Lidl introduce Nespresso compatible capsules

Slaphead07 · 05-08-2014 12:17am

Cork Lass wrote: »

This happened to me last year. I bought nespresso compatible pods whilst on hols in Portugal thinking that I was making a great saving. They wrecked my machine and I ended up getting a new one. I personally wouldn't use anything other than nespresso pods ever again.

there's quite a few different alternative coffee pods... they're not all €rap.

Cork Lass · 05-08-2014 9:54am

Slaphead07 wrote: »

there's quite a few different alternative coffee pods... they're not all €rap.

I never implied that any of them were crap, I simply stated that following my experience last year I wouldn't use compatable pods again. That's my preference.

dudara · 05-08-2014 4:21pm

I'm leaning in the same direction also. I got sent some Carte Noir pods to try and they suffer from the same issues as the Lidl pods. Additional packaging as they're not vacuum-sealed, non-recyclable. The coffee isn't actually too bad but I'd still prefer the Nespresso versions.

tele2 · 23-08-2014 12:42am

I'm using the Lidl pods on a Krups Citiz model and they are working fine. My wife uses Nespresso and we have no problems interchanging. However I did have my Citiz repaired under warranty because of leaks and the Nespresso capsule not being pierced long before I ever used a compatible capsule and the issues with the Citiz model and leaks are widely reported on the net -see coffeemania.ie/faq/. All of the compatible capsules I have used here and in Spain and France use a different design that by passes the need for the capsule to be pierced at the back and only needs piercing at the front. Citiz models seem to have a design flaw where misaligned capsules damage the lever mechanism resulting in the capsule not being pierced at the front. This causes the by pass valve to be activated and hence the leak into the used pod tray. It is recommended on coffeemania that you pull the capsule whether Nespresso or a compatible one to the front of the machine as you pull the lever down to ensure correct alignment. IMO it's not worth paying for a repair when a new Citiz is €179 with 3 yr warranty. Don't forget that failing to descale regularly impacts on the performance also. I'm not advocating Lidl pods over Nespresso pods but I find it hard to believe that a plastic pods could damage a machine made of steel.

dickwod1 · 05-09-2014 5:23pm

Are Nespresso pods the same a Dolce gusto pods (will the Lidl pods fit in Dolce gusto machines?)

maxwell smart · 05-09-2014 7:21pm

dickwod1 wrote: »

Are Nespresso pods the same a Dolce gusto pods (will the Lidl pods fit in Dolce gusto machines?)

No, different systems and not interchangeable

loyatemu · 16-09-2014 2:59pm

SuperValu are now stocking Bewleys and Robt Roberts brand Nespresso-compatible pods. They're no cheaper than the real thing though.

jlang · 16-09-2014 8:08pm

Are there any easily available compatible decaf capsules?

nc6000 · 16-10-2014 4:48pm

So far I've tried the Lidl capsules, Bewleys capsules & Carte Noir capsules and have decided to stick with the Nespresso ones. The price difference isn't that big really but I find the original Nespresso pods to be much much nicer.

maxwell smart · 16-10-2014 5:01pm

Slightly off topic but was in the new boutique on Duke Street today, well worth a visit. Nice tasting section right at the front!

nc6000 · 16-10-2014 6:40pm

maxwell smart wrote: »

Slightly off topic but was in the new boutique on Duke Street today, well worth a visit. Nice tasting section right at the front!

I was there today myself and bought some capsules upstairs and had a coffee while I was there. They had various goodies to go with the coffee like chocolates and shortbreads etc.

What's the story with the tasting section at the front compared to where they made me a coffee upstairs?

maxwell smart · 16-10-2014 10:29pm

nc6000 wrote: »

I was there today myself and bought some capsules upstairs and had a coffee while I was there. They had various goodies to go with the coffee like chocolates and shortbreads etc.

What's the story with the tasting section at the front compared to where they made me a coffee upstairs?

