How to Use Coffee Pods

Co-authored by Rich Lee

Last Updated: September 20, 2024 References

Coffee pods are a popular single-serving alternative to other single-use products, like Keurig K Cups. But unlike K Cups, coffee pods can be used in a variety of ways. You can use them in a machine specifically designed for pods, or in another type of coffee machine. Just place the pod in the chamber of your machine, close the lid, and press the “brew” or “start” option. Alternatively, place the pod in a holster that’s compatible with your machine, or remove the pod from its packaging and steep in boiling water. Pods can even be used without a machine at all!

Using Coffee Pods (With and without a Machine)

Fill the water tank in your coffee pod machine, place the pod in the corresponding compartment, close the lid, and press the “brew” or “start” option.
Alternatively, remove the pod from its packaging, place it in a mug, and pour boiling water on top. Let it steep for several minutes before removing.
If you’re using a regular coffee machine, put the coffee pod in a compatible holster, slide it into the brewing chamber, and set the machine to “single serve.”

For popular FAQs on using coffee pods, jump to more common questions.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using a Coffee Pod Machine

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Take a measuring cup and dump enough water in your machine’s water basin so it reaches the point of “max fill.” Make sure to use only cool, clean water. If you want, you can use filtered or distilled water. This will reduce buildup of minerals and make your machine work longer and better.^{[1]
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To maintain freshness, coffee pods are usually wrapped individually. Make sure to remove the pod from its packaging without damaging it. To do this, rip along the perforated line of the coffee pod’s packaging to remove it without damaging the pod.^{[2]
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Pop open the pod holder part of your machine. Depending on your machine, you may need to press a button to open it. Then, gently place the pod in the machine. The pod should easily slide into the pod holder. Once it is in, close the pod holder.^{[3]
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Adjust the settings of the machine. Depending on what strength you want your coffee, you’ll need to set your machine. Your machine should have a light, medium, or strong setting. If it doesn’t, it might have a setting for the amount of water you want to fill your mug with. The more water, the weaker the cup of coffee.
- If you don’t adjust your settings, your machine will likely brew you a medium cup of coffee.^{[4]
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Brew your coffee. After adjusting your settings, hit the “Brew” or “Start” button on your pod machine. Once you start the machine, it will release hot water into the coffee pod and then the water will be released into your mug.^{[5]
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- Enjoy your cup of coffee after the stream of water has ceased.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Trying Coffee Pods without a Machine

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Depending on the type of pod you have, you may be able to just place it in a coffee mug and pour water over it. To do this, remove the pod from its packaging and drop it into your mug.^{[6]
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Slowly pour boiling water into the mug. Stop pouring once you’re about half an inch from the top of the mug. Be careful not to burn yourself with the water.^{[7]
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Allow the pod to soak in the water. If the pod floats to the top of the mug, use a spoon to hold it under the water. Stir the water occasionally. Make sure to pay attention to this process, as your cup of coffee won’t be right if the pod doesn’t steep properly.^{[8]
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Remove the pod after several minutes. The amount of time you leave the pod in the water will determine how strong the coffee is. As a result, you should consider how strong you want your coffee before removing the pod.
- Leaving the pod in for 2 to 3 minutes will give you a weak cup.
- Leaving the pod in for 4 minutes will give you a normal cup of coffee.
- Leaving the pod in for 5 to 6 minutes will give you a strong cup of coffee.
- Discard the pod when you are done with it.^{[9]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Placing Coffee Pods in a Non-Compatible Machine

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1
Purchase a coffee pod holster or similar device. Find a holster product compatible with your single-serve coffee machine. Read the product’s packaging and reviews to verify that it will work with your machine. This is important, as there are a variety of pod holsters on the market. Not all of them fit every machine. Popular holsters include:
- The Pod Holster
- The Solofill
- The EZ-Cup^{[10]
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Don’t force it in. It should easily slide into the holster. After you put the pod into the holster, close the holster. Many holsters snap shut with a little bit of force.^{[11]
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Carefully place the holster into your machine. Slide it into where you'd load a K Cup, another sort of single-serve coffee product, or your coffee grounds. Make sure not to force it in. If the holster is compatible with your coffee machine, it should easily slide into the machine. After you’ve loaded it, you’ll need to close the coffee loader. On most machines, this requires you to gently push it down.^{[12]
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Depending on the type of machine, you'll want to place your mug on the burner or wherever the coffee is dispensed. Take your time and place it properly so your coffee does not spill.
After loading the holster, you’ll need to adjust the settings so your cup of coffee is as weak or strong as you want it. When doing this, set the machine to single serve. Depending on your machine, you may be able to choose how much water you want to fill your cup. This will help determine how strong the cup of coffee is.^{[13]
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Once you’ve hit start, the machine will flood the holster – and the pod – with water. The water (now coffee) will then be directed down into your mug. Once the stream has ended and filled your cup, feel free to enjoy your coffee.^{[14]
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Common Questions: Best Tips to Make Coffee with Pods

Do you need to take the lid off coffee pods?

No, you do not have to remove the lid from a coffee pod. The machine will pierce the pod when you close the lid.^{[15]
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How do you make the perfect coffee with pods?

Press the “short” button on your machine and pour 40 mL if you want an espresso. For the perfect latte, use the “short” button, pour 40 mL, and add warm milk on top.^{[16]
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How many cups of coffee can you get from a pod?

A standard coffee pod makes one serving of coffee, which is equivalent to 6 ounces or a small cup. Some coffee pod machines have options for a stronger or weaker brew, ranging from 4 to 10 ounces.^{[17]
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Are coffee pods compatible with all machines?

No, every coffee machine has different specifications, with some designed for regular coffee and others designed only for coffee pods. The diameter of coffee pods also range from 38 mm to 44mm, so you may have to buy specific pods that match the brand of your machine. For example, K-cups do not fit inside a Nespresso machine.^{[18]
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