Review: Nespresso Essenza C90 Espresso Machine from Single Serve Coffee

Review from Single Serve Coffee.com - Coffee Pod Reviews We reviewed the Nespresso Romeo earlier this year and the great coffee and espresso it produced simply amazed us. The price however at $799 did not. We wanted to review a Nespresso system more in line with the Single Serve Coffee price range of $100-$200 for a typical machine. We called up Nespresso and said - send us a cheaper model but it had better make the same quality espresso!

Update:The Nespresso Essenza C90 has been replaced by the improved Nespresso Essenza C100T. We've tried this new model and love the new programmable cup features and auto off.

Nespresso has answered and sent us their new Nespresso C90-Essenza in orange to review. Coming in at $179.99 at Amazon.com and other online merchants, the C90-Essenza hits the mark we were looking for in price. The C90-Essenza is not a fully automatic machine like the Nespresso Romeo, it features a new handle system and is fitted with a backlit button to manually control the amount of coffee needed to make an espresso or a lungo.

It is equipped with the same powerful 19 bar high pressure pump than all other Nespresso models. The functional handle allows for easy coffee preparation. Other features are the thermoblock heating element, manual volume control, collection container for used capsules and more. With the purchase of any Nespresso Essenza C90, you can become a member of the Nespresso club. Through the club, you are able to order your coffee 24 hours a day on the internet, over the phone, by fax or e-mail. Nespresso guarantees that your coffee order will arrive at the address of your choice within two business days.

We have been enjoying the footprint of the Nespresso Essenza C90 and the coffee together. It's really nice to have a machine that's not the size of a toaster or typical coffee machine. It's tiny - maybe a 1/4 of the size of a regular machine and it has 2 buttons - 1 for turning it on and one for starting and stopping your shot of espresso. I love single purpose things that are well designed and do what they do best.

The Nespresso Essenza C90 is also very - well - cute. It looks like a little owl or some type of device from the movie Brazil. It just continues to make me smile in the morning when I see it.

Making a Shot of Espresso or Lungo with the Nespresso Essenza C90

The Nespresso Essenza C90 uses a lever system to make a shot of espresso. You pull the lever up and then put the capsule in the front of the Nespresso Essenza C90 and pull the lever back down. This ejects a previous capsule into the catch tray and gets your new shot ready to go.

After the machine is heated up you can use the brew button to control the amount of water to espresso by pushing on it and stopping it. You'll need to stand by and wait for your espresso and make sure you pull the shot you want. There is nothing automatic here about the water level and if you don't push the button again it will run until the Nespresso Essenza C90 is out of water and you have an overflowing cup. That being said, you have to wait for your cup of espresso in the 10-20 second range.

TIP: The Nespresso Essenza C90 warms up very fast but we also recommend BEFORE putting in a capsule if you want a shot of super hot espresso - ejecting the previous capsule and running a little hot water through the machine and heating up your espresso cup as well.

Our Impressions of the Coffee & Espressos

The coffees are very good from Nespresso. Nespresso machines use a capsule loading system. Essentially, the capsule is a foil packed coffee shot which holds enough to make a shot of espresso (1 oz) or lungo (3-4 ozs). The espresso the machine produces is so consistent it's hard to imagine the little machine can do the job each time.

Twelve Nespresso varieties are available all year-round. The coffees are blended from coffees of different origins to bring out their unique characteristics, with each variety offering a special personality. We really like the Ristretto and the other espressos. Each has a unique taste but the Ristretto is very strong and very rich. We also enjoyed many of the lungos as before. The lungo is like making a small cup of Senseo but here the crema is very rich and very real.

We don't think you'll be unhappy with any of the Nespresso coffees that come with the machine. You'll receive a sampler of 12 coffees with any Nespresso machine you purchase. And after you run out of those you can get a discount on the larger 36 count sampler pack on your first order at the Nespresso club.

We also want to say - as before theNespresso Essenza C90 makes espresso of the same quality as the higher priced Nespresso models we've tried. It's nice to know the basic system of making espresso can be translated to a lower priced model.