They were making up recipe coffees, so I got a very nice espresso macchiato using the new Cubania blend with a shot of brown sugar, very tasty!

nc6000 · 16-10-2014 10:32pm

maxwell smart wrote: »

They were making up recipe coffees, so I got a very nice espresso macchiato using the new Cubania blend with a shot of brown sugar, very tasty!

Were they charging for these?

maxwell smart · 16-10-2014 10:46pm

nc6000 wrote: »

Were they charging for these?

Nope, all free. It's the same in their boutique in Regents St in London.

Don't think I would have gotten 2 though

loyatemu · 17-10-2014 10:55am

Anywhere in Ireland selling the Carte Noire capsules?

Allan45121 · 17-10-2014 4:06pm

I read somewhere that folks were unable to use nespresso capsules after using the lidl ones.. Is this the case? Do they damage the machine?

nc6000 · 17-10-2014 7:26pm

Allan45121 wrote: »

I read somewhere that folks were unable to use nespresso capsules after using the lidl ones.. Is this the case? Do they damage the machine?

My machine is fine after using the Lidl pods but I did usually have to use some pressure to get the lever on top down.

indabunka · 19-10-2014 11:50am

Allan45121 wrote: »

I read somewhere that folks were unable to use nespresso capsules after using the lidl ones.. Is this the case? Do they damage the machine?

I have been using the LIDL capsules for the past two or three months now with the occasional use of nespresso capsules every now and again. No issues with the coffee other than it is not a smooth as the nespresso. There is a definite difference in capsule size as it requires additional pressure on the lever when loading the capsule. There is also a marked difference in the amount of liquid that ends up in the waste compartment compared to using the nespresso capsules and as of today I find that the nespresso capsules no longer work in my nespresso machine. The problem appears to be on the foil side of the capsule which is not being pierced when the capsule is loaded.

So do the LIDL capsule damage the machine?, it would seem so. The machine that I have is a Krups CITIZ

Ellen Cam · 29-10-2014 10:38am

Curious or not wrote: »

Interested to know if anyone has tried an original Nespresso capsule after using the Lidl capsules?

I have a 2010 Citiz and it now won't pierce the capsule. Not good. €116 to repair...

maxwell smart wrote: »

I also have tried a proper Nespresso capsule after a Lidl one. Machine worked fine (Lidl capsule did stick a bit). I have a Citiz 2013 year. I won't be risking a broken machine to save a couple of cents (and get a poorer taste).

Nespresso capsule defo tasted better!

I have also had issues with Lidl capsules - used them exclusively for the past 4 months and then when we tried to use Nespresso capsules at the weekend they wont work. Capsule is crushed and wont puncture so no coffee comes out. We've had to re-buy a Nespresso machine (€89 in Debenhams) as not worth repairing.

I'm contacting Lidl about this!

maxwell smart · 29-10-2014 10:50am

Ellen Cam wrote: »

I have also had issues with Lidl capsules - used them exclusively for the past 4 months and then when we tried to use Nespresso capsules at the weekend they wont work. Capsule is crushed and wont puncture so no coffee comes out. We've had to re-buy a Nespresso machine (€89 in Debenhams) as not worth repairing.

I'm contacting Lidl about this!

Please keep us updated on how Lidl deal with this query! I have a Citiz and the Lidl capsules don't fit exactly in it (and they taste crap). So sticking with Nespresso original as would need to drink 40 coffees a day to make back the saving!

Bluefoam · 29-10-2014 11:46am

I quite like the Nespresso coffee (lots of choice & flavours) & I don't drink enough to need to save on the cost + theses three Nespresso shops close to home... Just sayin'

I'll stick with the original pods

dave da rave · 29-10-2014 3:47pm

Ellen Cam wrote: »

I have also had issues with Lidl capsules - used them exclusively for the past 4 months and then when we tried to use Nespresso capsules at the weekend they wont work. Capsule is crushed and wont puncture so no coffee comes out. We've had to re-buy a Nespresso machine (€89 in Debenhams) as not worth repairing.

I'm contacting Lidl about this!

