How to Refill Nespresso Vertuo Capsules

Refilling a Nespresso® Vertuo capsule works differently to every other pod system. This guide covers the part that's the same whichever reusable lid you buy — opening a used capsule, prepping the base, choosing a grind and getting a good shot out of it.

Why you reuse your own capsules

You can't buy empty Vertuo capsules, and we'd steer you away from unbranded ones from overseas sellers: Nespresso's Vertuo capsule design is protected and the supply is unreliable.

The real issue is the barcode. It's printed on the base of every Vertuo capsule and tells your machine how much water to use, what temperature to brew at, how long to infuse, and how fast to spin. A generic base locks you into one brew profile forever.

Reusing your own capsules means you always have the right base for the brew you want. It's also why every reusable Vertuo product on the market is a lid rather than a whole capsule. Save a handful of empties in the sizes you drink and rotate them indefinitely.

Step 1: Open the used capsule

The lid needs to come off cleanly, without tearing or distorting the rim — the rim is what your new silicone lid seals against, so a mangled one will leak.

The easiest way is the REVU Nespresso Vertuo Tool. Drop the used capsule in, twist, and it separates the aluminium lid from the body in one motion. It handles all five Vertuo sizes — 40 mL espresso, 80 mL double espresso, 150 mL Gran Lungo, 230 mL mug and 414 mL Alto.

The same tool handles recycling too: the aluminium can be recycled with other aluminium, and the grounds go in the compost. You can also peel the pierced foil off by hand — it's slower, so take care not to bend the rim.

Step 2: Clean the base

  1. Tip out the spent grounds — straight into the compost.
  2. Wash the empty capsule base in warm water with a little dishwashing liquid.
  3. Rinse and dry thoroughly, paying attention to the rim.
  4. Check the barcode on the underside is still clean and readable — that's what your machine reads.

Step 3: Pick the right capsule base

The barcode on each Vertuo base dictates water volume, temperature, infusion time, and capsule spin speed. The brew you get is determined by the capsule base you reuse — not by what you put in it.

For best results, use a Short Espresso base. If using a larger size, run a 40 mL shot then press stop — that's the ideal water volume for a clean extraction.

Step 4: Choose your coffee and grind

Grind size: espresso grind is recommended. If you're not grinding at home, ask your local cafe — or grab our Bespoke Blend in espresso grind as a handy reference to take to your roaster.

Grinder: use a burr grinder if grinding at home. Blade grinders produce an inconsistent grind and too much dust.

Blend: coffee is an agricultural product — roasting has a big impact on the cup. We suggest a strong, dark roast. One of the joys of filling your own pods is you're no longer limited to what the big brands offer.

More in our guide to selecting the perfect coffee for reusables.

Step 5: Fill, seal and brew

Machine prep: give your machine a thorough descale before you start so it's running at normal brewing pressure.

Fill the clean, dry capsule with ground coffee, leaving a little space at the top, and tamp lightly. Brush the rim to remove loose grinds — grounds on the rim are the most common cause of a poor seal.

Seal with your silicone lid, pressing evenly all the way around.

Brew as normal. If there's resistance when you close the handle, reopen and try again rather than forcing it.

Filling ahead? Seal as usual and store prepared capsules in a cool, dark, dry place.

Which lid should I use?

Both options seal the capsule rather than fitting the machine, so both work across the full Vertuo range — Pop, Next, VertuoPlus, Up and the original VertuoLine.

See prices and ratings on the full Nespresso Vertuo compatible range. Free shipping Australia-wide on orders over $90.

My machine isn't brewing properly

Nine times out of ten it's the machine, not the pod. Descaling clears mineral scale but doesn't reach coffee oils and residue in the brewing chamber — that's usually what causes slow flow, weak crema, or warning lights that won't clear.

Caffenu Cleaning Pods for Nespresso Vertuo run through the chamber like a normal capsule and clear that residue.

Still stuck? Send us a photo of your machine and we'll point you in the right direction.

Not sure which Vertuo you own?

Our Vertuo machine comparison covers the current range, and the model code guide will help you identify an older one.

Crema Joe products are compatible with but not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Nespresso®.