Are you considering investing in one of the many popular Nespresso machines but don’t know what size pods you need to use?
Don’t worry – I’ve got all the information regarding Nespresso pod sizes and types that you need.
With a full breakdown of everything from the flavor and compatibility with specific machines, this article will ensure you never feel confused or overwhelmed by the range of choices available at your fingertips.
Read on to learn more about selecting the perfect Nespresso pod for your needs!
Nespresso pod sizes overview
Before getting in-depth about each Nespresso pod size and what you can expect from it, here’s a quick overview of them all:
| Type of coffee | Cup size | Type of Nespresso machine |
| Ristretto | 0.85 oz (25 ml) | Nespresso Original |
| Espresso | 1.35 oz (40 ml) | Nespresso Vertuo and Original |
| Double espresso | 2.7 oz (80 ml) | Nespresso Vertuo |
| Lungo | 3.7 oz (110 ml) | Nespresso Original |
| Gran lungo | 5.7 oz (150 ml) | Nespresso Vertuo |
| Signature | 7.77 oz (230 ml) | Nespresso Vertuo |
| Carafe | 18 oz (535 ml) | Nespresso Vertuo |
Which Nespresso pod sizes are there?
As you’ve seen from the table above, there are quite a few Nespresso pod sizes available.
I’ll cover the Vertuo and Original pod sizes individually to make it easy for you. So depending on the Nespresso machine you already have at home, you can read all about the coffee sizes available below.
If you’re still on the hunt for a Nespresso machine and you’re still determining which would fit you better, have a look at this side-by-side comparison.
Along with the coffee sizes in this article, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on a Nespresso that will last you a very long time!
Vertuo coffee sizes
The following section will cover all the available coffee pod sizes for your Nespresso Vertuo machine:
Espresso 1.35 oz (40 ml)
An espresso from Nespresso is a classic way to enjoy an Italian-style coffee. This iconic drink is made from high-quality beans, which are precisely roasted and ground for the perfect flavor.
The result? An intense, velvety smooth beverage with complex aromas and flavors that can be enjoyed in just one or two small sips!
Double espresso 2.7 oz (80 ml)
A double espresso from Nespresso is a concentrated shot of espresso made with twice the amount of ground coffee as a single espresso, resulting in 2.7 ounces (80 ml) of delicious coffee.
It has a rich, full body and intense flavor that is much stronger than regular brewed coffee or an Americano.
The double shot also has more caffeine than a single shot, so it’s great for those seeking an extra energy boost!
Gran lungo 5.7 oz (150 ml)
A gran lungo from Nespresso is a type of espresso-style coffee designed to prepare an intense and creamy cup. It’s made with 5.7 oz (150 ml) of water, which gives it a unique body and strength compared to other espresso drinks.
The resulting coffee will have flavor notes similar to those found in regular espressos. Still, it will also include hints of bitterness and sweetness due to the intensity created by using such large amounts of water.
This creates an incredibly rich and complex flavor profile that will surely please anyone looking for a powerful coffee experience.
If you’re interested in learning more about the gran lungo, have a look at this in-depth article!
Signature 7.77 oz (230 ml)
A Signature from Nespresso is a unique 7.77 oz (230 ml) serving of coffee that’s the biggest single-cup offering from Nespresso.
It’s significantly larger than their 1.35-ounce (40 ml) espresso and lungo capsules — making it perfect for those who enjoy bigger cups of brewed coffee or espresso drinks.
The Signature coffee cups offer an intense flavor with balanced aromas and a full body without bitterness and sourness in the aftertaste.
Carafe 18 oz (535 ml)
A carafe from Nespresso is a stylish and convenient way to serve espresso drinks to multiple people at once.
The carafe holds up to 18 ounces (535 ml) of freshly brewed coffee, making it the perfect size for serving friends or family members around your kitchen table.
Unlike other home espresso machines that require individual servings, a Nespresso carafe can help you quickly make large batches of coffee in no time.
Original coffee sizes
The following section will cover the available coffee sizes from Nespresso’s OriginalLine:
Ristretto 0.85 oz (25 ml)
A ristretto from Nespresso is a shot of concentrated espresso.