Pricing and Availability

Nespresso Coffee Capsules cost $.49 each and can only be purchased online at the Nespresso online store or by calling their toll free line. You can also subscribe to the Nespresso club, and have capsules automatically mailed to you on a monthly basis. It's also nice to note that each pack of Nespresso coffee capsules have fresh by dates.

We will be following up this review with a full review of the Nespresso Club. We talked to Nespresso and told them we wanted the full experience. How was ordering coffee via the web site? If we called to order coffee would the sales person be knowledgeable? We've put in our first order via the web and will have a review of the Nespresso club online with our review of the phone service soon.

Conclusions

We love the Nespresso Essenza C90. It's small and makes a great shot of espresso. We are also genuinely impressed with the coffees from Nespresso. We also like the fact that Nespresso continues to add new seasonal coffees at the Nespresso club and we're anxious to taste the new seasonal coffee called Senang.

We think if you want to venture out into the world of espresso this is a great way to start. The machine is reasonably priced at $179.99 and comes with a selection of espressos to get you started. Also the machine isn't some giant noisy espresso machine. It does lack a milk frother, but the C90 is for making shots of perfect espresso not milk based drinks.

After having the machine for just over 3 weeks, it's going to be hard to pry it out of our hands each morning as we pull a shot and then have a nice cup of single serve coffee to finish out our morning.

We are going to give the Nespresso Essenza C90 a full 4 out of 5.

Nespresso Essenza Review

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Recent Comments

Does the machine make HOT Americano's? I like mine hot, and have found that usually the small machines don't get the water hot enough for my liking?
Posted by: tom at April 25, 2008 6:55 AM

Hi, I would like to ask you if you have any suppliers of Nespresso Capsules in Czech Republic? Thank you.
Posted by: Petra at March 7, 2008 7:37 AM

Jay What is your comparison between the 290 and the Romeo. Thanks for your respond.
Posted by: christian at March 8, 2006 1:50 PM

You could be right about the puncturing system. The Essenza definitely made more crema. I made a lot of cups o' espresso and compared. However, I did return it and kept the D290 and I love it. My daughter uses it almost every day to make a mocha latte and uses the frothing attachment. I haven't made myself one latte yet! Straight espresso's only.
Posted by: Lee at February 16, 2006 9:05 AM

> but as you say much of the crema in the E. was faux air infused crema What is faux cream? Crema is always air-induced, isn't it? It's air in a thin layer of espresso, mostly coffee oils. Since there is no way to make micro foam with water, the "faux crema" should be "real crema", too, ie. air in an oily emulsion. Anyway, both systems pump hot water through the same capsules, so I doubt any differences in taste will show up. It's probably just an optical aspect. As to the cause, I'd bet the capsule puncturing system makes a difference.
Posted by: gast123 at January 26, 2006 11:57 AM

Yes I knew they were coming out with the attachment. Gives it a nice price point to buy the small machine and the attachment. I have been loving my D290 however and am really glad I exchanged my Essenza for it..if only because I have been using it several months now and gotten pure pleasure from it. The frothing attachment..is fantastic. I am sure the new attachment they come out with will be great. I understand it heats milk also.
Posted by: Lee at January 19, 2006 7:17 AM

Aeroccino that is the name of the attachment.
Posted by: Brandon at January 7, 2006 4:54 PM

I just bought the Essenza for a gift for someone, I was a little abit concerned that it did not have a attachment to froth milk. Then I asked Nespresso I wanted to forth milk, not just espresso. I was excited when they said they were coming out with an attachement for forthing milk. I am very familiar with there products and service. A+ customer service, if there is a problem with your machine you get a replacement while they fix yours... EXCELLENT
Posted by: Brandon at January 7, 2006 4:53 PM

Thanks Darryl! You have been super helpful! I am really enjoying my machine. Diane, I have not compared my machine (I have the D290) but I can tell you I LOVE the machine I have. I am whipping up lattes, and other drinks with no mess no fuss. It's a super machine.
Posted by: Lee at December 6, 2005 1:39 PM

Can anyone compare the Nespresso C290 machine against the Tassimo by Nestle that combines expresso/ latte/ hot chocolate/ tea capaabilities? Can't decide between the two...
Posted by: Diane at December 4, 2005 10:34 PM

