Espresso Club

Nespresso Pixie Review – Magimix vs. Krups

admin — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 18:17:04 +0000

The Nespresso Pixie is the newest and fastest yet espresso machine for the Nespresso capsule system. Nespresso machines use specific capsules produced by Nespresso (See Nespresso capsules range) to make espressos and other coffee drinks. This machine takes only 25 seconds to heat up, in order to make you the perfect espresso (40ml) or lungo (110ml). The two coffee buttons are already programmed to give you the perfect dosage for your choice of beverage.

It has a used capsule container that can hold 9-11 used capsules, so you don’t need to cleanup after every use, and a 0.7 liter water tank. This coffee machine also has a foldable cup support to allow usage of both tall latte glasses and short espresso cups. The Nespresso Pixie is not made directly for making cappuccinos as it doesn’t have a built-in milk frother, but you may purchase this machine bundled with the newest generation Nespresso Aeroccino 3 to make the perfect cappuccino!

If you’re familiar with Nespresso’s line of coffee machines, you may very well know that in Europe most of them are sold for Nespresso by both Krups and Magimix and are slightly different. An example can be seen in several of my posts, including the one for the very popular Nespresso CitiZ coffee machine. The main difference between the Krups and Magimix models is how the coffee outlet looks. You’ll see it clearly in the photos below.

Nespresso Pixie (Magimix models)

Magimix Pixie M110 Electrical Aluminum

Magimix Pixie M110 Electric Lime Green

Magimix Pixie M110 Electric Steel Blue

As you can see the coffee outlet has a kind of a pointing down hose like shape. However, as you can see below in Pixie’s case, the Magimix and Krups models have totally different colors as well:

Nespresso Pixie (Krups models)

Krups Pixie XN300540 Titanium

Krups Pixie XN300640 Red

Krups Pixie XN300940 Indigo

Check out price comparisons and user reviews on the Nespresso Pixie coffee machines

Coffee Machines Summary

The Nespresso Pixie is a very stylish and practical coffee machine, especially for making espressos. If you desire a coffee machine that makes cappuccinos on a daily basis, go for the Pixie + Aeroccino bundle. Here is the feature summary of these machines:

The fastest Nespresso machine with a 25 second brewing temperature heating time.
19-bar high-pressure Thermoblock pump.
Two buttons for different doses – preparing espresso or lungo.
Weighs about 3 Kilograms.
A removable 0.7 Liter water container.
Automatic warning light when water level is down.
Low energy consumption – goes to power off.
Dimensions – 11.1 x 23.5 x 32.6 cm (W x H x D)
Download a copy of Magimix Pixie instruction manual

Tassimo Bosch TAS2001 Review

admin — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 12:35:19 +0000

Today I’d like to give you details about this hot beverage drink machine. It’s the Bosch Tassimo TAS4011GB Multi-Beverage Machine, and you can figure out that it uses the Tassimo capsule system. If you haven’t heard of the Tassimo capsule system, you are welcome to read about it first here.

Bosch Tassimo TAS2001

This machine will make you a cup of espresso, cappuccino, latte, hot chocolate, tea or even more hot beverages at a push of a button. The Tassimo system includes special T-DISCs (capsules) with barcodes, which are read by the machine to set the correct water temperature, pressure and brew time for each drink. One of the cool things about the T-DISCs is that they come in known flavors such as Milka chocolate, Starbucks coffee or Twinings tea. For the milk based flavor, you will have to combine two T-DISCs (for example, a chocolate capsule, and a milk capsule).

You can adjust the height of the cup stand for small espressos or tall lattes, and also manually set the strength of the drink. I really like this machine because it is very competitive price wise, and you get to pick from a large set of flavors for your drink, and not only coffee. It is also easy to find the T-DISCs from major Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Morrsions, Somerfield and Boots stores, or you can find them online at the Tassimo online store as well.

I wouldn’t say this is the machine for someone who is looking for an espresso only machine, but if you want to prepare different drinks, and you are on a tight budget, this is definitely a good option to consider.

Technical Specification

Barcode system ensures perfect drink every time
Manual adjustment of drink strength possible
Dimensions (mm): H273mm x W204mm x D334mm
Flow heater technology means virtually no heat up time and minimal waiting between drinks
Easy to use interface with one button
Height adjustable cup stand for different size cups
2 litre removable easy-fill water tank
Automtic de-scaling function
Highly energy efficient due to flow heater
On-off switch on front of appliances
Dishwasher safe parts
Storage compartment for service T-DISC and quick instruction manual
Cable storage at back of appliances

Check out price comparisons and user reviews for the Bosch Tassimo TAS4011GB Multi-Beverage Machine.

