Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I tried to decide whether to buy this, or the much more expensive MyCoffeeStar Stainless Steel Refillable Nespresso Capsule. With the Sealpod I get two pods for $40, but have to buy packs of Sealpod Espresso Lids - Works with Nespresso Compatible Refillable Capsules or Spresso Luxe Espresso Compatible Capsules (100/Package) -- so it's 'razors and blades'. I bought both and figured I'd write a comparative review. I have a Citrix machine, and both systems work perfectly. The MyCoffeeStar is a bit expensive, but outstanding quality and works as advertised I find (because of their smooth sides) that the Sealpods slot into the machine smoothly, whereas with the MyCoffeeStar, you have to quickly flick the lever to get them to slot in. Both fit perfectly, but the knurled, flanged sides of the MyCoffeeStar may create a stiffer action. I read one review that claimed that these don't work on the Citrix, but ... they do. You have to remember as well to slip the green rubber flange over the top (the Sealpods already come with this affixed) or it will not seat properly. I thought the sticky seals would be a headache to use, but they aren't. You just pack the coffee in with the included spoon (BTW the MyCoffeeStar doesn't come with a spoon ... I have to use the Sealpod spoon to fill both systems) then wipe off the excess with your index finger, grab a seal, position and smooth any wrinkles. It's a pretty robust and easy system to use. That said, the MyCoffeeStar needs no seals, and thus has one less thing to keep in stock in your kitchen cabinets. I thought I might have to fill these with properly ground coffee, and was planning on filling them with my $500 Mazzer Mini Timer Black ETL Espresso Grinder (messy). Instead, I was able to use my Krups burr grinder (~$50) and the coffee brews perfectly, with the right amount of crema on the top of the cup. I use Lavazza Grand Espresso Whole Bean Coffee Value Pack (3 x 2.2 lb bags) beans, and these create a smoother, richer cup of espresso than most of the Nespresso capsules. For this reason alone, I would recommend getting a refillable system.