UPDATE (Sep 2017): In the end, I gave up on my Tassimo machine – I just couldn’t cope with the sheer amount of non-recyclable plastic waste being generated or the cost of the pods. When I ran the numbers, across two years it worked out cheaper to buy a [easyazon_link keywords=”Delonghi bean to cup machine” locale=”US” tag=”bobmckay-20″]Delonghi bean to cup coffee machine[/easyazon_link] even if I had to replace it every 2 years (but a friend has had their problem-free for over 3 years).
If you do need reusable Tassimo pods however, [easyazon_link keywords=”reusable tassimo pods” locale=”US” tag=”bobmckay-20″]some Amazon sellers have them here[/easyazon_link].
UPDATE (Apr 2016): Thanks to Gilly for posting a link to a video showing someone that has made a re-usable Tassimo pod! It doesn’t appear to be 3D printer (as the surface is very shiny) so hopefully these will be available soon. Note that you’ll still need to know what barcode to put on the pod for the different types of drink (heat, pressure and volume of water is all controlled by the barcode). View the YouTube video here:
I recently bought a [easyazon_link asin=”B00272MVB0″ locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”default” tag=”bomc-21″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”no”]Tassimo (Bosch TAS6515GB) Coffee maker[/easyazon_link] for my office and while I do love it, the cost of the pods is pretty high but more frustratingly the amount of plastic waste produced is appalling.
Cheapest Option for Buying Tassimo Pods
In terms of cost, I purchase the standard pods [easyazon_link keywords=”tassimo coffe pods” locale=”US” tag=”bobmckay-20″]40 at a time via an Amazon Subscription[/easyazon_link] as this seems to be the cheapest way to buy them and its pretty convenient.
Recycling Tassimo Pods
In the UK the easiest way we’ve found to recycle not only the pods but the foil-type bads the pods come in is via the TerraCycle project (www.terracycle.co.uk) although oddly there is a waiting list to join the Tassimo Recycling ‘brigade’ so sign up ASAP and start collecting the empty pods.
Reusable Tassimo Pods
Re-usable Pod Kits
Oddly there have only been a handful of companies offering re-usable Tassimo Pods and so far no-one has created one that’s any good. My Cap (www.my-cap.com) offer a kit that is actually just a Tassimo pod with a couple of holes punched in it and a rubber bung to plug those holes. I haven’t used one myself but all reviews I’ve read state that they are very poor and, leak and half the time the plugs pop out due to the extreme pressure in the machine.
Do It Yourself
A user here on instructables.com says he reuses his pods himself doing the following:
I have refilled used Tassimo Nabob Columbian pods with some success. I first cut an oval hole in the foil of the pod, well away from the barcode. I use an xacto knife and make the hole about 1/4 x 3/8 inch in size with a smooth curve all the way around so it won’t tear. I then hold the pod under a tap, letting water splash into the hole. It’s amazing how fast the old grounds flush out, leaving the interior clean. Next I spoon in coffee of my choice (usually Columbian Arabica) until the pod is nearly filled. I have to regularly shake the pod from side-to-side to distribute the coffee. The last step is to cut a patch from a piece of aluminum duct tape, allowing up to 1/4 inch of overlap all the way around the hole. I then remove the adhesive-covering paper and apply the patch. I burnish it with the spoon everywhere it contacts the original foil. The pod is then ready to use. I always get some leakage, unfortunately, but usually I can collect it in my cup by repositioning it. Rarely do any grounds leak out.
What Next? Creating a Re-usable Tassimo Pod
I’m amazed a plastic products manufacturer in China or similar responsive/flexible manufacturing region haven’t filled the gap in this market with a simple two piece pod that’s threaded in the middle. The larger pods used for ‘latte’ drinks are plenty big enough to accommodate the space required for a threaded collar on the inside along with two rubber O-rings to allow for a good seal of the inner pipe and the coffee chamber while ensuring the intake pipe at the back is properly aligned.
They could sell those bad boys for $5 each and I’d buy some – it’d pay for itself in no time at all, allow me to use my own coffee of choice and reduce the waste to zero!
That idea wouldn’t even need help from shark tank to make a million dollars.
