Espresso Club

Francis Francis X7 iperEspresso

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 machine 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 X7 Francis Francis 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

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!

Nescafé Dolce Gusto Circolo

admin — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 18:26:54 +0000

Welcome the newest member of the NESCAFÉ’s Dolce Gusto™ System. The Dolce Gusto Circolo.

The Circolo like its predecessor is manufactured for Nestle by Krups. You may find this machine also labeled as Krups KP 5000. The Circolo uses specially designed capsules by Nestle, different blends of air tight packed coffee grounds, or other hot beverages like hot chocolate, and milk. You can buy the capsules at major stores or get them online.

Dolce Gusto Circolo

Dolce Gusto System

Nestle own both the Nespresso and Nescafe Dolce Gusto capsule systems, so this machine works in a similar way to Nespresso system machines with thermoblock to achieve a high quality brewing process. But, in the Dolce Gusto machines, as opposed to Nespresso – 15 bar pressure is used and not 19 bar. The high pressure and the capsules are designed to deliver an even distribution of water and pressure over the coffee to ensure that flavor is maximized. For comparison, in traditional filter coffee makers (drip machines) water flows through the coffee grounds at just 1 bar of pressure.

Warranty is given by Krups for two years.

Dolce Gusto Circolo

Technical Specification

Comes in White, Red, Dark Grey and an exclusive aluminum finish Premium Edition.
High 15 bar pressure with Thermoblock Boiler
Height adjustable drip tray for any size of glass or cup
Ultra fast warm up, coffee in minutes
1.3 L removable water tank for easy cleaning, filling and emptying
24 month warranty by Krups

Check out price comparisons and user reviews for the Dolce Gusto Circolo.

Philips Senseo Quadrante HD7860 Pickwick Tea Gift Set

admin — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:06:09 +0000

I recently wrote about the new Philips Senseo Quadrante HD7860 machine. This machine uses the unique Senseo pod system to brew hot beverages, with many available coffee flavours. Now you can also make delicious tea with one of two available sets by Amazon.

Check them out:

Pickwick Big Set

Pickwick Gift Set

The Big Set includes:

Senseo Pickwick tea pod holder (compatible with Philips Senseo Quadrante HD 7860)
60 x Pickwick tea pods (3 varieties with 20 pods each: Earl Grey, Tempting Red and Fruity Forest).

The Gift Set includes:

Senseo Pickwick tea pod holder (compatible with Philips Senseo Quadrante HD 7860)
1 x Senseo Pickwick tea pod can
1 x Senseo Pickwick tea glass (200ml)
60 x Pickwick tea pods (3 varieties with 20 pods each: Earl Grey, Tempting Red and Fruity Forest).

Philips Senseo Quadrante HD7860 Coffee Machine Review

admin — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:07:16 +0000

I was lucky enough to get my hands on the new Senseo Quadrante HD7860 by Philips today. This is a brand new machine by Philips and it is being launched these days (Sept. 2009) in Europe and is available in major retail stores and online. So here is my review and initial impression of this slick very sharp looking coffee machine.

Senseo Quadrante

The Senseo Quadrante joins the Senseo Latte Select which was launched exactly one year ago – to the range of Senseo pod system coffee machines. The Quadrante has a very clean square shape design, and is currently sold in two colors – Black or white.

Philips Senseo Quadrante HD7860

Philips Senseo Latte Select HD7852

Senseo Pod System

For those who aren’t familiar with the Senseo pod system – It is a single serve coffee machine system that combines uniquely designed coffee pods which hold fresh ground coffee in pre-dosed filter packs with compatible coffee machines. The special pods are available in various flavors offered by Philips & Douwe Egberts. What’s nice about the Senseo pod system, is that unlike some capsule systems such as Nespresso or Tassimo, you are not restricted to only Douwe & Egberts products. So can actually buy empty pods designed for the Senseo system, and fill them with your favorite blend. However, most of us will be more than content with the wide range of coffee blends offered by Douwe & Egberts, including decaffeinated coffee, and even hot chocolate!

