[NFS]

I've just bought myself one of these:



I've been after a new espresso machine for a while. My old one was a cheapo fully manual one (but with a decent pump). I used to be able to make quite decent espresso, but more recently it had started to be hard to get a decent crema - so I binned it and looked for something new.

I was going to get a decent quality unit from Gaggia or similar, but ended up going for this nespresso thing. I was extremely doubtful because I hate nescafe and the diabolical stuff they sell as 'coffee'.

But it's actually really great, no grinding, spilt coffee or tamping and hardly any washing up. It also has an automatic milk foamer for cappucino (little tube into milk and a jet of foam from the nozzle like you get on super auto machines.

Any one else into espresso or own a nespresso machine?

[Juve29]

I also have an automatic espresso machine. I use to have a manual machine but I got fed up. I have the Saeco Incanto, so far so good. The only complaint I have is the froth doersn't come out so good. I still think manual machines are better than automatic. I drink a lot of coffee so I need something fast.

With any espresso machine the coffee beans make the difference.

[NFS]

Originally Posted by BadBob

Can you use your own espresso or do you have to use their coffee modules?

You are tied to nespresso - that's why I really wasn't sure - I hate nescafe so much and in the bast have tried to buy good quality coffee.

www.nespresso.com

The thing is the coffee grounds are foil wrapped so it's ultra fresh and the tamping / water temp / pressure are always exactly right.

I have to admit that the crema is much better than anything I managed to produce myself and there's quite a range of pods on offer.

It feels like cheating - but I reckon I'll use it much more often than a proper machine.

[06330i]

i have a gaggia i loveee it!

[NFS]

Originally Posted by BadBob

Nescafe? Are you refering to the instant coffee swill that we use to kill weeds here in the U.S.?

I wouldn't call nescafe 'coffee', but it will certainly kill weeds and probably strip paint as well.

That's the issue ..... I can't believe I just bought an espresso machine that only takes coffee made my nescafe

But the stuff in the nespresso coffee is genuine high grade arabica and it tastes great.

Like I said the crema is way beyond anything I could manage.

[whippersnapper]

I have a Saeco Vspresso - brilliant

www.wholelattelove.com

[NFS]

Originally Posted by BadBob

Let me know how it works out. I'm in the market for a new machine myself. My Starbucks habit is worse than a crack habit.

Are the nespresso modules available at your local market or do you have to order them?

I thought all of you Brits were a bunch of double-cream and jam , scone eating, tea sippers. Is coffee increasing in popularity over there?

You have to mail order the capsules - they are about 20p each - I just sent off for 200 at around £40

We do like out tea and scones over here - but since we found out that coffee doesn't have to be instant, we have sort of embraced it. I'm a big fan of italian food / drink and was bitten by the espresso bug about 10 years ago.

In fact espresso helped me give up smoking by replacing that cigar you long to have after a really nice meal.

Originally Posted by whippersnapper

I have a Saeco Vspresso - brilliant

www.wholelattelove.com

That looks great. I was really after a superautomatic like that, but a good one is aroound £400 quid here. The nespresso job was just £180, but gives a similar level of convenience.

[Juve29]

The best automatic espesso machines are Juras. The reason I didn't get the Jura was because of it's price, way to expensive. Saeco are pretty good, like I mentioned earlier I'm a disapointed with the froth to make the cappucino. If you like a short espresso the machine does a good job. But then again, you could have the best machine in the world if the coffee beans are not good the coffee wont be good.

[Juve29]

Originally Posted by 06330i

i have a gaggia i loveee it!

The automatic Gaggia machines are not so great.
The manual Gaggia are by far the best for home use.

[Dante]

Originally Posted by needforspeed

I've just bought myself one of these:



Any one else into espresso or own a nespresso machine?

I have the exact same machine in my office, I absolutely love it! Very solid.

If you are a espresso drinker and don't care much about larger coffee or cappucino, this is the way to go.

Never tasted better espresso than the nespresso 'arpeggio' (purple capsule). It has a perfect, thick crema on top, like most of the nespresso blends have.
Second best imo is the strongest blend, the black 'ristretto'.

The women in my office prefer the lighter 'voluto'. I don't like the lighter versions that much.

But anyway, make sure to use filtered water!

A friend of mine has a automatic nespresso machine made by saeco. Thats the best, but expensive.

