Customer Reviews

Nespresso D90/S1 Essenza Single-Serve Manual Espresso Machine, Metal

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This review is based on my experience with the Nespresso Essenza C90, but the Nespresso Essenza D90 is quite similar, and the espresso making mechanism is exactly the same.

We all have our little passions. Over the years, I have devoted too much time, money, and study to perfecting the art of making the perfect coffee and espresso. I searched the world (and the internet) for the best beans, grinders, equipment, and even tried roasting my own beans and became able to produce better potions that one can ever find in the coffee boutiques. Still, as it turns out, my efforts were in vain. The Nespresso Essenza (and probably the other Nespresso machines similar in design) produces the perfect cup and the ease of doing so, sadly, puts my efforts to shame.

The secret seems to be in the strong pumping mechanism (19 bars of pressure, same as their more expensive machines) and their superb coffee capsules. After being such a stickler for the freshest roasted estate grown beans, I balked at the use of capsules and considered it the coffee for dummies approach. I also thought that they might be kind of similar in quality to the coffee "pods" used in the new single serve coffee machines, which range from bad (for the manufacturer and supermarket brands) to only fairly good (for the best of the gourmet, limited-edition pods at over $1 each).

Against all odds, the Nespresso pods are pure magic. I ordered new pods right away, but even the sampler pods that came with the machine were incredible, despite being past their "best before" expiration date. I'm equally mystified as to how they can have about twelve varieties and almost all be exquisite, despite noticeable differences not only in strength but in flavor. The "lungo"capsules are also fantastic (these produce 4 ounces of coffee-espresso instead of the classic 1 to 2 ounce espresso). Being partial to espresso and very dark coffee, I wasn't so impressed with the two or three pods weakest in strength, but those who like traditional American coffee might prefer them.

The Nespresso capsules completely dispelled my concern that they would be limiting compared to the use of coffee beans. It turns out that the opposite is true. Sure, there may be hundreds of different beans available, with infinite possibilities of blends and roasts, but they rarely reach the superior flavor these capsules achieve. Moreover, ordering coffee beans limits you to only one or two roasts for awhile, unless you buy a variety of green coffee beans (which last much longer than roasted beans) and roast them yourself in small quantities. With the capsules, a nice variety of espresso variations are available instantly.

Having been in the habit of ordering expensive coffee beans, I find the cost of the Nespresso capsules at $.50 each and the two-day shipping charge of only $5.95 (for any quantity) very reasonable. When buying roasted coffee beans, the shipping cost for one or two day air was much higher, and I had to reorder them every few weeks to keep fresh ones on hand. Since the Nespresso capsules stay fresh much longer, I can order a several month supply at one time.

The only criticism of the machine is that the espresso might not be quite hot enough for some aficionados. However, it is just hot enough for me, and the temperature can be raised slightly by heating the cup first.

It is amazing that I can now enjoy the best espresso almost instantly. This is truly the perfect way to enjoy espresso, even if I can no longer take credit for concocting it.

I use Nespresso machine for about one month. It already produced 60-100 shots, makes tasty beverage for about $0.60 per cup, very neat and easy to operate. Coffee selection is excellent. Delivery of new capsules is fast. I highly recommend to buy special flat box for coffee capsules (actually, it comes free with $110 "welcome" package together with 200 capsules - a good deal). I use it to entertain my guests (it's like waiter in upscale restaurunt offers you teas in special box)and myself every morning.
The only drawback of this machine is inconvenient location of water tank - at the back side. So, every time I pour water I have to move machine from the wall and then move it back.

Below is my review of the Nespresso machine, and I love it. Couldn't be better and I highly recommend it. ONE THING THOUGH: make sure you compare the specs of the machine you buy, before you make the purchase. I bought the more expensive "cube" assuming it was better in some way (more power! yeah!) But it isn't. At the time I bought my cube, it was identical in spec (pump size, pressure, volume, etc.) to the other, cheaper machines offered. The only difference was form factor. So... if you're gonna get a nespresso, and I HOPE YOU DO, make sure choose which model to buy for the right reasons.