I have seen a solution to this, albeit a fixer-uper.
take a small elastic band (thumb sized diameter) and place around the collar of the genuine nespresso capsule below the lip of the foil top). the elastic should maintain the water seal but it thickens up the lip section and ensures the nespresso capsule engages fully. Should work, elastic is reusable. This fixes the front puncture plate, I assume the dome section of the capsule is being punctured (3 slits)? This is straightforward and not a major deal, still not desirable though.

if you do as above and the front is now punching but the back is not then you would have to do the following:
insert capsule, close leaver, open leaver, remove capsule, place rubber band, reinsert capsule, but place one of the slits to 12 oclock position, close leaver and make coffee. this would be unfortunate but again would work as a short term solution. I see you bought a new machine ayway.

but yeah its kinda crappy, 4 months is shorter than I would have thought. The compatibles are thicker at that section and do not crush like the nespresso ones. thus it's like putting a wedge in the machine, over time it must force the cylinder/puncture plate slightly further apart than designed. I wonder if the compatable companies knew this would happen, then locked into non nespresso coffee. Note though it is not just lidl, I just bought Robert Roberts from Dunnes, same deal thick at collar and harder to close leaver than usual. The Robert Roberts coffee is excellent though.

are there any foil compatible capsules, ie made the same as the nespresso ones?

maxwell smart · 29-10-2014 4:39pm

dave da rave wrote: »

I have seen a solution to this, albeit a fixer-uper.
take a small elastic band (thumb sized diameter) and place around the collar of the genuine nespresso capsule below the lip of the foil top). the elastic should maintain the water seal but it thickens up the lip section and ensures the nespresso capsule engages fully. Should work, elastic is reusable. This fixes the front puncture plate, I assume the dome section of the capsule is being punctured (3 slits)? This is straightforward and not a major deal, still not desirable though.

if you do as above and the front is now punching but the back is not then you would have to do the following:
insert capsule, close leaver, open leaver, remove capsule, place rubber band, reinsert capsule, but place one of the slits to 12 oclock position, close leaver and make coffee. this would be unfortunate but again would work as a short term solution. I see you bought a new machine ayway.

but yeah its kinda crappy, 4 months is shorter than I would have thought. The compatibles are thicker at that section and do not crush like the nespresso ones. thus it's like putting a wedge in the machine, over time it must force the cylinder/puncture plate slightly further apart than designed. I wonder if the compatable companies knew this would happen, then locked into non nespresso coffee. Note though it is not just lidl, I just bought Robert Roberts from Dunnes, same deal thick at collar and harder to close leaver than usual. The Robert Roberts coffee is excellent though.

are there any foil compatible capsules, ie made the same as the nespresso ones?

Seriously you wouldn't be arsed doing all that to save 10cent per coffee!!

I haven't seen any aluminium compatible capsules and think this is either because Nespresso got some stipulation in court that compatibles couldn't be made of aluminium (think I read that somewhere) or also that it would prove that bit more expensive to use aluminium in place of plastic thereby increasing the cost up the the same as Nespresso

dave da rave · 29-10-2014 5:24pm

maxwell smart wrote: »

Seriously you wouldn't be arsed doing all that to save 10cent per coffee!!

I haven't seen any aluminium compatible capsules and think this is either because Nespresso got some stipulation in court that compatibles couldn't be made of aluminium (think I read that somewhere) or also that it would prove that bit more expensive to use aluminium in place of plastic thereby increasing the cost up the the same as Nespresso

Ah not really expecting you to do it. That's what you can do if the machine breaks like yours and you want to use official nespresso capsules. I'm in the same camp, not worth breaking machine just to save 15c, think i'll be ordering nespresso online delivery once I finish the 20 Roberts capsules I have. That's the problem Galway has no nespresso store.

all the compatible companies need to do is make the collar/lip section a little thinner and it would be fit the same as the nespresso ones.

you might find this an interesting read: (2nd last post)
singleservecoffeeforums.com/citiz-not-puncturing-capsules-just-get-water-t8266.html

dave da rave · 30-10-2014 9:17am

maxwell smart wrote: »

Seriously you wouldn't be arsed doing all that to save 10cent per coffee!!