@ juve29: I had two juras at home, here's my recent:



Good coffee, but the machines are total crap. Very poor engineering. Always worked up after 600 - 1000 cups.
After I figured out how to maintain the brew-unit myself, it's okay.

Here's a pretty helpful site:

http://www.kuntze-online.de/E/index.htm

[NFS]

Originally Posted by Dante

I have the exact same machine in my office, I absolutely love it! Very solid.

If you are a espresso drinker and don't care much about larger coffee or cappucino, this is the way to go.

Never tasted better espresso than the nespresso 'arpeggio' (purple capsule). It has a perfect, thick crema on top, like most of the nespresso blends have.
Second best imo is the strongest blend, the black 'ristretto'.

The women in my office prefer the lighter 'voluto'. I don't like the lighter versions that much.

But anyway, make sure to use filtered water!

I'm lucky enough to live in an area with fairly soft water, so bottled water is not a necessity.

Great machine though - I'm sipping a cappucino made with their 'special club' coffee - very nice.

The ristretto is nice - just ordered 50 of those - but I haven't tried the purple one yet.

I think the milk frother is actually really good. I have the one with the little tube that you stick in the milk jug and it spurts froth out the other end - like with an auto machine - nice.

What I like is the fact that it is basically self cleaning - just rinse through and wipe down before and after use. So I've already cleaned it out before I've even drunk my coffee.

My only problem / question is that the machines instructions recommend pouring the milk froth first then adding the espresso - which seems the wrong way to me for two reasons:

1. The milk frothing needs a higher temp so you need to wait for the machine to cool before pulling the espresso.

2. If you do as they suggest and pull the espresso straight into the cup, you can't tell when to stop. So to get a good 'measure' I end up pulling it into an espresso cup, then tipping that into the cappucino one.

Is there any reason why I shouldn't just do the espresso first then add the hot mile - as they do in starbucks etc...?

[tl_boy]

ppl: suggest me a cappucino/espresso machine i want to install in our teacher's lounges...

and what do people prefer, cappucinos or espressos or what
something that is affordable and the packets are not too expensive but tastes good and is good enough for a workplace.

[gilbertb11]

I actually just bought one about a month ago.. The Nespresso D290. Really nice although just a bit noisy but effective..

[crex]

i have the rancilio, best home espresso machine i have ever had.. its expensive though....

[Dante]

Originally Posted by needforspeed

(...) but I haven't tried the purple one yet.

Must do, trust me on that!

[NFS]

Originally Posted by Dante

Must do, trust me on that!

I'll try it tomorrow with breakfast

[Dante]

Originally Posted by needforspeed

I'll try it tomorrow with breakfast

Well, how was the breakfast?

[NFS]

Originally Posted by Dante

Well, how was the breakfast?

Very nice - I had the purple one too - 'arpeggio' - very smooth.

I usually have sugar in espresso / cappucino, but there was very little bitterness and I could almost drink it without.

I already ordered a load of (50 each) decaf intenso (for the wife), ristretto (for me) and special club (for me) and (I must be psychic) arpeggio.

I think I must have opted for the arpeggio based just on the description.

They arrived yesterday - the day after I placed the order on the net - great service.

[Dante]

Originally Posted by needforspeed

Very nice - I had the purple one too - 'arpeggio' - very smooth.

I usually have sugar in espresso / cappucino, but there was very little bitterness and I could almost drink it without.

I already ordered a load of (50 each) decaf intenso (for the wife), ristretto (for me) and special club (for me) and (I must be psychic) arpeggio.

I think I must have opted for the arpeggio based just on the description.

They arrived yesterday - the day after I placed the order on the net - great service.

I'm pleased you liked it. I prefer the 'rounder', less bitter/sour blends. Arpeggio is perfect for me.

The shipping is unbelievably fast! I've ordered over the internet about 4 pm once and got it the following day!

[blke90man]

I have The KitchenAid Pro-line series and I love it.

http://www.kitchenaid.com/catalog/pr...?productId=456

[Dante]

Originally Posted by blke90man

I have The KitchenAid Pro-line series and I love it.

http://www.kitchenaid.com/catalog/pr...?productId=456

That looks like a rock solid piece of machine! Very nice!

[Dante]

Ok guys, boring day at the office, so I made some Nespresso!

As usual, one capsule of 'Arpeggio', one pull on the lever and voila:
Perfect Espresso with awesome crema!

Here are some mouthwatering pics for you: