ESE 44mm Coffee Pods (Easy Serving Espresso): Covim | Cafemalin
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Standard open ESE 44 mm

ESE coffee pods

ESE (Easy Serving Espresso) coffee pods — an open and universal standard launched in the 1990s by Illy to offer an eco-friendly and convenient alternative to proprietary capsules. Paper filter format, 44 mm diameter , 7 g of compacted ground coffee , biodegradable and compostable . Compatible with all espresso machines equipped with an ESE portafilter (Illy Y5, Bialetti, De'Longhi Dedica with adapter, professional machines). selection Cafemalin : Covim Honduras 100% Arabica (50 pods), a single-origin Central American coffee with a smooth and fruity profile.
ESE 44 mm format Open standard
100% Arabica Single origin Honduras
Compostable paper Zero plastic
Covid Italy Traditional roasting
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ESE machine compatibility

The essential ESE Coffee Pods

A selection highly recommended by our customers.

Our selection of ESE pods

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

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

ESE COVIM HONDURAS 100% ARABICA Coffee Pods – 50 Pods

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

The ESE (Easy Serving Espresso) system is an open and universal standard for espresso pods, launched in the 1990s by Illy. Unlike proprietary capsule systems (Nespresso Original, Lavazza A Modo Mio, Dolce Gusto, Nespresso Vertuo), the ESE standard is open and unprotected : 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, 7 g of ground coffee compressed between two layers of biodegradable filter paper. The dose (7 g) and the grind (finely compressed by the manufacturer) are optimized for classic Italian espresso. The filter paper serves three purposes: (1) to contain the ground coffee for clean handling; (2) to filter the extraction by retaining the grounds; (3) to protect freshness until use (each pod is individually sealed in an inert atmosphere).

Three major advantages of the ESE system vs. proprietary capsules:

  • Ecology — the paper coffee pod is 100% biodegradable and compostable. Zero plastic, zero aluminum. Simply dispose of it in your home compost or organic waste. A decisive advantage for environmentally conscious households.
  • 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 their own ESE range. Each brand has its own roasting style and terroir.
  • Wide machine compatibility — any machine equipped with an ESE portafilter (dedicated or adapter) is compatible: Illy (Y5), Bialetti, De'Longhi machines, pro espresso machines with portafilters.

Our current selection features Covim Honduras 100% Arabica — ESE pods x50, single-origin Honduran coffee, 100% Arabica. Covim is a traditional Italian roaster specializing in premium single-origin and blended coffees. This Honduras 100% Arabica has a smooth, fruity profile with notes of milk chocolate — ideal for a balanced espresso in the morning or after a meal. The 50-pod pack provides approximately two months of consumption based on one espresso per day. At €0.32 per pod, it offers excellent value for money for a carefully sourced single-origin coffee.

Selection by Selection made by our expert coffee team — specialists in capsule and espresso 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 (Easy Serving Espresso) pod is an espresso coffee pod in an internationally standard open, launched by Illy in the 1990s. Specific characteristics:

  • Diameter : 44 mm (strict standard)
  • Dose of coffee : 7 g of ground and compacted coffee
  • Envelope : biodegradable filter paper, two welded layers, individually sealed under an inert atmosphere
  • Grind : fine, optimized 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 ESE-compatible portafilter machine can use them. This openness fundamentally differentiates ESE from proprietary capsule systems (Nespresso, Lavazza AMM, Dolce Gusto) that lock in the machine-capsule relationship.

Which machines are compatible with ESE pods?

ESE-compatible machines are those equipped with an ESE portafilter —either originally or via an adapter. The main ranges are:

  • Illy — Y5 machine , X7.1 , and older dedicated ESE ranges. Illy is the inventor of the ESE standard.
  • Bialetti — consumer-grade espresso machines with portafilters
  • De'Longhi — Dedica EC685 , EC9155 , and other portafilter machines — require the included or optional ESE adapter
  • Professional espresso machines — most professional portafilter machines accept ESE with a dedicated ESE filter basket
  • Specific ESE Italian coffee makers — some modern electric Moka pots offer the ESE option

Not compatible with : proprietary capsule machines (Nespresso, Lavazza AMM/Blue/EP, Dolce Gusto, Tassimo, Firma). The closed capsule format is incompatible with the 44mm 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 degrades in 2-4 weeks in home compost. Zero landfill waste.
  • 100% compostable — can be thrown directly into the compost with the coffee grounds inside. Excellent carbon and nitrogen for compost.
  • Zero plastic, zero aluminum — unlike Nespresso Original capsules (recyclable aluminum but requiring specific collection) or Nespresso Vertuo capsules (aluminum + plastic dome). The ESE uses only food-grade filter paper.
  • Cardboard packaging — the box of 50 pods is made of recyclable cardboard. Some pods are individually pre-wrapped in a small paper pouch (also recyclable) to preserve freshness.

Also a favorable carbon footprint: no aluminum machining (energy-intensive process), lighter transport (lightweight pod), zero impact end of life.

What does Covim Honduras 100% Arabica coffee taste like?

Covim Honduras 100% Arabica is a single-origin Central American with a mild, balanced and fruity :

  • Origin : Honduras, Central America — one of the great terroirs of modern Arabica
  • Composition : 100% Arabica, no Robusta — delicate aromatic profile
  • Intensity : 5/10 on our scale — moderate, neither extremely mild nor intensely full-bodied
  • Taste profile : notes of milk chocolate, ripe fruit (apple, pear), light, refreshing acidity characteristic of high-altitude Arabica coffees
  • Body : medium, silky texture without heaviness
  • Crema : golden cream, fine and persistent foam thanks to the optimized ESE milling process

Ideal for: a balanced daily espresso, after meals, or for entertaining (an approachable profile that appeals to most). Enjoy it neat or with brown sugar to enhance the chocolate notes.

How best to store ESE pods?

ESE pods are packaged for long-term storage (12-18 months expiration date), but a few good practices will preserve maximum freshness:

  • Original packaging sealed — the cardboard box and individual sleeves protect from light and moisture
  • Dry, cool place — 18-22°C ideal. Avoid warm places (above 25°C) which accelerate the oxidation of coffee oils
  • Store away from light — in a closed cupboard or drawer. Direct light alters the aromas within a few weeks.
  • No refrigerator — humidity creates micro-condensations on the filter paper, altering the grind. Coffee likes temperature stability.
  • Best before end date to be respected — after the best before date, the sachet remains consumable but the flavors gradually degrade

For occasional use (1-2 espressos/week), a 50-pod format covers 6+ months without significant risk of loss of freshness.

Can I expect more ESE varieties on Cafemalin soon?

Yes — our ESE pod is set to expand:

  • Currently in catalogue : Covim Honduras 100% Arabica x50 (starter reference)
  • Coming soon : Illy, Segafredo, Kimbo, Vergnano — major Italian brands offering ESE ranges
  • Existing subcategories in placeholder : Illy ESE Pods — will be activated as soon as the Illy products are added to the catalog

To be notified of new ESE products, subscribe to the Cafemalin (footer form). We favor traditional Italian roasters (Covim, Vergnano, Musetti) for a taste standard consistent with our philosophy of authentic Italian espresso.

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