What is an E.S.E. Pod?

by Brian Clerk
(Salinas, CA)

QUESTION:

A few times now I have come across the term 'E.S.E. pods'. What is this? What's an ESE pod?

ANSWER:

E.S.E. Pods are sealed coffee pods designed specifically for use in E.S.E.-compatible espresso machines.

E.S.E. stands for Easy Serving Espresso.

The principle is the same as the coffee pods made for use in single serve coffee makers.

With an E.S.E. pod, 7 grams of coffee are pre-packaged between two layers of filter paper. When you want a shot of espresso, you simply add the pod to your espresso machine and you're ready to go.

No grinding, no mess, no fuss.

Before you buy any E.S.E. pods, be sure that they are compatible with your espresso machine. That is to say, make sure there is an E.S.E. filter basket for your machine's portafilter that is specially shaped to accept an E.S.E. pod.

And if you are yet to buy an espresso machine, you might want to choose a model that accepts both loose coffee and E.S.E. pods.

A good example of an espresso machine that gives you the choice of using either loose coffee or pods is the DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Maker.