Coffee pods for Senseo machines

Pods or capsules?

"Coffee pods" can mean two different things. The pods on this page are soft pods: a round pouch of filter paper filled with ground coffee, for pad machines. Hard capsules made of aluminium or plastic belong to capsule machines and do not fit a pad machine, and soft pods will not work in a capsule machine either. If your machine has a flat, round pod holder, soft pods are what you need.

How a pad machine works

A pad machine pushes hot water through the pod at low pressure. The result is a smooth cup with a layer of foam on top, somewhere between filter coffee and espresso in character. It is not an espresso machine: for a real espresso you need coffee beans or ground coffee and a pump machine. Most pad machines come with two holders, one for a single pod and one for two: use one pod for a cup and two for a mug or a double cup.

Choosing a strength

Senseo pods come in several strengths, from mild and velvety to strong. If you drink your coffee black, a mild or medium pod is a good place to start. If you add milk, a strong pod keeps more of its flavour. Not sure? Buy two strengths and try them side by side.

A better cup from your pods

• Keep opened packs closed: the ground coffee in a pod loses its aroma once it is exposed to air.
• Fill the water tank with fresh cold water and do not leave it standing for days.
• Rinse the pod holder regularly so that old coffee oils do not build up and taint the next cup.
• Descale your machine regularly: limescale slows the water down and your coffee comes out weaker and cooler. Our Senseo descaler is made for the job.

More coffee for your machine

See everything we have for Senseo, or browse our ground coffee if you also brew with a filter machine or cafetière.