Lee, there are many milk frothing guides on the internet, just do a search. Here is one to get you started: http://www.wholelattelove.com/articles/milk_frothing_techniques.cfm Darryl
Posted by: darrylr at November 29, 2005 5:04 AM

BTW when you are frothing for steam would the device be placed high in the milk or low? VS Froth? I have been using the pipe attachment..but today tried the other attachment and wasnt sure how to position it in the milk for froth.
Posted by: V Lee Mellott at November 28, 2005 4:52 PM

Lungo is 3-4 ozs.
Posted by: Jay Brewer at November 28, 2005 7:36 AM

Darryl, What size would you say a regular espresso would be vs. a lungo? Thanks for all your info!
Posted by: V Lee Mellott at November 27, 2005 9:37 PM

Lee, the auto frother settings for cappucino versus latte work simply be either opening or closing a little valve that either lets some air into the steam path or doesn't let air in. If you let air in you get a stream of milk combined with froth (cappucino setting). If you don't let air in you just get steamed milk (there will still be a little froth but not much). Darryl
Posted by: darrylr at November 23, 2005 6:07 AM

I bought some coffee flavorings. My grocery store actually had little pills you pop in the coffee for Irish Creme or Cocoa taste..but I have decided plain is best. Also have been making my own gingerbread syrup and lots of lattes for my daughter. I am curious how does the cappucino setting froth vs. latte steam. I have switched back and forth on dial and see this does happen but by what mechanism? I mean how does it change the function? I dont see any difference in the took itself when its on latte vs cappucino setting. But definitely a difference in the end result.
Posted by: V Lee Mellott at November 22, 2005 7:50 AM

Lee, to answer your questions: I'm sure it's normal for the D290 to be a little warm while powered on; it has a heater for the water after all. I'd think it's ok to leave it on all day, but I'd suggest also calling Nespresso for their opinion. Yes, I drink other coffees, I like all methods of brewing coffee since each produces quite a different tasting result, all good when done properly. I don't use recipes but things I find work well for coffee is to add chocoloate or flavored syrups. You can buy flavored syrups in tons of varieties at specialty coffee shops and online. Supermarkets usually have a few varieties. Common brands are Torani, Da Vinci, and Monin. Monin are the best but you'd have to buy online. If there's a Cash & Carry near you they carry a vast selection of Da Vinci's at half the price of a supermarket; these are the ones I buy. You can make flavored coffees with the Nespresso by pulling a shot or two (depending on the strength you like) and then diluting with water to 8-16 ounces, again depending on your taste. Then experiment with a sweetner, chocoloate, and/or flavored syurps. I usually add steamed or foamed milk to these but you don't have to. On the D290, the "cappucino" setting produces frothed milk, the "latte" setting produces steamed milk (should be very little froth). The latter is what you use if a recipe calls for steamed milk. If you want recipes, you can find them online by doing google searches using keywords like espresso or coffee combined with recipe, syrup, steamed milk, or any ingredients that would typically be used. Darryl
Posted by: darrylr at November 20, 2005 9:44 PM

One other question..I set the pipe in the milk and turned the knob to caffelatte and and then to frappucino. I see where the latte gives light frothy bubbles. The frap a richer, more foamy texture. If a recipe calls for steaming milk..which would be the correct setting..(the caffee latte setting or the frap setting)? Thanks!
Posted by: V Lee Mellott at November 18, 2005 8:07 AM

I will be interested in your opinion when you try out the Essenza espresso! I had quite the time marching around Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table and drinking different espresso shots. My stomach hurts today. I am not used to much coffee. I went from non-coffee drinker to several espresso's throughout the day! There was definately a difference in the crema but as you say much of the crema in the E. was faux air infused crema. A few questions for you Darryl - I notice the 290 gets slightly warm to the touch..would you feel comfortable leaving yours on throughout the day? The Nespresso people said warm was normal..have you found if you touch the sides yours gets a little warm? Also do you drink other coffee drinks? I would like to find a recipe book. I did find the recipe for gingerbread syrup on line and can make that inexpensively..today I plan to try and make it with splenda. And which is your favorite Nespesso pod? Off to make a little espresso!
Posted by: V Lee Mellott at November 18, 2005 8:02 AM

