If you’re trying to recreate your favorite coffee recipe using your Nespresso machine, but your not sure if Nespresso pods are single or double shot, this guide is for you.
In this post, I will explain which Nespresso pods are single shot or double shot. Also, what is the measurement of a Nespresso shot and the difference between Nespresso double shot vs lungo.
Are Nespresso Pods a Single or Double Shot?
The answer to this question depends on which Nespresso machine you are using.
If you are using a Nespresso Vertuo pod, then you have the option of using a single shot espresso pod or a double espresso shot.
But if you are using Nespresso Original, each pod will make you a single shot of espresso only.
Let’s dig into the details below…
Nespresso Vertuo Pods
As you might know, Nespresso Vertuo machines can make several serving sizes: Espresso, Double Espresso, Gran Lungo and Coffee. And if you own a Vertuo Next or Pop, you get access to the exclusive XL Alto pods and Carafe Pour over-style pods.
But our focus here is on espresso pods and double espresso pods.
Nespresso Vertuo uses two different pods to make espresso or double espresso.
- Nespresso Vertuo Espresso pods contain 7 grams of coffee grounds and brew 1.35 oz single shot of espresso.
- Nespresso Vertuo Double Espresso pods contain 10 grams of coffee grounds and brew 2.7 oz of espresso, which is a double the espresso amount, so a double shot espresso.
Which Nespresso Vertuo Pods Are Double Espresso?
| Pod | Caffeine Content | Ground Coffee Amount | Volume (Default) |
| Nespresso Double Espresso Chiaro | 135 mg per 2.7 oz | 10g | 2.7 oz Double Espresso |
| Nespresso Double Espresso Scuro | 150 mg per 2.7 oz | 10g | 2.7 oz Double Espresso |
| Nespresso Double Espresso Dolce | 133 mg per 2.7 oz | 9.5g | 2.7 oz Double Espresso |
Which Nespresso Vertuo Pods Are Single Espresso?
| Pod | Caffeine Content | Ground Coffee Amount | Volume (Default) |
| Nespresso Altissio | 108mg per 1.35 oz | 7g | 1.35 oz Espresso |
| Nespresso Diavolitto | 144mg per 1.35 oz | 7g | 1.35 oz Espresso |
| Nespresso Voltesso | 64mg per 1.35 oz | 5.2g | 1.35 oz Espresso |
| Nespresso Orafio | 110mg per 1.35 oz | 6.2g | 1.35 oz Espresso |
| Nespresso Tocanto | 84mg per 1.35 oz | 6.2g | 1.35 oz Espresso |
| Nespresso Ill Caffe | 152mg per 1.35 oz | 7g | 1.35 oz Espresso |
Nespresso Original Pods
Nespresso Originalline machines are able to do two serving sizes: Espresso and Lungo.
So, if you own a Nespresso OriginalLine machine such as Inissia, Essenza Mini, Citiz, Pixie or Lattissima… you’ll need to use two espresso pods to make a double shot espresso.
This brings us to the question: why can’t you use the Lungo button to make double espresso shot, since it makes a longer shot of espresso?
Difference Between Nespresso Double Shot and Lungo
| Nespresso Double Shot | Nespresso Lungo | |
| Volume | 2.7 oz | 3.75 oz |
| Grams of coffee ground | 10 g | 5.5 g |
| Compatibility | Nespresso Vertuo | Nespresso OriginalLine |
Nespresso Lungo is a serving size that is longer in volume than both espresso and double espresso. Yet, it uses less coffee grounds per pod.
This results in a lighter coffee drink that’s still short in comparison to a cup of coffee, but less concentrated than an espresso or double espresso shot.
What the Lungo button does is simply use more water to extract the coffee, so you get a ‘watery’, less concentrated espresso shot.
On the other hand, Double Espresso uses more coffee grounds to make the exact double volume of an espresso shot. It’s like making two espresso shots, without any dilution using additional water.
Nespresso Shot Size
Nespresso’s espresso shot size is the same across both Nespresso systems:
Espresso is 1.35 oz or 40 ml per pod.
If you want, you can always reprogram Nespresso cup sizes easily, but that will affect the taste of your coffee, so don’t over do it so your coffee doesn’t end up tasting watered down.
How To Make a Double Shot Espresso Using Nespresso
Making a double shot espresso using a Nespresso machine is as easy as making any other serving size… all it takes is a single (or double) push of a button.
Using a Nespresso Vertuo Machine
Simply insert one of Vertuo’s double espresso pods and the machine will do the rest! Vertuo machines automatically detect what pod size you are trying to brew, so to make a double shot, you have to use one of the double shot espresso pods.
If Espresso pods are all you have at hand, brew two of them to get the same amount of coffee as a double shot espresso pod.
Using a Nespresso Original Machine
As I already mentioned, Nespresso OriginalLine pods make a single shot espresso only. So to make a double shot espresso, you’ll need to use two espresso pods.
Don’t use the Lungo pods or Lungo brew button to make a double shot espresso. Nespresso Lungo pods don’t contain enough coffee grounds to make a double espresso shot, so it will taste watered down.
When you use two Nespresso Original pods to make a double shot, you’ll be using 5.5 x 2 grams of coffee, which equals to 11g of coffee grounds to make 2.7 oz of coffee. Using this method guarantees you get a rich and flavorful tasting double shot espresso.
