E.S.E. pods or capsules: which system fits?
Your machine determines the choice. E.S.E. uses ground coffee in a paper pod; capsules require the explicitly compatible capsule system. Nespresso, Lavazza and other formats are not interchangeable. Choose the system first, then compare blends, cost per serving and handling.
How much coffee is in a pod or capsule?
A 44 mm E.S.E. pod typically holds around 7 g of ground coffee. Many espresso capsules for Nespresso Original contain less. Ristretto Italiano Decaffeinato, for example, contains 57 g per 10 capsules, or 5.7 g per capsule. The amount varies by coffee and system. At the same drink volume, a larger dose can give an espresso more body. Roast, grind and extraction also affect the result.
Using E.S.E. pods in a portafilter
A portafilter machine needs explicit E.S.E. compatibility and the correct pod basket. The coffee in a pod is already measured and compressed. With loose espresso grounds, you control the grind, dose and tamp. Capsules fit into the holder designed for their system.
De’Longhi on the E.S.E. format · Nespresso’s net weight for the example capsule · Shop capsules for Nespresso Original
E.S.E., Senseo and capsule machines compared
| System | Compatible machine and cup preference | Example prices in CHF |
|---|---|---|
| E.S.E. 44 mm | Machine with a 44 mm E.S.E. pod holder. For a short espresso or as the base for an Americano. | Caffè Borbone Espresso Blu 150 pods for CHF 42.00 · CHF 0.28 per cup Faber Pro Essential 3.0 · CHF 329.00 |
| Senseo | Senseo pod machine. For a larger cup of everyday coffee. | Dallmayr Classic (Drinks.ch) 36 pods for CHF 14.90 · about CHF 0.41 per cup Philips Senseo Select CSA240/90 (Toppreise.ch) · CHF 94.90 |
| Capsules | Machine for the exact capsule system. Espresso, lungo or larger cups depending on the model and capsule. | Volluto (Nespresso Original) 10 capsules for CHF 5.70 · CHF 0.57 per cup Nespresso Essenza Mini (LANDI) · CHF 82.50 |
Swiss price examples checked on 8 November 2026, excluding delivery. Each cup uses one pod or capsule. The models and packs are examples and prices can change.
What is the difference between E.S.E. and regular coffee pods?
‘Regular coffee pods’ does not identify a specific format. It often means Senseo pods, which are larger and softer than 44 mm E.S.E. pods containing firmly pressed coffee. Each format needs its own pod holder. Check the machine model or manual. E.S.E. pods, Senseo pods and capsules are not interchangeable.
Identify 44 mm pods and check compatible machines
How do you make a larger coffee with an E.S.E. pod?
For an Americano, brew a short espresso and add hot water separately. A lungo uses more water during extraction. Choose a pod that the manufacturer recommends for a longer brew. For the taste of filter coffee, brew ground coffee directly through a filter.
Make a lungo or Americano with E.S.E. pods
Format information · Consorzio E.S.E. · Philips Senseo
Full-bodied espresso with perfect crema Experience authentic Italian coffee enjoyment with Caffè Borbone Miscela Blu. These high-quality E.S.E. Pods deliver a full-bodied, balanced espresso with intense aromas and a particularly creamy texture. The exclusive blend of 60 % Arabica and 40 % Robusta beans creates a rounded flavour and a harmonious mouthfeel. Thanks to the gentle roasting process, the espresso impresses with low bitterness and no burnt roast flavours. Instead, delicate notes of toasted bread and caramel develop, making this coffee especially smooth and aromatic. The dense, velvety …
How to choose your blend
Compare two blends using the same machine, water and cup volume. Note your impressions black first, then with milk if that is how you drink coffee. A manufacturer’s description is a guide, not an independent test result. No invented winner ranking is presented here.
Compare the same blend in the same pack size. Price per pod helps compare quantities; each product shows its total price, availability and actual alternative packs. A large pack is not a tasting set.
Suitable choices and further advice
Kimbo’s Espresso Napoletano blend is known for capturing the typical taste and aroma of a traditional Neapolitan espresso. It often has a full-bodied, intense flavour with a subtle roast note and a creamy finish – ideal for espresso lovers who appreciate the classic Italian coffee experience. A blend of fine coffees, carefully selected and roasted in the authentic Neapolitan tradition to create a creamy, intense coffee with a strong flavour and rich aroma. Its Arabica and Robusta varieties come from Asia, Central America and South America. Kimbo, an Italian company from Naples, has a long …
Elegance in the cup – Passalacqua Habanera pods with 100% Arabica! The premium Habanera blend from Passalacqua consists exclusively of carefully selected Arabica beans. These result in a wonderfully balanced, mild and aromatic coffee with floral and chocolaty nuances. Thanks to the practical E.S.E. pods, the perfect Italian espresso is easy to make – with a velvety crema and a fine aftertaste. Intensity: 8/13 Special features: 100% Arabica, mild, floral, chocolaty notes, fine crema
- Caffè Borbone E.S.E. pods 44 mm
- Kimbo E.S.E. pods 44 mm
- Caffè Toraldo E.S.E. pods 44 mm
- Passalacqua E.S.E. pods 44 mm
- Lollo Caffè E.S.E. pods 44 mm
- Vergnano E.S.E. pods 44 mm
All E.S.E. pods · Decaffeinated E.S.E. pods · 44 mm system and buying guide · Find my coffee
Common questions about E.S.E. pods
Will these pods fit my machine?
E.S.E. 44 mm: your machine must explicitly support this standard. Senseo pads and capsules use different systems. Check your machine’s manual and pod holder.
How do I compare packs?
Compare the same blend in the same pack size. Price per pod helps compare quantities; each product shows its total price, availability and actual alternative packs. A large pack is not a tasting set.
How do I keep pods fresh?
Store pods somewhere dry, away from heat and light. Open an individual wrapper shortly before brewing and follow the date printed on your pack.
Buy E.S.E. coffee pods 44 mm
Full-bodied espresso with perfect crema Experience authentic Italian coffee enjoyment with Caffè Borbone Miscela Blu. These high-quality E.S.E. Pods deliver a full-bodied, balanced espresso with intense aromas and a particularly creamy texture. The exclusive blend of 60 % Arabica and 40 % Robusta beans creates a rounded flavour and a harmonious mouthfeel. Thanks to the gentle roasting process, the espresso impresses with low bitterness and no burnt roast flavours. Instead, delicate notes of toasted bread and caramel develop, making this coffee especially smooth and aromatic. The dense, velvety …
Kimbo’s Espresso Napoletano blend is known for capturing the typical taste and aroma of a traditional Neapolitan espresso. It often has a full-bodied, intense flavour with a subtle roast note and a creamy finish – ideal for espresso lovers who appreciate the classic Italian coffee experience. A blend of fine coffees, carefully selected and roasted in the authentic Neapolitan tradition to create a creamy, intense coffee with a strong flavour and rich aroma. Its Arabica and Robusta varieties come from Asia, Central America and South America. Kimbo, an Italian company from Naples, has a long …
Elegance in the cup – Passalacqua Habanera pods with 100% Arabica! The premium Habanera blend from Passalacqua consists exclusively of carefully selected Arabica beans. These result in a wonderfully balanced, mild and aromatic coffee with floral and chocolaty nuances. Thanks to the practical E.S.E. pods, the perfect Italian espresso is easy to make – with a velvety crema and a fine aftertaste. Intensity: 8/13 Special features: 100% Arabica, mild, floral, chocolaty notes, fine crema