Coffee blend: We recommend a strong dark roast, or Italian-style roast to achieve a stronger tasting brew. And remember - fresh is best. Head to your local roaster or cafe to chat about their available blends. Tip: After some coffee recommendations? Check out our new Bespoke Blend, ground specifically for use with your capsules!
Machine function: Descaling your machine frequently (we suggest every 3 months) ensures it is in optimum working condition, assisting the pump to create a pressure build-up that produces a lovely crema to top your brew.
Grind method: If you grind at home, using a burr grinder will help you achieve a better brew (blade grinders can create too much dust). Check out our recent article on Grind Size And Coffee Pods for an in depth look at how your grind method can affect your final brew!
Grind size / tamp: The grind size may be too coarse. Try applying more pressure (very firmly) when tamping, and ensure the capsule is filled to the top.
Lid: Experiment with the interchangeable Steel Filters. If tamping more firmly hasn't assisted in resolving the weak brew, switch to a filter with less slots. Check out the video below for a better look at how a combination of tamping and switching filters effects the brew results.
Pre-extract:
After inserting a capsule into the brewing chamber, press the short shot button and let the machine run until a drop or two of coffee begins to drip out. Quickly press the shot button again to stop the flow. Wait a few seconds and restart the extraction by pressing the button again (allowing the shot to run to completion.) This method helps to create a more flavoursome, overall creamier extraction.
Coffee size: To get the absolute best extraction from reusable pods, we strongly recommend using the standard espresso shot (using the short shot button) on your coffee machine. This provides the perfect amount of water to extract the best elements of the coffee (oils, aroma and flavour - yum)!
Brewing a long shot can adversely affect your extraction. For a better tasting long or mug coffee:
Lungo - use 2 pods on a 40mL extraction setting
Long black - use the short shot button, and top with boiling water (by running your coffee machine without a pod in it)
The other bonus of brewing this way? You will actually extract less acidity from the coffee, resulting in a less bitter tasting cuppa.