2: Are all coffee pods alike?
No. Pod size, coffee quality, and the amount of coffee used in each pod are key variables. The standard size pod is 62mm, and most pods sold today are this diameter. Some early single cup pod brewers used smaller pods with 44mm or 55mm diameters, but pods in these sizes are not commonly available.
Many coffee roasters make coffee pods. Each roaster produces pods from a wide range of coffee varietals grown around the world. These green coffee beans are then roasted in a range of styles. It may take some trial and error to find the brand, varietal, and roast you enjoy most.
Typically, 8 grams of ground coffee are used in each pod. Because some coffee drinkers like a stronger brew, several roasters make pods that contain up to 12 grams of ground coffee. If you like a stronger cup, look for pods that contain 10-12 grams of coffee. Also, some one cup pod brewers accommodate stacked pods to help you brew a stronger cup.
Finally, pods are packaged in different ways. Some brands, like Senseo, package the pods in a single, large bag, and other brands put each pod in a separate foil package. Since exposure to oxygen degrades coffee quality, purists believe that the single-use foil packages keep the pod coffee fresher longer than those pods packaged in a single bag.
Two types of coffee pod packages
