Single-serve coffee makers take the hassle out of getting a quick cup of rich, quality coffee when you need it the most. The Espresso Defined line by Cuisinart is a great option to do just that, but you might find yourself wondering which capsules to get for it. We've investigated this caffeinated conundrum, and here's what you need to know:
Cuisinart Espresso Defined models are compatible with Nespresso Original Line capsules and other capsules that use the same design. These include Starbucks, Lavazza, and Peet's espresso capsules, among others. They are not compatible with K-Cups, although Cuisinart's SS-10P1 is.
A host of companies make capsules you can use in your Cuisinart. We'll cover some of the best, as well as talk about the differences between coffee capsules and machines, how they work, and which ones are compatible.
Best coffee capsules for Cuisinart Espresso Defined Machines
While you can use any coffee capsules in the Nespresso Original Line design, here are a few of the best and most popular.
Lavazza
There are few names as big in espresso as Lavazza. They source coffee from all over the world but are known best by their slogan "Italy's favorite coffee."
While some Lavazza products use their proprietary capsule design, they also offer pods that are compatible with Cuisinart and other machines, such as these below.
Click here to see these Lavazza coffees on Amazon.
Peet's
For high-quality espresso that's closer to home, San Fransisco Bay Area-based Peet's Coffee has a reputation for perfectly roasted beans for great espresso and cold brew. Many of their roasts are available in Cuisinart-compatible capsules.
Click here to see these capsules from Peet's coffee on Amazon.
Starbucks
Perhaps the biggest name in espresso-based coffee in the US, you're sure never to be far from a Starbucks. If you want to experience their coffee at home, pick up a pack of their Nespresso Original Line pods.
Click here to see these Starbucks pods on Amazon.
Meseta Organic Coffee
Finding organic coffee options for capsules can be tough and expensive. Meseta produces organic coffee in Cuisinart-compatible capsules that won't break the bank. Their capsules are BPA-free and made with a certified Fair Trade Arabica and Robusta blend.
Click here to see these organic coffee capsules on Amazon.
Are all espresso pods the same?
Unfortunately, not all espresso capsules are compatible with all espresso machines. To make matters even more complicated, some companies produce various capsules, so buying by name brand doesn't always guarantee that the espresso capsules will work with your machine.
Nestle is a prime example of this. While they initially created one style of espresso capsule, they currently have three different styles available, each compatible with different machines.
Can Nespresso pods be used in Cuisinart coffee makers?
Nespresso Original Line capsules are compatible with Cuisinart espresso makers. However, their Vertuo and Dolce Gusto capsules are not compatible with Cuisinart's espresso makers.
Nestle was the first company to create a machine that used capsules to make espresso. The design for those capsules is the Nespresso Original Line. Cuisinart and many other espresso makers use this, and many coffee companies sell coffee in compatible capsules.
The Vertuo and the Dolce Gusto both use pods in different shapes and sizes. The Vertuo design uses a different extraction method that results in milder coffee. The capsules are smaller and dome-shaped. These use centrifugal extraction and lower temperatures to avoid extracting some of the most intense flavors from the coffee grounds. These are only compatible with Nestle Vertuo machines.
The Dolce Gusto design is also used for drinks besides coffee, and their capsules often include other flavoring agents, such as powdered milk. These capsules are larger, and you can use them in Nescafé Dolce Gusto machines or some Krups machines.
Will Keurig pods fit Cuisinart?
Another company that made a name for itself early in the pod coffee game was Keurig. While Nestle's Nespresso focuses on making European-style espresso, Keurig went a different route. Instead, it makes single-serving brewed coffee, the style most common in the US, and it also has pods for other hot drinks, such as tea.
Keurig's pods are known as K-Cups and are available from a wide number of companies. Although K-Cups will not fit in Cuisinart's Espresso Defined line, they are compatible with Cuisinart's SS-10P1 Single Serve Coffee Maker.
Click here to see the Cuisinart SS-10P1 on Amazon.
Learn more about K-Pods and Keurig systems in our article, "11 Types of Keurigs to Know."
Is Cuisinart Espresso Maker good?
Cuisinart is a major name in kitchen gadgets and cookware. They have a reputation for producing quality products that are still budget-friendly. Their Espresso Defined line is no exception.
The Espresso Defined line comprises two models, the EM-15 and the EM-25. Both espresso makers include some handy features.
They both produce 19 bars of pressure for perfect espresso with crema. You can program the brewing temperature to get stronger or milder espresso. You can also adjust the amount of water in each shot to your liking. They even have a programmable standby time so that you can have fresh coffee waiting for you first thing in the morning.
Click here to see the Espresso Defined EM-15 on Amazon.
For added functionality, the EM-25 includes a milk frother. The automated system creates a rich, smooth milk foam perfect for lattes and cappuccinos.
While this, like other automatic milk frothers, doesn't give you as much control over the temperature and consistency of your milk as a traditional steamer-wand would, it does produce consistent milk foam without needing to spend years honing your barista skills.
Click here to see the Espresso Defined EM-25 on Amazon.
Does Cuisinart make a conventional espresso maker?
Using capsules isn't the only option if you're looking to make espresso with Cuisinart. They also produce espresso makers that are more like those you might see in a coffee shop. These use ground coffee that you add to a basket and lever into place. They also feature a traditional steamer wand for frothing your milk.
Click here to see this espresso maker on Amazon.
For an upgrade on their basic espresso maker, you can also opt for their programmable model. It allows you to select single or double shots and program the machine to fit your liking.
Click here to see Cuisinart's programmable espresso maker on Amazon.
How does a Cuisinart espresso maker work?
Cuisinart espresso makers function similarly to other capsule-based espresso makers on the market.
While brewed coffee is made by adding hot water to coffee grounds, you need pressurized hot water to make espresso. Capsule espresso makers use a pump system to heat up and pressurize the water for perfect shots.
Cold or room-temperature water is stored in a reservoir attached to the machine. A pump that connects the reservoir and the machine pumps water into the system. The water is heated to the desired temperature and then pumped through a narrow tube, increasing the pressure.
Following this, the water is injected through a narrow hole in the pod where it first meets the coffee. The coffee grounds are filtered out by a paper filter on the other end of the capsule, leaving you with a grounds-free cup of espresso.
You can learn more about different kinds of coffee makers in our article, "Coffee Maker vs. Espresso Maker vs. French Press - What are the Differences?"
Final Thoughts
Cuisinart makes a variety of high-quality kitchen gear, and their Espresso Defined line is an excellent addition to the team. As long as you use Nespresso Original Line compatible capsules, like those we've covered, you'll be able to enjoy use these makers to enjoy a satisfying cup of espresso.
