ESE coffee pods 44 mm (Easy Serving Espresso): Covim | Cafemalin
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ESE 44 mm open standard

ESE coffee pods

ESE coffee pods (Easy Serving Espresso) — an open, universal standard introduced by Illy in the decade beginning in 1990 to offer an environmentally friendly, practical alternative to proprietary capsules. A filter paper format measuring 44 mm in diameter, with 7 g of ground coffee, compacted, biodegradable and compostable. Suitable for all espresso machines equipped with an ESE portafilter (Illy Y5, Bialetti, De'Longhi Dedica with an adaptor, professional machines). Cafemalin selection: Covim Honduras 100% Arabica (x50 pods), a single-origin coffee from Central America with a mild, fruity profile.
ESE 44 mm format Open standard
100% Arabica Single-origin Honduras
Compostable paper Zero plastic
Covim Italy Traditional roasting
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ESE machine compatibility

Essential ESE coffee pods

A selection highly rated by our customers.

Our ESE pod selection

Cafemalin ESE pod selection — currently Covim Honduras 100% Arabica x50 pods. Our ESE range will soon expand to include other Italian roasters. For other capsule systems, visit our Coffee capsules hub.

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Covim Espresso Honduras product box — 50 ESE pods, black and red colours, clearly visible logo

COVIM HONDURAS 100% ARABICA ESE pods – 50 pods

€15.94 incl. VAT€0.32/capsule
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The ESE system in 90 seconds

The ESE system (Easy Serving Espresso) is an open, universal standard for espresso coffee pods, introduced by Illy in the decade beginning in 1990. Unlike proprietary capsule systems (Nespresso Original, Lavazza A Modo Mio, Dolce Gusto, Nespresso Vertuo), the ESE standard is open and non-proprietary: any roaster can produce ESE pods, and any machine equipped with an ESE portafilter can use them. This openness is the foundation of a sustainable, transparent and competitive ecosystem.

The ESE format is precise: 44 mm in diameter, with 7 g of ground coffee compacted between two layers of biodegradable filter paper. The dose (7 g) and grind (finely compacted by the manufacturer) are optimised for classic Italian espresso. The filter paper has three roles: (1) to contain the ground coffee for clean handling; (2) to filter the extraction by retaining the grounds; (3) to preserve freshness until use (each pod is individually sealed under an inert atmosphere).

Three major advantages of the ESE system over proprietary capsules:

  • Environmental benefits — the paper pod is 100% biodegradable and compostable. Zero plastic, zero aluminium. Simply dispose of it in home compost or organic waste. A decisive advantage for households concerned about environmental impact.
  • Freedom to choose your roaster — no lock-in to a proprietary system. You can try Illy, Covim, Segafredo, Kimbo, Vergnano, Musetti and many other Italian roasters that produce an ESE range. Each brand has its own roasting style and terroir.
  • Wide machine compatibility — any machine equipped with an ESE portafilter (dedicated or with an adaptor) is compatible: Illy (Y5), Bialetti and De'Longhi machines, and professional espresso machines with portafilters.

Our current selection features Covim Honduras 100% Arabica — ESE pods x50, single-origin coffee from Honduras, 100% Arabica. The Covim brand is a traditional Italian roaster specialising in outstanding single-origin coffees and blends. Honduras 100% Arabica has a mild, fruity profile with notes of milk chocolate — ideal for a balanced espresso in the morning or after a meal. A pack of 50 pods provides approximately 2 months of coffee at 1 espresso per day. At 0,32 € per pod, it offers excellent value for a sourced single-origin coffee.

Selected by Selected by our coffee expert team — specialists in espresso capsule and pod systems (Nespresso Original, Lavazza AMM/Blue/EP, ESE, etc.) since 2016.

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Frequently asked questions

The questions our customers ask most often.

What is an ESE pod?

An ESE pod (Easy Serving Espresso) is an espresso coffee pod made to an international open standard, introduced by Illy in the decade beginning in 1990. Detailed specifications:

  • Diameter: 44 mm (strict standard)
  • Coffee dose: 7 g of ground, compacted coffee
  • Outer layer: biodegradable filter paper, two sealed layers, individually sealed in an inert atmosphere
  • Grind : fine, optimised for classic espresso
  • Extraction: 25–30 seconds for ~30 ml of espresso

The ESE standard is open — any roaster can produce ESE pods, and any machine with an ESE portafilter can use them. This openness fundamentally distinguishes ESE from proprietary capsule systems (Nespresso, Lavazza AMM, Dolce Gusto), which lock machines and capsules into a closed system.