Great thought re: screwable set. C’mon someone please make them.
I love my daily morning Costa Tassimo coffee’s but am planning on canning them as while the cost isn’t too bad (like Bob I use Amazon) the waste is really appalling, and starting to sit heavy on my conscience…
There’s a video on YouTube showing this very thing, but I have no idea where or who to contact re this.
http://youtu.be/G61Q5CJF2lk
Awesome – thanks Gilly!
Where.. can I buy tassmo reusable coffee disc as featured in video on u tube. Thanks , peter
Has ANYONE been able to contact this fellow “Steve Odber” as to where he bought this manufactured Tassimo Tdisc? I don’t see a way to contact him on his You Tube clip..
If they were sold on eBay or Amazon, I’ll bet they would sell out in a day!
Hi John,
Sorry – afraid I gave up on the Tassimo in the end and went straight for a bean-to-cup (see my link at the top of the post to the Delonghi one). Best thing I ever did and across the first year, has already paid for itself compared with the Tassimo Pods (and allows me to try different beans, etc).
How about someone putting a 3D printer to some properly good use?
Hey Gilly,
I wondered the same thing but I suspect that the plastic probably wouldn’t withstand the heat (the plastic used is obviously made with a low melting point). The thing is, if Tassimo made these, I’d pay $20 per re-usable pod. If they don’t make them, they are going to appear online (authorized or not) and they’ll lose out big time.
I’m not sure if a Tassimo-alike machine can be made as a generic yet (and then you might find re-usable pods to go with them) but mine was free. However, I won’t subscribe to the overpriced pods and Eco-disaster which is the waste plastic and foil they generate. I’ve had a go at refilling one and it’s moderately to very successful, but relies on a source of fresh, used pods.
Tassimo tdiscs are still protected by patents so no generic or non-Tassimo refillable disc can technically be sold as yet. The red refillable disc in the Youtube video doesn’t look to have a filter in it so the coffee will be full of gunky residue; like the bottom of a cafetiere. The video poster seems to be playing coy about it and not responding to queries.
Absolutely but given the environmental impact of the discs, if Tassimo don’t release their own re-usable disc soon, they are going start appearing on the black market as generic ‘re-usable pods’. No logo so no obvious brand infringement, patent fights are much more arduous and costly (and pointless against lots of small traders and/or a small manufacturing outfits in china). Personally, I’d happily pay £20 per re-usable pod from Tassimo if it gave me 100+ uses.
Russian source for the reusable discs
http://capsule-coffee.com/magazin/product/capsule/tassimo
Thanks – very interesting! 1000 rubles seems to be about $15 USD (£10 GBP), I wonder if they deliver to to the West.
This link does not work, do you have another ?
Any chance for a new link for this product?
Any one had any progress finding these??
Anybody?
Where can I get a reusable tassimo coffee disc as shown on a u tube video thank you Peter
Hi Peter,
Last time I checked they we’re commercially available because Tassimo have patented the design and won’t let anyone use it (because like inkjet printers, they make their money from the consumables). In the end I couldn’t justify the cost or the amount of plastic I was throwing away due to lack of recycling. When I did a comparison, the cost per cup works out much cheaper across 2 years by buying a bean to cup machine, I got Delonghi Magnifica (see on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001EOMZ5E/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=bomc-21&creative=6738&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B001EOMZ5E&linkId=a95db5f5cf2f2ae8cfa0af2fc74c9631). Comes with a 2 year guarantee so in theory even if I had to throw them away every two years, it still worked out cheaper than the Tassimo option (but mine has been happily chugging along for longer, despite me being a coffee fiend).
Hi Bob, any news on the plastic Tassimo pods please.
Hi Kirk,
Afraid not, as I’ve mention to others though, I highly recommend switching to a bean-to-cup machine (I linked to the one I got at the top of the page). Really good, saved money, bigger tank and less-hassle (and you can compost the grinds).
I changed to a bean to cup machine too, much nicer coffee and things like lattes and cappucino’s are much nicer (even if you have to steam the milk manually like a barista!)
I know what you mean, it’s literally the most important piece of kit I own now. 🙂