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When and where can I buy the Nespresso Citiz in the States
Posted by: Geeta at April 4, 2009 4:28 PM
Hi all,
I work in a grande cafe which serves premium coffee made from Nespresso. We have so many and operates them everyday.
Let me give a fair review about the Citiz machine.
Every website is talking about how nice is the design, and the new features that come along.
Let me give a true user feedback.
Citiz now they come with energy saving mode.
Auto go into sleep mode when it's not in use after 30 mins.
BUT it may take a minute to go from sleep mode back to standby.
This sounds funny don't it? Firstly you waste 30mins of power waiting for it to go into sleep mode.
Isn't it better just switch it off then switch it on when you need it?
Take note it only takes 30 secs to start up and standby the machine from Off mode. Compare to go from sleep mode to standby mode which takes 1 min.
So in actual, this function is not practical. Not really energy saving. Sounds more like a auto off mode.
2nd thing all users-to-be, got to be aware.
Washing is twice as tedious as a regular Nespresso machine.
Firstly, the capsule chamber can only load 10 capsules. Essenza can load 12 capsules, and the Le Cube 15.
If you going to have a party, forget it.
There's two sections of 5 parts to clean.
Compare to 1 section of 3 parts to clean in an Essenza or a Le Cube machine.
The key thing is 5 parts vs 3 parts.
And you need use two hands carrying two sections to the sink rather than 1 section.
Thirdly for the Citiz with Milk.
The Aerocinno3 they call it, is slimmer and longer.
Is more difficult to clean as your hands are not easy to reach inside.
It takes slightly longer for the milk to warm up.
Heat can be felt outside on the Aerocinno3.
Take note their standalone Aerocinno+, is insulated, you won't feel the heat outside at all. And it's wider, easier to clean and has a handle easier to hold.
The good thing, is splattering is reduced, which ain't a big issue if you going to close the lids anyway.
The design maybe slim. But it doesn't sit as firmly as the other Nespresso machine.
When you close the lid hard enough, the machine look like it's going to topple shaking left right.
It maybe slim, but it's not light. It's about 3.5kg for the small Citiz, but an Essenza machine is only 2.5kg.
Another problem. A more serious one.
The capsules sometime jam in the system. It's quite common and any Nespresso Staffs should be able to tell u so. There's no such problem in the older systems.
When you load the capsules in the old systems. You change your mind, you want change the flavor. You can take it out as long you did not close it.
We don't want to close it, cause it will puncture 3 holes on the capsules rendering it used.
But not for the Citiz machine. Once it's in, you got to use it. You can't change your mind anymore.
And when luck's tough and the capsules are jam.
The only way to get it out is force the lever down.
I really wonder whether forcing in such way will damage the machines not. Take not there's 3 needles inside which i wonder when will they get broken.
So this is the end of my trueful review.
My advice, get the Le Cube if you can afford.
The essenza breaks down more frequent than the Le Cube.
And i don't have too high hopes on the Citiz either.
But compare to all the other machines in the market. Nespresso is still the best operating, best consistency and maybe the best tasting coffee(for me at least).
If you are a casual drinker drinking below 5 cups a day. It's Nespresso. No doubt about that.
Posted by: Cafe Worker at May 28, 2009 10:21 PM
Thank you for the posting. I was trying to decide to wait the three to four months to purchase the Citiz or buy the Le Cube right now. Decision made.
Posted by: Brenda at June 17, 2009 4:52 PM
Citiz is meant for it's design and not that it has much practical extra features. I normally advise my friends to go for the cubes instead of the Citiz.
The things you highlighted are true. Take note as well, old capsules don't work with the new Citiz machines.
The more critical problem, is the capsule jamming. Maybe because it's the first batch of machines, there is critical breakdowns.
Le Cube is indeed a most reliable machine.
Posted by: Ex Nesp staff at July 3, 2009 8:38 PM
Just a little update.
One of the machines died.