Here is a video by Bosch on the machine..

Dualit Latteccino Milk Frother

admin — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 19:21:27 +0000

So you’ve bought your new coffee machine, whether it’s a Nespresso machine, Caffitaly machine, Senseo or any traditional ground coffee machine. You’re all happy making your first cup of coffee and then you realize – Oh my gosh! My coffee machine doesn’t have a milk frother nozzle! I can only make espressos…

Ok – That may be a little extreme because I’m sure you’ve made a serious market research before shopping for such a trendy and useful appliance for your kitchen. If you decided to buy an espresso machine without a milk frothing nozzle, you must have meant for that to be so.

But let’s say you didn’t… Hold on to that thought for a second.

Now let’s assume you do like to have cappuccinos as well and you did buy a Nespresso machine with a milk frothing nozzle or any other coffee machine for that matter. I don’t want to be the one to break it to you, but there is a good chance that you may get tired of waiting when switching between coffee mode and milk mode on your machine, and of all the hassle and cleanup.

Dualit Latteccino Milk Frother

For both cases I’ve just described there is a simple and really cool solution, not to mention it works beautifully. The Dualit Lattenccino Milk Frother is the answer to Nespresso’s Aeroccino which is also a great device.
It is basically a milk frother mug, that steams or heats up your milk within 70 to 90 seconds on the press of a button. That’s it – not much to explain. It is cordless so you can take it with you to the table and have 2 screw-on attachments that function for heating or steaming milk. I’ve seen this appliance in action and it works wonderfully. This is a must have companion for your home coffee machine whether it has a milk frothing nozzle or whether it doesn’t.

The Latteccino Milk Frothers comes in 4 colours – Chrome, Cream, Black and Red. Price runs between £50 – £60.

Features as mentioned by the manufacturer:

Dual function – perfectly frothed or heated milk at the touch of a button
From cold to hot (and frothed if required) milk in only 70 seconds
Filling capacity 150ml for frothed milk and 250ml for heated milk
Cordless operation with 360° swivel base; can be placed on its base at any rotary angle
Heats milk to around 65°C
Jug has non-stick coating for easy cleaning
Automatic switch off
Non-slip rubber feet
Available in polished stainless steel or gloss colours
Weight 0.9kg, dimensions 16 x 12 x 17.5 cm

Download the manuals for the chrome model and other models here.

The Nespresso Aeroccino Milk Frother

Dolce Gusto Piccolo

admin — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 19:52:18 +0000

The NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Piccolo by Krups is a new addition to the NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto System. This coffee and hot beverage machine uses the capsules made exclusively by NESCAFÉ to brew a frew cup of cappuccino, espresso or hot chocolate. It is a compact solution small of size, and of price.

Dolce Gusto Piccolo

The technology behind Dolce Gusto coffee machines deliver a 15-bar pressure system and Thermoblock. This ensures that your espresso dose is delivered with high quality and a foamy froth, rich crema and luxurious flavor.

The Dolce Gusto Piccolo has a custom control lever that lets you decide and customize customize your coffee’s strength and mixture. Also use the lever to alternate between hot and cold beverages.

Technical Specification

White, Red, and Black stylish design
High 15 bar pressure with Thermoblock Boiler
Stainless Steel and height adjustable drip tray
Dishwasher safe capsule holder
0.62 Liter removable water tank
Machine Size 11.3(H) x 6.26(W) x 8.66(L) in

Dolce Gusto – Coffee is Not Just BLACK

admin — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 16:34:44 +0000

Are you still having your coffee black? Well that’s okay But just know that you are missing out on a lot of fun and great flavours with NESCAFÉ’s Dolce Gusto™ sysetm.
Dolce Gusto gives you a range of beautifully designed hot beverage (coffee, hot chocolate, etc.) machines – As well as a wide variety of great flavours of coffee in capsules that fit those machines.

The capsules are priced very competitively and are available almost everywhere to purchase.

DOLCE GUSTO is the perfect gift for the coming holiday season!

Enjoy this video from Dolce Gusto, and stay till the end to see the latest and greatest offers from NESCAFÉ.

