BluecupReusable 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.

The starter kit comes with two capsules, a spoon handle, 100 lids and a lid sealing machine, plus a bonus pack of coffee. It is very easy to use. The capsule clicks into the spoon handle to create a spoon which you use to scoop up your ground coffee. You then place the capsule into the bottom part of the lid machine, unclip the handle, pat down the coffee and place a foil lid on top. The top half of the machine is then attached and you twist it to seal the lid on to the capsule. Untwist, press a button to release the capsule and there is your coffee pod ready to use. It takes about 30 seconds and seems relatively foolproof. Once brewing is complete, peel off the lid, empty out the used coffee, rinse and repeat.I have so far tried the included bluecup coffee and a generic supermarket brand. Both make decent cups of coffee, with a bit of a creamy head. Perhaps not as much as some of the nespresso capsules but I have yet to try different coffees which might do so. The recommendation is to use slightly coarser - cafetiere - coffee and not fine espresso grind, and to not compact it too much during capsule production.I chose the Bluecup brand after much research. I was originally looking for a one-piece, no wastage, capsule but apparently you need a bit of pressure to build up in the pod to create the creamy espresso head. Screw-on lid type capsules don't allow sufficient pressure to build up whereas the aluminium lid does this before it gets perforated. The foil lids are thick enough without feeling like a lot of aluminium is getting disposed of at the end.The support from the company was excellent as well. DHL temporarily misplaced my package and Bluecup were very responsive to my concern - even at the weekend - and were prepared to send out a replacement set in case the original didn't show up. In the end it did, and within the stated delivery time. I have ended up ordering extra capsules and lids as I really like the concept and product - these turned up within a few days.I would highly recommend this as a simple, effective and environmentally friendly alternative to nespresso pods.

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.