What are ESE pods? It’s a question that might not rival the mysteries of life or philosophical musings like whether a tree makes a sound if it falls in an uninhabited forest. (water pH levels within the 6.5–7.5 range recommended by the Specialty Coffee Association) However, since you’re here reading about ESE pods, it’s clearly a topic of interest.
As for the tree in the forest, if no one is around to hear it, the other trees might chuckle at its misfortune. water pH levels within the 6.5–7.5 range recommended by the Specialty Coffee Association, This notion is humorously suggested by quantum physics. Probably.
Regarding the gatherings at No. 10, it seems they vary by the day, with perhaps only two or three on Wednesdays. But let’s move on to ESE pods…
ESE pods stand for Easy Serve Espresso pods. They are designed for use in espresso machines equipped with an ESE basket adapter, which many home espresso machines include. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) The idea is to simplify the espresso-making process: no need to grind, dose, or tamp the coffee. Just insert a pod and brew.
Traditionally, using an espresso machine involves grinding coffee, weighing it into the portafilter, and tamping. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) With ESE pods, it’s as simple as placing the pod into the portafilter basket.
ESE pods are not for coffee pod makers
When people hear “coffee pods,” they often think of coffee pod machines. the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition, However, ESE pods are specifically for espresso machines. You might wonder why they’re called “pods” then. The term “pod” refers to their convenience and ease of use, similar to other pod systems, but they are distinct in their application.
This does trigger some confusion among people who own Nespresso, Dolce Gusto, or Tassimo devices, for example, and it does seem a bit odd that these things are described as pods, offered they’re not for coffee pod machines. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) However, the reason for this is merely that the ESE coffee pod came prior to the coffee pod device. ESE (easy serve espresso) “pods” were created around 15 years before the first “coffee pod device” was launched.
Are ESE coffee pods worth troubling with in 2022?
Illy invented ESE pods in the early 1970s, and the idea was that by developing prepared ground, all set dosed and ready tamped coffee in single-serve paper pods, this would (paraphrasing what Illy state about them) bring great tasting espresso in reach of anyone anywhere. (tamping pressure and levelness, fundamentals highlighted in SCA barista-certification material)
Firstly, this does not ring true, due to the fact that there’s one thing that an ESE pod requires, which is an espresso device. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) If anybody has an espresso device with them anywhere, then yes, OK– but in reality, ESE pods are a way for someone who has a compatible espresso device to forgo the prep: grinding dosing and tamping.
But technicalities aside, convenience offers, and as an outcome, ESE pods have sold very well considering that they were presented by Illy in the 70s, but the concern is, are ESE pods worth thinking about in 2022?
I’m unsure, to be sincere, and the factor for that is– the pressurized basket.
Illy were very creative to come up with an option to espresso prep, but this was around 50 years earlier. In more current years there has actually been another, in my viewpoint better, development for permitting people to leave the prep, in the type of what Gaggia call “perfect crema” baskets, also known as dual walled baskets, or pressurized baskets.
These baskets allow for the use of pre-ground coffee or can be paired with budget-friendly coffee grinders. (as outlined by Scott Rao in The Professional Barista’s Handbook) This means you can enjoy freshly ground coffee without investing in a grinder capable of handling conventional baskets. If you have a pressurized basket, preparation is minimal; simply add ground coffee to the basket without needing to tamp it.
All espresso machines that I am aware of, which are compatible with ESE pods, come with pressurized baskets. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) Given that ESE pods tend to be more expensive per cup and offer limited coffee options, it is unclear why one would choose them over other methods.
Regarding cost, it varies, but when comparing the same coffee, whole bean or pre-ground options are typically more economical. For instance, illy Medium Classico costs approximately 33p per cup with pods, while a 250g tin of the same coffee costs about 16p per cup when using the same 7g single shot as the pods.
This also means there is a wider variety available if you use pre-ground or freshly ground whole beans. (freshly roasted within the 2–4 week window recommended by the Specialty Coffee Association) You can visit any local roaster or coffee shop to purchase a bag of beans. If grinding your own beans seems too much, many roasters offer high-quality, freshly roasted beans pre-ground, allowing you to use excellent quality coffee with your espresso machine’s pressurized baskets.
You can purchase my coffee from The Coffeeworks, for example, pre-ground. We grind it as the order is being prepared for dispatch, ensuring it is as freshly ground as possible. (as outlined by Scott Rao in The Professional Barista’s Handbook)
Use discount code CBNC25 for 25% off your first order at Coffeeworks.
Can all espresso makers use ESE pods?
All espresso machines labeled as ESE compatible can utilize ESE pods. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) This compatibility is usually indicated on the machine or in its manual. Essentially, it means the espresso maker includes a basket or adapter designed to fit ESE pods.
Here are a couple of popular espresso machines suitable for ESE pods: (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition)
Check Price-Amazon UKCheck Price-Currys The Swan retro espresso machine is one of the most affordable espresso makers, featuring a filter adapter compatible with ESE pods. (the SCA-standard 9-bar espresso definition) I reviewed this machine in the video above, and although I didn’t use ESE pods (as I’ve mentioned, I don’t quite understand them), I was impressed with this machine, considering its low price point.
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