The Disadvantages of Coffee Pods
As a coffee roastery, we ultimately want all coffee drinkers to step away from the coffee pods, and delve into the best quality freshly roasted coffee. There has recently been a rise in popularity with coffee pods and pod machines, unfortunately this method of coffee drinking also comes with its disadvantages.
Most varieties of pods are extremely difficult, or impossible, to recycle
The main disadvantage of coffee pods is that they generate a huge amount of plastic waste each year. In the German city of Hamburg they have even gone as far as banning coffee pods completely due to their impact on landfill. The nature of this brewing method means that the pods need to withstand high amounts of heat and pressure, and so they need to be made out of strong materials, which are nearly impossible to recycle.
The result is not identical to an espresso – taste is compromised as they lack the authenticity and freshness
Essentially, the coffee pod will never quite be the same as a hand prepared espresso. The authenticity is taken away, and the taste feels very artificial in comparison to a hand-made espresso.
There is a single brew setting for all types of beverages, meaning that there is no way for you to change the brew to suit your taste
When it comes down to finding what works best for you in terms of brewing coffee, the experimentation can all be part of the fun. There are no interchanging variables with using coffee pods, and so there is no way for you to adjust any part of the brewing process to suit your taste.
If you are swaying towards buying a pod machine, just remember to consider these disadvantages and know that there are other methods available. There are many alternatives to using coffee pods, one which has a similar concept is the reusable pod, which enables you to input your own ground coffee. As well as this, we also offer an extremely wide range of different brewing equipment. As a starting point for brewing coffee, why not try an Aeropress or Cafetiere? If you would prefer a machine you can have a look through our range of Filter Machines or Bean to Cup Machines, there is something out there for everyone!
Mike on
I completely agree that pod machines are not worth the trouble. I find that using a regular espresso machine is much more satisfying and efficient, not to mention the fact that it yields far better tasting drinks. Plus, by using a regular espresso machine I can save money in the long run since I don’t have to continuously replace expensive pods.
Per on
I see absolutely no point in using pods. I bought a “DeLonghi Magnifica S” espresso machine (had it for five years now), and it delivers delicious espresso and longu, with the press of a button. The only difference is that besides water, I have to replenish it with beans once a week, and also empty the grinds at about the same interval. Pod machines just has me shaking my head in disbelief.