Capsules vs Ground Coffee: Which Should You Use with VIGOROUS®?

Two ways to brew. One portable espresso experience.

One of the biggest advantages of the VIGOROUS® portable espresso machine is flexibility. Some days you want coffee quickly with almost no preparation. Other days, you want to choose your own beans, grind size and coffee dose.

With VIGOROUS, you can brew using compatible coffee capsules or freshly ground coffee, allowing you to choose the method that best fits your routine.

Why Choose Coffee Capsules?

Capsules are designed for simplicity.

You insert a compatible capsule, add water and prepare your espresso without weighing coffee or dealing with loose grounds.

For busy mornings, commuting, travelling or taking VIGOROUS to work, capsules can be especially convenient.

They are also easy to carry because each portion is already sealed and ready to use.

Capsules may be the better choice when your priorities are speed, convenience and minimal cleanup.

Why Choose Freshly Ground Coffee?

Ground coffee gives you more control over your espresso.

With the VIGOROUS upgraded ground-coffee basket, you can use approximately 14–18 g of freshly ground coffee, depending on the coffee and preparation.

That means you can experiment with different beans, roast profiles and grind sizes to find the flavour you prefer.

For coffee lovers who enjoy being more involved in the brewing process, freshly ground coffee can make each cup feel more personal.

The VIGOROUS 14–18 g Brewing Basket

VIGOROUS was designed to offer a more substantial ground-coffee brewing experience.

The upgraded basket accommodates approximately 14–18 g of ground coffee, giving you more flexibility when preparing your espresso.

For best results, avoid overfilling the basket. The coffee should sit evenly inside the basket without excessive compression that could interfere with proper water flow.

Your ideal dose can vary slightly depending on the coffee you use.

Which Grind Should You Use?

For espresso-style brewing, start with a fine grind ( 1-2 ), but not so fine that water struggles to pass through the coffee.

If the coffee flows too quickly and tastes weak, you may need a slightly finer grind.

If extraction is extremely slow or restricted, try a slightly coarser grind or reduce the amount of coffee.

Small adjustments can make a noticeable difference.

Capsules or Ground Coffee — Which Is Better?

There is no single answer because each method is useful in different situations.

Capsules are excellent when you want consistency and convenience.

Freshly ground coffee is ideal when you want more control over flavour, coffee origin and preparation.

That flexibility is exactly why VIGOROUS supports both.

You do not have to choose one method permanently.

Use capsules during a busy workday and freshly ground coffee when you have more time to enjoy the process.

A Better Coffee Routine Wherever You Are

Your coffee routine should fit around your lifestyle.

VIGOROUS combines portable brewing with up to 20-bar pressure, built-in self-heating, an 80 ml water tank and a 7,500 mAh rechargeable battery, giving you the freedom to prepare espresso beyond the traditional kitchen setup.

Whether you prefer capsules or fresh coffee, the goal remains the same:

Better coffee. More freedom. Wherever your day takes you.

Coffee Without Compromise.

Discover VIGOROUS® and choose the brewing style that works for you.