Nespresso C180W Le Cube Automatic Espresso Machine, Arctic White Review

If you are committed to drinking a lot of espressos, lattes, cappucino's, etc ...* and not just a cup of 'joe,' there are only two choices for you to choose from, this and the Keurig Platinum B70. Both make excellent coffee, are easy to use and make cleanup easy. So it really comes down to design looks.

*Note that to make real froth, you need the Nespresso Aericcino frothing machine which is really just an agitating/warming/heating cup like device - Amazon does not seem to sell, it's around $90 but it makes a huge difference versus the slightly non-diary power cream taste you usually get from "fake" pods of cappucino/latte. Of course, it's a separate device that you can use with the Keurig also so you can decide.

Besides the looks, the only difference is that the Keurig sells about 100 different pods of tea, coffee and hot chocolate and available in lots of places while the Nespresso pods are only available online and your choices are limited to about 12 (or whatever they might add or subtract in the future). Though since Nespresso only sells 12, they tried to make sure there is a difference in each of their choices so while you do get "more" choices that work on the Keurig, that does not necessarily mean you're getting a slew of differences ... each Nespresso pod is $.49 each with a minimum order of 50. Keurig pods range in price from $.30 to $.70 but Nespresso's design sensibilities extends to the pods themselves - the "Welcome Pack" is especially cool looking, a minimalistic black box out of MoMa with multi-colored chrome dots - each a pod "window" showcasing the 250 pods that then slide out onto trays like truffles. If you have a lot of company/friends over and want to show off striking good looks even from your instant coffee pod, then you have to choose the Nespresso ... sure, that might be getting carried away a bit but great classy clean design can make a difference - just like you could probably wouldn't pull out some grape jelly jars to drink coffee :-)

Anyway, ultimately, that's what it comes down to - the Nespresso unit and its pods are something you'd proudly display on your kitchen counter as it's really a mini Italian roaster, grinder and coffee machine - even down to its cup warmer and its chrome-like pods.

The Keurig coffee itself can be just as good. The unit itself and the pods however are normal, functional, everyday looking design - nothing wrong with that but if you're choosing design and aesthics, unlike a lot of choices where you trade off striking looks for ease of use, you're not giving up anything with choosing the Nespresso.

BTW, the Nespresso LeCube is also available in red, chrome and a new black. I'm not sure if Amazon carries all the colors. At their website, you can go all out and go Nespresso crazy - from sugar sticks to cups to if you're a true believer ... the 'wall capsule dispenser in ebony-tinted oak.' I KID YOU NOT :-)

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Product Description:
In a pure minimalist design with a square, cubed architectural shape, this compact espresso machine features a unique extraction system specially designed for coffee-filled capsules. A simple system perforates the hermetically sealed capsule and soaks all the ground coffee to optimally filter the coffee, while the unit's high-pressure 19-bar pump extracts all the aromas and gives body to the espresso ensuring a smooth crema--the delicious creamy layer on top. In addition, the machine's ThermoBlock heating system heats water to ideal temperatures during extraction and empties the remaining water after each use so that the water is fresh for each preparation.
For added convenience, the brewing unit provides programmable extraction for small and long cups with automatic stop, as well as backlit "on/off," "espresso," and "lungo" buttons. Other highlights include cup-storage side trays for six espresso cups, a removable 34-ounce water container, and vertical positioning of the drip grid for latte macchiato preparation. Used capsules eject into a capsule container that holds 15 used capsules and has a back light to indicate when the container is full. The espresso machine only uses capsules, not any other ground espresso, but a range of 12 premium coffee blends is available, including decaffeinated. The capsules can be purchased from Nespresso, either by phone or at their Web site, and an assortment of 12 capsules comes included. Housed in high-quality ABS, the 1260-watt espresso machine measures 9 by 8-8/9 by 9 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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DeLonghi BAR32 Retro Pump-Driven 35 ounce Espresso Maker Review

Despairing of ever finding decent espresso in the Midwest, I finally broke down and decided to get a home espresso machine.I had worked as a barrista, and had sipped espresso in Italy, so I had some idea of how it should taste.

Being relatively poor, I wanted a machine that would deliver a decent espresso, at a decent price.Though I was willing to consider a system with proprietary coffee pods (K-cups, Tassimo, etc), it would have to be cheap enough that I wouldn't mind shelling out the extra bucks for the coffee itself.And I also wanted to make sure that it was pump-driven, not steam-driven.

