I have a tassimo machine, which I rarely use, but am unsure as to what the difference is between nespresso coffee and pod coffee. Also, although the nespresso website sells the capsules, are they available in supermarkets and, if so, what brand do I look for? How do I know which capsules to buy for my machine (if I purchase one)?
Nespresso v Pod
While I can't help you compare the two, I have a nespresso machine and am very happy with it.
You can't buy the nespresso capsules in any supermarkets or other shops, it's online or in the nespresso shops in London. Works out about 34p a capsule though, which is pretty good.
You can't buy the nespresso capsules in any supermarkets or other shops, it's online or in the nespresso shops in London. Works out about 34p a capsule though, which is pretty good.
Can I ask why if you have a Tassimo that you rarely use you are considering a Nespresso which is very similar in principle?
Originally Posted by Dickimuss:
“Can I ask why if you have a Tassimo that you rarely use you are considering a Nespresso which is very similar in principle?”
“Can I ask why if you have a Tassimo that you rarely use you are considering a Nespresso which is very similar in principle?”
Can't find a strong enough blend.
Well Nespresso could be for you then. I have had one for several years now and regular use two of the strongest coffee versions they offer. I generally have them as a lungo - but as an espresso I don't think you could wish for a fuller tasting coffee. As a keen coffee drinker I spent some time debating between a Nespresso machine or a traditional espresso. I don't regret my decision for a minute. I now find that restaurant prepared espressos always disappoint in comparison and as for the cr@p served up in places like Starbucks etc don't get me started.
The only issue is that you are tied to Nespresso - so no shopping around for better priced capsules. On the upside the service really is excellent from them.
Hope this helps.
The only issue is that you are tied to Nespresso - so no shopping around for better priced capsules. On the upside the service really is excellent from them.
Hope this helps.
Originally Posted by Dickimuss:
“Well Nespresso could be for you then. I have had one for several years now and regular use two of the strongest coffee versions they offer. I generally have them as a lungo - but as an espresso I don't think you could wish for a fuller tasting coffee. As a keen coffee drinker I spent some time debating between a Nespresso machine or a traditional espresso. I don't regret my decision for a minute. I now find that restaurant prepared espressos always disappoint in comparison and as for the cr@p served up in places like Starbucks etc don't get me started.
The only issue is that you are tied to Nespresso - so no shopping around for better priced capsules. On the upside the service really is excellent from them.
Hope this helps.”
“Well Nespresso could be for you then. I have had one for several years now and regular use two of the strongest coffee versions they offer. I generally have them as a lungo - but as an espresso I don't think you could wish for a fuller tasting coffee. As a keen coffee drinker I spent some time debating between a Nespresso machine or a traditional espresso. I don't regret my decision for a minute. I now find that restaurant prepared espressos always disappoint in comparison and as for the cr@p served up in places like Starbucks etc don't get me started.
The only issue is that you are tied to Nespresso - so no shopping around for better priced capsules. On the upside the service really is excellent from them.
Hope this helps.”
That is no longer true.
Since Nestlé lost the appeal to extent the Nespresso patent, Nestlé Has Patent For Nespresso System Revoked, compatible pods from Dualit and Café Pod are now available. Our local Waitrose sells the Café Pod capsules.
That's interesting. My neighbour brought some copy capsules over from France - which tasted disgusting BTW. I was not aware that there were any alternatives available in the UK. As it's waitrose I might give them a try. That being said the whole thing about Nespresso is the quality of the coffee - so not much point having a great machine and using second rate ingredients in it.
Originally Posted by Dickimuss:
“That's interesting. My neighbour brought some copy capsules over from France - which tasted disgusting BTW. I was not aware that there were any alternatives available in the UK. As it's waitrose I might give them a try. That being said the whole thing about Nespresso is the quality of the coffee - so not much point having a great machine and using second rate ingredients in it.”
