The Only Line Of Nespresso Machines That Can Use Third-Party Capsules

Not only can you only buy Nespresso pods from specific places — they're also pricey. That's especially true when you compare them to third-party Nespresso capsules. All of the Tasting Table taste tester's top ranked, third party pod brands come in at a fraction of the cost without sacrificing any of the flavor or quality. But that doesn't mean much if you're using a machine that isn't compatible with them. There's only one line of Nespresso machines that is compatible with third-party offerings, and that's are the Original line machines. 

Nespresso has patented all Vertuo compatible capsules until July of 2029, which covers both the extraction method and the unique dome shape of the Vertuo capsules themselves. This means that third party brands aren't legally able to produce them, or at least, not easily. In turn, those who own Vertuo line machines will have a hard time finding capsules from third party brands that actually work. However, if you have a Creatista Pro or Plus, Lattisima or Gran'Latissima, CitiZ Platinum, Essenza Mini or Pixie machine, you're in luck.

Even so, it's important to remember that not all third party Nespresso pods are made equally. Even if you do have an Original line Nespresso machine, you could end up getting a pod that doesn't work simply because you went with a brand that didn't follow through with the proper testing. This is why it's important to shop from trusted third party brands and to always double check compatibility with your specific machine before you buy.

Once you've confirmed that you do, in fact, own an Original line machine, you can start exploring the wide world of third-party Nespresso pods. If you're not sure where to start, takes notes from the worst brand for third party Nespresso pods according to Tasting Table's taste tester, which is Nauge. Sold in a variety pack on Amazon for less than $15, the pods from Nauge might save you some money, but without any flavor descriptions on the packaging or instructions, they will only waste your time. Learn from our taste tester's mistakes and avoid them, as well as any other third party pod brand that doesn't provide brewing directions or descriptors of the coffee itself.

Alternatively, you can look to the best brand for third party Nespresso pods as an example of what you can look for while shopping for alternatives. Pods from the brand Rosso Café come with clear brewing recommendations, providing a few different brewing sizes for each variety sold. They also come with distinct descriptions of the flavor profiles and information on where the coffee is sourced. If you're interested in third party pods that are like those from Nespresso in that they are sourced responsibly (Nespresso holds a B-Corp certification), you can shop from well known coffee brands like Peet's, which also sell Nespresso-compatible pods containing grounds sourced from farms assessed through its partnership with the non-profit With Enveritas.