After checking reviews and looking around, I finally settled on the DeLonghi BAR32.It's a pump-driven maker, not steam driven, so it's not scorching the grounds as it brews.And it comes with a single and a double espresso filter.

The DeLonghi uses either ground espresso, or E.S.E. espresso pods.The E.S.E. pods are not proprietary - any company can make them.The DeLonghi comes with a package of 18 Illy pods (retail - $12).The pods are convenient, but still expensive.

I've had the espresso maker for several days, and I'm happy with it so far.With the pods, it pulls a good single espresso with a satisfactory crema.Sugar floats on top of the crema for about 2-3 seconds, and it has a nice golden color.The espresso tastes very smooth.

Pulling a good single espresso, either with the pods or loose coffee, is pretty easy.Use the pods as a good judge of how tightly to pack the grounds in the filter.Use a level, loosely packed scoop of coffee for a single shot.

Pulling a good double, on the other hand, still eludes me.The best I've come up with is to use 2 scoops, 3/4 full and loosely packed, and pressed looser than for a single.Even then, it still dribbles out slowly, with a less-than-satisfactory (though present) crema.

The steam wand works very well.I've made several excellent cappuccinos and lattes with it.It's a little cramped to use, so I pull mine to the edge of the counter so that I can get a good mug under it.I steam straight into the mug of milk, and then add the espresso.Make sure to blow some steam through it to clear out condensation before putting it in your milk.Start with the steam wand nearly submerged in the milk, and then slowly pull it out (lower the mug) until you hear a gentle "sipping" sound.That means that it's frothing.If you see noticeable bubbles on top of the milk, that means you've pulled it out too far - dip it back in slowly and you should be able to whip the bubbles into froth.Once the froth is just below the level you want it, submerge the wand back into the milk to finish heating it.Listen again - once the milk starts to sound "hollow," it's nearly hot enough.Let it go for a few more seconds, then shut off the steam, and remove the mug.The wand will drip a bit, so put it over the drip tray or an empty mug.

Making espresso is fairly easy.Turn the machine to "Heat" to start heating the water and priming the pump.Make sure the filter holder is screwed into the machine.Once the "Hot" light comes on, run an espresso cycle without coffee into the cup you'll use - pulling espresso into a cold cup will ruin the flavor.Fill the cup half-way with hot water, and turn the machine back to "Heat."Empty and quickly dry the espresso cup.Put the E.S.E. pod or ground espresso into the filter (tamp down the loose espresso) and twist it into the machine.Turn the machine on, and wait until you've got your cup of espresso.A single espresso should be 30-40ml, or 1-1.5oz.I used a measuring cup to see what that looked like in my demitasse cups.

Looking back over what I've written, I suppose I do make it look a little complicated.And it is a little bit more complicated that popping the K-cup into the machine, and hitting "Go."But it really is pretty easy, and less than 5 minutes pass between "You know, I could go for a cappuccino," and "Man, that's a tasty cappuccino."

Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Good pressure
- Easy to make a good single shot of espresso
- Uses pods or loose grounds
- 2 dials + 0 buttons = easy to use
- Outstanding steam wand
- 32oz water reservoir lets you make 3 or 4 cappuccinos, or 6 to 8 espressos, without refilling
- Built-in tamper means one less part to lose
- Pre-heat cycle helps make good espresso

Cons:
- Hard to make a good double espresso (might just be me)
- Steam wand leaks slightly (usually at the start of a brewing cycle - I just keep mine over the drip tray)In the end, the machine makes a good espresso, especially for the price, but remember that you're not going to be running a coffee shop with it.I definitely recommend it for anybody who wants to make their own espresso, but wants to do it for under $200.

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Product Description:
DeLonghi is proud to present this unique and popular BAR32 Retro Pump-Driven 35 ounce Espresso Maker.Just a few of it's features include pump driven, makes coffee in mug-size or smaller cup-sizes, brews standard or with pods.With ESE (Easy Serving Expresso) espresso making has never been easier.The Sempre Crema filter produces a rich, creamy froth and the swivel jet frother makes frothy milk for cappuccino, latte and other beverages.The easy cleaning 35 ounce water tank is removable and fills easily right at the faucet.This model features an exclusive anti-drip design.

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