“That's interesting. My neighbour brought some copy capsules over from France - which tasted disgusting BTW. I was not aware that there were any alternatives available in the UK. As it's waitrose I might give them a try. That being said the whole thing about Nespresso is the quality of the coffee - so not much point having a great machine and using second rate ingredients in it.”
I only drink tea but my wife has had a Nespresso machine for a few years now, hence my interest.
I would agree, however there is little doubt in my mind that the reason Nestlé were so keen to extend the patent, and therefore their monopoly, was because they could continue to charge well over the top for the capsules.
Perhaps competition will have the knock on effect of forcing Nestlé to reduce their prices to a more sensible level.
My wife hasn't tried the Café Pod capsules as she has recently stocked up on Nespresso capsules so I can't give her opinion of them!
Not much cheaper than the Nescafé capsules but, according to my brother, much better in taste:
http://www.coffeepodshop.co.uk/--DE-...ups-c-414.html
http://www.coffeepodshop.co.uk/--DE-...ups-c-414.html
I too have recently discovered that Nespresso compatible capsules are now on sale and are mostly cheaper than the ones from Nespresso themselves. So I've embarked on some testing. So far I've tried:
1. CafePod Espresso Intense from Waitrose (strength 8): quite good, but maybe not as enjoyable as my normal Nespresso choice, which is Ristretto (strength 10). Also, there is more resistance on the lever when inserting the capsule.
2. Dualit NX Intense (strength 10) from Sainsbury's. Tasted pretty horrible to me and even more (slightly worrying) lever pressure required.
There are also several online sources, for instance
finecoffeeclub.co.uk
gourmesso.co.uk
bigcuplittlecup.com
I'm currently awaiting a sample order from Gourmesso. Does anyone have any experience of these or any other views / experiences of Nespresso compatible capsules?
1. CafePod Espresso Intense from Waitrose (strength 8): quite good, but maybe not as enjoyable as my normal Nespresso choice, which is Ristretto (strength 10). Also, there is more resistance on the lever when inserting the capsule.
2. Dualit NX Intense (strength 10) from Sainsbury's. Tasted pretty horrible to me and even more (slightly worrying) lever pressure required.
There are also several online sources, for instance
finecoffeeclub.co.uk
gourmesso.co.uk
bigcuplittlecup.com
I'm currently awaiting a sample order from Gourmesso. Does anyone have any experience of these or any other views / experiences of Nespresso compatible capsules?
Originally Posted by NickRich:
“I too have recently discovered that Nespresso compatible capsules are now on sale and are mostly cheaper than the ones from Nespresso themselves. So I've embarked on some testing. So far I've tried:
1. CafePod Espresso Intense from Waitrose (strength 8): quite good, but maybe not as enjoyable as my normal Nespresso choice, which is Ristretto (strength 10). Also, there is more resistance on the lever when inserting the capsule.
2. Dualit NX Intense (strength 10) from Sainsbury's. Tasted pretty horrible to me and even more (slightly worrying) lever pressure required.
There are also several online sources, for instance
finecoffeeclub.co.uk
gourmesso.co.uk
bigcuplittlecup.com
I'm currently awaiting a sample order from Gourmesso. Does anyone have any experience of these or any other views / experiences of Nespresso compatible capsules?”
“I too have recently discovered that Nespresso compatible capsules are now on sale and are mostly cheaper than the ones from Nespresso themselves. So I've embarked on some testing. So far I've tried:
1. CafePod Espresso Intense from Waitrose (strength 8): quite good, but maybe not as enjoyable as my normal Nespresso choice, which is Ristretto (strength 10). Also, there is more resistance on the lever when inserting the capsule.
2. Dualit NX Intense (strength 10) from Sainsbury's. Tasted pretty horrible to me and even more (slightly worrying) lever pressure required.
There are also several online sources, for instance
finecoffeeclub.co.uk
gourmesso.co.uk
bigcuplittlecup.com
I'm currently awaiting a sample order from Gourmesso. Does anyone have any experience of these or any other views / experiences of Nespresso compatible capsules?”
I have not really tried any alternatives In a way that would be helpful other than to say that I find the Nespresso coffees taste better than any alternative that I have tasted so far. As Ristretto is also my coffee of choice I would be very interested to hear about your opinions of any alternatives you may try.
Nespresso is a pod machine, so perhaps your thread title should have been a bit clearer? However, the coffee it produces is far superior to any other pod machine. But if you want the real stuff, buy a proper espresso machine. It's cheaper and the coffee will taste much better.
My Gourmesso sample of 'Ristretto blend forte' (strength 10) arrived just before Christmas. I found it similar to the CafePod Espressso Intense from Waitrose, in that it was quite good but lacking the fuller flavour and aroma of Nespresso's own Ristretto. It is, though £2.10 for a pack of 10 (if you buy enough to get free postage) compared to £2.90 for the Nespresso.
So I think I have come to the same conclusion as you Dickimuss: nothing I have tried so far is as good as Nespressso pods. Whether it is worth accepting second best to save some money is debatable I would say.
Can anyone suggest anything which might make me change my mind?
Darcy: yes I've tried a proper expresso machine in the past and taste was great, but it was the mess and cleaning which persuaded me to give Nespresso a go. I'd say Nespresso is a good compromise between taste and convenience. You do pay for it though.
So I think I have come to the same conclusion as you Dickimuss: nothing I have tried so far is as good as Nespressso pods. Whether it is worth accepting second best to save some money is debatable I would say.
Can anyone suggest anything which might make me change my mind?
Darcy: yes I've tried a proper expresso machine in the past and taste was great, but it was the mess and cleaning which persuaded me to give Nespresso a go. I'd say Nespresso is a good compromise between taste and convenience. You do pay for it though.
Originally Posted by NickRich:
“My Gourmesso sample of 'Ristretto blend forte' (strength 10) arrived just before Christmas. I found it similar to the CafePod Espressso Intense from Waitrose, in that it was quite good but lacking the fuller flavour and aroma of Nespresso's own Ristretto. It is, though £2.10 for a pack of 10 (if you buy enough to get free postage) compared to £2.90 for the Nespresso.
So I think I have come to the same conclusion as you Dickimuss: nothing I have tried so far is as good as Nespressso pods. Whether it is worth accepting second best to save some money is debatable I would say.
Can anyone suggest anything which might make me change my mind?
Darcy: yes I've tried a proper expresso machine in the past and taste was great, but it was the mess and cleaning which persuaded me to give Nespresso a go. I'd say Nespresso is a good compromise between taste and convenience. You do pay for it though.”
“My Gourmesso sample of 'Ristretto blend forte' (strength 10) arrived just before Christmas. I found it similar to the CafePod Espressso Intense from Waitrose, in that it was quite good but lacking the fuller flavour and aroma of Nespresso's own Ristretto. It is, though £2.10 for a pack of 10 (if you buy enough to get free postage) compared to £2.90 for the Nespresso.
So I think I have come to the same conclusion as you Dickimuss: nothing I have tried so far is as good as Nespressso pods. Whether it is worth accepting second best to save some money is debatable I would say.
Can anyone suggest anything which might make me change my mind?
Darcy: yes I've tried a proper expresso machine in the past and taste was great, but it was the mess and cleaning which persuaded me to give Nespresso a go. I'd say Nespresso is a good compromise between taste and convenience. You do pay for it though.”
Well you have convinced me. For the time being I am going to stick with the Nespresso capsules. As a Nespresso is a treat to myself in the evening I don't see any point in having less than the best taste I can get and it seems that nothing so far is coming up to the taste of original Nespresso coffee.
Re the espresso machine I agree with you. A really good blend that is fresh used in a machine that is in tip top condition and well cleaned may give better result- just, but it's not worth all of the mess and clean up required afterwards.
Originally Posted by NickRich:
“My Gourmesso sample of 'Ristretto blend forte' (strength 10) arrived just before Christmas. I found it similar to the CafePod Espressso Intense from Waitrose, in that it was quite good but lacking the fuller flavour and aroma of Nespresso's own Ristretto. It is, though £2.10 for a pack of 10 (if you buy enough to get free postage) compared to £2.90 for the Nespresso.
So I think I have come to the same conclusion as you Dickimuss: nothing I have tried so far is as good as Nespressso pods. Whether it is worth accepting second best to save some money is debatable I would say.
Can anyone suggest anything which might make me change my mind?
Darcy: yes I've tried a proper expresso machine in the past and taste was great, but it was the mess and cleaning which persuaded me to give Nespresso a go. I'd say Nespresso is a good compromise between taste and convenience. You do pay for it though.”
“My Gourmesso sample of 'Ristretto blend forte' (strength 10) arrived just before Christmas. I found it similar to the CafePod Espressso Intense from Waitrose, in that it was quite good but lacking the fuller flavour and aroma of Nespresso's own Ristretto. It is, though £2.10 for a pack of 10 (if you buy enough to get free postage) compared to £2.90 for the Nespresso.
So I think I have come to the same conclusion as you Dickimuss: nothing I have tried so far is as good as Nespressso pods. Whether it is worth accepting second best to save some money is debatable I would say.
Can anyone suggest anything which might make me change my mind?
Darcy: yes I've tried a proper expresso machine in the past and taste was great, but it was the mess and cleaning which persuaded me to give Nespresso a go. I'd say Nespresso is a good compromise between taste and convenience. You do pay for it though.”
I must admit that I've never found cleaning it to be a chore, it takes a few minutes tops and for me it's worth it for the far superior coffee and variety of beans I can use. If the nespresso machine could produce anything like the espresso out of a proper espresso machine, I may consider it, but it doesn't. It depends on how much you like decent coffee I guess.
I've read all the different comments and agree - a proper espresso machine delivers the best coffee. That is what I use at weekends when i have more time.
However, everything is a huge rush in the mornings and, today, I have used a Tassimo machine. It produces an OK cup of coffee with predictable results.
I don't like instant as I find it fairly poor in taste. I have a small problem, since moving I only have one supermarket in reasonable distance and they have a very poor range of the T discs (and never have espresso)
So I decided to order from their website. What a disaster area. Every page is so slow to pad it takes up to 45 minutes to order 7 different pack - and when you finally get to the check out
page no found (In Tassimo's' big friendly green letters)
So I am giving up on them (the machine is starting to show it's age anyway)
If I'm committed to ordering online then I may as well look at the alternatives and a Nespresso machine may be the ticket (I had a demo of one many years ago and was quite impressed)
Does anyone have a direct taste comparison between the two?
However, everything is a huge rush in the mornings and, today, I have used a Tassimo machine. It produces an OK cup of coffee with predictable results.
I don't like instant as I find it fairly poor in taste. I have a small problem, since moving I only have one supermarket in reasonable distance and they have a very poor range of the T discs (and never have espresso)
So I decided to order from their website. What a disaster area. Every page is so slow to pad it takes up to 45 minutes to order 7 different pack - and when you finally get to the check out
page no found (In Tassimo's' big friendly green letters)
So I am giving up on them (the machine is starting to show it's age anyway)
If I'm committed to ordering online then I may as well look at the alternatives and a Nespresso machine may be the ticket (I had a demo of one many years ago and was quite impressed)
Does anyone have a direct taste comparison between the two?
Never tried a Nespresso, but I've got a Tassimo and think it's a good idea to try before you buy.
The coffees are OK, some are a bit weak, but that's personal taste I suppose. The real problem though is the milk in those pods. They use long life milk and they really don't taste great. Lots of complaints about the milk on the website, so Tassimo do know about it.
The only way that I can stand the taste is to try to camouflage it with something stronger.
The coffees are OK, some are a bit weak, but that's personal taste I suppose. The real problem though is the milk in those pods. They use long life milk and they really don't taste great. Lots of complaints about the milk on the website, so Tassimo do know about it.
The only way that I can stand the taste is to try to camouflage it with something stronger.