I meant to ask: when you made a coffee with the lidl capsules, did you always eject the last pod or regularly leave pod in the engaged position, until next coffee?

Just wondering as my parents have been using the lidl ones exclusively for about the same time.

maxwell smart · 30-10-2014 8:59pm

dave da rave wrote: »

I meant to ask: when you made a coffee with the lidl capsules, did you always eject the last pod or regularly leave pod in the engaged position, until next coffee?

Just wondering as my parents have been using the lidl ones exclusively for about the same time.

I always eject the capsule after each use, never leave it in the engaged position as I would imagine this would put pressure on the mechanism.

dave da rave · 31-10-2014 1:10am

maxwell smart wrote: »

I always eject the capsule after each use, never leave it in the engaged position as I would imagine this would put pressure on the mechanism.

Yep my thoughts exactly. I was hoping you hadn't ejected every time. Better get the folks to check if they can still run genuine nespresso capsules.

Ellen Cam · 01-11-2014 9:52am

Hi all, I too always eject the capsules after every use to clean out the machine.

Update from my issue ( coffee machine not working after using Lidl capsules) - I contact Lidl who are sending out some forms to me to complete regarding the model of my machine and any other info, they are looking into it, funnily enough they had the same complaint from someone else that day also (they told me as they thought it might have been my husband as complaint was from the same area and they wanted to make sure wasn't the same complaint). Id imagine this is all going to take some weeks to complete but I will keep you posted, not going to let it go as I think I have a valid issue here.

Thanks..

indabunka · 01-11-2014 11:14am

Update from my position. I contacted Nespresso and was upfront about the issues. They stated that there is nothing they can do as I used capsules other than nespresso. Had the machine gone faulty under warranty they would have fixed it free of charge and sent a replacement machine in the interim. As my machine is out of warranty they will fix it for 79.00 stg and send a replacement machine in the interim. 6 month guarantee on the replacement parts only. They state that the issue is probably a slight strain in the plunging mechanism caused by the lidl capsules not being compatible. The strain means that there is not a perfect seal when I put a nespresso capsule in the machine. They also claim that if the capsule is left in the plunger (which I regularly do through forgetfulness) the coffee in the capsule swells and can damage the plunging mechanism.
Rather than paying the 79 stg to have it fixed I have taken the hit and purchased a DeLonghi Lattissima and can honestly say that because I like milk with my coffee the DeLonghi appears to be far superior in every way for my tastes. So no more Lidl capsules and no more leaving the capsule in the plunger
Lesson learnt!

Ellen Cam · 01-11-2014 11:29am

Indabunka, I would follow up with Lidl as I have. It is through their false claims that their capsules are compatible that we have run into these issues, I haven't even contacted Nespresso as it is no fault of theirs.

I am expecting compensation for the fact that I had to purchase a new machine.

The more that complain to them the better.

dave da rave · 02-11-2014 1:47am

dave da rave wrote: »

Yep my thoughts exactly. I was hoping you hadn't ejected every time. Better get the folks to check if they can still run genuine nespresso capsules.

Just following up on this. Bought some nespresso capsules, tried them in my parents machine (Magimix CitiZ). works no problem. Definitely easier to close the leaver.

My parents have been using the lidl brand for the past 5+ months (basically since they came out) 90% of those have been the blue longo capsule. I made 3 different flavours in a row all worked no issues punched fully back and front.

To my shock they also are the very sort to leave the capsule in the chamber after the last coffee is made! So, this is really the worst case scenario and all works perfectly, no damage to report.

Maybe just some machines are affected, a slight variation in the machine manufacturing/tolerances of the chamber mechanism. I don't think in anyway nespresso is liable, you might be on to something re lidl, they claim they are compatible, I suppose they are but the caveat is you may be stuck running compatibles only from then on.

Lidl: "try our nespresso compatible capsules, once you do you'll never look back" (because you can't! shhh)

It's not just lidl, the Robert Roberts compatibles are just as hard to close and are as expensive as nespresso but available in Dunnes.

2 REQUESTS:
1) To Nespresso: Make the damn capsules available in more locations I don't always wanna spend €70 to avail of free postage. I can receive postage at work but not all can. Also who the feck buys coffee via postal service??? I mean seriously!

2) To Compatable capsule manufactures: Buy a nespresso machine! Make the plastic lip thinner!!! Test until the closing action feels the same (perhaps use a force gauge to measure and allow for an acceptable amount of standard deviation), stop breaking our machines, this is basic engineering 101.

dave da rave · 02-11-2014 1:49am

dave da rave wrote: »

Yep my thoughts exactly. I was hoping you hadn't ejected every time. Better get the folks to check if they can still run genuine nespresso capsules.

Just following up on this. Bought some nespresso capsules, tried them in my parents machine (Magimix CitiZ). works no problem. Definitely easier to close the leaver.

My parents have been using the lidl brand for the past 5+ months (basically since they came out) 90% of those have been the blue longo capsule. I made 3 different genuine nespresso coffees (all different flavours) in a row, all worked no issues, punched fully back and front.

To my shock they also are the very sort to leave the capsule in the chamber after the last coffee is made! So, this is really the worst case scenario and all works perfectly, no damage to report.

Maybe just some machines are affected, a slight variation in the machine manufacturing/tolerances of the chamber mechanism. I don't think in anyway nespresso is liable, you might be on to something re lidl, they claim they are compatible, I suppose they are but the caveat is you may be stuck running compatibles only from then on.

Lidl: "try our nespresso compatible capsules, once you do you'll never look back" (because you can't! shhh)

It's not just lidl, the Robert Roberts compatibles are just as hard to close and are as expensive as nespresso but available in Dunnes.

2 REQUESTS:
1) To Nespresso: Make the damn capsules available in more locations I don't always wanna spend €70 to avail of free postage. I can receive postage at work but not all can. Also who the feck buys coffee via postal service??? I mean seriously!

2) To Compatable capsule manufactures: Buy a nespresso machine! Make the plastic lip thinner!!! Test until the closing action feels the same (perhaps use a force gauge to measure and allow for an acceptable amount of standard deviation), stop breaking our machines, this is basic engineering 101.

ct5amr2ig1nfhp · 15-01-2015 11:44pm

Hi all, a few posters mentioned there was a quick fix solution using a rubber band or changing the shape of the nespresso capsules to fix a "broken" machine.
Unknown to me, someone had been using compatible pods from lidl and I believe it's damaged the machine we have. Original nespresso caps aren't working.

I cannot for the life of me figure out how to get a genuine capsule to work again using above mentioned methods. Can someone post a how to or picture?
I'd really appreciate it. Otherwise the machine goes in the bin.

Cheers,

vienne86 · 03-02-2015 10:21pm

Only just happened on this thread. I have a pixie, and for most of its life (2 years) it has been operated with compatible pods from France. Having tried several brands, the one I favour is Planteur des Tropiques, availabe on Intermarché supermarkets - I like a strong one, €2.39 for 10. For all the world, they look much the same as the Lidl ones which I have also used from time to time. Just put in a proper Nespresso pod, and not problem - worked perfectly. Maybe it depends on the type of Nespresso machine you have.

vienne86 · 09-02-2015 9:32pm

These Lidl pods are 3 for 2 at the moment.

Bluefoam · 10-02-2015 5:21am

I'm lucky, I quite like the nespresso range... So no damaging my machine...

vienne86 · 10-02-2015 11:13am

Bluefoam wrote: »

I'm lucky, I quite like the nespresso range... So no damaging my machine...

