Last Updated on February 13, 2026 by Susanna Zuyeva
I drink three cups of coffee every day. That’s 90 cups per month. At $0.50 per K-cup, I was spending $45 monthly just on coffee pods.
Then I switched to reusable K-cups.
Now I spend about $12 per month on fresh ground coffee. That’s $33 in savings every single month. Over a year, that’s nearly $400 back in my pocket.
But here’s the thing. Not all reusable K-cups work the same way. Some leak. Some brew weak coffee. Others don’t fit certain Keurig models.
I spent 30 days testing three popular reusable K-cup models. I brewed over 90 cups of coffee. I tracked brew time, taste quality, and cleanup ease.
This guide shares everything I learned.
You’ll discover which reusable K-cup works best for your specific Keurig model. You’ll learn which one brews the strongest coffee. And you’ll find out which is easiest to clean.
Let’s dive in.
Our Expertise
I’ve been using Keurig machines for six years. I own a K-Classic and recently bought a K-Supreme Plus.
For this review, I tested each reusable K-cup for 10 days straight. I used the same coffee brand for fair comparison. I measured brew time with a timer. I tracked water temperature with a thermometer.
I also tested compatibility. I tried each K-cup in three different Keurig models at my office and home.
My testing method was simple but thorough. Each morning, I brewed the same 8-ounce cup using medium roast Colombian coffee. I noted flavor strength, grounds in the cup, and any leaks.
I’m not a professional coffee taster. I’m just a regular person who drinks too much coffee and wanted to save money without sacrificing taste.
This review is based on real daily use, not lab conditions.
Our Top Picks
Here are my top three reusable K-cups after 30 days of testing:
Best Overall: CAPMESSO Reusable K Cups (2-Pack)
Best for: K-Supreme, K-Slim, and MultiStream Keurig models
These brewed the richest coffee with zero leakage. The 5-hole design works perfectly with newer MultiStream machines.
Best Value: Noalto Reusable K Cups (2-Pack)
Best for: Keurig 1.0 and 2.0 Classic models
Great price, solid performance, works with most Keurig models. My go-to for everyday brewing.
Best for Bulk: NESSUS Reusable K Cups (4-Pack)
Best for: Keurig 1.0 models only
Four cups let you prep coffee for the whole week. Heat-resistant handles are a nice touch.
Product Reviews
Now let’s get into the detailed reviews. I’ll share exactly how each K-cup performed in my real-world testing.
1. CAPMESSO Reusable K Cups – Full Review
Product Features
The CAPMESSO K-cups are made from 304 food-grade stainless steel. No plastic touches your coffee during brewing.
Key specs:
- Material: 100% stainless steel
- Pack size: 2 K-cups plus scoop
- Design: 5-hole MultiStream compatible
- Capacity: Standard K-cup size
- Price: $13.48
These fit specific Keurig models: K-Supreme, K-Supreme Plus, K-Slim, K-Duo Gen 2, and K-Brew Chill.
They do NOT work with older 1-hole Keurig machines.
The 5-hole design matches Keurig’s MultiStream technology. This means water hits the coffee grounds from five points instead of one.
What I Like
The coffee tastes better. I’m not exaggerating. The sparse-to-dense body design slows water flow. This gives water more time with the grounds.
The result? Fuller flavor. No watery taste.
Zero plastic contact. Both the cup and lid are all steel. No BPA. No weird plastic smell in my coffee.
No leaks. The anti-slip silicone ring creates a tight seal. I never found grounds in my drip tray.
Cleaner machine. Less grounds means less mess inside my Keurig. My K-Supreme Plus stayed much cleaner during testing.
Long-term durability. These feel solid. The company claims 10+ years of use. Based on the build quality, I believe it.
Why It’s Better
Most reusable K-cups brew weak coffee. Water flows through too fast.
CAPMESSO solved this problem with smart design. The body has a sparse-to-dense structure. Water enters through the top easily but slows down as it moves through the grounds.
This simple change makes huge difference in taste.
Also, the 5-hole design is crucial for newer Keurig models. If you have a MultiStream machine, this is the only reusable K-cup that works properly.
How It Performed
I tested the CAPMESSO cups in my K-Supreme Plus for 10 days straight.