Check out my other posts on Dolce Gusto coffee machines and capsules:

Nespresso Capsules Holder Roundup

admin — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 15:37:39 +0000

Coffee capsules machines have become very popular in people’s kitchens. Nespresso has been investing a lot in its coffee machine and capsules range. To buy Nespresso capsules you have to order them online on Nespresso’s website or boutique stores, but there is a whole range of Nespresso capsules holders for sale online and offline. Here is a roundup of what’s available for you online.

Kitchen Craft Le’Xpress Coffee Capsule Holder and Dispenser (KCLX40POD)

Chrome plated rack with wooden base designed to hold 40 single serve coffee capsules. Taking up little space on kitchen worktops it is ideal for keeping coffee pods readily available for use. Price from £11.99

Kitchen Craft Le'Xpress Capsule Holder

Brabantia Coffee Capsule Dispenser

The Brabantia Nespresso capsules holder with matt steel finish, stores up to 30 capsules (6 X 5). Very easy to take out or refill, this holder also has a central container for either coffee spoons or empty capsules. The central unit can go in the dishwasher so it’s easy to clean. Price from £28.60

Brabantia Coffee Capsule Dispenser

Brabantia Wall Dispenser for Nespresso Coffee Capsules

This is Brabantia’s solution for Nespresso capsules storage on the wall. Capsules are loaded from the top and ejected from the bottom. The rack holds 21 (3X7) capsules. Price from £13.05

Brabantia Wall Dispenser

Tavola Swiss Capstore Vista Coffee Capsule Stand

The Capstore Vista hold up to 40 Nespresso capsules. It has a revolving base for easy browsing, and capsules can be ejected from both the top and bottom. Price from £19.26

Tavola Swiss Capstore Vista

Tavola Swiss Capstore Fila

The Tavola swiss Capstore Fila holds 40 capsules or 60 capsules (depends on the model), and is meant to be mounted to either your cupboards door, or wall. Price from £16.00 / £40.45 respectively

Tavola Swiss Capstore Fila 40 Capsules

Tavola Swiss Capstore Fila 60 Capsules

Tavola Swiss Capstore Nobile

This Nespresso capsules holder also holds 40 capsules (4X10) in a very sharp design. The base revolves same as the Vista holder. Price from £42.36

Tavola Swiss Capstore Nobile

Tavola Swiss Capstore Bamboo

If you are more into wood type design, Tavola Swiss has two beautiful Nespresso Capsules holders for you. Both hold 40 capsules so just choose according to your preferation in the flat or round display. Prices from £25.00

Tavola Swiss Bamboo Round

Tavola Swiss Capstore Bamboo Flat

Tavola Swiss Capstore Swing

This steel stand holds 40 capsules (4X10). Prices from £25.00

Tavola Swiss Capstore Swing

Francis Francis X7

admin — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 12:38:22 +0000

The Francis Francis X7 iperEspresso coffee machine is very elegantly designed and extremely convenient to use. This machine uses the illy iperEspresso capsules. The patented capsules by illy basically work like other systems such as the Nespresso capsule system or the Caffitaly system. The ground coffee comes is a pre-prepared dose inside a capsule. The capsule is then inserted into the Francis Fancis X7 and with one click of a button you get the perfect espresso. With the iperEspresso system, the espresso is ejected directly in the cup, without any contact with the machine, resulting in minimum cleanup and maintenance.

iperEspresso Capsules System

The Francis Francis X7 uses a one-touch brewing cycle, so all you need to do is press a button and the espresso is prepared. However, there is also an auto-stop feature if you prefer to manually set the dosing of water for your espresso. The machine also has a built in milk frothing nozzle for preparation of cappuccino and latte.

The Francis Francis X7 coffee machine is designed by famous Italian architect Luca Trazzi, and come in either black,r red color. Definitely one of the strong sides of the beautiful machine is its retro but futuristic design that would add a lot to any kitchen.

Francis Francis X7

Download the Francis Francis X7 User Manual here.

Check out price comparisons and user reviews on the Francis Francis X7 Coffee Machine.

Francis Francis X7 Coffee Machine Summary

One-touch brewing cycle
Easy-use handle to hold iperEspresso capsule
Lighted central display and acoustic signals to guide user
No contact between machine and coffee inside the capsule for a clean system
Traditional steam wand for thick, frothy cappuccino and latte
Auto-stop feature to control cup volume
Automatic decalcification program
Brass boiler with automatic boiler refill
15 bar pump
34 ounce water tank (approx. 22-30 servings)
Polycarbonate body
Works exclusively with illy iperEspresso capsules
Available in red, black or white

Best Nespresso Capsules

admin — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 19:18:46 +0000

What are the best Nespresso Capsules for latte? cappuccino? espresso?
If you’ve recently bought a Nespresso CitiZ coffee machine or planning to purchase one soon, you may be asking yourself this question. Well, you are not the only one. Have a look at the Nespresso Capsules range and Nespresso’s suggestions for which type of coffee best fits each blend.

