{"id":1785,"date":"2023-04-07T08:44:47","date_gmt":"2023-04-07T06:44:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.coffee-spirit.maxicoffee.com\/guides-achat\/what-type-of-coffee-should-i-use-with-an-espresso-machine\/"},"modified":"2024-01-18T15:16:47","modified_gmt":"2024-01-18T14:16:47","slug":"what-type-of-coffee-should-i-use-with-an-espresso-machine","status":"publish","type":"buyer-guides","link":"https:\/\/www.coffee-spirit.maxicoffee.com\/en-gb\/guide\/what-type-of-coffee-should-i-use-with-an-espresso-machine\/","title":{"rendered":"What Type of Coffee Should I Use With an Espresso Machine?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Type of Coffee and its Varieties<\/h2>\n

Of course, the variety of coffee<\/strong> will also play a key role. For the coffee beans<\/a>, the arabica beans will be lighter in terms of flavour, especially for an espresso. Generally, we recommend a mix of arabica\/robusta for drinks with milk such as white coffee (adding hot milk to the espresso), cappuccino, and flat white (and all other drinks with milk foam). But today we’ll focus on the type of coffee and formats. What actually are the differences? Is one coffee format better to all the others?<\/p>\n\n <\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Soft Pod (or PAD)<\/h2>\n

\"Type<\/h2>\n

What is the PAD?<\/h3>\n

The principle behind the soft pod is fairly simple. It is simply two 70mm round pieces of paper that are sealed together to contain a precise amount of ground coffee. Even though it is a simple way to extract coffee, the soft pod is not intended to be used with a manual espresso machine<\/strong>. However, these pods are still popular with some consumers.<\/p>\n

The end result of this type of coffee<\/h3>\n

In terms of the final result, the pods will satisfy people who love long and light coffees<\/strong>. If you are looking for a “filtered coffee”, with more hot water, the PAD will be perfect for you.<\/p>\n

However, if you are only looking for the characteristic taste of an espresso it is not for you! The result will be more similar to a brewed coffee than a strong and intense espresso.<\/p>\n

PADs are not really suitable for a manual espresso machine. I recommend that you use a filtered coffee machine for this type of drink.<\/p>\n

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The ESE Pod (or POD)<\/h2>\n

\"ese<\/p>\n

What is it?<\/h3>\n

The ESE pod<\/a> (acronym for “Easy Serving Espresso”) is also called POD.<\/p>\n

Unlike the soft pod, the ESE pod is a type of coffee that is suitable for manual espresso machines.<\/p>\n

Visually, the ESE pod is distinguished by its characteristic shape which is smaller and wider than a classic pod. The ground coffee is compressed<\/strong>, i.e. packed like an espresso.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The advantages and limits of this type of coffee<\/h3>\n

Obviously the coffee isn’t freshly ground. The quality of the espresso will not be the same as that of an espresso made using freshly ground beans<\/a>. But the ESE pod is still a good alternative for starting out<\/strong> in the world of the manual machine. It also allows you to occasionally make a decaf coffee.<\/p>\n

Compatible machines<\/h3>\n

The manual espresso machines that are compatible with ESE pods are generally made to make the most of this coffee format. Some are better than others. So, if you’re leaning towards this type of machine, look at models such as the\u00a0Delonghi Scultura, Ascaso Basic Plus or Delonghi ECP35.31.<\/p>\n\n <\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Pre-ground Coffee<\/h2>\n

Ground coffee and pressurised filter<\/h3>\n

By combining a pressurised filter<\/strong> and an excellent quality pre-ground coffee, you can get something close to an espresso<\/strong> served in a bar. Your coffee will have body, a generous and creamy crema and a balanced flavour. Unfortunately, this type of pre-ground coffee<\/a> for an espresso machine (or universal grind<\/a>) rarely lives up to expectations. But why?   <\/p>\n

The type of pre-ground coffee<\/h3>\n

It’s actually fairly simple to understand. There are two factors that influence the quality of your coffee: oxidisation<\/strong> and adaptation<\/strong>. <\/p>\n