Nespresso ...

[bc8436]

I've been searching for an easy to use espresso machine for a while. It's tough to find something that's reliable, relatively affordable and good. After searching through the entire database of Amazon reviews on coffee machines, I decided to give the Nespresso a try.

The unit arrived today and I eagerly set it up. Wow! This is really good coffee for an automated capsule machine! The coffee is made at the right temperature, there's even crema on top and it's easy to clean and maintain.

Now I just need to find my favorite flavor. Any other Nespresso owners here?

[ama]

Me, I love it it. Colombian an Indian single origins are my favorites.

[SandmanTR]

Yep. Been a Nespresso user for about 8 years. Love it! The perfect espresso and Latte Macchiato. Indriya from India and Ristretto are my favorite!

[gerem]

I got a Nespresso Romeo E350, I can make lattes, cap etc...

My favorite coffee for latte and cap:

- Arppegio;

- Roma.

For a good espresso I like:

- Capriccio;

- Volluto;

- Indriya.

You can also look on the website, they give a good info about the different coffee.

Enjoy it with a good cigar!!!

[Maron76]

Are there any stores here in the states that carry the Nespresso machine? My Keurig that I got for Christmas took a crap already, the pump went out on it. Am thinking about getting the Dolce Gusto at Bed Bath and a Blonde.

[Fuzz]

Another Nespresso fan here!

Rsitretto and Indriya are current faves. Great for that first rush of caffeine in the morning. On a Saturday morn I like the Vivalto Lungo. It's a much lighter, easy going coffee. I also pick up the Cosi, Arpeggio and Capriccio just to have some variety.

The Limited Edition Kazaar was fantastic. I wish they'd bring that one back as part of their range. Even if they don't become part of the normal range, I'd just like to some of the limited editions brought back every once in a while.

A couple months ago, I read about some people who try to reuse their capsules. Or other who want Nespresso to come out with a tea or hot chocolate capsule. Very odd!

[maverickdrinker]

loved my nespresso machine

[gmoney]

Are there any stores here in the states that carry the Nespresso machine? My Keurig that I got for Christmas took a crap already, the pump went out on it. Am thinking about getting the Dolce Gusto at Bed Bath and a Blonde.

I think they also carry Nespresso, also try Macy's.....Got mine from Amazon......Love it!!!

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/Search/Sea...mp;reqtype=full

http://www1.macys.com/search/index.ognc?Se...yword=nespresso

[bc8436]

I think they also carry Nespresso, also try Macy's.....Got mine from Amazon......Love it!!!

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/Search/Sea...mp;reqtype=full

http://www1.macys.com/search/index.ognc?Se...yword=nespresso

Williams Sonoma also carries Nespresso. You can get some nice savings buying online though.

[OZCUBAN]

Another Nespresso fan here!

Rsitretto and Indriya are current faves. Great for that first rush of caffeine in the morning. On a Saturday morn I like the Vivalto Lungo. It's a much lighter, easy going coffee. I also pick up the Cosi, Arpeggio and Capriccio just to have some variety.

The Limited Edition Kazaar was fantastic. I wish they'd bring that one back as part of their range. Even if they don't become part of the normal range, I'd just like to some of the limited editions brought back every once in a while.

A couple months ago, I read about some people who try to reuse their capsules. Or other who want Nespresso to come out with a tea or hot chocolate capsule. Very odd!

Another convert here you took the words right out of my mouth and saved me some typing

Nepresso rocks should have bought a couple of big boxes of Kazaar that was simply divine

just cannot be bothered with beans any more all we need now is a Cuban coffee capsule

OZ

[Puros Y Vino]

Have had a Le Cube for 2+ years. Excellent espresso considering its' capsule base. I like the stronger stuff, Ristretto's and downward. Nespresso service is top notch too. My machine broke down 3 weeks after its' warranty expired. I called, they did some troubleshooting over the phone with me and basically sent me out a replacement unit, the return paperwork to send mine back and when mine was fixed they shipped it back again with papers to ship the loaner back to them. Didn't cost me a cent and made a huge impression on me. When my LeCube dies completely, I'll buy a newer model then. For now, this thing is a workhorse.

[kiwifruit]

+1 to Clint's question. Hoping the veteran owners can chime in with their take. Is there a huge difference between the lower end unit and the higher end model? Ho

[Fuzz]

+1 to Clint's question. Hoping the veteran owners can chime in with their take. Is there a huge difference between the lower end unit and the higher end model? Ho

IMHO, the only difference between a low end to high end model are the additional features. Most of the low end models have just the basic function... making coffee from capsules. There are now automated settings, no milk frothing attachments, no heater tray, etc. If you just want a cup of lovely Nespresso coffee, they are perfectly suited to the job. You can buy the milk frothing jug separately if it doesn't come with the machine (got mine as a package deal).

With the cheaper models, you need to stop the machine manually, there is no automated stop if you want an espresso or cappuccino. The automated ones will run for a preset time, but I find that with the different blends, some require less time than others. For example, when making a cappuccino with Capriccio, I'll run the machine a few seconds less than with Vivalto. I look at the crema to judge when to stop. If the crema starts to turn a lighter colour, it's time to stop. Any longer and you'll be over-extracting.

All the other additional features; twin thermo blocks, built in milk frother, self-cleaning, heating tray, etc.... just detracts from enjoying a good cup of coffee! Better to spend the money on more capsules!!

