Don't Skip This Step Before Buying Nespresso Pods

Shopping for Nespresso pods usually leads you down one of two paths: You could either buy the real things, directly from Nespresso or Amazon, or go with one of the many third-party options that are on the market. Either way, there's one step you're not going to want to skip before you purchase either of them — double-checking that the variety you're buying is actually compatible with your machine. That rule is rather simple as it pertains to third-party pods, because they really only work with one line of Nespresso machines. However, even if you do have the Original line Nespresso machine, you'll still run the risk of the capsule's fit being slightly off or the coffee itself lacking flavor.

Shopping for legit Nespresso pods, on the other hand, is a bit more straightforward. But, not so much that you can assume every type of pod works for every single machine. For instance, the XL Nespresso pods are different from the regular ones and are only compatible with Vertuo Line machines: the VertuoPop+, the Vertuo Next, the Vertuo Latissima, and the Vertuo Creatista. The same thing goes for any of the larger, dome-shaped Vertuo Capsules. Original Capsules, due to their different shape, only work for the Original line machines: the Creatista Pro or Plus, Lattissima or Gran'Latissima, CitiZ Platinum, Essenza Mini or Pixie machine. Fortunately, there's an easy way to shop for pods that are compatible with your machine.

Knowing there are different Nespresso pods for various types of Nespresso machines, you should always check that any one variety of pod is compatible with your machine before you buy it — if only just to avoid your own disappointment, but also in the off chance they're not refundable or available to return. An easy way to do this is by purchasing directly through the Nespresso site, where you have the ability to filter your search results based on the kind of machine you're shopping for. But that doesn't mean third-party brands are off the table. You just have to be extra careful they're compatible with your machine, and you're actually buying from a brand you can trust.

Whether through Amazon or a retailer's direct website, any trustworthy third-party Nespresso pod brand is going to include information on the kinds of machines its pods are designed for. If they don't, that should be your sign that the brand has not conducted the proper testing and is, therefore, not one worth spending your money on. Vertuo machine users aren't going to find any that work for theirs, but Original line users should be double and triple-checking the product's packaging or any available information online for compatibility confirmation before purchasing pods from a third-party brand. However, if you want more assurance, you can stick with those that have been vetted by Tasting Table's taste tester.