If you're looking for an affordable, low maintenance machine and some eco-friendly refillable coffee pods to pair with it, you've come to the right place! Narrowing down which reusable capsule will be the ideal companion for your machine can seem slightly overwhelming, so we've taken the guess work out of switching to sustainable with this handy guide to help get you brewing in a flash!
Essenza Mini Solo / Essenza Mini with Milk
The Nespresso Essenza is known for it's compact, user friendly design and affordability. This convenient little model can be purchased as a solo machine ($119) or with milk ($229)* and works seamlessly with a wide range of reusable pods.
The Essenza is a simple, space-saving espresso machine suitable for even the smallest of kitchens. It's petite profile is ideal for the coffee lover who has limited time and space! This machine produces fast, delicious espresso whilst boasting a remarkably light footprint wherever you choose to position it.
Reusable capsules
WAYCAP
Pros: WayCap reusable capsules undoubtedly come out on top in regards to sustainability. Due to their completely stainless steel design, no ongoing purchases are required once you've snapped up one of these innovative little cuppa companions! Each endlessly reusable WayCap pod comes with 4 interchangeable steel filters - a super handy addition as you're experimenting with various coffee grinds and refining your extraction. Premium quality capsules don't come cheap, and while the initial financial outlay for WayCap may seem high, in the long run this method of brewing is extremely cost-effective, with coffee grinds being the only expense you'll ever need to think about. The WayCap brand has exceptionally high manufacturing standards and is leading the way in sustainable and ethical production practices.
Cons: Correct capsule preparation is vital with WayCap. 100% steels capsules perform very differently to disposable pods, and require a little more experimentation to perfect the resulting brew. We recommend trialling the different filters to refine your method, and find out what works best for you and your machine. To attain a strong, or long coffee with WayCap, we recommend brewing 2 pods per coffee.
BLUECUP
Pros: Bluecup crush the competition when it comes to coffee shot strength, rich crema and customer convenience! The foolproof design, affordable price point, as well as quick and easy pod prep make Bluecup a stand out for you if you're time-poor and require a sustainable solution to your daily pick-me-up! This is a great option for those who are looking for a waste-reducing option that behaves similarly to a single-use pod in nature. Just like a disposable pod, Bluecup lids are pierced during extraction, creating an internal pressure build-up, resulting in a richer brew and crema. Capsules with aluminium pierceable lids produce the richest, strongest coffee that you can get from a reusable pod, and the flexible design structure of Bluecup makes for a consistently easy, user-friendly brewing experience for the consumer.
The Bluecup system receives rave reviews by consumers, and critics alike, such as this review by The Sydney Morning Herald.
Bluecup capsules and components are ISO certified, BPA free, and are tested for food safety and durability. The capsule itself is made from polypropylene (the safest food-grade plastic.)
Cons: Bluecup lids are made from aluminium, and do need to be recycled. The cost per lid is approx 10¢ each - still a very affordable cuppa. Bluecup are not infinitely reusable (though they are a vast improvement on the single-use variety), consumers should expect to get somewhere around 400 uses out of their Bluecup capsules. At the end of their life, they can be recycled in the same way as you would recycle other plastics, through your household recycling system.
SEALPOD
Pros: SealPod are the perfect culmination of sustainability meets convenience! The high-quality stainless steel SealPod capsule base is designed for a lifetime of use, while the aluminium sticker lids mean that you get a robust espresso every time. Simply fill the base with ground coffee (using the provided scoop or nifty Perfect Press filling device), and seal with your choice of compostable paper lid or recyclable aluminium lid. Environmentally conscious and cost-effective, this super convenient system delivers a delicious coffee and is highly economical, with an ongoing cost of 15¢ per lid. SealPod can also be used to brew loose-leaf tea using the Biodegradable Lids.
Cons: Whilst the capsule base will outlive your machine, SealPod aluminium lids are a recyclable component, and of course require a small ongoing purchase.
The verdict
Bluecup is our top pick as the ideal sustainable system for use with the Essenza machine. Bluecup is compatible with all Essenza machines, including Krups, Breville, DeLonghi and Nespresso models.
Little time and little space calls for a reusable brewing option that delivers! By refilling your Bluecup capsules and composting the grounds, you'll be substantially reducing your kitchen waste whilst keeping your caffeine cravings satisfied!
Compatible models include the entire Essenza range (BEC220, BEC220BLK, BEC250, EN85B, EN85R, EN85L, EN85W, EN85WSOLO, EN85LAE, EN85RAE, EN85WAE, EN85BAE etc.) *JB HIFI (Australia), Mar 2021.