Brew time: 45-50 seconds for 8 ounces
Taste strength: 9/10 (strongest of the three)
Grounds in cup: Zero
Leakage: None
Cleanup time: 15 seconds
The coffee tasted rich and bold. No bitterness. No weak spots in the cup.
I used 2 tablespoons of medium-ground coffee per brew. The included scoop made measuring easy.
One small issue: You must use the original pod holder. The reusable K-cup won’t fit without it. But this is standard for all reusable cups.
How I Clean It
Cleaning is super easy.
After brewing:
- Pop out the K-cup (it’s cool enough to touch in 10 seconds)
- Dump grounds in the trash
- Rinse under water for 5 seconds
- Done
The all-steel design means no hidden crevices for grounds to hide. Everything rinses clean easily.
I run it through the dishwasher once a week for deep cleaning. It comes out looking brand new.
Testing Results
Day 1-3: Learning curve figuring out the right grind size and amount. Started with 1.5 tablespoons. Too weak.
Day 4-7: Found the sweet spot at 2 tablespoons. Coffee tasted perfect. No leaks. Easy cleanup.
Day 8-10: Tested with different roasts. Dark roast worked best. Light roast was also good. Consistency remained excellent.
Final verdict: If you have a MultiStream Keurig, buy this one. It’s specifically designed for your machine.
2. Noalto Reusable K Cups – Full Review
Product Features
Noalto K-cups are the best-selling reusable filters on Amazon for good reason. They work with almost every Keurig model.
Key specs:
- Material: Stainless steel
- Pack size: 2 K-cups
- Design: Universal fit
- Compatibility: Keurig 1.0 and 2.0
- Price: $12.99
These work with: K-Classic, K-Elite, K-Latte, K-Cafe, K-Select, K-Compact, and most Keurig 1.0 and 2.0 machines.
They do NOT work with: K-Express, K-Iced, K-Duo Plus, K-Supreme, K-Slim, or other MultiStream brewers.
The one-piece design has a tightly sealed top cover. The bottom and sides have 360-degree perforation for full water contact.
What I Like
Universal compatibility. If you have an older Keurig, this probably fits. No guessing games.
Great price. At $12.99 for two cups, this is the most affordable option I tested.
Simple design. No complicated parts. Just a cup and a lid. Easy to understand and use.
Preserves coffee oils. The steel mesh doesn’t absorb oils like paper filters do. You get fuller flavor.
Dishwasher safe. Throw it in the dishwasher. No hand washing needed.
Why It’s Better
The Noalto K-cup nails the basics. It’s not fancy. It doesn’t have special features.
But it works reliably day after day.
The 360-degree perforation is smart. Water hits the grounds from all sides. This means better extraction and stronger coffee compared to K-cups with only bottom holes.
The sealed top cover prevents overflow. I tested this by overfilling the cup. No coffee sprayed out during brewing.
For older Keurig models, this is the safest choice. It’s been on the market for years with thousands of positive reviews.
How It Performed
I tested the Noalto cups in my K-Classic for 10 days.
Brew time: 50-55 seconds for 8 ounces
Taste strength: 7.5/10 (good but not as bold as CAPMESSO)
Grounds in cup: Very few (maybe 2-3 particles per cup)
Leakage: None
Cleanup time: 20 seconds
The coffee tasted good. Not as strong as the CAPMESSO, but still much better than weak store-bought pods.
I noticed a few coffee grounds in my cup occasionally. Nothing major. Just a couple particles at the bottom. This didn’t bother me at all.
The slightly longer brew time suggests water flows through slower than regular K-cups. This is actually good for flavor extraction.
How I Clean It
Cleaning takes a bit longer than the CAPMESSO.
After brewing:
- Wait 15 seconds for cooling
- Remove the K-cup carefully (still slightly warm)
- Pop off the top lid
- Dump grounds
- Rinse the cup and lid separately
- Reassemble
The two-piece design means more parts to clean. But it’s still quick. Takes about 20 seconds total.
Every few days, I noticed grounds stuck in the mesh. A quick scrub with a small brush fixed this.
Dishwasher cleaning works great. I recommend washing once a week to prevent oil buildup.
Testing Results
Day 1-3: Easy to use right away. Figured out that 2 tablespoons of coffee works best. Some grounds in the cup but minimal.
Day 4-7: Coffee quality stayed consistent. No leaks. The two-piece design felt slightly less convenient than one-piece models.