Which machines are compatible with ESE pods?

ESE-compatible machines are those equipped with an ESE portafilter — either as standard or using an adapter. The main ranges:

  • Illy — the Y5, X7.1 and older dedicated ESE machine ranges. Illy invented the ESE standard.
  • Bialetti — domestic espresso machines with portafilters
  • De'Longhi — Dedica EC685, EC9155 and other machines with portafilters — require the ESE adapter, supplied or available as an optional extra
  • Professional espresso machines — most professional machines with portafilters accept ESE pods with a dedicated ESE filter basket
  • Specific ESE-compatible moka pots — some modern electric moka pots offer an ESE option

Not compatible: proprietary capsule machines (Nespresso, Lavazza AMM/Blue/EP, Dolce Gusto, Tassimo, Firma). The closed capsule format is incompatible with the 44 mm filter paper format.

Are ESE pods really environmentally friendly?

Yes — the ESE pod is among the most environmentally friendly espresso capsule solutions on the market:

  • 100% biodegradable — the filter paper breaks down in 2–4 weeks in home compost. No build-up in landfill.
  • 100% compostable — can go straight into the compost with the coffee grounds inside. An excellent source of carbon + nitrogen for compost.
  • No plastic, no aluminium — unlike Nespresso Original capsules (recyclable aluminium, but requiring separate collection) or Nespresso Vertuo (aluminium + plastic dome). ESE uses only food-grade filter paper.
  • Cardboard packaging — the box of 50 pods is made from recyclable cardboard. Some pods are individually pre-packed in a small paper sachet (also recyclable) to preserve freshness.

The carbon footprint is favourable too: no aluminium machining (an energy-intensive process), lighter transport loads (lightweight pods) and zero end-of-life impact.

What does Covim Honduras 100% Arabica coffee taste like?

Covim Honduras 100% Arabica is a single-origin coffee from Central America with a mild, balanced and fruity profile:

  • Origin: Honduras, Central America — one of today's leading Arabica-growing regions
  • Composition: 100% Arabica, no Robusta — a delicate aromatic profile
  • Intensity: 5/10 on our scale — moderate, neither extremely mild nor intensely full-bodied
  • Flavour profile: notes of milk chocolate and ripe fruit (apple, pear), with the light, refreshing acidity characteristic of high-altitude Arabica
  • Body: medium, with a silky texture and no heaviness
  • Crema: golden crema with a fine, lasting foam thanks to the optimised ESE grind

Ideal for: a balanced everyday espresso, after meals and guests (an accessible profile that appeals to most people). Enjoy it black or with brown sugar to enhance the chocolate notes.

What is the best way to store ESE pods?

ESE pods are packaged for a long shelf life (a best-before period of 12–18 months), but a few good practices help preserve maximum freshness:

  • Keep the original packaging closed — the cardboard box and individual sachets protect against light and moisture
  • A cool, dry place — 18–22°C is ideal. Avoid warm places (above 25°C), which speed up the oxidation of coffee oils
  • Away from light — in a closed cupboard or drawer. Direct light affects the aromas within a few weeks.
  • Do not refrigerate — moisture creates tiny droplets of condensation on the filter paper, affecting the ground coffee. Coffee benefits from a stable temperature.
  • Observe the best-before date — after this date, the pod remains fit for consumption, but its aromas gradually deteriorate

For occasional use (1–2 espressos per week), a pack of 50 pods lasts 6+ months without any risk of significant loss of freshness.

Can I expect more ESE varieties at Cafemalin soon?

Yes — our ESE pod range is set to expand:

  • Currently in our range: Covim Honduras 100% Arabica x50 (our initial product)
  • Planned additions: Illy, Segafredo, Kimbo, Vergnano — leading Italian brands offering ESE ranges
  • Existing placeholder subcategories: Illy ESE pods — to be activated as soon as Illy products join our range

To be notified of new ESE arrivals, sign up to the Cafemalin newsletter (form in the footer). We favour traditional Italian roasters (Covim, Vergnano, Musetti) for a standard of flavour consistent with our philosophy of authentic Italian espresso.

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