Reusable Dolce Gusto Coffee Pods, Refillable Coffee Capsule, Stainless Steel Metal Refillable Coffee Pods Dolce Gusto Reusable Coffee Capsules with Slicone Lid (Upgraded Version)

The media could not be loaded. I've seen some bad reviews on here, and a couple of YouTube videos where these types of pod are very underwhelming. I believe, however, that those folk are just doing it wrong.I have previously worked as a barista using proper, manual machines and coffee grinders that needed constant adjustment through the day to keep the grind consistent as their usage (and temperature) varied.Espresso is at the heart of any real coffee. It's as simple as that. This pod is not for making filter coffee. It makes espresso. You need espresso-ground coffee for it to really work.I've used Illy original espresso coffee, but I'll get some darker roast soon since I like my espresso strong. That product is available in just about any supermarket, and the packaging is totally recyclable being an aluminium tin.The pod is simple, and is basically a portafilter. I use two heaped spoons (the spoon is included) and tamp down using the spoon until the grounds are nice, even and fairly compact. It's just a case of putting the metal "grate" on top, whacking on the silicon lid, and it's primed and ready.If the lid doesn't quite fit on, don't worry. It should once clamped in the machine. I've had no issues so far.Line up the hole in the lid as per your machine, and close it in. You will need to apply slightly more force than a normal pod. After that, run your espresso as normal. You will need to try a couple of tries to get your preferred brew, but it's so simple you'll get there in no time.For those who prefer other coffee styles, just adapt. Want an americano? Run the espresso shot into a mug of boiling water. Latte (kind of, it's a micro-foam, but hey)? Hot milk instead of water. Mocha? Hot chocolate instead of water. Flat white? A smaller amount of hot milk. Cappuccino? Unless you can steam milk, you're out of luck I'm afraid! Still, good coffee is more often than not dead simple, and that shot of espresso is absolutely at the core of it all. That's the part you absolutely need to get right, and this pod does it well.The pod allows you to make a lovely shot of espresso which has plenty flavour - just the right amount of body and bitterness - along with the classic tri-shade crema, which is always a good indication of a decent espresso. It's a good upgrade on disposable pods.Remember your ABC - Aroma, Body, Crema. Get those sorted whilst getting to grips with this reusable pod, and you'll get a shot that'll hit the mark time and again.As for caffeine delivery... It's A1. Absolutely weapons-grade, just as it should be.Cleaning this pod is easy too, takes a minute. I put it under a cold tap, open it, rinse, dry and reuse. I do this over and over at work - well, today I did, since I've only had it today!I am yet to see if this pod lasts the distance, but for now, I can tell you it let's you brew more diverse coffee, it's cheaper in the long run than pods and it saves a huge amount of plastic waste. The standard of espresso is also higher than the disposable pods, which is a major benefit.Definitely recommended, and I'll update this review if there are any durability issues.As for the video, just two things. Firstly, I know the machine starts, pauses, then resumes. That's not me doing it, it's the espresso mode on my Dolce Gusto doing it's thing. Secondly, I know it seems to run slow compared to a pod, but that's intended. I pack and tamp the pod for a run like this, which produces the shot I like best. The automatic machines don't work on time, but amount of water flowed, so you can adjust the packing of coffee to your taste and you'll always get the same volume. Good to know.Oh, one last thing - the glass mug is so you can all see exactly what's going on, and the quality of the espresso. I otherwise always use a proper wee pre-heated espresso cup. I'm not a heathen... Usually!EDIT AS PROMISED - This wee pod has done hundreds of shots of espresso, and is still good as new. It's absolutely brilliant. It does add extra complexity to the brewing process, but anyone serious about their coffee will be able to dial it in just fine. The ability to customise beans and grind really opens up the possibilities of an otherwise bog-standard pod machine.So, would I recommend it? Definitely - just don't be thinking you can use supermarket pre-ground coffee. Get real and get yourself a grinder and decent beans. Go explore. You'll find your perfect espresso (or whatever coffee you choose to make it into) in no time.ADDITIONAL EDIT - So, it's been almost a year now. This coffee pod lives at my work most of the time, and all the coffee drinkers who are serious over all the shifts (24/7/365) use it. It's had literally *thousands* of shots run through it. You may think this is me saying that it's getting a bit tired or ragged now, but nothing of the sort. The silicone lid has a few superficial marks where the pod has been misaligned and the machine has tried - unsuccessfully - to stab through it, but this pod is working just as well as it did on day one.A truly excellent product, and clearly extremely durable. Given the initial cost of this pod and a good burr grinder compared to the savings over disposable pods, the massive boost in espresso quality, choice of beans and roast, personal tweaking to taste not possible with pods and, of course, thousands of plastic shells so far not ending up in landfill, this is an absolute winner.I wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone who's willing to invest in converting their Dolce Gusto into a proper espresso machine.[FINAL EDIT]Well, that's it. After 14 months of constant use and probably some abuse in a busy workplace, the silicone lid finally developed a tiny split. This is causing a little water to overflow out the top of the pod retainer. To be clear, it still works beautifully, though! I've ordered a new one, and this one can be a spare. The durability of this pod has proven to be absolutely outstanding, and it really is worth every penny for those who take their coffee seriously.

From the limitations of a tasimo style machine, this has produced the best coffee I've got from it so far.The distributor sieve (metal disc) is key here. it evenly feeds the water through the granules and you can see afterwards that the 'cake' is uniformly saturated. no pits where the water found a single channel to get through so it is getting the most extraction out of the coffee of any pod I've tried so far.The rubber lid seals the pod nicely too and can handle the pressure, I've had no leakage problems like the plastic pods with self hinged lids.The internal filter works well too, provides good crema and texture.My only complaint is the provided plastic tamper scoop is not suited. Ideally you need to compress the coffee with a much larger circular tamper , one which matches the pod circumference, not this generic tiny thing.With good beans / granules this can produce a perfectly acceptable coffee with little fuss imo. recommended.

Easy to use and works well

Worked great for 3 weeks! After 3 weeks the silicon got tired and decided to stay for the night in the machine. I got it out with i very slim blade! Afraid to use again! Maybe an all metal design would work?Very expensive mistake sad

We r very happy with this. I was wary as we had bought the plastic one and it got stuck in our machine due to the tab sticking up and this was more expensive. However we have used it loads and all good - so it is paying for itself .. we have a wider choice of coffees. Of course it does mean a little extra work in filling it but better for the environment too

This metal reusable pot is much better than the plastic alternatives as it doesn’t leak. The only downside is that sometimes the top gets stuck in the machine and it’s a bit fiddly to get the pot draw open again to get the pot out.

On getting a nescafe Dolce Gusto machine, I was keen to have a way to enjoy my own choice of coffee flavours and to save on throwing away plastic.However this product didn't really perform for me in the way I wanted.It works, but I could never achieve a stronger enough flavour using it.However I discovered the pre packed pods available, did have a way of being recycled, so, just use the readily available pods now.

It's robust and makes a decent coffee.The scoop that comes with it is a bit small.The filter thing that goes inside it is a bit flimsy.I think I was expecting a bit more for the price paid.