Customer Reviews

Nespresso C90T Essenza Single-Serve Manual Espresso Machine, Titanium

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

My old 15-bar espresso machine wasn't what it used to be. I think it had lost pressure over time, and I was ready for a new machine -- one that was sure to give me a good crema on top of each espresso.

The Nespresso 19-bar system was perfect. I tried it in a store and the coffee was fabulous. We wanted a basic machine like this because I never liked steaming milk with the steam wands, and we loved the idea of using a simple, clean pod rather than packing grounds for each cup. (We have a pod coffee maker that makes excellent American coffee, and love the simplicity of that. So this appealed to us.)

We agreed to get the automatic version for $50 more than the manual version (where you have to shut off the flow of coffee). This gives you consistency and let me feel that guests would have no trouble making themselves an espresso.

(You can also make a lungo, which I prefer. This is almost 3 times as large as an espresso, but still much smaller than a traditional American coffee.)

One thing about this machine: it's by Nestle. I didn't realize that until after I bought it. I might not have bought it if I knew, because I wouldn't expect quality coffee, or fair trade, or organic coffees from them. But I'm glad I have the excuse to keep it now, because the coffee is great, and they do have a "Sustainable Quality Program" to ensure good pay for farmers and a positive impact on their communities. I'm not sure if they meet fair trade standards, though, and as a customer, I will encourage them to pursue fair trade standards if they're not there already; and I'll encourage organic coffees, to let them know there's some demand.

In short, I highly recommend this system over others unless you have a particular need to choose your coffee beans. The Nespresso selection is outstanding, though not organic. And if you want to make cappuccinos or lattes, get this machine as well as their new aeroccino, which steams and froths milk at the push of a button. I LOVE this addition, and prefer it over steam wands.

I have to admit I don't know much about espresso, but this machine has got me hooked. I bought it for my mother after previewing it at Williams and Sonoma. It uses pods, which you have to buy from nespresso.com. They ship next day or second day for at a very reasonable rate. You get 10 pods for 4.90 - each pod is a single serving. They have a selection of 12 varieties. A sample of each of the varieties comes with the machine, so you can find out what you like best. The website is very slick and offers a bevy of accessories, from finely tooled leather pod-cases to sugar bowls. It's very addictive. I gave this to my mother during a little birthday party we were throwing, and everyone became fascinated with the machine - everyone had to make an espresso! Since then, I have been over at my mother's house every day making myself one. I went to caribou today and it just didn't compare. Not that I claim to be an espresso gourmand - yet - but I am pleased, as is my mother. Man, I need one of these for myself.

This machine does not steam milk for cappuccino, but I bought a handheld battery-powered frother and it turns out everyone likes frothed milk better than the steamed stuff! Not only that but using that little frother is almost as addictive as the espresso machine itself.

If you don't mind buying the pods and sticking with Nespresso's selection - which is nice - get this machine! You have to clean it once every six months - that's it! It's very small and nice-looking for your counter as well. And nothing, I've discovered, is better than zipping around on a nice caffeine buzz!