[Styler]

I bought my wife (and myself) a Citiz machine for Christmas and it's been fantastic, I too am a big fan of the pure origin capsules.

I've not tried this yet but there are reusable capsules avaliable that apparently work quite well.

http://www.coffeeduck.com/uk_espressomovie.html

[gmoney]

IMHO, the only difference between a low end to high end model are the additional features. Most of the low end models have just the basic function... making coffee from capsules. There are now automated settings, no milk frothing attachments, no heater tray, etc. If you just want a cup of lovely Nespresso coffee, they are perfectly suited to the job. You can buy the milk frothing jug separately if it doesn't come with the machine (got mine as a package deal).

With the cheaper models, you need to stop the machine manually, there is no automated stop if you want an espresso or cappuccino. The automated ones will run for a preset time, but I find that with the different blends, some require less time than others. For example, when making a cappuccino with Capriccio, I'll run the machine a few seconds less than with Vivalto. I look at the crema to judge when to stop. If the crema starts to turn a lighter colour, it's time to stop. Any longer and you'll be over-extracting.

All the other additional features; twin thermo blocks, built in milk frother, self-cleaning, heating tray, etc.... just detracts from enjoying a good cup of coffee! Better to spend the money on more capsules!!

Make sure you get the nespresso milk frother cappuccinos and such.......nothing else comes close..

[bc8436]

Which unit did you get Lee? Do you have to use some sort of single coffee pouches?

I've always loved a good espresso but thought that making it at home was too expensive and too complicated. I was looking at the units at BB and B and the prices are very reasonable. I wonder if there's a big difference between the $189 one and the $350 unit?

The machine uses single-serve 'pods' that you order online through their website. They cost 55 cents each, and 2-day shipping is $6.95.

I got the base Essenza from Amazon.com for $170 because I very rarely drink lattes or cappuccinos. In fact, I seldom even have milk in the fridge! If you like to those drinks then it's worth paying more. Otherwise, I tried espressos from both the Essenza and highest-end Lattisma machines and didn't notice any difference.

[Cig]

I"ve had mine for several years now and love it.

[SamuraiJack]

Many years. Its leaps and bounds better than espresso i get at most restaurants.

Arpeggio for me.

The Aerocino is great too, even if its not a true steam frother. For ~$1.50 and a few minutes i make a soy latte that is better than most (certainly better than starbucks).

[Torontonian]

With these sorts of things the beans are pre-ground correct? The flavour difference, for me, between freshly-ground and pre-ground is too big to warrant opting for the latter.

[Lotusguy]

I'm a firm believer in freshly ground beans so no Nespresso or K-cups or whatever for me

[ashen]

If you ever get tired of the Nespresso setup and are ready for something more "involving," you may want to try something along the lines of a Rancilio pro-sumer setup. It will set you back about USD$1,000 give or take $100, but the choices and flexibility you'd have are endless. That would be a "low end" of high-grade stuff, but you would have a nice burr-type grinder and a machine capable of some excellent shots, depending on barista skills.

[kiwifruit]

Thanks for the reply Fuzz. From all the accolades in this thread, totally seems worth it to buy an Nespresso machine. French press and stove top espresso were nice alternatives because of the price point but at only 200 bucks, totally affordable compared to the $1k espresso machines.

[MIKA27]

Yes, I love my Nespresso machine!

I previously used ground beans (Which are great) but ensuring the machine was always cleaned and de-scaled etc was a real pain. Now, the Nespresso machine, I have the 'Le Cube' machine, is just so easy to make a great cup of coffee without any hassles. And it really is great coffee!!

My favourite would have to be the Arpeggio (Dark Purple capsule) as well as the Ristretto (Black capsule).

[Fuzz]

The beauty of the Nespresso system is, not only do you get a great cup of coffee every single time, but that it is so easy to use. There's no need to wait for the machine to preheat to the right temperature (my mate's machine takes 10 minutes on a quick cycle), there's no need to worry if your grind is at the right setting, no messy grinds to clean up, etc....

I've got a Delnghi EN90 Essenza (with Aeroccino) and from the moment I turn it on, to clean up and the first sip, it takes less than 5 minutes. Though I have found that if you preheat your cup (I put an inch of hot water in from my Tefal Quick Cup), the coffe tastes a bit better and stays hotter for longer.

Nespresso, so simple to use, even a luddite like Ken can use one! Heck, even my mother enjoys using it!!

For those of you who like the grind and pull, more power to you, but I'll stick with my Nespresso!!

[jay8354]

Coffee, like cigars, each person have their personal choices and preferences. Basically, it all comes down to taste, the person enjoying the product and price point.

I have tried most of the options mentioned in this thread, I have drank a lot of good and bad coffee from them.

IMHO -

if have the money, time and patience, go for the grind and pull. do it well, great coffee everytime. do it bad, bad coffee...

if you have no patience but money and time, go for the fully automated coffee machine, press a button and out comes your coffee in different styles.

if you have no money but want the convenience, nespresso which does a decent cup of coffee.

if you want the wow factor, go for a glass vaccum coffee flask. trust me on this one.

and finally for those who can bothered, no money or time - Aerobie (yes, they make Frisbee with a hole) have make a manual coffee press. Aeorpress - cheap, ok coffee for those on the go.