But of course, the excellent service from Nespresso replaced a new one for us after they can't repair.
If you are thinking like me, you will wonder when will it happen again since it was only few months old. Or what happens if it's broken after warranty. Have to purchase a new one? Some of the Le Cubes and Essenza my cafe is using, has machines that are used for half a decade with no issues. Or very cheap and minor repairs done, never once the technician tells me it can't repair and have to replace. I was expecting such Swiss technology machines should be meant for lifetime usages like the former le cube, essenza and top lines. Which seems definately more reliable from my experience. I work with the machines daily. I see them more than my family. So i know them inside out.
And yes, it does not accept all types of capsules. i think they have different variation or Generation of capsules. The old ones don't work.
It does looks sleek and cool, but in my genuine perception. Why purchase a machine for it's design and forsake it's quality of build and reliability. It does not even worth the extra hassle in my opinion.
Posted by: Cafe Worker at July 5, 2009 1:21 PM
I wanted to reply to Cafe Worker's post as I think it's a bit incorrect or worse, misleading:
* Disclosure - I have my Krups CitiZ with Milk for about a month now. I've been highly caffeinated ever since.
1) Jamming. I have all new capsules so it's perhaps true older capsules may jam. They clearly say not to use capsules manufactured before, I think, November 08 (only going by memory here) BUT in my experience from the past month, I've never had a jam - not one. Period. It's effortless and easy.
2) The attached Aerocinno unit does not feel warm on the outside - not a chance. It might be that the individual unit stays stone cold but to say this gets a tempreture is highly misleading. It's at best body temp...that's not a temp problem, kids. I'd scald myself with the old metal frothing cup trying to get the milk foamy. It's true that the milk could be hotter, but with the coffee, it's damn hot enough.
3) "There's two sections of 5 parts to clean" -- huh?? There's the capsule box and tray below it, the drip tray and the Aerocinno and frother - I don't count 10 parts. Luckily I have two hands, and look! It's sitting in the counter, next to the sink. (grumble)
4) The thing sits quite firmly on the tabletop - again, this is ridiculous. You'd have to be swinging a collie by the tail to knock it over. A big one. Lassie big.
5) "My advice, get the Le Cube if you can afford. The essenza breaks down more frequent than the Le Cube. And i don't have too high hopes on the Citiz either." Again - logically, huh?? Are the problems you're having with the CitiZ or the Essenza, or are you recycling a review?
The reason I bought it was a friend's had one since March, replacing an automatic Jura machine, and has been raving like a mad donkey ever since. I can see why they love it - so I'm pretty defensive of the unit.
These units are used a lot - I average easily 5 cups a day, and I have parties often where it continually pumps out espressos like there's no tomorrow.
I'm sure the Cube is great, but my CitiZ has been fabulous and I (and my friend's family) very highly reccomend it!