I use a D290 since I like espresso and it's great for when I just don't have time to pull a shot on my real espresso setup. I haven't tried any of the other Nespresso's but I did go down to Williams Sonoma to see the new Romeo and I agree with you--I don't really see the point of the new features. The capsule loading system my seem "cool" but it just adds extra mechanism that can break, and it also creates a longer path between the brewing chamber and the cup--not good since that means the brew will cool down more than on machines with a shorter path. As for the Essenza and D290 using the same pump--even if that is true there are other things in the mechanism that can differ and that can affect the brewing performance. The Essenza is certainly smaller, less expensive, and designed differently. Espresso brewing is *very* sensitive to even tiny differences in pressure, temperature, and extraction time, and even nothing more than a difference in the geometry of the water path could affect those variables enough to make a difference. It would honestly be suprising if the drinks didn't differ between the machines. The proof is in the cup and you witnessed it. Darryl
Posted by: darrylr at November 18, 2005 3:21 AM

The pump system is the same one. In fact the Nespresso gal went and talked to the tech people about it. Anyway I have never ordered espresso out..and got one at Starbucks the other day..oh my barely any crema! I opted to return the Essenza, Darryl as I wanted the frother (which words like a dream!!!) and because I think the crema is more air infused than the 290. To my surprise the woman gave me a bit of a hard time saying that the crema could not be different in the two machines because they used the same pump system! She did take it back though and I enjoyed a few cups of espresso from the models on display there. I tried out the new Napoleon and it is quite cute..but I thought WHY? I mean..is one really so lazy that they cant put a little foil packet in a jaw and shut it..And does one need the words SMALL and LARGE flash after one makes the size selection..Plus its larger..not worth the $ difference..BUT since I want lattes I can justify the price difference on the Essenza and 290. The 290 does get warm and stays warmer throughout the day than the Essenza..but I would assume that is normal. Am very pleased with 290, which I ended up paying a little over $400 for at cooking.com after finding online coupon and using online free discount site. The taste of the espresso is wonderful! What do you use Darryl?
Posted by: V Lee Mellott at November 17, 2005 5:09 PM

Lee, I doubt the two machines use the same pump. To create a smaller, less expensive machine Nespresso must have changed things in the brew mechanism. Even if the pumps are the same, something else significant must be different. I wouldn't expect a phone operator to know much about the internals of a machine; for the most part only the engineers would know that. I believe Nespresso wants to convey a message that their drink quality is uniformly good across their line, thus the message their operators are given that components and results are the same regardless of machine. I can't speak for how similarly the different machines compare in terms of brew quality since I've only tried the D290; however from everything you'd said it seems likely to me the brews must taste different, with the D290 most likley better. Darryl
Posted by: Darrylr at November 17, 2005 10:29 AM

As you say I think the Essenza is injecting air to make that foamy faux crema..what I dont understand is ..if the pump systems in both machines are the same (which is what Nespresso said) then why would that occur? Is it because the water takes more time to draw into 290 so the crema is not as air infused?
Posted by: V Lee Mellott at November 16, 2005 10:47 AM

Hi Darryl, Hard to believe I rarely drank coffee before buying these machines! I wanted to drink espresso in the afternoon and bought a krups which makes a mess..especially at frothing. When I got the Essenza I was amazed at all the crema that came out..but decided I wanted to make gingerbread lattes for the holidays and other coffee drinks and was not too impressed with warming milk in microwave. (Besides frothing looks like fun!) So I mail ordered the D290. Anyway...it was amazing to me to see the difference in the crema. I called Nespresso and they said both machines were fine, it had to do with the time it takes to pump water or something like that..(cant recall) BUT after really experimenting with the machines (and looking at pictures of crema on the internet) I have come to the conclusion that you did. The 290 was giving a denser, crema with a browner color. The Essenza was giving almost a foamy crema with a beigy color. Anyway I am returning the Essenza and have it packed up..so cant do anymore taste tests but they were both yummy. BTW I have been making my own gingerbread syrup since I cant find it at local Starbucks and it is just as good and much cheaper!
Posted by: V Lee Mellott at November 16, 2005 10:44 AM

