A question many newcomers to the Nespresso machine user family often ask us!
The easiest answer to this is that the larger aluminium dome-shaped vertuo pods are exclusively sold and manufactured by Nespresso [they have a patent on the design for a few years yet].
All other Nespresso compatible pods sold by both Nespresso, as well as other brands such as Roar Gill, are known as 'Original' Style Nespresso Pods - compatible with Original Machines [i.e. Non-Vertuo machines]. You can see an example of a Roar Gill Compostable Original Pod in the image above. They are considerably smaller in size than vertuo pods, and much more eco-friendly when disposed of into waste streams.
Original machines and pods are generally speaking suited to shorter coffees between ristretto 25ml and lungo 110ml. When picking your machine, look out for "19 Bar Pressure" which describes the Original machines pump extraction method [Vertuo machines use a centrifusion extraction method].
There are plenty of Original style machines that take Roar Gill compostable pods. We won't list them all here, but some popular value for money options are:
- Nespresso Essenza Mini Coffee Machine by KRUPS
- Nespresso by Magimix Inissia
- Nespresso CitiZ & Milk Coffee Machine by Magimix
The only non-Vertuo machines that aren't compatible with Roar Gill pods are the much more expensive "Miele built-in" machines which are fully integrated into your kitchen.
