Ground Coffee vs Coffee Capsules: A Practical Comparison Using the CONQUECO Machine

The CONQUECO portable coffee machine supports both ground coffee and capsule brewing modes. On the left, we see how ground coffee is poured into the detachable chamber; on the right, a Nespresso/L'OR aluminium capsule is shown in use, extracting coffee. The machine is equipped with a 15-bar high-pressure pump and ceramic heating technology, allowing it to heat and extract a rich espresso with crema in just 2–3 minutes.

Comparing Extraction Strength and Flavour Profiles

In typical espresso extraction, a coffee-to-water ratio of approximately 1:2 is considered standard. Based on this:
Using 12g of ground coffee yields about 24g of espresso,
A 5–6g capsule produces only around 10–12g.
Although the total dissolved solids (TDS) may appear similar by ratio, the larger quantity of ground coffee allows for nearly double the total flavour compounds. Research confirms that increasing coffee input proportionally boosts concentration and mouthfeel. Therefore, using 12g of coffee results in a noticeably richer, fuller-bodied cup, while capsules—due to their limited dosage—produce a lighter taste overall.

• Flavour intensity: A higher amount of coffee increases total solids and flavour depth. Espresso brewed from 12g of ground coffee offers greater aroma and complexity. Capsule shots are lighter and may lack the weight and richness of fresh grounds.
• Mouthfeel and crema: With high-pressure extraction, CONQUECO machines deliver a thick crema. More ground coffee contributes to a heavier mouthfeel and fuller body. Capsule coffee tends to be smoother and cleaner, but with less tactile density.

Furthermore, using freshly ground coffee allows users to select beans and roast levels freely, preserving oils and aromatics to the fullest. While capsules offer limited customisation, they lock in flavour with airtight aluminium packaging, ensuring consistency and variety.

Recommendations by Use Case

• Office Workers / Busy Professionals: For speed and convenience, coffee capsules are ideal. No need for grinding or cleanup—just insert the pod and press. CONQUECO's one-button operation and quick heating make it perfect for a quality coffee fix during short breaks. Ground coffee, while flavourful, requires more preparation and maintenance.
• Coffee Enthusiasts / Connoisseurs: Those who care deeply about flavour and control will prefer ground coffee. Selecting your beans and grinding them fresh lets you fine-tune strength and texture. Using a full 12g dose with a 1:2 ratio gives a café-level, double espresso. Capsules, though convenient, don’t allow the same control over extraction.
• Travellers / Outdoor Users: The CONQUECO machine is compact and USB-rechargeable, perfect for use on the go. For simplicity, capsules are ideal—lightweight, mess-free, and quick to use. For those willing to invest effort, high-quality ground coffee can be brought along (with a manual grinder and airtight container) to enjoy premium flavour outdoors. Capsules offer portability and ease; grounds offer a barista-level brew if conditions allow.

Conclusion and Recommendations

• To sum up:
  For those prioritising speed and convenience (e.g. professionals or people short on time), capsules are recommended. They offer fast heating, easy operation, and consistent quality.
• For those seeking flavour and customisation, ground coffee is ideal. Grinding fresh beans and using a full 12g load at a 1:2 ratio delivers a richer, bolder cup with more complexity.
• For travel or outdoor scenarios, both modes are useful: capsules are light and low-maintenance; ground coffee delivers higher quality when prep and cleanup are feasible.

Ultimately, the CONQUECO machine gives you the flexibility to choose. Opt for pods when you need efficiency; go for grounds when you're chasing the best possible flavour. This guide offers clear direction based on coffee input (5–6g vs 12g) and brew ratio (1:2) to help each user get the most out of their CONQUECO experience.

References: This article draws from CONQUECO product specs and coffee extraction research for insights on dosage, pressure, and flavour yield.