Posted by: HollandJim at July 9, 2009 8:30 AM
Hi Jim. First of all, i've nothing to gain nor anything against Citiz. I've no reason to do so. My review is a comparison which is a better machine if you compare them in detail. Making a review base on my usage with all of them. Not just an one angle review from just using Citiz alone. They all work the same. But there's some little details which marks the difference. Which i am trying to write to let all Nespresso going to be, be aware so they know what they can look out. So they get the best out of the deal. In my humble opinion, Le Cube is indeed the best, factoring reliability and ease of use. Your review is base on your experience using your current Citiz with your Jura Machine. Jura machines are also good fyi. My review is a review base on my millions of use of Nespresso's range of all their machines everyday. ################## There's indeed 5 parts to clean. Pull out the top compartment ( 1. Metal drip tray. 2. Capsules container. 3. small plastic drip tray.) Pull out the 2nd bottom compartment. ( 4. Metal Drip Tray. 5. Plastic drip compartment.) I don't think you can point me wrong, that's indeed 2 compartments of 5 parts to clean in Citiz. For some beneficial information, Le Cube and Essenza has just one compartment( 1. Metal drip tray, 2. capsule container and 3. waste water container) ############### Capsules do jam. Not really that frequent but they DO jam. It happens now and then. And the only way to rectify is push it all the way down whether it will damage the machine not. It has nothing to do with the old capsules. The old capsules will only result, the capsules can't punch through and make coffee. What happens if you put the old capsules into the new machine is, it will only flow out clear water. I think i've mentioned this before. This is confirmed with Nespresso themselves during their call. ################## Citiz can only load 10 capsules before it's full. Le Cube is about 15. That means i need to run and empty my tray 50% more frequent. ############################I do my coffee in rush and plenty, and i do have to be more careful with the Citiz. Cause it did almost toppled, though it never fall. And my boss was staring at me. ############# I make few hundred cups a day. Truth is. Le Cube is alive. Essenza still ok. Citiz, died after a month. I already i felt something going to be wrong and i'm right. The Le cube is more reliable as in, it survived the most cups with the least servicing. In fact no servicing done after 5-7 years. Essenza had some problems back then. But Citiz showed the worst surprise in the shortest time.################# If you compare the Aerocinno3 and the older Aerocinno. The old one heats faster as it's wider. As it's wider, it's easier to reach and clean inside as well. These are absolute truth. The former Aerocinno has no heat felt outside. The new one that comes along with the Citiz will, it won't scald you yes, But it proves the insulation for the former is slightly better.############### ok there's one good thing about Citiz, it's slim. But if you tell me this little advantage going to convince me convert from a Le Cube. Absolutely no way. I want a Swiss product that can last as long as it can before i need servicing. ####### All in all, congratulations being a Nespresso user whether you are a Citiz/ Cube/ Romeo/Essenza/Concept/Gemini or whatever user. If you have not. No worries, the Citiz won't explode and kill your kids. But your life can be a little better with a better choice.
Posted by: Cafe Worker at July 9, 2009 12:48 PM
Hey - no personal offense, given or taken (I hope). The thing is some of your comparisons are really non-issues to the great mass of the public. I scoured the net trying to find ANY independent opinion or reviews on the new machines (not counting the shopping sites and their "reviews", of course) so I was surprised to see your reaction to the unit.
###
Nope, I won't do a hundred shots a day - and 99% of the people here won't either, which is why I find it unrealistic. It can be that the thermoblock can't do that many sustained pulls repeatedly for months on end without prematurely failing, but is it the manufacturer's fault? I bet with general use, this machine will heat and run properly without issues.
###
I'm a guy, nearly 2 meters tall, and have average sized hands an I can clean an Aerocinno quite easily, 4 fingers in and scrubbing with a sponge. You do have to clean closely between the wall and the mount point as milk can build up there, but I never gave this a thought so when I read your review, I thought it excessive - it's not like I have to get in there to the elbow! Just 4 fingers!
###
The Aerocinno has a little, very, very, very little warmth on the outside - you make it first sound like a scalding hazard!
###
If anyone's concerned with knocking it over, just go to a store and see one in person. Give it a tap, then a whack, then take off your shoe and give it a real swat - judge for yourself what it will take to knock it over - that's all I can say here.
###
Jamming - maybe Nespresso confirmed it, perhaps it was to keep you calm on the phone, but I've never had a single jam. Companies will agree just to make customers feel better, but really I'm not seeing anything. Then again, I've only used it 2-3 times a day for the past month or so.
###
It could be my machine's design has been tinkered with since the first batch of Citiz left the factory, but I'm really loving the unit and I think it'd be a shame to dissuade anyone from considering them for their home. Perhaps the Cube is the better industrial unit - I just know it would take twice the plugs to run it and about 30-50% more space to have both on my counter, and living in a Dutch kitchen, I don't have that luxury. I love my Citiz with Milk (I just hate the name..."with Milk" - sheesh, couldn't they have worked a bit harder on that?)
