming out of the capsule. I hope this helps 🙂
Cindy
Can I say I'm surprised by how well this worked for me? I was a bit skeptical at first, but I ordered the kit and have had great success with it! It's now my routine to fill my Nespresso pods every Saturday morning.
Jessica Mode
Cindy - I'm so glad this worked for you! I was skeptical at first too, but it's amazing how similar the pods work!!
Stafford
Some of the kits also include a funnel which makes filling the pods considerably easier. Some also include a way to put pressure around the rim of the foil to firm up the edge seal. Shop around. Mix and match. I did. It’s worth it, especially of you have your own blend of whole beans that you use.
Wayne
The taste and crema can be improved by experimenting with the grind of the beans. I use an OXO Burr grinder set at 2.2 for dark roast beans. Put 10 grams in a double espresso size pod. Do not pack too tightly. After sealing with the foil top, be sure to shake the pod to loosen up the coffee, this permits better water flow through the pod.
Jessica Mode
Great tips, Wayne! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Sini
How much coffee should be placed in the pod (Grams). I have tried several different brands of covers and they seem to explode in the machine making a mess desite using a kit. This only works about 10% of the time. I am wondering if a specific flavor of pod works better (ie the barcode which tells the machine how to spin and brew the coffee). Which flavor pods did you use?
Jessica Mode
Hey Sini! I use 9g of coffee in a single shot and 11g in a double shot. I've used the kit that's linked in the post hundreds of times and I haven't yet had one explode on me. So hopefully this one will work for you too. I most often refill the altissio and double espresso dolce pods. Good luck!
Sini
Thank you Jessica! I will try the 11 grams and maybe invest in some new pods
Jane
Do you know if this works. with the Vertuo Next Premium machine? I'm considering buying one.
Jessica Mode
Hi Jane! I have not personally tried it on the Vertuo Next Premium machine, but since they use the same capsules, I would assume it also works 🙂
Heather
I've had issues with my refilled pods exploding as well. Sometimes I feel the kit I have doesn't allow me to line up the foil top perfectly. But I've also discovered I was filling the pods too much. Once I reduced the amount of coffee I was using, I've had very few pop open. I don't weigh my coffee when I add it to my pod, but maybe I should!
Hope this helps!
George S.
Why would the coffee be weaker in a reused, resealed pod ?
Jessica Mode
The coffee will only be weaker if you use the same pod and run it through the machine twice. The resealed pod won't be weaker. Hope that helps clarify things 🙂
Warren Manos
Hi this works great but I’m having to drain the capsule discharge area after two brews. Water is filling up in it Any rips on how to minimize the excess water?
Jessica Mode
Hmmm...I've never had this issue. I'll keep you updated if I figure out any solutions 🙂
Hern Chen
Most likely reasons are coarse grind, insufficient coffee, and type of coffee.
ms
The note at the top of the page can be misleading.
"How many times can you reuse a Nespresso Vertuo pod?"
This is referring to running a purchased pod twice and not refilling anything.
With refilling and re-sealing, the pod will last for a long time.
Jessica Mode
Thanks for catching this! I went and updated the wording to help with clarification.
Alan
There are a million simple sugar recipes online including yours. But I’ve not seen one that indicates the AMOUNT of extract/paste to add to flavor the simple sugar.
Jessica Mode
Hi Alan! On my vanilla coffee syrup recipe it indicates to add 1 ½ tablespoons vanilla bean paste to flavor the syrup. You can see this recipe for the full instructions: https://homebodyeats.com/vanilla-coffee-syrup-recipe/
Rick
The instructions seem to be about espresso shots. My main coffee is Melozio, a medium blend. Do I fill the same way? How much coffee to put in? What grind?
Jessica Mode
Hi Rick! I haven't experimented with coffee. You would still refill them the same way, but I'm not quite sure about the grind size or the amount of coffee to put in. My guess would be that you'd still want to fill the pod to the top though.
toad
I find the silicone pod covers work nicely and are easier to use.