Please add your comments based on your experience as to the different blends offered by Nespresso.

You can also get more information about Nespresso Capsules on my Nespresso Capsules – Where to Buy post, or about Nespresso capsule holders.

Best Nespresso Capsules

Ristretto - Strength 10/10, best for espresso or cappuccino
Indriya - Strength 10/10, best for espresso or cappuccino
Arpeggio - Strength 9/10, best for espresso or cappuccino
Roma - Strength 8/10, best for espresso
Fortissio Lungo - Strength 7/10, best for lungo
Decaffeinato Inteso - Strength 7/10, best for espresso
Livanto - Strength 6/10, best for espresso
Rosabaya - Strength 6/10, best for espresso
Capriccio - Strength 5/10, best for espresso
Dulsão - Strength 5/10, best for espresso
Volluto - Strength 4/10, best for espresso
Vivalto Lungo – Strength 4/10, best for lungo
Cosi - Strength 3/10, best for espresso
Finezzo Lungo - Strength 3/10, best for lungo
Decaffeinato Lungo - Strength 3/10, best for lungo
Decaffeinato - Strength 2/10, best for espresso

Lavazza A Modo Mio

admin — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:21:38 +0000

Lavazza A Modo Mio is another capsule system for coffee machines. Similar to Nespresso or Tassimo, the system is a combination of coffee machines that produce espresso and coffee beverages from dedicated capsules for that system only. The machines for Lavazza A Modo Mio are actually manufactured by Saeco, a well known coffee machines manufacturer. Saeco makes different types of machines but this partnership with Lavazza brought to life these exciting looking easy to handle coffee machines.

Lavazza A Modo Mio

So what does Lavazza A Modo Mio offer the coffee enthusiast?

A sharp looking coffee machine with a choice of classic colors such as black or white, and more outrageous ones like Extra Green, for as low as £99.95
7 espresso blends in capsules to give you the freedom to pick your favorite flavor!
Easy one-click preparation of delicious espresso.
Milk frothing nozzle, to prepare the perfect cappuccino.
An adjustable dosing system to set the amount of coffee you like in your espresso (in the premium models).
Coffee capsules are competitively priced at around £3.95 per 16 capsule pack. That about 25p per capsule!

Lavazza A Modo Mio Capsules

Lavazza A Modo Mio has 3 lines of coffee machines: A Modo Mio Extra, A Modo Mio Limited Edition, and A Modo Mio Premium. Only the latter is actually different with the adjustable dosing system to set the volume and temperature of each espresso dose. That would cost you an additional £40-£60.

Check out price comparisons and user reviews on the Lavazza A Modo Mio.

Lavazza A Modo Mio Coffee Machine Summary

Lavazza A Modo Mio Capsules System Coffee Machine
1 Click Operation
Milk Frother Nozzle
15 Bar Pressure
Power Consumption: 1050W/230 V – 50Hz
Package Weight: approx. 6.70KG
Dimensions: 235x330x305 mm

Nescafé Dolce Gusto Capsules Roundup

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:15:40 +0000

Nescafé Dolce Gusto is a system developed by Nestle for hot beverage or coffee machines. The system is based on its own coffee machines that make coffee and other hot beverages such as hot chocolate, using specially designed capsules. You are invited to read my post about the Nescafé Dolce Gusto system.

Capsules are usually sold in packs of 16 units, starting from £3.50. Here is a roundup of all the beverages capsules I could find online, for easy access. Please comment with your opinion about flavours you have tried, or could not find here!


Cappuccino (16 Capsules)	Latte Macchiato (16 Capsules)	Chococino Hot Chocolate (16 Capsules)

Mocha (16 Capsules)	Espresso (16 Capsules)	Cafè Crema Grande (16 Capsules)


Cappuccino Ice (16 Capsules)	Caffé Classico (16 Capsules)	Caffé Americano (16 Capsules)

Espresso Intenso (16 Capsules)	Aroma (16 Capsules)	Caffé Classico Decaffeinato (16 Capsules)

Caffè Lungo (96 Capsules)	Caffè Lungo Mild (16 Capsules)	Caffè Lungo Decaffeinato (16 Capsules)

Enjoy your coffee and post your comments about the different flavours!