Posted by: HollandJim at July 12, 2009 8:44 AM
As mentioned. It's my personal comparison between all their popular series. Whether is it a le cube, an essenza, or Citiz. They are still Nespresso's machines. The quality output is still good and comparable between all the machines. The jamming issue, is more of a mechanical problem. The thermo block works fine. Nespresso's heat and pump control are excellent. No problems with that i can assure. I notice the jamming occurs more frequently when it's capsule container is about to full, which can only take 10 capsules in. It is not hard to occur since the container is quite tiny. Le Cube and Essenza had never encountered this before. If you observe closely, it's using a new chamber, capsule loading system. Which maybe why it has problems not encountered by previous series of machines. To those who already got the Citiz. As mentioned, it's ok. Just to let those who have not received yet know what they should be expecting and know what's the fine details which you may miss out looking. The older series of machines, works slightly more effectively with better reliability as well. Not to the drastic level of difference. But there's still a difference. BTW the power consumption for Citiz with Milk, appears to be larger. Again, these are all excellent products. Maybe i'm more picky, thus i identify sharply which is the most excellent, of all the excellent choices.
Posted by: Cafe Worker at July 12, 2009 1:28 PM
Ah - I see your point about what you call "jamming". I just came across this a day back when the SO was pumping out espresso-after-espresso for a greedy crowd here at home. Like you mentioned, she popped out 8 or 9 espressos before having a problem with the arm coming down. Sure enough, the arm was getting some resistance, but that was because the disposal container was full. ##### The Citiz capsule drops in, gets used, and then drops straight through. This works nicely until it's full; it's not jamming, it's just full so the capsule can't leave the espresso head and enter the disposal bin. Once you empty the container, it's back to smooth movement...she did waste a capsule trying to force the arm down, and then another since she ran out of water after clearing the bin. I think I'm in charge of espresso in the house again...
Posted by: HilversumJim at July 27, 2009 12:46 PM
Overall, I can make an excellent expresso or latte with a Nespresso machine. The biggest issue I have with the machine is the coffee temperature. It's too cold. Everytime I use the machine, I have to:
1. fill my cup with water
2. heat it in a microwave for two minutes
3. Pour the heated water into a small coffee pitcher to heat it
4. make the coffee
5. froth the milk
6. pour the milk into the coffee cup
7. add the coffee to the frothed milk
This process would be much better if the coffee came out of the machine hot.
Posted by: Andrew at September 16, 2009 4:10 PM
BTW i take back my words about the Citiz. I realised that the new chamber system is for making this indestructible machines, to last even longer.
It seems nespresso is using some new capsules and this new chamber system actually transfer the stress of brewing the espresso, totally to the capsules.
Which is good news, as it will extend the lifespan alot. The jamming issue, i've figured out what's the problem. It will only occur when the capsule bin is almost full.
But there's a little problem with the coating on the grey and red citiz machines. Try using your nail to scrap the handle slightly harder, it will come off. So getting the white and black ones which are plated with chrome will seem to be a better choice.
The coffee is brewed at around 83-89degrees and the milk is done at 65 degrees. It's for certain not boiling hot and it should not be. Those mentioned temperature are actually the exact and most recommended setting for making the perfect cup. It won't be too hot, and for certain you can't drink anything at boiling point too. One solution is to flash the system first before making your coffee, it will force those cold water residing in the tubes to come out.
Posted by: Cafe Worker at September 18, 2009 12:15 PM
How do you know which is the 'old' machine and to the newer with the improvement.
Posted by: Norma at September 19, 2009 1:58 PM
The citiz are all new machines.
The chamber is shorter.
Some guys emailed me asking how bad is the scratching on the red and grey Citiz. I will say mine came off and visible from 5 steps away at least. It's on some prominent spots
Posted by: Cafe Worker at September 25, 2009 7:48 PM
I have been using Citiz for few weeks not, and after reading the comments here, I'd like to add few observations.