Hi Lee, from what you're describing I'd say that the D290 is giving the better extraction. Besides the crema sounding more proper (not artificially pumped with air), you mentioned that the brew is darker. That is another sign that you're most likely getting a fuller extraction with the D290, which is a good thing as long as it's not over extraction. (You'd know it's over extraction if the shot tasted bitter). And here's another telling fact: you say you can run the same capsule through the Essenza more than once and get crema, but not with the D290. But a shot worth of coffee grounds simply cannot produce significant crema for multiple extractions! Sounds like the D290 is doing what one would expect whereas the Essenza must be "faking" the crema for you with injected air. In the end though, what's really most important is how you think the machines compare in terms of taste. When using one machine or the other, does one machine produce a shot that tastes *better* to you? That really is the key. Again, just from your description, I'd have to guess the D290 shot should taste better, but who knows. I'd be very curious to know what if you find that the machines to have different tasting results, and if so, how they differ and which you think is better. There's certainly no one right answer on that, which is why you really must be the one to judge it. If you want to try that experiment, I really suggest you do it as a single shot (about 1 to 1.5 total ounces for the shot). That should give the best tasting result, or at least the most like true espresso, and there should be no bitterness at all at that volume of extraction. Darryl
Posted by: Darrylr at November 15, 2005 9:18 PM

There does seem to be some difference in the crema. I'm betting you're right on the heating up part. However - we have been using the C90 Essenza for weeks now and I like it. I'll have to wait until we get a C290 to give my full thoughts on the matter and a direct comparison.
Posted by: Jay Brewer at November 15, 2005 7:25 AM

Bottomline then..is faux crema a good thing or better to go with the denser less full crema? It is curious why the Essenza would give so much more crema..when they use the same pump system. But if does appear as you say air injected.
Posted by: V Lee Mellott at November 15, 2005 7:19 AM

Hi Darrly, Yes I have taken the same type of coffee pod and run the 2 pods through each machine at the same time..same amount in a clear cup. The Essenza delivers the espresso first because the water tank is smaller and it takes less time to get where it should go. It spills out a milk looking substance. This settles into dark coffee at the bottom and a layer of foamy crema at top. The 290 shoots out some milky looking substance but its darker and it settles quicker with dark coffee at bottom and a much finer layer of crema at top (ie about 1/2 as much as the Essenza) Then for the heck of it..using the same pods I ran them through again..hardly any crema at all for 290 but the Essenza gave me crema each time. I am thinking you are right that the resulting Essenza crema which is kinda foamy is because of air. I really like it though! HOWEVER I love the frothing/steaming function of the 290. I just didnt want to keep it, if it wasnt working right. But it sounds like it is working correctly and the Essenza is likely putting in too much air. Would that be your take?
Posted by: V Lee Mellott at November 15, 2005 7:15 AM

In my experience what you're describing for the D290 is normal. The espresso pours out milky looking but it quickly settles to a thin layer of crema. It's a dense crema, however, and not foamy. This is proper for espresso; the crema is actually an emulsion of coffee oils and water and to the degree it is a foam it would be a microfoam. Now, usually more crema means better espresso, mainly because it's a sign of good beans that are fresh and properly extracted. Because Nespresso's use pods, which means not the freshest coffee by definition, I wouldn't expect a real thick layer of crema. From what you're describing I'd have to guess the Essenza is generating what is in part of faux crema due to air injection. I haven't used an Essenza though so I can't be sure. By the way, the Nespresso capsules are really designed for just a single run through the machine, and really should just be pulled as a single shot for the best, most espresso-like taste. You can get by with a double shot but the result is more like a cross between espresso and a strong coffee; it's still good but not a true espresso taste. Anyhow, I certainly wouldn't expect much if any crema from a second run through the machine--if the Essenza is producing some it's again an indication of probably a faux crema. But here is the important question: have you taking two pods of the same kind, run one through each machine at the same time, and compared the results? I know Jay says they taste the same but you should make your own judgement. If you agree they taste the same don't worry about it and go with the Essenza if you like it. If one tastes better then go with that one if you want the best taste. I'd be very interested to hear you opinion on a taste comparison. Darryl
Posted by: Darrylr at November 15, 2005 5:22 AM