Day 8-10: Tested different grind sizes. Medium-fine grind worked best. Coarse grind made weaker coffee.
Final verdict: Best all-around choice for older Keurig models. Great value. Reliable performance.
3. NESSUS Reusable K Cups – Full Review
Product Features
NESSUS offers four K-cups in one pack. This is perfect if you want to prep multiple cups or have a busy household.
Key specs:
- Material: SUS 304 stainless steel
- Pack size: 4 K-cups plus scoop
- Design: Dual-density mesh filter
- Compatibility: Keurig 1.0 only
- Price: $18.99
Works with: K-Mini, K-Express, K-Duo Gen 1, K-Classic, K-Cafe, K-Select, K-Compact, K-Elite, K-Latte, and most Keurig 1.0 brewers.
Does NOT work with: Keurig 2.0, K-Supreme, K-Slim, or K-Duo Gen 2.
The standout feature is the heat-resistant pads on both sides of the lid. You can remove the K-cup immediately after brewing without burning your fingers.
What I Like
Four cups included. I can prep coffee for Monday through Thursday on Sunday night. Huge time saver.
Heat-resistant handles. I can grab the K-cup right after brewing. No waiting. No burns.
Dual-density mesh. The filter has two layers. This catches more grounds than single-layer filters.
Smooth coffee. No gritty texture. No sludge at the bottom of my cup.
Quality construction. The 8/18 food-grade steel feels premium. No cheap parts.
Why It’s Better
The main advantage is quantity. Four K-cups means less frequent cleaning.
Here’s how I used them: I filled all four cups on Sunday evening. I stored them in a container in my fridge. Each morning, I grabbed one and brewed. No measuring. No fuss.
This cut my morning routine by 2 minutes.
The dual-density mesh also makes a real difference. My coffee had zero grounds. Not a single particle. This was the cleanest brew of all three models I tested.
The heat-resistant pads are genius. With other K-cups, I had to wait 30 seconds before removal. With NESSUS, I grabbed it immediately. Small detail, but it speeds up your routine.
How It Performed
I tested the NESSUS cups in my K-Classic for 10 days.
Brew time: 48-52 seconds for 8 ounces
Taste strength: 8/10 (strong and smooth)
Grounds in cup: Zero
Leakage: None
Cleanup time: 25 seconds per cup
The coffee tasted great. Slightly less bold than CAPMESSO but smoother. No bitterness even with dark roast.
The brew time was consistent across all four cups. No performance difference between them.
The dual-density mesh is excellent at filtering. I got the cleanest coffee with this model.
How I Clean It
Cleaning four cups takes longer, obviously.
After brewing:
- Grab the K-cup using the heat-resistant pads (no waiting!)
- Pop off the lid
- Dump grounds
- Rinse cup and lid
- Reassemble
Single cup cleaning: 25 seconds
All four cups together: About 2 minutes
I cleaned all four at once twice per week. This felt more efficient than cleaning daily.
The dual-density mesh does trap some oils. I used a small brush every few days to keep it clean. Dishwasher works well for deep cleaning.
Testing Results
Day 1-3: Loved having multiple cups ready. The heat-resistant pads worked perfectly. Coffee quality was excellent from day one.
Day 4-7: Prep time on Sunday took 5 minutes to fill all four cups. But it saved 2 minutes each morning. Net time savings: 3 minutes per week.
Day 8-10: Tested the durability. Dropped one cup on tile floor. No damage. These are built tough.
Final verdict: Best choice if you drink multiple cups daily or have a family. The four-pack offers great value and convenience.
Detailed Comparison Chart
Here’s how all three stack up side by side:
| Feature | CAPMESSO | Noalto | NESSUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $13.48 | $12.99 | $18.99 |
| Quantity | 2 cups | 2 cups | 4 cups |
| Best For | MultiStream Keurigs | Classic Keurigs | Keurig 1.0 models |
| Taste Rating | 9/10 | 7.5/10 | 8/10 |
| Grounds in Cup | None | Very few | None |
| Cleanup Time | 15 sec | 20 sec | 25 sec |
| Special Features | 5-hole design | 360° perforation | Heat-resistant pads |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Build Quality | Excellent | Very good | Excellent |
How to Choose the Right Reusable K-Cup
Picking the right K-cup depends on your Keurig model and preferences.
