Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Off Topic Coffee Machine Suggestions

Yesterday, I visited my local 'Nespresso Boutique' for a demonstration of their machines. I wasn't disappointed.

Imagine that you were able to participate in a blind taste test - between (my returned) De'Longhi Eletta Top B2C machine and a Nespresso, you might be forgiven in believing that the De'Longhi had produced the real thing, while slop had been produced by the Nespresso.

In my demonstration of the Nespresso the reverse was true - by a country mile!

I sampled a medium-sized Ristretto based cappuccino, with milk produced by their Aerocinno (which I already own). It really hit the spot. I was very pleasantly surprised - and subsequently ordered a Krups CitiZ.

I was also impressed by Nespresso's commitment in providing a loan machine if and when a customer's brewer became faulty (in or out of warranty). It's a free service in warranty, or for a flat fee out of warranty.

Locally, Waitrose stock a wide variety of NX (Nespresso compatible) capsules, including my favourite Carte Noire pods. Also, they now sell 4 different PG Tips flavoured tea NX capsules.

My new Citiz will suffice while I await the Black Friday/New Year sales. Whatever the merits of Nespresso, I can't do without a proper B2C machine.

BTW, I hadn't appreciated that my Tassimo only produced drinks at 3.3 bar pressure, unlike a B2C machine at 15 bar pressure. By comparison, Nespresso produces coffee at 19 bar pressure.