I like them too, but I find buying them a complete pain in the face.

loyatemu · 10-02-2015 11:27am

M&S have their own compatible capsules available now as well. More expensive than actual Nespresso pods though...

jobbridge4life · 10-02-2015 11:37am

The people who invented Nespresso must read this thread or ones like it and just spend the rest of the day laughing maniacally rolling around in their mansions filled with coffee smelling money. Ye have been taken in by a marketing ploy albeit a superb one. How I lol at ye getting that little consumerist buzz as ye purchase yer nespresso in BTs.

maxwell smart · 10-02-2015 1:50pm

jobbridge4life wrote: »

The people who invented Nespresso must read this thread or ones like it and just spend the rest of the day laughing maniacally rolling around in their mansions filled with coffee smelling money. Ye have been taken in by a marketing ploy albeit a superb one. How I lol at ye getting that little consumerist buzz as ye purchase yer nespresso in BTs.

Yes I can picture them now. As opposed to every other consumer based product / organisation.

And I'm sure all the Fair Trade Hipster Coffee sellers who get their beans picked at just the right time of the year then transported from the top of the mountain by donkey, then hand cleaned with a device handed down through seven generations, before it is delivered to Ireland via the Steam Packet company to said Hipsters who then are thoroughly disgusted at the prospect of having to accept payment and God forbid make a profit from selling said coffee to the great unwashed. Then have to go home and shower in cold water to wash the stench of consumerism off their furrowed brows.

Get a grip!!

The Hill Billy · 10-02-2015 2:04pm

Poster has been warned. Let's not take this any further off topic.

Thanks,

tHB

jobbridge4life · 10-02-2015 2:55pm

Lidl capsule in my experience taste just as well as similar Nespresso branded offerings. Nestle have utilized one of the most amazing marketing approaches in relation to Nespresso one that has resulted in many people purchasing capsules at a very large premium for no real benefit IMHO.

vienne86 · 10-02-2015 7:44pm

Some people are happy with the Lidl pods and some people are not. Whatever floats your boat. Nobody's right or wrong here IMO. I happen to like them well enoughand consider myself lucky to be able to just to pick them up with my regular shoppping, particularly with this current 3 for 2 offer.

Dr.Winston O'Boogie · 17-02-2015 10:29pm

Where would you pick up the actual nespresso pods usually?

And what would be the best one for cappuccinos?

54kroc · 18-02-2015 12:03am

Dr.Winston O'Boogie wrote: »

Where would you pick up the actual nespresso pods usually?

And what would be the best one for cappuccinos?

Brown Thomas, you can try some before you purchase to see which you prefer as well.

loyatemu · 18-02-2015 11:37am

54kroc wrote: »

Brown Thomas, you can try some before you purchase to see which you prefer as well.

They have a huge dedicated Nespresso shop on Duke St. now, saves the trek up the stairs in BT. Still mystified why they don't open concessions in the likes of Dundrum and Liffey Valley though...

Dr.Winston O'Boogie · 18-02-2015 4:55pm

So the supervalu capsules say they are nespresso compatiable. I presume then they are fine to use? They wouldn't make that claim otherwise as if they ****ed somones machine up there would be a bit of a backlash to say the least.

vienne86 · 18-02-2015 5:54pm

There are lots of nespresso 'compatibile' pods in the supermarkets in France, and believe you me, that can get mighty stuck in your machine, despite claiming to be completely compatible with nespresso machines.

54kroc · 18-02-2015 7:35pm

loyatemu wrote: »

They have a huge dedicated Nespresso shop on Duke St. now, saves the trek up the stairs in BT. Still mystified why they don't open concessions in the likes of Dundrum and Liffey Valley though...

Ah only have a BT's down in Cork.

jobbridge4life · 18-02-2015 8:04pm

Dr.Winston O'Boogie wrote: »

So the supervalu capsules say they are nespresso compatiable. I presume then they are fine to use? They wouldn't make that claim otherwise as if they ****ed somones machine up there would be a bit of a backlash to say the least.

I find this really surprising. I mean its not like the format of a nespresso machine is a secret. Any engineer could easily reverse engineer a workable pod. I mean I doubt you'd even need to be an engineer. Moreover it was the subject of a case at European level... The law decided Nestle could not stop people from making pods for their machines...

Lidl introduce Nespresso compatible capsules

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