Check Your Keurig Model First
This is crucial. Not all reusable K-cups fit all machines.
If you have a MultiStream Keurig (K-Supreme, K-Slim, K-Duo Gen 2):
- Choose CAPMESSO
- It’s the only one designed for 5-hole systems
If you have a Keurig 1.0 Classic model (K-Classic, K-Elite, K-Cafe):
- Choose Noalto for best value
- Choose NESSUS if you want multiple cups
If you have Keurig 2.0:
- Choose Noalto
- NESSUS won’t work
Consider Your Daily Coffee Habits
If you drink 1-2 cups per day:
- 2-pack options work fine
- Choose CAPMESSO or Noalto
If you drink 3+ cups per day or have a family:
- Get the NESSUS 4-pack
- Prep multiple cups at once
- Less daily cleaning
Think About Taste Preferences
If you like strong, bold coffee:
- CAPMESSO brews the strongest
- Slower water flow = better extraction
If you prefer smooth, balanced coffee:
- NESSUS offers great flavor without intensity
- Dual-mesh filters create smooth texture
If you’re happy with standard strength:
- Noalto works perfectly
- Good taste at the best price
Money Savings Breakdown
Let me show you the real savings with actual numbers.
Initial Cost Comparison
Store-bought K-cups:
- Average price: $0.50 per pod
- Monthly cost (3 cups/day): $45
- Yearly cost: $540
Reusable K-cups + ground coffee:
- CAPMESSO: $13.48 one-time
- Ground coffee: $12/month ($0.40 per cup)
- Monthly cost: $12
- Yearly cost: $144 + $13.48 = $157.48
Your savings: $382.52 per year
That’s enough for:
- 765 store-bought K-cups
- A new Keurig machine
- A nice coffee grinder
Break-Even Point
With CAPMESSO at $13.48:
- You break even after just 27 cups
- That’s only 9 days of coffee at 3 cups per day
With Noalto at $12.99:
- Break even after 26 cups
- About 8-9 days
With NESSUS at $18.99:
- Break even after 38 cups
- About 12-13 days
After that, every cup saves you money.
Environmental Impact
Switching to reusable K-cups helps the planet. Here’s how:
Plastic Waste Reduction
One person drinking 3 cups per day creates:
- 1,095 disposable K-cups per year
- About 3 pounds of plastic waste
- Most end up in landfills (not recyclable)
With reusable K-cups:
- Zero plastic waste
- One K-cup lasts 10+ years
- You prevent thousands of pods from landfills
Tree Savings
Paper filters use wood pulp. The industry cuts down 1 billion trees yearly for coffee filters.
Reusable K-cups need no paper filters. You help reduce deforestation.
Ocean Protection
Plastic pods often reach oceans. Marine animals mistake them for food.
By using reusable K-cups, you prevent this pollution at the source.
One person’s switch seems small. But multiply that by millions of coffee drinkers. The impact becomes huge.
Tips for Best Results
I learned these tricks during my 30-day test:
1. Use the Right Grind Size
Medium grind works best for most reusable K-cups.
Too fine = grounds in your cup and slow brewing.
Too coarse = weak, watery coffee.
Buy pre-ground coffee labeled “medium grind” or grind your own beans.
2. Don’t Overfill
Fill the K-cup to about 80% full.
This gives water space to flow through properly.
Overfilling causes overflow and weak coffee.
3. Tap It Down Gently
After filling, tap the K-cup lightly on the counter.
This settles the grounds without packing them tight.
Packed grounds block water flow.
4. Clean After Every Use
Don’t let grounds dry inside the K-cup.
Dried grounds are harder to remove.
Quick rinse after each use takes 15 seconds.
5. Deep Clean Weekly
Run your reusable K-cup through the dishwasher once a week.
This removes coffee oils that build up.
Your coffee will taste fresher.
6. Use Filtered Water
This tip applies to all coffee brewing.
Filtered water tastes better than tap water.
Better water = better coffee.
7. Store Pre-Filled Cups in Fridge
If you prep multiple cups ahead, refrigerate them.
This keeps the coffee fresh.
Don’t store for more than 3 days.
Common Problems and Solutions
Here are issues I faced and how I fixed them:
Problem: Weak Coffee
Solution: Add more grounds. I found 2 tablespoons works best. Some people use 2.5 tablespoons for extra strength.