The traditional Italian ristretto uses less water than a regular espresso shot, resulting in a stronger and more intense beverage.
A ristretto from Nespresso has the same properties as any other ristretto; it contains around 0.85 ounces (25 ml) of coffee, leading to an exceptionally flavorful cup of coffee with intense flavor notes and great complexity.
Espresso 1.35 oz (40 ml)
An espresso from Nespresso is a concentrated, full-bodied shot of coffee measuring 1.35 oz (40 ml) in volume, made exclusively for the Nespresso OriginalLine machines.
The perfect, rich espresso requires freshly ground coffee beans of superior quality that are sealed in Nespresso capsules.
The espresso will have a thick layer of crema with a strong aroma and sharp flavor profile.
Lungo 3.7 oz (110 ml)
A lungo from Nespresso is a coffee beverage that typically offers a bolder and more intense flavor than an espresso.
It’s also larger in size than an espresso shot—a lungo provides 3.7 ounces (110 ml) of coffee, compared to an espresso’s 1.35-ounce (40-ml) serving.
A lungo is ideal for those who prefer coffees with a stronger body, such as dark chocolate tones or malt nuttiness.
What is the difference between Vertuo and Original coffee pods?
You can break down the differences between Vertuo and Original coffee pods into three main aspects:
- Brewing method
- Coffee sizes
- Price
First, the brewing method is different for each type of machine.
The Vertuo system created by Nespresso uses specialized centrifugal brewing technology, allowing for larger cups of various espresso-based beverages.
This system requires specifically dedicated capsules with barcodes that are incompatible with other espresso machines like the Original Nespresso system:
Second, the coffee size is the most obvious difference between the two systems.
A pod from the Original line can make a maximum of 3.7 oz (110 ml) cup of coffee, while a Vertuo pod can brew a carafe of coffee that holds 18 oz (535 ml) of liquid.
Finally, there’s also an important price factor to consider when deciding which one is right for you – generally speaking, Vertuo pods tend to cost significantly more than Originals.
This means that if you’re looking for convenience & quality in your morning cup without spending too much money, then Original may be your best bet.
However, if budget isn’t an issue, going with Vertuo might be worth considering due to its superior flavor results & advanced features/options.
Do Nespresso pods fit all Nespresso machines?
Nespresso pods are designed to fit either the Orignal line machines or the newer Vertuo machines.
If you have the smaller coffee pod from the Orignal line at home, you can use it in those Nespresso machines.
The bigger coffee pods with a barcode on them are specifically made for the Vertuo machines; more on this below:
How does Nespresso know the correct cup size?
Nespresso has developed two distinct systems for knowing the correct cup size depending on your machine.
For Nespresso Vertuo machines, the correct cup size is determined by a barcode that can be found at the rim of each capsule:
The barcode will instruct your machine to brew according to specifications, such as water temperature and pressure. This makes preparation quick and easy without worrying about measurements or settings.
The other system applies to Nespresso Original machines, where you select your desired coffee strength (or type) with one push of a button instead of relying on scanning a barcode from the capsule.
There are three options – ristretto (25 ml), espresso (40 ml), and lungo (110 ml).
By pressing any of these buttons, your machine immediately knows what kind of beverage it should make for you – no need to measure portions beforehand!
How do you check what the coffee pod size is?
The size of a coffee pod can be easily determined by checking the label or sleeve that it comes in.
Nespresso pods will indicate their size printed on them, making it easy to tell what you’re getting:
If you already have your pods at home and aren’t sure of their size, you can also check the sleeve that came with it.
You’ll also find additional information on the sleeve, like intensity level and the name of the coffee pod:
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Nespresso Vertuo and Original lines of machines offer a range of pod sizes for coffee drinkers to choose from.
The size of the pods used will depend on the needs of each individual user.
While the small ristretto and espresso pods are great for those who need a quick pick-me-up fix on a busy morning, those who want to relax and linger over their favorite brew will appreciate larger sizes that make more coffee per pod.
Whatever you’re looking for, there’s undoubtedly something for everyone when it comes to choosing the best Nespresso pod size based on your own specific needs – and that’s always a great thing!
Finally, don’t forget to recycle your used Nespresso pods!