#####
First, the design/size of the unit was one of the main factors that influenced my decision to get Citiz. Living in a city, space on my kitchen counter is very limited. Citiz can fit into tight spaces and that is very valuable.
#####
That is also the reason why I didn't buy "Citiz & Milk" unit, but instead bought "Citiz" and the "Aeroccino+" frother as separate stand-alone units. The space-saving design of "Citiz" is its most unique feature. Buying the "Citiz & Milk" combined unit completely destroys that benefit -- it requires at least twice as much room as the stand-alone Citiz machine. Why would I sacrifice the most unique and wonderful feature the stand-alone Citiz has to offer? After all, you may not always want coffee with milk and there is no need to have the milk-frothing portion take counter space all the time. Also, if you buy the stand-alone Aeroccino+, you can use it anywhere, not just in the space provided by "Citiz & Milk" machine. This gives you much more flexibility in use of the forther and in placement of the Citiz. When I make a cappuccino, I simply rinse the Aeroccino+ and put it on a shelf.
#####
Another poster also mentioned that the stand-alone Aeroccino is wider and easier to clean. I've tried both, and I completely agree. I have medium to large hands, and the difference is significant to me.
#####
Also, having a built-in handle on the stand-alone Aeroccino+ makes it much easier to use (at least for me).
#####
The one design flaw of the stand-alone Citiz machine is the placement of the On/Off switch: it is on the bottom right of the machine. That reduces the counter placement options because you need space for your hand to reach the switch. So you can't flush Citiz with, for example, a wall or microwave on the right side.
#####
I am actually very surprised that Nespresso design people missed this, especially because there are few obvious areas on the top of the unit or in the back above the water reservoir that could have been used to place the switch. The design of the unit is otherwise so extremely well thought-out that this little detail irks me.
#####
All that said, I really love this machine. I am using it for all coffee I make, about 10 times a day. Does it make the best espresso or cappuccino I ever had? No. But is is a step above Starbucks, and that is good enough for me. I love the convenience and no-fuss consistency. And the fact that it doesn't have a vulgar price-tag makes it a great value.
#####
Two thumbs up from me.
Posted by: SPost at November 16, 2009 2:34 PM
Hey, "Cafe Worker," how're you doing. It says quite clearly in the manual of the Citiz machine that it's intended for home use only, not commercial use. Before you post poorly-worded criticisms, try this old, never-failing advice: RTFM. Read the f&*%ing manual.
Posted by: Leonidas at December 14, 2009 8:27 PM
Can anyone tell me what the difference is between the C110 and the D110? Is it just color choice, button placement and front spout styling or is there more to it?
Posted by: Adam at December 29, 2009 8:48 PM
My wife bought me the Citiz and the Aeroccino+ for Christmas. I had another expresso machine and wondered what the big attraction was. Well, now I know. The quality of the finished product is at least equal to coffee made with the old hard to clean machine, and the process is so much easier.
The Aeroccino+ may not produce the "microbubbles" as well as a steam frother as others have suggested, but I sure as heck don't find this an issue...I mainly use mine with the hot milk whisk, and there are plenty of little bubbles for me. The one time I used the frothing whisk, I saw lots of bubbles...not sure how small they have to be to be considered perfect!
Cleanup is simple and straight-forward, and while I sometimes wonder if $.52-$.62 is a little steep for a small cup of Joe, the blends I have tasted are extremely satisfying to my untrained palate, and the convenience is worth the cost.
So, in the unlearned opinion of this expresso non-snob (sorry, but coffee is not a hobby to me, it's a luxurious adjunct to my day), I love my Citiz and Aeroccino+, and I would recommend them to anyone wanting a great coffee experience. Get one and pamper yourself.
Posted by: Jim B at January 3, 2010 12:37 PM Post a comment
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Review: Nespresso CitiZ Single Serve Coffee and Espresso Maker
