One of the main reasons we got into making Nespresso® compatible pods was because we love the idea that anyone can have a beautifully crafted, great tasting cup of coffee at the simple touch of a button.
The whole thing’s built for simplicity; pop in a pod, push a button, and away you go - a coffee of quality, taste & convenience.
If you want pour after pour of decadent, crema-topped espresso, we recommend taking a few minutes to read our tips below on how to get the most out of your Nespresso machine.
First things first... make sure your pour is programmed correctly
Most Nespresso® Machines come with two buttons, pre-programmed for one short pour (an espresso) and a longer pour (or a lungo.)
For our pods, we recommend setting your machine as follows:
Espresso (short pour): 40-60 ml
Lungo (long pour): 80-100 ml
To customise your machines pour time, follow these simple steps:
- Place a small measuring jug beneath the spout of your machine.
- Insert your favourite CRU Kafe capsule.
- Press, and hold, the button (either short or long)
- Let go of the button when the desired amount of liquid has been produced
- Now every time you press the button, it will pour your perfect amount of liquid!
We do recommend sacrificing a pod for setting each of these measurements, as our pods tend to retain more water than some brands.
Change your water & regularly descale your machine
Try to change the water in the machine's reservoir daily, if possible using filtered water. Not only will this taste better, but it is kinder to your machine, as it will help to avoid limescale build up in your machine.
Avoid using bottled water, as this creates excess waste. We recommend investing in a water filter; it's better for the environment and cheaper in the long run!
You should opt to descale your machine once every 6 weeks. This will improve overall usability of your machine, as well as helping to extend it’s life.
Flush your machine
Warming your machine components helps to create a smoother pour. To do this, run the machine as if you were pouring a shot, but without a capsule.
This will heat the machine up, as well as rid any stagnant water or old coffee grounds that may be sitting in the brewing chamber. Warming the machine also enables easier pod piercing, and regulates the amount of coffee that flows out, resulting in a smoother pour.
We recommend doing this ‘flush’ once at the beginning of the day, and once after your last coffee of the day.
Warm your cup
No one likes lukewarm coffee! Preheating ensures that the heat stays in your drink, and is not absorbed into the mug. Pouring into a cold mug also kills some of the delicate flavours of the coffee.
Why not try using the hot water from flushing your machine as a way to warm your mug?
Adding milk? Make sure you do it right
It’s simple, cold milk + hot coffee = ruined espresso.
Don’t have a milk wand? Simply pop your cup in the microwave for a few seconds - trust us, warming your milk will make all the difference.
Last but not least...sit back, relax, ENJOY!
Not so much as a machine hack, but ever as important.
Make sure you take the time to enjoy your coffee! Slow down, savour and indulge yourself in your favourite cup of CRU.
