Working out which refillable capsule is compatible with your machine, lifestyle and caffeinated needs can be overwhelming at first. Luckily we’ve put together this handy guide to give you a great overview of what’s available, and help get you sustainably brewing in no time!
Creatista Plus / Pro Machine
The Nespresso Creatista are a line of deluxe stainless steel capsule machines that utilise a programmable touch screen, allowing you to select your cup size and extraction preferences. Available as a Creatista Plus ($699-$799) or the updated Creatista Pro ($999-$1199)*, these machines contain an automatic steam wand allowing you to create perfectly textured milk set to your preferred temperature for your coffee at home.
The Creatista is a modern, stylish machine with an intuitive design that's best suited to the coffee lover looking for an advanced appliance that has high-performance espresso and milk functionality.
Reusable capsules
WAYCAP
Pros: When it comes to eco-friendly brewing, 100% stainless steel capsules come out on top in terms of sustainability. WayCap are Italian-designed reusable pods that are endlessly reusable and come with 4 interchangeable steel filters – each one suited to a particular grind size. Whilst you’ll output more money on the initial purchase, in the long run WayCap capsules are an extremely cost-effective product, with no ongoing purchases required. The WayCap brand is also famous for its sustainable and ethical production practices, with the product packaging being made entirely of recycled materials.
Cons: Some consumers have experienced occasional jamming in the Creatista machine whilst using WayCap. As these capsules are made from high-quality stainless steel, they can expand a little during use. Whilst this won't cause damage to the machine, they may be problematic in this particular model and require a nudge to release them from the brewing chamber into the drip tray. If the jam feels more firm, this issue can usually be resolved by simply adjusting the placement of the silicone gasket on the pod. It's because of these reasons that we don't recommend WayCap as the ideal reusable system for the Creatista machine.
BLUECUP
Pros: Fancy a top-notch brew with a deliciously rich crema? Bluecup is for you! The user friendly design and affordable price point (as well as the low ongoing cost of 10¢ per lid) make Bluecup a stand out for anyone wanting to start brewing more sustainably without compromising on flavour. The simple act of piercing the capsule lid (which is firmly pressed on using the Bluecup Cup Creator) creates a pressure build-up, resulting in a richer brew and crema.
The Bluecup system is simple and performs similarly to a disposable pod (without adding to landfill!) Customers are constantly raving about Bluecup, and critics alike, have nothing but positive feedback when it comes to this reusable solution (see this recent review by The Sydney Morning Herald.)
Bluecup capsules and components are ISO certified, BPA free, and are tested for food safety and durability. The capsule itself is made from polypropylene (the safest food-grade plastic.)
Cons: Bluecup lids are made from aluminium, and do need to be recycled. If your local recycling facility are unable to sort items of this size, we suggest collecting them in an aluminium can, squeezing it shut when full, and place in your home recycling bin.
Bluecup are not infinitely reusable (though they are a vast improvement on the single-use variety). Generally, consumers should expect to get somewhere between 200 and 400 uses out of their Bluecup capsules. At the end of their life, they can be recycled in the same way as you would recycle other plastics, through your household recycling system.
SEALPOD
Pros: Made from 100% stainless steel, SealPod capsules are sturdy, high-functioning and designed for a lifetime of use. SealPod components are locally assembled by hand at our warehouse, with packaging and printing processes also done locally. The SealPod system is simple to use - fill the steel base with ground coffee, seal with a recyclable aluminium sticker lid, pop it in your machine and brew! This super convenient system also delivers a great coffee with rich crema. Cost-effective and highly economical, this option only incurs an ongoing cost of 15¢ per lid.
SealPod can also be used to brew loose-leaf tea using the Biodegradable Lids.
Cons: Whilst the capsule base should outlive your machine, SealPod aluminium lids are a recyclable component. If your local recycling facility are unable to sort items of this size, again, simply collect you lids in an aluminium can, and place in your home recycling bin when full.
The verdict
Bluecup is our top pick as the ideal sustainable system for use with the Creatista machine. Bluecup is compatible with all Creatista machines, including DeLonghi and Breville models.
By refilling your capsule, and composting the grounds, you'll be drastically reducing your kitchen waste, whilst still enjoying the lovely espresso coffee that Bluecup is famous for.
Compatible models include the entire Creatista range (BNE500, BNE600, BNE600BBG, BNE600BTR, BNE600RCH,
BNE600SHY, BNE600SLQ, BNE800, BNE800BSS, BNE800BTR,
BNE800SHY, BNE800SST etc.)
*Nespresso® and The Good Guys Discount Warehouse (Australia), July 2020.