Espresso, lungo or café crème: which E.S.E. coffee pods should you buy? For a short, concentrated espresso, choose a blend intended for traditional espresso. If you prefer a longer cup, look specifically for pods labelled lungo or café crème. Water volume is only part of the story: roast level, blend and personal taste all influence the result.
This guide focuses on matching coffee styles to your preferences. Our separate 44 mm E.S.E. pod compatibility guide explains the pod format and suitable coffee machines.
Espresso vs lungo vs café crème: what's the difference?
- Espresso: a short, concentrated coffee with a pronounced flavour. It suits drinkers who enjoy rich aroma in a small cup.
- Lungo: a longer extraction than a traditional espresso. The drink may seem less concentrated, but extracting too long can also bring out bitterness. A blend specifically designed for lungo is a sensible choice.
- Café crème: a larger cup of coffee that is particularly popular in Switzerland. With E.S.E. pods, choose a blend suited to a longer drink and adjust the water volume to your specific pod and machine.
These are coffee styles rather than fixed universal drink volumes. There is no single water quantity that tastes best with every 44 mm E.S.E. pod. Start with the manufacturer’s guidance.
Espresso: for lovers of full-bodied, intense coffee
If you enjoy concentrated, Italian-style espresso, start with an espresso-specific blend. Darker roasts often taste robust and distinctly roasted. Robusta can contribute body and crema, although the percentage of Robusta alone does not determine coffee quality.
Example from our range: Caffè Toraldo Crema di Napoli E.S.E. pods (50). The product description highlights a dark roast, full body, dense crema and chocolate-like roasted notes. This makes it a good starting point if you prefer a bold espresso.
Simply running a large amount of water through a traditional espresso pod does not automatically produce a balanced café crème. An excessively long extraction can taste bitter or thin.
Lungo: more coffee volume and balanced flavour
A lungo is a good option when you want a somewhat longer coffee without changing systems. Choose a pod that the roaster has explicitly developed for this drink style.
One option: illy Classico Lungo E.S.E. pods (18). The 100% Arabica blend is described as balanced and aromatic and is designed for a longer extraction than classic illy Classico espresso.
Another option: Mokambo Oro Lungo Café Crème E.S.E. pods (50). According to its product information, this medium-roasted blend contains 80% Arabica and 20% Robusta and offers a harmonious, medium-bodied character. It is intended for both lungo and café crème.
Café crème: which pods suit a larger cup?
For café crème, look for a blend that retains a pleasing balance in a longer cup. A product developed specifically for that use is a better starting point than stretching an ordinary espresso too far. The chosen volume must still match the pod and machine.
Try: Caffè Spinelli Café Crème E.S.E. pods (50). This blend combines Brazilian Arabicas with African and Indian Robustas. The product description emphasises a harmonious, rounded character and pleasant crema.
Want to compare several Italian roasters before buying a larger pack? Our Café Crème tasting set with 30 E.S.E. pods is designed for that purpose. Its precise contents may vary according to availability.
Explore more options in our Lungo & Café Crème E.S.E. pods collection.
Find the coffee flavour profile that suits you
- Bold and strongly roasted: start with a darker espresso such as Toraldo Crema di Napoli.
- Refined and balanced, with 100% Arabica: consider illy Classico Lungo.
- Rounded and medium-strength: Mokambo Oro Lungo combines 80% Arabica and 20% Robusta.
- Soft and harmonious in a larger cup: Spinelli Café Crème is developed for this style.
- Not sure what you prefer: use a tasting set to compare blends under similar conditions.
Flavour is subjective. Arabica is not automatically mild, and Robusta is not necessarily bitter. Roast profile and brewing technique also matter.
Five tips for brewing with 44 mm E.S.E. pods
- Confirm that your coffee machine is explicitly compatible with the standard 44 mm E.S.E. pod format.
- Start with the water volume recommended by the pod producer and machine manufacturer.
- If the coffee tastes watery or overly bitter, try a shorter extraction or a blend developed for longer drinks.
- Keep your machine clean and use fresh water; old coffee residue can affect flavour.
- When comparing blends, use similar cups, water and extraction volumes for a fair tasting.
Still choosing a machine? Browse our 44 mm E.S.E. pod coffee machines.
Frequently asked questions about espresso, lungo and café crème
Can I make a lungo with any E.S.E. coffee pod?
Some machines allow you to pass more water through a pod, but not every espresso blend tastes balanced with a long extraction. Lungo-specific pods are a better starting point.
Are lungo and café crème the same thing?
Not exactly. Both refer to a longer coffee than classic espresso. In Switzerland, café crème often means a larger cup, but the brewing approach depends on the system used.
Which E.S.E. pods are good for a balanced café crème?
Spinelli Café Crème and Mokambo Oro Lungo Café Crème are sensible options to try. Whether they seem mild depends on your taste and chosen water volume.
Does a lungo automatically contain less caffeine?
No. A drink that tastes less concentrated does not necessarily contain less caffeine. Bean blend, coffee dose and extraction all affect caffeine content.
Will these pods work in my Faber, Didiesse or Aroma machine?
Check whether your exact model explicitly supports standard 44 mm E.S.E. pods. E.S.E. pods cannot be substituted for Nespresso® capsules or Senseo® pads.
Conclusion: choose your preferred cup first
For a short, intense coffee, begin with a traditional espresso blend. For a balanced longer cup, try a dedicated lungo pod. For a larger café crème, compare blends expressly made for that style.
Browse our full range of 44 mm E.S.E. coffee pods or head straight to our Lungo & Café Crème selection.
