 Almost No Negatives |
| Review Date: December 23, 2008 |
| Reviewer: D. Weingard, CA |
I decided to make the switch to one cup at a time coffee because my wife drinks only decaf and I drink only regular and figured this was the perfect solution. Often I would make a large pot of coffee that would sit for most of the morning and she was aced out. Additionally, the kids would love some easy hot chocolate. First stop along the way was a Breveille Keruig-based machine. The easy of use and look of the Breville made it the purchase for us. After about a week and a half of heavy use, I decided it had to go back because no matter what I did, the coffee wasn't strong enough. It was generally okay, but even on the smallest setting (smallest cup) and even with an Internet purchase of the bold K-Cups (supposedly 25% more coffee), I just couldn't make a decent sized cup of coffee that tasted good enough. I'm no coffee snob, I'll do Peets or Starbucks, but this just didn't cut it.
Thus, off to the Internet for more research and I quickly landed on the Nespresso. I liked the reviews and decided the Cube was within my price range. Back to the store to engage the salesperson, and I asked her to brew me a cup of espresso. I was fairly impressed by the quick, shot pull, that had a discernable crema on top. Tasted it and was sold. I couldn't believe that this might be the answer to my list of requirements. I asked the salesperson if the Cube made the espresso hot enough, and she told me she never had this complaint. The one I was holding in my hands in a little paper cup tasted plenty hot, so I bought the cube with the Aerocinno frother and went home.
The Cube comes with a 10 capsule tester. By about 2 hours after I got home, you practically had to scrape me off the ceiling. I blitzed through my 10 pack and was generally quite pleased. The capsules, while smaller than the Keruig K-Cups (with seemingly less coffee in them), produced a far superior coffee. True, I was comparing espresso to drip coffee, but you could taste a distinguishable difference. The one liter water holder, is a tad small and not quite as easy to load as the Breville. On the Cube, it kind of slids out on a tilt and when you fill it all the way you have to gently put it in so as to not spill, a task that is a little difficult. No matter, just fill it slightly less full, and it's fine. Unlike the Breville, the Cube water resevoir does not have a filter. Not sure I taste a difference, and if you really care, use water from your Brita and you will be fine.
Unlike the Breville, the Cube only has two size settings: espresso and lungo. The lungo is a little small for my taste, as I typically drink my coffee in a large mug. Although I would like it to brew more, it's more than made up in taste. What I do is brew an espresso on the espresso setting and then run it through on the lungo on the same capsule, essentially creating a pretty mean Americano. Typically, I'll pull two shots and then run a couple of hot waters through the second shot and it's great. I think Americans probably drink coffee the "wrong" way, and it's probably the style to drink smaller cups of better coffee. My pseudo Americano suits me most mornings, but a good lungo not watered down is even better.
I use the Aerocinno (it came bundled so it was a great value) to make lattes for my wife with decaf. It's a pretty sweet device too, steams and froths the milk in about 90 seconds and produces a very nice latte.
As others have said, you can only buy the Nespresso capsules from the Nespresso website, but honestly, their service is excellent and there's more than enough different varieties to suit most people. I'd rather have one Ristretto (a 10 on their 1 to 10 rating system of strength) than all the K-Cup varieties combined.
Clean up is a breeze, I like the capsule capture mechanism. There are no moving parts, so it's a snap to take care of. The warmer trays on the sides are a nice touch, if you serve in espresso cups. I have to say, however, that true to some of the reviews, I wish the coffee was a little hotter. It's not cool really, just sort of just a tad under hot. I run the Nespresso without a capsule first, to let my glass get warm, or I heat up a cup of water in the microwave to warm up my cup and this is almost perfect. Even when I drink a "mildly hot" lungo or espresso, I suck it up quickly (more quickly than I would normally enjoy) and I'd rather do that than drink a lesser cup of coffee.
Given the price point, the heat issue is a small price to pay. I didn't compare the Nespresso to the Tassimo-based systems, but to brew a latte in those machines you have to use an espresso t-thingy and then run one or two milk t-thingys. That just doesn't sound right to me.
So, in conclusion (sorry for the length), I'd say if you are looking for a darn consistent pull of espresso (even if it's not the perfect espresso to suit snobs), that is great every time, with little or no clean up and plenty of variety this might be the machine for you. At this price point, I'd say it's worth a long look.
