Filter Coffee Machine

There is a wide range of machines which are designed to be used with Nespresso capsules, many of which are produced by established manufacturers such as Krups, Magimix, Siemens, Bosch and Delonghi.

A  couple of the machines have already been reviewed on this site:

• The Bosch Tassimo filter coffee machine; and,
• The Krups Gusto (the Duck)

So if you are intrested in a very affordable Nespresso machine, have a look at these 2 first.  However, if you want have a look at some alternative machines (trust me some of these are fantastic) then keep an eye on the site.

Nespresso really know how to create a sense of exclusivity!  You can become a member of the Nespresso Club.  The aim of the Nespresso Club is to provide the members with access to Nespresso products really easily.  There’s no cost to join and to be honest the idea of it being a club is a bit of a misleading but it does create a sense that when you have a Nespresso machine you are part of a pretty select community.

As part of the Club, members can purchase a range of products from Nespresso capsules, Nespresso machines and a range of accessories.  These accessories include:

• Espresso cups;
• Espresso glasses;
• Espresso spoons;
• Trays; and,
  
• A variety of machine accessories (including travel bags for portable machines!).

Even better – when you buy some machines, they will give you a discount off purchasees from the Club.  Keep an eye out on this sight, I’ll update you shortly on the best Nespresso machines out there (and the ones with the best Club discounts!)

Technorati Tags: Filter coffee machine

Nespresso has developed a packaging system all of its own. It entails placing the correct amount of ground coffee into aluminium capsules that are coated on the inside with a protective lining. This prevents any contact between the coffee and the aluminium. One individual capsule contains exactly the right amount of fresh, finely ground coffee for one espresso.

This packaging system claims to preserve all of the qualities and flavour of the freshly roasted coffee for at least nine months, providing the best quality at the moment of consumption. Day after day, week after week, the end result is always terrific.

The Grand Crus

Taking the French term normally given to the classification of the best regional wines,  Nespresso use the term to describe their range of coffees.  I have tried all but the decaffinated coffees (please tell me why these exist!!) and I can honestly say there isn’t one that hasn’t made me go ‘Oooohh – now that’s tasty!’

So here is a quick tour (the number in brackets represents the strength):

Ristretto (10): The typical Italian espresso. It is a short, strong, full-bodied espresso with a touch of acidity. It has a pleasantly lingering taste.

Arpeggio (9): This is a Mediterranean blend par excellence with a strong character, intense body and long, exquisite after-taste. Its thick, smooth crema remains to the last sip.

Roma (8): With its sweetness and its woody notes, Roma is the ideal coffee for a short espresso which is not too strong.

Livanto (6): A very well balanced blend, Livanto is characterized by a dense and velvety aroma. It is a uniquely rounded espresso.

Capriccio (5): A full-bodied espresso, which is also creamy, mild and rich. Its crema is very dense, and so delicate that it reflects the light.

Volluto (4): Lightly roasted but full-bodied, Volluto’s flavour is round and fresh with a cereal hint. Volluto’s character is reinforced by a touch of acidity.

Cosi (3): Cosi is perfect for espresso lovers who enjoy a mild, smooth crema coupled with the refreshing acidity of a hint of lemon.

Decaffeinato Intenso (7): An intense, rich taste with slightly elevated acidity gives this decaffeinated coffee all the strength of a true espresso.

Decaffeinato (2): A lighter and creamier decaffeinated blend, offering a rich and delicate balance between mildness and acidity. Decaffeinato’s crema is distinguished by its hazel colour and consistent texture in the mouth.

There re many waya to buy the capsules – needless to say the web is a great place to start.  You can go for a set of a particular flavour or you can go for a stylish box selection set.  If you are just starting out in the Nespresso world go for a selection – try enjoy and marvel in the variety.

The next posting will look at the range of machines available for use with th Nespresso capsules.

There is a great deal of talk and interest in Nespresso.  But do we really know what this is? 

Nespresso is the brand name of Nestlé Nespresso S.A., part of the Nestle group. Nespresso products are based on a proprietary system of single-serving coffee “capsules” and machines to use the capsules to brew espresso. Capsules are available in a wide range of varieties.  When I say a wide range I really do mean a wide range!

Nespresso developed the concept of an aluminium capsule that is hermetically sealed.  When the capsule is placed into the coffee machine, the top of the capsule is pierced (some machines make a number of smaller holes whilst others make a single large hole). When turned on, the machine pushes hot water under pressure into the top of the capsule.

The base of the capusule is made of thinner aluminium than the rest of the capsule and as such the pressure of the water causes the base of the capsule to bow out. The base of the capsule holder has a number of raised squares, which causes the foil to rupture at these points (mesh like), and the brewed coffee then exits the capsule, and flows into the cup.

Depending on the type of machine being used, the spent capsule may then be ejected into a holding chamber within the machine. On top end (more expensive!) models this process is automated.

The Range of Machines

Nespresso designs a wide range of machines, many of which are produced by established manufacturers such as Krups, Magimix, Siemens and Delonghi.  They do all appear to conform to a set of standardised designs.

In 2000, Nespresso began distributing its own machines and in the USA, about 20 are available for home use.

The features of these machines vary, with the more expensive machines having features such as automatic capsule ejection and milk frothers. All machines take the same capsules, and make the same quality Nespresso coffee however, Nespresso sets minimum specifications, such as water temperature and pressure levels, which all machines must meet.

Evidence of the Rise of Nespresso

Now, as the saying goes ‘..not a lot of people now this but…’, if you really want to you can pay a small fortune for a cup of Nespresso! Here’s a thing. If you go to Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck in Bray (widely regarded as the UKs best restaurant and one of the top 5 in the world), where the 12-course tasting menu costs almost £300 (don’t worry this includes wine!), the coffee served at the end of your meal will be a Nespresso.

Here’s another thing. Pop along to Sketch in Mayfair, one of London’s most fantastic party venues, where the Michelin-starred restaurant, Library, offers à la carte main courses for upwards of £50, the £7 coffee they produce will also (though your waiter may not admit it) be a Nespresso.

It really does seem this brand is pretty unstoppable.  But the question reslly is  – is the coffee any good?   

Come back soon for the next Nespresso chapter – the coffee!