ESE Pods: What they are & why NZ loves them

If you’ve ever wanted café-style espresso at home without the effort, you’ve probably come across ESE pods. They’ve been popular overseas for years, and now they’re becoming a go-to option for Kiwi households who want good coffee without the mess, noise or extra gear.

So, what exactly are ESE pods — and why are so many New Zealanders switching to them?
Here’s the full breakdown.

What Are ESE Pods?

ESE stands for Easy Serving Espresso. And honestly — the name couldn’t be more accurate.
An ESE pod is a small, round coffee disc wrapped in natural paper filter material. Inside you’ll find:

• fresh ground coffee
• tamped to the correct pressure

• portioned perfectly for a single espresso shot

Each pod is a standard size (44mm), so it fits any ESE-compatible espresso machine.
No grinding. No measuring. No mess. No guessing.

Why ESE Pods Are Becoming Popular in NZ

We sell a lot of gear at The Coffee Company, so we get to see buying trends before they hit mainstream. Over the last year, ESE pods have quietly exploded — especially for people who want quality coffee but don’t want to turn their kitchen into a barista station. Here are the biggest reasons Kiwis are making the switch:

1. They’re incredibly easy to use

Pop a pod in. Brew. Toss it out.
It’s honestly easier than making toast.

Perfect for:

• early mornings
• busy households
• people who want great coffee but not the full espresso-machine learning curve
• offices, holiday homes and rental properties

If you want espresso that’s fast, clean and consistent, nothing beats ESE pods.

2. The flavour is consistent every time

No more “oops I tamped too hard” or “why does today’s coffee taste different?”

Every ESE pod is portioned and pressed exactly the same way, each shot tastes like the last one.
If you like reliability in your morning routine, this is a massive win.

3. They create way less mess

With ESE pods you avoid coffee grounds all over the bench, clogged portafilters, and the daily sweep around the grinder.
Pods go in clean and come out clean. That’s why they’re so good for small kitchens.

4. They’re more environmentally friendly than many capsule systems

One thing people often don’t realise: ESE pods aren’t plastic capsules.
They’re made with natural filter paper, so they break down much faster and feel more eco-conscious.
Even if your local council doesn’t accept food-grade compostables, ESE pods still produce significantly less long-lasting waste than aluminium or plastic capsules.

For many NZ households, this is a major selling point.

5. They’re ideal for beginners or casual coffee drinkers

Not everyone wants to invest in grinders, scales, tampers and barista gear.
Some people just want delicious espresso at home, without needing to master technique.

They’re a great “middle ground” between instant coffee and a full commercial setup.

Already have an E61 Machine? Can you use ESE Pods?

If you’ve invested in an E61 espresso machine at home, you might be wondering: “Can I just pop in ESE pods?”. The good news: YES, you can - but there are a couple of things you need to know:

1. You need a compatible pod adapter.
Most E61 machines use traditional portafilters designed for loose coffee grounds. To brew ESE pods, you’ll need a small metal adapter (often called a “pod holder” or “ESE adapter”) that fits into your portafilter.

2. Single shots.
ESE pods are pre-portioned for one espresso.

3. No compromise on flavour.
Using ESE pods in your E61 doesn’t damage the machine and can be a convenient way to enjoy espresso without grinding beans every time.

Your E61 can work beautifully with ESE pods, giving you the best of both worlds — professional-grade machine + fuss-free coffee.

How do ESE Pods compare to coffee beans or capsules?

Here’s a quick, honest comparison so you know where they sit:

ESE Pods vs Fresh Beans

Fresh beans give you more control and potentially better flavour -
if you’re willing to grind, dial-in and clean up.

ESE pods deliver convenience and consistency.
Different strengths for different needs.

ESE Pods vs Plastic/Aluminium Capsules

Capsules can taste great, but they:

• create more waste
• lock you into one brand
• vary a lot by machine system

ESE pods are an open standard.

ESE Pods vs Instant Coffee

Instant is quick… but it’s not espresso.
Pods are real coffee, brewed under pressure — rich crema and all.

Why they fit the New Zealand lifestyle

Kiwis value practicality. We love good coffee, but we also love mornings that run smoothly.

ESE pods fit perfectly because they’re:

• compact for smaller NZ kitchens
• fuss-free for busy families
• affordable for everyday use
• ideal for holiday homes and rental properties

Plus, NZ has a strong “buy once, buy smart” mentality.
ESE-compatible machines tend to last, and you’re not locked into one supplier.

Thinking of Trying ESE Pods?

If you want coffee that’s:
✔ café-style
✔ fast
✔ tidy
✔ consistent
✔ budget-friendly

Then ESE pods might be your new favourite thing.

You can explore our full range of ESE pods and compatible machines by clicking here or visiting us at The Coffee Company in Nelson — and if you're not sure what to choose, just ask. We’re always happy to help you find the right setup for your home.

Other related blogs:
Wondering what are the Top 5 Brewing Methods, click here and learn more!

You can also check more info about E61 Italian Espresso Coffee Machines here.