Recommended espresso machine?

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#728111 6-Dec-2012 15:19

keewee01: Have just come from Harvey Normans where I was going to get a Nespresso U, but they now also have the Map Bella, which uses the Caffitaly System of capsules. Machine, with milk frother (same style as the Nespresso Aeroccinno - but it will apparently only make heated milk 'extras') is $349

(Replacement milk frother, if needed, was/is apparently going to be under $40!)

The Bella comes with a red interchangeable face plate, which can be replaced with one of a variety of colours that are available for purchase.

Map Caffitaly capsules are $8.50 per box of 10 capsules, available off the shelf in Harvey's.

There are only 5 different flavors at the moment, but only 4 are coffee and 1 is Belgium Chocolate. The Sales Rep in Harveys said he expected more flavors to appear down the track, but I took a look on the Harvey's Australian website and after having the Bella's for several years they still only have the same 4 coffees (and 1 chocolate) that are being offered here.

The Caffitlay capsules are a lot larger than the Nespresso and so you will get a much stronger cup of out out it - so I am told.

Has anyone had any experience with the Map Bella or their Caffitaly capsules? Comments?

(Comments on Harvey's Australian website range from "fabulous" to comments about the noise, and poor coffee consistency.)

ETA missing punctuation :)

I see that Caffitaly capsules of differing brands and flavors are available online from several New Zealand cafes or cafe suppliers. So that adds more options for coffee flavors for this system.

Sancho

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#729437 9-Dec-2012 22:19

Hey guys, after testing a few machines I have decided I think the nespresso is the best way for way, ease of use and cleanliness had a lot to do with this decision.

So, what machines have people used and what would be the best? My friend just picked up the new Nespresso U and says is awesome. Any other suggestions please?

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Strongbad1905

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#729519 10-Dec-2012 09:35

I have owned the nespresso essenza manual machine with aerocinno plus and I have owned the nespresso lattissima plus. Both are great but I like the auto lattissima plus best. I have one friend that owns a U and after 100 coffees it has developed a leak, but nesspresso have a very strong focus on customer service so sent him a replacement part over night. Same happened for me when my aerocinno plus broke they just sent a new one received it 16 hours after letting them know best service ever.

Sancho

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#729530 10-Dec-2012 09:43

Strongbad1905: I have owned the nespresso essenza manual machine with aerocinno plus and I have owned the nespresso lattissima plus. Both are great but I like the auto lattissima plus best. I have one friend that owns a U and after 100 coffees it has developed a leak, but nesspresso have a very strong focus on customer service so sent him a replacement part over night. Same happened for me when my aerocinno plus broke they just sent a new one received it 16 hours after letting them know best service ever.

Awesome, thanks for that. The U looks great, I'm just wondering why its cheaper the standard model or the pixie...?

If there is bugger all difference I'd probably go for one of them as I have around 18,000 flybuys points and can get one through there.

My Friend who has the U seems to think the main difference is the U is even simpler and cleaner to use, but I think just from the Noel Leeming salesman as both of us really have no real world experience to compare.

I don't mind paying cash, I'm sure I can spend the flybuys on a nice holiday or something :)

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keewee01

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#729854 10-Dec-2012 16:14

Sancho:
Strongbad1905: I have owned the nespresso essenza manual machine with aerocinno plus and I have owned the nespresso lattissima plus. Both are great but I like the auto lattissima plus best. I have one friend that owns a U and after 100 coffees it has developed a leak, but nesspresso have a very strong focus on customer service so sent him a replacement part over night. Same happened for me when my aerocinno plus broke they just sent a new one received it 16 hours after letting them know best service ever.

Awesome, thanks for that. The U looks great, I'm just wondering why its cheaper the standard model or the pixie...?

If there is bugger all difference I'd probably go for one of them as I have around 18,000 flybuys points and can get one through there.

My Friend who has the U seems to think the main difference is the U is even simpler and cleaner to use, but I think just from the Noel Leeming salesman as both of us really have no real world experience to compare.