Problem: Grounds in Cup
Solution: Use medium grind, not fine grind. Also don’t overfill the K-cup.
Problem: K-Cup Won’t Fit
Solution: Check compatibility first. Make sure you’re using the original pod holder. Remove any adapter that came with disposable pods.
Problem: Slow Brewing
Solution: Don’t pack the grounds tight. Tap gently instead. Also descale your Keurig machine.
Problem: Bitter Taste
Solution: Use less coffee or choose a lighter roast. Also check your water temperature setting.
Problem: Leakage
Solution: Make sure the silicone ring (if present) is properly seated. Don’t overfill. Close the lid firmly.
Maintenance and Longevity
Proper care extends the life of your reusable K-cups.
Daily Maintenance
- Rinse after each use
- Remove all grounds
- Let air dry
Weekly Maintenance
- Dishwasher cleaning
- Check for cracks or damage
- Inspect silicone seals
Monthly Maintenance
- Deep clean with vinegar solution
- Scrub mesh with small brush
- Check compatibility with your machine
Expected Lifespan
With proper care:
- CAPMESSO: 10+ years (according to manufacturer)
- Noalto: 5-7 years (based on user reviews)
- NESSUS: 7-10 years (based on build quality)
All three models are durable. The main wear point is the silicone seal on models that have one.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do reusable K-cups work with all Keurig machines?
No. Each K-cup works with specific models. CAPMESSO fits MultiStream machines. Noalto fits Keurig 1.0 and 2.0. NESSUS fits only Keurig 1.0. Always check compatibility before buying.
2. Can I use tea or hot chocolate in reusable K-cups?
Yes. I tested tea in all three models. They work great. Just clean thoroughly between coffee and tea. Hot chocolate works but creates more residue. Clean immediately after use.
3. How much coffee should I put in a reusable K-cup?
I use 2 tablespoons for 8 ounces of water. This creates medium-strength coffee. Use 1.5 tablespoons for weaker coffee or 2.5 tablespoons for stronger coffee. Experiment to find your preference.
4. Are reusable K-cups dishwasher safe?
Yes. All three models I tested are dishwasher safe. I recommend top rack placement. Hand washing works fine too and takes only 20 seconds.
5. Do reusable K-cups affect my Keurig warranty?
No. Keurig allows third-party accessories. Using reusable K-cups won’t void your warranty. Just make sure they’re compatible with your model.
6. How long do reusable K-cups last?
With proper care, 5-10 years. The stainless steel construction is very durable. The silicone seal is the only part that might wear out. Some manufacturers sell replacement seals.
7. Can I prep coffee the night before?
Yes. I filled all four NESSUS cups on Sunday night. I stored them in my fridge in a sealed container. They stayed fresh for 3 days. After 3 days, the grounds lose some flavor.
Final Verdict
After 30 days of testing, here’s my honest recommendation:
Buy CAPMESSO if you have a MultiStream Keurig. It’s specifically designed for your machine. The 5-hole design and slower flow create the best-tasting coffee I tried. Worth the slightly higher price.
Buy Noalto if you have a Keurig 1.0 or 2.0 Classic model. Best value. Works reliably. Compatible with most machines. You can’t go wrong at $12.99.
Buy NESSUS if you drink multiple cups daily. The four-pack saves time. Heat-resistant handles are convenient. Great for families or heavy coffee drinkers.
All three models work well. Your choice depends on your Keurig model and daily habits.
The biggest benefit isn’t even the money savings. It’s the freedom to choose any coffee you want. I can buy expensive specialty beans and still spend less than buying pods.
I’m never going back to disposable K-cups.
Conclusion
Switching to reusable K-cups changed my morning routine for the better.
I save $33 every month. That’s nearly $400 per year. The break-even point comes in just 9 days.
But the real win is coffee quality. Fresh ground beans beat stale pods every time. I control the strength. I choose the roast. My coffee tastes better than it ever did with disposable pods.
The environmental impact matters too. I’m no longer throwing away three plastic pods daily. Small change, big impact over time.
If you’re still using disposable K-cups, make the switch. Start with whichever model fits your Keurig. You’ll wonder why you waited so long.
Your wallet will thank you. Your taste buds will thank you. The planet will thank you.
Happy brewing.