ESE Pods vs Nespresso Capsules: What's the Difference?
ESE paper pods and Nespresso-compatible capsules are different coffee formats made for different machines and are not interchangeable. ESE pods are pre-portioned paper espresso pods for compatible ESE pod machines. The Caffè Borbone capsules in Via Caffè's Nespresso-compatible collection are made for Nespresso Original-compatible machines.
Neither format should be used in a Nespresso Vertuo machine.
ESE Pods vs Nespresso Capsules at a Glance
| ESE Paper Pods | Nespresso-Compatible Capsules | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Pre-portioned paper espresso pod | Coffee capsule |
| Machine | Compatible ESE pod machine | Nespresso Original-compatible machine |
| Fits Nespresso Original? | No | Yes |
| Fits Vertuo? | No | No |
| Via Caffè examples | Blue Blend ESE Pods | Blue, Red, Black, Gold and other compatible capsule blends |
What Is an ESE Paper Pod?
An ESE pod is a pre-portioned paper espresso pod made for compatible ESE pod machines. You place the pod in the machine, brew your espresso and remove the used paper pod.
ESE paper pods are not Nespresso capsules and do not fit Nespresso Original or Vertuo machines.
Via Caffè's Blue Blend ESE Pods are 7g paper pods sold in a 50-pack. Blue ESE is rated 8.5/10 for intensity with a balanced, aromatic and sweet profile.
What Is a Nespresso-Compatible Capsule?
The Caffè Borbone capsules in Via Caffè's Nespresso-compatible collection are made for Nespresso Original-compatible machines.
They are not compatible with Nespresso Vertuo machines.
Available profiles include balanced options such as Blue, stronger blends such as Red and Black, and selected aluminum, decaf and specialty capsule options.
Can I Use ESE Pods in a Nespresso Machine?
No. ESE paper pods and Nespresso-compatible capsules are different shapes and brewing formats made for different machines.
Use ESE paper pods only in a compatible ESE pod machine. Use the capsules in Via Caffè's Nespresso-compatible collection with Nespresso Original-compatible machines.
Which Via Caffè Machines Use ESE Paper Pods?
The Caffè Borbone Simplymoon and MokaCiao use ESE paper pods.
Simplymoon is a one-touch ESE espresso machine with Eco Mode and auto-off.
MokaCiao is an induction-compatible moka pot powered by ESE paper pods. It includes 15 free pods and can make up to three coffees from one pod.
Should I Choose ESE Pods or Nespresso-Compatible Capsules?
Choose ESE paper pods when you own a compatible ESE pod machine such as Simplymoon or use the MokaCiao system.
Choose Nespresso-compatible capsules when you own a Nespresso Original-compatible machine and want to compare a wider range of Caffè Borbone capsule blends.
Your machine determines which format fits. The two formats are not interchangeable.
Explore our ESE paper pods and compatible machines or browse Caffè Borbone Nespresso-compatible capsules.
Still choosing a coffee profile? Visit Find Your Caffè Borbone Blend or Coffee Questions & Help.