With all the new style espresso machines on the market (Tassimo, Keurig, Flavia, etc.) I was convinced that Nespresso was more of the same: a set of stylish gimmicks designed to convince you that this "espresso" (though not real at all) was "the real thing." It never is.

Which is why the Nespresso is so great. It IS the REAL THING. The capsules contain nothing more than espresso coffee grounds. The machine is simply an automated and miniaturized "real" espresso rig. And the results speak for themselves:

-- full bodied crema like you get from the best barista
-- speedy and HOT cups of espresso
-- the espresso produced is crisp and clear, full bodied, and smooth
-- my Sicilian wife and all her relatives (numerous, and mostly named "Maria" "Antonina" and "Dominic") all fully approve of the espresso that comes out. Comparing is to "Nonna's" would be sacrilege, but although those words have not been spoken yet, I am conviced the thought has crossed a couple minds. :-)
-- all this in under 30 seconds and within a square foot of counter space.

The frothing unit that comes with the machine is nothing short of black magic. I have NO IDEA what it does or how it does it, but the results will amaze you. And the best part is it's easy to clean: no sticky milk mess left behind to make you wonder who's gonna get sick first.

Coffee for this machine is 55 cents per cup, and Nespresso delivers online orders with astonishing speed (which is good, because you can't get the coffee from anyone else!). A bit pricey, but in this case you DO get what you pay for... and then some.
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this Nespresso machine is perfect; it is small, fits in any kitchen, the espresso is nice and strong (flavor; Ristretto). It saves us lots of money, no more visits to the Starbucks & Donkin Donuts. very happy with the machine and coffee flavors.

We have three of these in our extended family at different houses. They all work very well and make a great cup of espresso and or coffee. We have never had any trouble with them.

In the early 90's I remember buying a Krups espresso maker and concluding that the best cappuccino's are made by somebody else. It just wasn't worth the mess and inconsistencies. This Nespresso D90 along with the Capresso frothPRO has changed my mind. Stick your capsule in, turn on the left power button, wait about a minute for the little coffee cup button to stop blinking, push, and there's your perfect shot of espresso. No mess, no futzing with coffee grounds, no guess work. We got ours from Amazon for $106. The price fluctuates so wait if you're in no rush. We tried a few of the Nespresso flavors. If you like bolder coffee, try the Fortissio Lungo which you have to order from Nespresso.

This machine can make good coffee. You can get hot water from the nozzle, so it is not necessary to go for the more expensive option that has the hot water feature. I typically make a mug of coffee by removing the drip tray (for the extra room), fill the cup around 2/3 with hot water then pour two pods of coffee in. This is similar to a long black, which is called an americano in the U.S. You need to put the drip tray back on between pods because it releases fluids along with the spent pod when you open it.

After much time researching and tasting nespresso coffee at Williams Sonoma, I finally bought this machine at a great price on Amazon (watch, the price fluxuates some on amazon). It makes wonderful HOT coffee (not sure who stated it wasn't hot, but it has actually burnt me a few times), and I'm glad I bought the least expensive model. This model does everything I need. You cannt fit travel mugs under the nosel, but the coffee isn't made for travel mugs. All the cons you already know, like the pods are expensive and are only available on the net. Still, its much cheeper than a cappuccino at starbucks, this actually replaces my starbucks visits. If and when I make more money, I'm also going to buy one for my office.

This type of coffee maker was recommended to me by a friend from Europe. It earned a top score in a recent comparison test. Yes the coffee capsules are not cheap (.55 cents each)and you can only get them online, but the quality is unmatched. I describe it as liquid gold. the capsules last a long time and it is easy to use. This is a well constructed machine. bottom line, if you like very good espresso, this one's for you!

At first, I was concerned about the Nespresso brand. A bit scared of the quality of the coffee, the cheap price (for machine), and the expensive coffee capsuls. My breking point- Compleatley fed up with awful drip coffee, and the mess that comes with traditional espresso at home. Decided to give Nespresso a try. Why not? Ill do anything for good espresso and the wonderful drinks that come with it.

If your even thinking of getting a nesspresso, DO IT. I should have bought the system years ago. For once in my life I truley enjoy espresso-coffee drinks at home, and havnt visited a nasty starbux since. Personaly they make great Americanos. LOVE IT