hmmm for the most part I have not been preheating the cup in either machine. The Essenza pushes the coffee out quicker as its smaller and the water tank is easier to access. The crema on it appears almost frothy. The coffee goes in the cup milky looking then settles with a layer of frothy foam on the top. The coffee goes in the 290 darker and there is a finer layer of crema on top that is not so frothy and not as tall as the Essenza. As I mentioned using the same pod the Essenza will continue to produce a bit of frothy creama but the 290 will not - one or two shots from a pod and no froth will be produced at all (not that I would drink it..just doing it for comparisons sake). The gal at Nespresso told me the pump system is the same in both..so do you think that the Essenza is maybe heating up quicker and thus producing more froth? Or something is wrong with my 290? Or what? I have never been an espresso drinker till I got my machine. I looked online at pictures of cream and I have to say the Essenza cream is kinda more like tan milk foam than what I see in the pics. So maybe the 290 has it right! Just trying to figure it out so I can make sure I have a good machine.
Posted by: V Lee Mellott at November 14, 2005 10:14 PM

Yes no real difference in taste. Sorry for the typo. :-) I'm anxious to see the difference. Are you heating up the cup with hot water beforehand or just doing a straight shot into a cold cup?
Posted by: Jay Brewer at November 14, 2005 9:22 PM

What do you mean commission a 200? Did you mean to say "no taste difference" when you said "now taste different"? Yes right now I have both machines. I planned to return the Essenza as I want a frother and really like the frother on the D290..but the crema is not as full bodied. What I say is a denser crema on the D290 cup and a frothier one on on the Essenza cup? In espresso which way does one usually find the crema? After it settles down..the Essenza cup definitely still has more crema..a substantial difference and if I run the same pod through the machine I will get more crema from Essenza but not from the 290.
Posted by: V Lee Mellott at November 14, 2005 9:16 PM

Interesting. I've noticed more crema top on the essenza than the others as well - but now taste different. If you let the essenza one settle down a bit it can get nearly the same appearance. Interesting. Do you have both? I think we'll have to commission a 200.
Posted by: Jay Brewer at November 14, 2005 1:27 PM

Hmmm I got the D290 and love the way it froths...but I notice a big difference in the crema between it and the Essenza. The Essenza when it goes in the cup is almost milky looking than it clears up and there is the dark on the bottom and I would say close to 1/2 inch of foam. The 290 using the same type of coffee pod goes in the cup dark and then there is a thin layer of crema on the top..not as milky looking. If I reuse the pod the Essenza will continue to give me a little crema but the 290 barely any. So which is right?
Posted by: V Lee Mellott at November 14, 2005 1:15 PM

I called them and they said that it will be out next year and the guy expected it would retail for close to $300..though he was not sure. They are also coming out with a frother that will heat milk to use with it for $80. Anyway I am sooooo thrilled with my Essenza..but decided I wanted the lattes etc..so ordered the D290 (which I got today) and will be returning the Essenza.
Posted by: Lee at November 12, 2005 5:19 PM

I've found for our microwave - a solid 34 seconds does it right. On the lungo question - get a small cup and do what tastes best for you but I usually go under 4 oz for a lungo and less than 1.5 for the other shots but combine with hot milk sometimes. Depends on the hour of the day - more beverage in the morning and a shot in the afternoon.
Posted by: Jay Brewer at November 10, 2005 11:06 PM

Oops, a typo in my post above. The price I'm predicting for the new auto Essenza is $229 or thereabouts, not $129! Darryl
Posted by: darrylr at November 10, 2005 10:56 PM

Regarding the Essenza, I just learned that in 2006 (probably spring) they're coming out with a new model. It'll look just like the existing Essenze, but will have automatic dosing for espresso and lungo size water volumes. The volumes will be programmable as well. The machine looks just like the existing Essenza, with the left hand button now labelled with a small cup icon (espresso dose) and the right hand button with a larger cup icon (lungo dose). They're already selling these in Europe. Based on the UK prices, I expected they'll price it around $129. They still sell the manual version of the Essenza in Europe so this looks like an addition to the line, not a replacement. Darryl
Posted by: Darrylr at November 10, 2005 10:55 PM

