BLUECUP Reusable Capsules Nespresso, Refillable Pods Compatible with Nespresso Machines (Original line), Durable, Starter Pack [2 Reusable Capsules + 100 lids + 1 pod Sealer + 1 Spoon]

A reusable capsule that is easy to use, produces excellent coffe and crema every time and works with Nespresso - exactly what Bluecup delivers and is a product that I thought I would never find.After realising that I could buy reusable capsules for Nespresso I was on it. But my first experience was a massive disappointment. Plastic capsules with flip over mesh style lids gave me cheaper price, reusability and my choice of coffee but the result was always watery and no crema.I then moved to fully recyclable, bio-degradable capsules. I felt much better about my eco move, but sadly the same result on the coffee front. Then I tried reusable metal (expensive capsules), same result and burnt fingers from hot capsules; then on to a myriad of other plastic variations, and still not getting the same Nespresso coffee results.When I found Bluecup I was ready for another disappointment, but gladly after 2 months and daily coffees, I have been amazed and delighted in equal measure. Coffee produced using the capsules is always good, always produces crema and easy to refill. The products also have strong eco credentials and are made in Europe which are both pluses in my eyes.Any negatives? ‘Seal it with the Cup Creator with a short, small twist’ - the Cup Creator is simple to use but quite large and too unwieldy for my wife’s hands (and that’s not a sexist comment it’s her words). She finds it difficult to hold and twist easily so I end up refilling the capsules - but I enjoy it! The other is the removal of the tinfoil lids after use, could do with a simple way to remove these to make the refilling process easier and less fiddly.But these are small personal niggles which don't detract in my opinion that this is the best reusable, refillable capsule solution available today for Nespresso.

I’m not one for writing reviews normally, but it’s nice to try something new and it just does what it says on the tin. Thanks Bluecup!Let’s just check this out for a second as to what we are considering here... The potential of the bluecup is to massively increase the versatility and enjoyment I get from my Nespresso machine. Of course the Nespresso brand coffee is good and I’m a regular user of Roma and Arpeggio, then a number of others for longer drinks like flat white or latte. They also do limited edition coffees, which are super.. like around christmas time, but what I’ve found is that whilst those are excellent, they are only available for a short time and then you are back to your bog standard. It’s nicer to have a bit of variety all year round. Anyhow, for my purposes here, I had heard that Pact coffee is a great online supplier and they do some interesting and limited blends, so I thought I would give this a try. It’s not cheap, but I’m big into coffee.. I can’t function without it. Say, if I go away on a work trip, the morning coffee served at hotel breakfast just doesn’t cut it for me. I need dimensions and I need a kick.So what are my expectations from Bluecup? they deliver on exactly that. It has to open up that potential and it has to deliver on flavour, moreover I need that feeling that I get from a good coffee.When it arrives, what do you get? Well you get two plastic blue cups and a bunch of foil lids, then you have a holder and a screw top to seal the lids... so it’s really simple. The key to the design is normal nespresso machines have a spike mechanism that punches holes in your capsule. Here you don’t want the spikes making holes in your bluecup, so there is an indented area to allow for those spikes, making the bleucup slightly smaller than your traditional capsule. Once the bluecup is filled, you get your foil lid, stick it into the screw device and when you turn the screw it seal the lid. A good seal is essential, so it is the force and heat from the steam that should help to rupture the foil evenly. You don’t want any gaps as the water will escape without brewing your coffee. Does it work, YES. Very consistent and well sealed bluecups, every time.Something worth noting here. The instructions say to use a plastic scoop to put your coffee in the bluecup, but I use my hands and scoop the coffee in. Prior to buying this, I experimented a lot with other capsules and the key to making a nice re-usable capsule coffee in these nespresso machines is to get a feel for how well pressed the coffee should be. It’s not a science, you just feel it. Not too pressed, not over packed, and not loose. The hot water/steam has to feed through at a rate. Too fast and you get a poor brew, too slow and you get a good brew initially, but you end up with a short shot or over brewed flavour and harsh bitterness. What I do is I first fill to the brim with loose coffee, then I push the coffee into the bluecup firm with my thumb, I might add a little extra but the second time I don’t push down and overpack the coffee.So since buying, what do I think about this...? Well right on, bravo guys.. this thing worked first time, second time and third time, straight out of the box. It takes me 30 seconds to load and 30 seconds to clean. The flavour packs that punch.. I can say I’m very pleased indeed. Now I get to use any espresso blend coffee and the landscape of what I can have for a treat in the morning has been expanded enormously. I only put 4/5 on here instead of 5/5 because 5/5 would signify the perfect coffee... maybe I will get there, I think it also depends largely on the blend, which is not a directly product related thing, but you can’t really separate that from what the product does in reality.I word of warning on here regarding how this is going to work for you, as some people writing reviews seem a little naive. This works great on my nespresso machine and for me it was worth a try for the potential benefits. Mine is the Sage Nespresso machine, with a steaming wand. I love it. There is no connection between myself and sage, or pact, or bluecup, I’m just telling you my experience. Will it work the same on any machine? well maybe not, but then you need to understand the hints and tips I highlighted above. Next is about the coffee you choose. If you try a blend and it doesn't work brilliantly, try a different blend. Some blends don’t brew nicely using this steam mechanism found on nespresso machines. Its a very particular thing.. but look with bluecup your potential has massively increased.My perspective is this, if you like coffee, you want more variety, try it... well worth the money!

As a long time espresso drinker, I love my morning Fix, even at 39p a capsule, I do get despondent at Nespresso's pricing, although the recycling argument is largely dead in the water when Nespresso pick up your old capsules for free.Overall my first impressions are good, I like strong espresso so tend to use a fine grind; my Nespresso machine struggles a little with a really fine grind and too much tamping in the pods. A little less tamping and a slightly coarser grind, and it works a treat. Price wise you are going to break even after about 100 espressos and then the costs work out at slightly under half a Nespresso capsule and you get to play with your own blends while having the convenience of pods.I marked this down on value for money as Bluecup clearly make a profit on the lids which work out at 5.5p per aluminium cap, sorry that is a rip-off and you need to change it before someone starts peddling aftermarket ones for half the price and still makes a tidy profit.