Update after a month of heavy use: After a month or more of heavy use, my rating above remains. Overall, I am very happy with this machine. People who complain about the lack of variety in the coffee choices overstate the problem, in my opinion. How many different varieties of beans do you really buy? Maybe two or three? There is enough variety here. Lastly, my only consistent complaint about this machine after this time is that the coffee could be hotter, it really could. When I go to the extra "trouble" of heating up a cup of water in my microwave to let sit in the glass (or travel mug) that I am going to use, then it's plenty hot. Just a small extra step. However, in future versions, Nespresso should crank up the heat just a touch. Coffee can always cool, but heating it up after it's made is a step that should be unnecessary (particularly where you have added hot milk). |
Go ahead, splurge a little
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| Review Date: December 3, 2006 |
| Reviewer: Temporary Texan, Fort Worth, Texas |
| I've had this machine since August 2006, and I couldn't be happier. The espresso it makes is rich and flavorful and, yes, has a beautiful, thick layer of crema. I almost stopped by Starbucks on the way home tonight, but then thought twice -- why would I need to do that when I have better espresso, made just the way I want it, waiting for me at home? I had my reservations at first about the capsule system, but now I'm a fan. There's no fussing with grounds, and it just couldn't be quicker or easier. If you are lucky enough to live somewhere like Seattle, where you can get top-quality espresso on every street corner, the Cube would be nice to have as a backup system. Until I move to the Emerald City, this is my great-espresso insurance policy. |
Goodbye, Starbucks....
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| Review Date: December 27, 2006 |
| Reviewer: L. Krysti, Chicago, IL |
| Santa left this beautiful little machine under the tree this year! Along with the Nespresso Aerocino, we now have the ability to make the perfect cup of cappucino at home. It is such a bummer shelling out 3 bucks for a less than authentic cap at the local coffee establishments. Yes, it is a bit costly, but at 49 cents per cup, you will eventually come out ahead. Plus, it sure looks cute in the kitchen! |
An absolute delight to use...
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| Review Date: July 14, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Darklord, Toronto, ON |
So if you are thinking of buying an espresso machine, look no further. This could not be simpler to use. I bought this machine 4 weeks ago and am probably through about 80 capsules (mostly for entertaining) and have since probably had 2 friends purchase the exact same one because of the taste, texture and quality of espresso. How can you beat a world class fresh espresso in about 30 seconds!!
The Nespresso pod's system could not be easier to use and clean. I think for the quality of product, the cost is also very reasonable per use.
I highly recommend this machine for true espresso aficionado's who are willing to depart from making their espresso's manually. I did and am very happy since.
Side note, if you are looking at getting the Nespresso Aeroccino...I would probably look at another brand...I have not had very good luck using it for cappuccino's as it seems to hang regularly (note, that I only drink espresso's and make cappuccino's only when I must :)).
Here is why I love my machine:
* Easy to use machine
* warming area great for espresso lovers
* Easy buttons on top ensure consistency
* Looks fantastic on my counter
* Crema is second to none!!
What I don't like:
* Nothing...it is an amazing machine
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Good
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| Review Date: May 27, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Eye Forget, |
We bought this machine 6 months ago. We have always had espresso machines. They varied from an expensive manual we still have, to half dozen semi-automatics, to a couple of ese pod machines. Now a Nespresso.
The Pros:
Very well designed and built. Its built to a price point but its well executed. Far better design than any espresso machine we've ever had.
100% consistent. Its the same every time.
Very easy to use.
Easy to maintain.
Appears it will last more than the three years we get out of any other consumer level machines we've had. We draw about 8 to 10 espressos a day. We've known people (in Europe) who have had a Nespresso machine for over 10 years and they last.
Superb after sale service (capsules) from Nespresso.
Note: There are tons of comments on coffee connoisseur sites about how expensive the capsules are. Do the math, ours run 12 cents a cup more than Illy beans. That's without considering the waste you invariably get with grinding and the cost of a good grinder. Compared to any "exotic" bean, the cost is about the same.
The cons:
Consider the Nespresso an interpretation of an espresso. Even the ristretto (the strongest) has a ways to go to match a decent espresso. It more frothy, lacks character and there's too much air from top to bottom. Having said this, we've lived in Europe for the better part of our combined lives. Compared to Starbucks or 90% of US restaurant espresso's, its very competitive. |
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