Coffee capsules (Nespresso/Dolce) vs Filter / Cafetière / Pour-over
Side-by-side comparison, when-to-use-each guide, and instant conversion. Reviewed for 2026.
Daily convenience, office use, minimal skill required, always consistent result.
Better flavour ceiling, lower ongoing cost, environmental preference, enjoying the process.
| Aspect | Coffee capsules (Nespresso/Dolce) | Filter / Cafetière / Pour-over |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per cup | £0.30-0.60 (capsule) | £0.05-0.20 (filter) |
| Annual cost (2 cups/day) | £219-438 | £36-146 |
| Machine cost | £60-200 (Nespresso) | £10-400 (method varies) |
| Environmental impact | High (single-use capsules) | Low (reusable equipment) |
| Quality ceiling | Good — limited by capsule format | High — only limited by skill and beans |
Frequently asked
Are Nespresso capsules actually recycled?
Nespresso runs a recycling scheme but less than 30% of capsules are returned in the UK. The aluminium is recyclable in theory but practical recycling rates are low. Reusable third-party capsules (Sealpod, Cafilas) significantly reduce waste for Nespresso machine owners.
What's the cheapest good home coffee setup?
A £15 cafetière (French press) + decent freshly ground beans at £8-12/250g gives excellent coffee at ~£0.08/cup. It takes 5 minutes. This is the starting point before investing in an AeroPress (£25), pourover setup or espresso machine.
Frequently asked questions
Are Nespresso capsules actually recycled?
Nespresso runs a recycling scheme but less than 30% of capsules are returned in the UK. The aluminium is recyclable in theory but practical recycling rates are low. Reusable third-party capsules (Sealpod, Cafilas) significantly reduce waste for Nespresso machine owners.
What's the cheapest good home coffee setup?
A £15 cafetière (French press) + decent freshly ground beans at £8-12/250g gives excellent coffee at ~£0.08/cup. It takes 5 minutes. This is the starting point before investing in an AeroPress (£25), pourover setup or espresso machine.