Customer Reviews

PodMerchant Espresso Pod Super Sampler (ESE Pods)

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I've been an espresso freak since I first tried one after viewing The Godfather Part II (Don Fanucci downs it in one gulp while talking to the young Vito Coreleone). I used to go to Starbucks every morning, but I eventually decided to buy my own machine (Espressione Cafe Retro)and brew my own. I gravited to pods because they were so much easier and less messy than ground coffee. I buy the Sampler Packs from Podmerchant exclusively, but not because I am attempting through scientific research to find the "best" brand. There is no BEST brand. Sometimes I want something light and tangy, so I'll reach for an Attibassi Nicaragua. Maybe a rich, heavy blast after a big meal? Gotta be a Lucaffe Mr. Exclusive. Early afternoon is the perfect time for a Cafe Mako Napoletano. I like the variety, I like the colorful packaging, I like to be surprised and not know what's coming next! Espresso is a treat, a pure delight, something to be savored. Who wants to savor the same thing over and over? Give me variety, or give me death!

If you are new to ESE Pods, this is a great way to find the brands of pods you like best. Get this package and keep careful tasting notes - and remember, your machine will also work better with some pods than others. The idea is to experiment as much as you can for as little cost as possble and this sampler makes it easy.

On my Francis! Francis! X3, the Espressione, Lavazza, and Caffe Mako seem to be the better of the bunch so far. But I'll probably be able reach a final consensus after my next sampler.

At first glance, it seems like 60 cents per pod is really rather expensive. Starbucks charges $0.42/pod in boxes of 12. Other merchants like Podhead charge anywhere from $0.42 and up plus shipping. This sampler contains some exclusive pods that retail for much more making this a decent deal afterall. However, don't be fooled into thinking you'll really want to drink $2.00 pods on a daily basis. [...] and they have free shipping on $75 or more orders. Most are less than $0.50/pod if you buy a quantity worthy of a casual espresso drinker.

I recently bought an espresso machine that had a basket for pods (be advised that you need to have a machine that has a special basket for ESE Pods - if you're not sure, you probably don't have one). I thought I would give some a try and Pod Merchant seems to carry them all (I lived in Italy for several years and Pod Merchant has some Italian coffee brands that even I've never heard of).

The sampler packs are a fun way to try different brands. Some are better than others, but trying them out will keep you from later ordering 100 of something you don't like.

The order was processed quickly and they were delivered no problem via UPS. There were also a couple of "freebie" pods and a coupon as a thank you for the order which I thought was a nice touch.

The best sampling of pods I've run across. Price works out to be about 58.3 cents per pod. What's really nice is that I didn't know that you could get single-origin pods, and at least two of the brands in this sampler offer them, so it's great to taste the differences in the single-origin coffees as well as the differences in roasts between manufacturers. Find what you like, and then you can get larger quantities of the pods you really like. No joke about taking notes, either. It helps to keep track of which ones you like and dislike... There is definitely variation in the flow through the different pod brands too- so find what works well with your machine too.

If you are just starting out w/ espresso, or looking for a new brand-THIS IS FOR YOU! I thought this was great. It gives you 2 of each. You are able to try so many different types of espresso in just 1 purchase. See what you like & go from there. I actually enjoyed all of them. I give this sampler 5 stars.

I've been buying espresso pods for a long time through various sellers and at Starbucks (although they rarely have any in stock). It's nice to find so many different pods available from one seller, much less in one package. I'm looking forward to trying them all. Unlike another reviewer here, I consider the price to be more than fair considering what it'd cost you otherwise to try all these coffees. The shipping was very fast too.

I've looked all over for a decent selection of espresso pods. I was so
happy to find PodMerchant's Super Sampler. There are two each of 29
different pods so I was able to try out more different pods than I'd be
able to otherwise. This is an espresso-lover's dream! I'm also going to
try PodMerchant's Decaf Sampler.

Some past there best buy date, but were still good. Will try again. and again. A great variety of Kenya, Italian, columbian, Arabica. Fun packaging, arrived in a big ziploc bag. Appreciated the UPS delivery with tracking and delivery notification.

What a Surprise when I opened my Amazon order! I guess I didnt realize just how much coffee there was in the order. I am enjoying all the different coffee's, especially since it is so easy to make W/ the pods. Not the best press of espresso, but still a nice variety, and EASY to clean up.

Thanks for the Trip.
Patrick Pala