I don't mind paying cash, I'm sure I can spend the flybuys on a nice holiday or something :)

Talking to staff at Harvey Normans they suggested that Nespresso rolled the best features of the Pixie and Citiz together and got the U, and they gave it a plastic body to make it cheaper and more affordable. Don't know if this is true of not, but they did say they'd been to a training session for the Nespresso's recently.

I bought a Nespresso U over the weekend and I am very impressed with it and the coffee it produces! Make sure you shop around on prices as you should be able to get it for around $350 (I had several stores offer it to me at this price), plus there is a $50 cash back on top of this which means mine will cost me less than $300!

JamesL

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#729872 10-Dec-2012 17:00

I've been toying with the idea of getting a Lattissima+ for the last year, I think it was about this time last year I was in the New Market Nespresso store but chickened out at the last minute.

Although my dream machine would have to be the Slayer, though dreams are free ;)

Luckily Hangar in Wellington have one

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Sancho

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#730049 10-Dec-2012 23:45

I went for a good look at some today, and of course my expensive taste went for the Gran Maestria. Loved the chunky dial option and the cup warmer :)

Again, has anyone had any real world experience with this model? I have been offered one for $855 and the $75 cashback so $780....

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klyster

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#730778 11-Dec-2012 19:57

^ Sweet!

I tried the Warehouse pods today, not bad, not quite as rich as the Nespresso pods, but not too shabby.
I drink milky coffees so the pure taste thing would be hard for me to judge, I imagine black coffee is less forgiving with itscharacteristics.

I'm happy though because my Nespresso order didn't turn up today and I was running out because Sancho drank them all, lol! jk

JamesL

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#731257 12-Dec-2012 11:41

Now that we're moving into the summer months I've really been digging cold drip

http://www.hariogear.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=94

Highly recommend trying one out at Hangar on Dixon St, they regularly use a CoE or SO coffee. So good.

Sancho

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#733266 16-Dec-2012 20:39

Being the OP I thought I'd give an update :)

I bought an Ascaso Dream just on a year ago, gave it a few tries and just didnt like it, it sat in the cupboard for ages and I've just listed it on Trademe if anyone wants it give me a yell :)

Started looking at nespresso machines a week or two ago, bought one on flybuys so just waiting for it to arrive. In the meantime i bought the Breville dual boiler today, I had done some research on it earlier on and it got great reviews and today i was offered a deal that was too good to pass up, $1350 with a free $399 conical burr grinder. Have flicked the grinder on trademe too (again if anyone wants it contact me directly and I'll swing a deal) so after selling the grinder I figure the breville machine that retails for $1799 will cost me $1150. I made me and the little woman a coffee each before and was mightly impressed with my first attempt. Long black for me and a Latte for her and we both agreed it was easily a cafe quality beverage.

Would love to hear any hints/tips etc from others who have similar machines. Also, any advice on grinding coffee etc but I think i have it pretty close, the coffee today certainly wasn't bitter but the grinds were very fine.

The grinder is the same as the one I am selling, the GCG800, except mine has the upgraded burrs. Seems to do a really good job.

I'll have a few more plays and check out the Nespresso and sell whatever one I decide not to keep (so again there will be a 99% new machine for a good price if anyone wants one)

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Strongbad1905

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#733813 17-Dec-2012 19:16

Was in countdown shopping tonight I see they now sell a nespresso like machine and pods that say " compatible with other leading brand machines" but I couldn't find the cost.

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Disrespective

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#733878 17-Dec-2012 20:19

We bought a Nespresso U today from Harvey Norman. $316 after $50 cashback. It's just like all the other Nespresso machines but is nice and small so fits on the apartment kitchen top better.

richms

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#734517 18-Dec-2012 19:15

machine is $150 at the warehouse today. thats good enoughfo me.

Richard rich.ms

Wade

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#734525 18-Dec-2012 19:32

richms: machine is $150 at the warehouse today. thats good enoughfo me.

Saw this on the weekend and the milk frother is about $80 or less. Other than colour these warehouse machines appear to be of very similar origin to the DSE jobbies which for the record my one is still going strong.

In fact I have accustomed myself to the warehouse lungo pods and rather enjoy them especially at 50c a pod

richms

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#734611 18-Dec-2012 22:02

I only have 1 cup that fits under the spout. bother.

Richard rich.ms

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