The Nespresso machine is one of the quickest, easiest and cleanest ways to prepare a cup of coffee in the morning. Simply insert the pod, press the button, and you’ll have a hot, hot beverage within a minute – right?
Well, yes, those are the basics, but if you want to get the best flavor out of your capsules (and you should, because they’re not cheap), there are a few extra things you should know that will help enhance the flavor of each cup. None of these things take long, but they can make a real difference in your daily brew.
Preheat your device
Does your coffee come out too cold? Don’t worry, there is an easy solution. Although the machine’s boiler heats water to the ideal temperature, fresh coffee can lose heat as it passes through the outlet. Running a quick preheat rinse cycle will ensure this doesn’t happen.
The exact way to do this depends on the Nespresso machine you have. For example, The Nespresso Vertuo Pop machine will rinse itself with hot water if the ‘Brew’ button is pressed three times in a row. The De’Longhi Lattissima One can be rinsed by running the “Lungo” cycle without inserting the coffee capsule. Check your Nespresso machine manual for instructions.
Place your coffee cup under the outlet when you rinse the machine, and it will be nicely warm too. When everything is ready, simply dump out the hot water and you’re ready to start brewing.
Use fresh water
Would you drink a glass of water that you’ve been sitting around all night – or just a few nights in? Probably not, and it won’t make great coffee either. Empty the water reservoir of your Nespresso machine at the end of each day, wash it with warm water and soap, rinse it clean, and leave it to dry overnight. In the morning, fill it with fresh water.
Nespresso machines don’t typically have water filters, so if you live in an area with hard water, you may want to consider using a water filter to improve the taste of your coffee, and help avoid limescale building up in your coffee maker too quickly.
Keep it clean
There are some real horror stories online about mold growing in coffee machines (including capsule machines). It’s easy to see how this could happen; Don’t forget to empty the used pod basket, especially if you only make drinks occasionally, and warm, moist coffee grounds make a great home for airborne mold spores. You can guess what happens next.
It’s a problem that can easily be avoided. Simply empty the used pods at the end of each day (stick a reminder on your refrigerator if you need to), wash the box and drip tray with warm soapy water, and leave everything outside to air dry overnight. Open the lid of your device and wipe it with a damp cloth, then leave it open until any moisture evaporates. This will also ensure that a used pod is not accidentally left in the brewing room, making it smelly.
3. Consider using a milk frother
If you’re thinking about upgrading your basic Nespresso machine to one with a built-in milk system, keep it there. Purchasing a separate milk frother will allow you to prepare lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos without having to replace your existing coffee maker. The Nespresso Aeroccino, Smeg Mini Milk Frother, and Drew Baristamaker are great options. You’ll find today’s best prices below.
4. Keep your tabs
Whether your machine uses Original Nespresso pods (the ones shaped like a top hat) or Vertuo pods (the ones shaped like a dome), there’s an amazing array of flavors to choose from. Your machine will probably come with a selection pack to start with, and perhaps the ability to claim some packs by registering them online, so this is the perfect time to start keeping a record of the tasting notes included in the pack for the ones you like best.
Do you prefer something fruity or something with cereal notes? Dark or light roast? Arabica or Robusta? Pods can be expensive, but knowing what flavors tickle your palate will help ensure you don’t buy a box you don’t like.
It’s also helpful to keep a record of how much you spend on coffee pods. If you’re fueling a box during the week, it might be helpful to ask other members of your household to practice a little moderation.
5. Recycle responsibly
Coffee tastes better when you have a clear conscience, so don’t throw used Nespresso capsules in the trash. Alternatively, check which recycling facilities are available near you.
For example, in the UK, Nespresso has a scheme that allows you to return used capsules for recycling. You will receive a recycling bag when you order capsules from the Nespresso online store to make it as easy as possible. There too Budpack chartWhich handles coffee capsules from Nespresso, Illy and Tassimo.
It also offers Nespresso Pre-paid recycling bags In the United States. You can take your used capsules to a Nespresso store too, and there are special boxes for them if you live in New York City or Jersey City.
Want to know more? I interviewed Mary O’Rourke, Sustainability Manager at Nespresso UK & Ireland, to find out how Nespresso capsules are recycled.
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