Which capsules do I put in my Nespresso machine?
Nespresso Original vs Vertuo capsules
Make sure you purchase the right Nespresso capsules for your machine. For a Nespresso Vertuo machine, you need different capsules than for an original Nespresso machine. The Vertuo capsules are rounder and wider and have a barcode. The Nespresso Vertuo machine reads that code, so that the machine uses the exact amount of water needed for your cup of coffee.
Nespresso vs third-party capsules
You can buy both aluminum and plastic coffee capsules online and in the supermarket. The Nespresso capsules are made of aluminum and therefore work best in a Nespresso machine, but they are a bit pricey. These capsules are specifically designed so that the capsule holder closes properly and the capsule is perforated correctly. This has to do with the type of material, the thickness of the material, and the sharpness of the perforating blades in the machine. This is all very carefully coordinated.
Choose an aluminum capsule
You can buy cheap Nespresso capsules in the supermarket, from different third-party brands. However, in most cases they're made of plastic, which can cause technical malfunctions. There are also third-party brands that have aluminum capsules. If you want to make sure that your machine works properly, you choose an aluminum variant.
Technical failures due to third-party brand capsule
Malfunctions can occur when you use third-party brand capsules. The capsule holder opens and closes less well with some cheaper capsules. It may also happen that the capsule isn't pierced properly during the brewing process. This puts too much pressure on the machine. In these cases, we don't recommend continuing to use these capsules, since they have a negative effect on the operation and life of the machine. The Nespresso machine won't just break. But it's possible that your Nespresso machine starts to leak suddenly, or that the water no longer runs properly.