Jay ...I did try the Senang. I ordered the tasting kit and one of every box to refill it! Two questions..one is how much water should be added to the regular espresso like the Roma..ie how many ounces. And how much to the Lungos? Also how do you pronounce Lungo and what does it mean? Thanks Jay! Off to look at the cafe turbo frother. Lee
Posted by: V Lee Mellott at November 10, 2005 10:50 AM

Agreed. I love the tasting kit. We are reviewing the Nespresso club right now and so far so good. Cafe Turbo Frother - love it. Did you try the Senang? Very good.
Posted by: Jay Brewer at November 6, 2005 7:40 AM

What frother are you using Jay? I couldnt resist and ordered the C290. I will keep one or the other..will let you know. Meantime I ordered the tasting kit from Nespresso..how cool is that! Like a box of chocolates except you pick your coffee. Did I say I am losing weight with my machine..cus I drink coffee for dessert instead of eating something.
Posted by: Lee at November 5, 2005 10:14 PM

I have owned a D300 since January 05 and I love it. I also have reservations about being locked into getting my caffeein only from Nestle; kind of an uncomfortable dealer-user thing... But I have found that the espresso is very good and the pricing is fair. The club is awesome. They are very responsive and make repeat ordering very easy. Now if someone could just invent a hack so I could try different beans every now and then...
Posted by: Danno at November 2, 2005 10:42 AM

Jay, I am looking to buy such a machine for my husband for Christmas, but don't know much about them. He is always in a hurry in the morning and usually drinks regular coffee but we have lived in Europe and he saw the machines a lot there an liked them. Can he use one capsule and then just let the water fill it up to 6 ounces, or does he have to heat the additional water some other way? This would take extra time. Thanks, Margie
Posted by: margie at November 2, 2005 9:53 AM

I'm using the coffee turbo frother. I'm not willing to shell out the extra bucks just yet.
Posted by: Jay Brewer at November 1, 2005 9:12 PM

Should I or shouldnt I? I picked up the C90 and LOVE it! Fantastic little machine. But I also enjoy milk coffees. I bought a frother for $20...I could use the microwave for the milk. Then I got to thinking maybe I should ante up for the C290. Its alot more, but I take care of my stuff and keep it for years. Do you thnk the C290 is a cute and functional as the C90 ..I know it was made at an earlier time. Whats your recommendation
Posted by: Lee at November 1, 2005 8:45 PM

While the machine is nice and low-maintenance, I don't want to be locked into drinking Nestlé's coffee. I normally use Illy for espresso but I also pick up private or specialty roasted beans. You can't brew 'em in this thing. And in Germany it's normally 8-9g for a "shot" (espresso/coffee/latte).
Posted by: BadDoggie at October 26, 2005 6:48 AM

Oh it makes a good 2 oz no problemo. I like my shots very short - uber short. A 2 oz is perfect from a single shot. It's right around 7 grams and I think 2 capsules for a 7-8oz americano would be perfect. I've been doing a 4-5 oz americano with 1 capsule.
Posted by: Jay Brewer at October 24, 2005 9:08 PM

Hi Jay, "enough to make a shot of espresso (1 oz)"--so after 20 seconds it makes 1oz of espresso--not 1 1/2 ounce or 2 ounces? How would a 2 ounce shot taste from a single capsule? How many grams of coffee do you think is in the capsule? Traditionally a single shot of espresso is 7 grams of coffee and that's all it looks like would be able to fit in the capsule.Sorry for all the questions Jay but I drink double shots(traditionally 14 grams of coffee)and I'd hate to think I would have to use 2 capsules each time for that.Once again sorry for all the questions Jay--I'm just a little fascinated--thanks!
Posted by: kfonda at October 24, 2005 8:58 PM

It holds up really well in the 4 oz size. We have an instant hot and drank quite a few americanos in testing. Use two shots for anything larger. And We like to add the shots directly to the cup then add water carefully.
Posted by: Jay Brewer at October 24, 2005 11:24 AM

I enjoy drinking Cafe Americano. Jay, can you add some water to the Nespresso espresso and let me know how it stands up to your local coffee shop? Thanks!
Posted by: D Gold at October 24, 2005 10:39 AM