Senseo Pods

Senseo Quadrante First Impression

My first impression after taking the machine out of the box was – It is EASY! There is no assembling necessary. A simple and easy to follow flushing process to get the machine ready for brewing your first cup of coffee and I was ready. And this is all you have to do to make 1 or 2 cups of coffee in less than a minute:

Fill the 1.2 Liter water tank with cold water. This will be enough for up to 8 cups so no need to do this every time. The tank tilts out and slides back in very naturally and easily.

Turn the machine ON – You don’t need to worry about turning it off when you are done thanks to an automatic off feature which I really liked.

Open the lid by pulling the lever up.

Place your selected coffee pod in the pod holder – The pod holder will already be place in the center of the machine. If you want to prepare two cups at the same time, replace the single dose pod holder with the double dose pod holder, and place 2 pods instead of 1.

Senseo Quadrante Single Pod Holder

Senseo Quadrante Pod in Machine

Lock the lid by pulling the lever back down till you hear the ‘click’.

Place one or two cups in the cup tray – You can adjust the height of the tray to fit the cup you are using.

Press the 1-cup or 2-cup button to brew 1 or 2 cups.

Philips Senseo Quadrante HD7860

That’s it! Now just watch the machine brew the perfect dose in to your cup/s. Don’t worry about stopping the brewing. Thanks to the auto-dose system, this process is completely automatic so all you have to do is dispose of the used pod once the beverage is ready.

Senseo Quadrante Video

I have made a short video that shows the brewing process:

Senseo Quadrante Summary

To summarize, I really liked the Quadrante and most importantly – The coffee was good. If you fancy espressos and lungos this is a very reasonable option to consider priced at £100. If your main beverage is cappuccino, then the Quadrante will not handle the milk frothing for you. For that you can use any of the available standalone automatic milk frothers, or go for the Senseo Latte Select.

A technical specification of the Philips Senseo Quadrante HD7860:

Uses the patented Senseo coffee brewing system (pods)
Power: 1,450 W; Voltage: 220-240 V
1.2 Liter water tank (8 cups)
Auto-off 30 minute feature
Brew volume (per cup): 120 ml
Height adjustable drip tray
Price: ~ £100

Tassimo Coffee Machines History

admin — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:15:00 +0000

If you don’t know about the Tassimo capsule system for coffee machines and hot beverage machines, you are welcome to first read a bit about it in our Tassimo capsule system post.

If you already know about Tassimo you may have encounted two types of machines for it online and wondered which you should go for. I am talking about the Braun Tassimo coffee machine and the Bosch Tassimo coffee machine. Here is some information for you about the history of these two machines.

Braun Tassimo TA1200

Bosch Tassimo TAS4011GB

The first Tassimo machines, which were designed for Kraft Foods products, were the machines made by Braun in 2005. Those are still to be found at certain stores and online but Braun are not manufacturing those machines anymore. Instead, production responsibility was moved to Bosch because of the potential conflicts of interest arising from Braun’s owner P&G also being active in the coffee market.

Bosch expanded its subsidiary plant in Slovenia in 2007, and invested €7m in production equipment and R&D to make the first Tassimo T40 (or TAS40xxGB) models. Since last year, the company has been producing the TAS65xxGB models and now the 85xxGB models, with built-in Brita filters, LCD screen, and a lit cup tray (improvements from the older TAS40xxGB models).

Read more about the Bosch TAS4011GB in our related post.

Philips to Acquire Saeco and Gaggia

admin — Fri, 29 May 2009 22:30:48 +0000

On Monday, May 25th 2009, Philips announced that it would acquire Saeco International Group, after settling an agreement with Saeco‘s banks over Saeco’s outstanding debt. The purchase sum has not been disclosed.

Saeco Odea Giro

Saeco is the Italian based leading espresso machines company and is controlled by PAI Partners. The company, which also makes machines under the well known Gaggia brand, produces traditional coffee machines, capsule system coffee machines, and bean to cup coffee machines. All together it has 30% of the European market, and has reportadly sold 318 million Euro over the 12 months that ended March 31.

Philips among others, holds the technology behind the Senseo coffee machines, which produce espressos using coffee pods, with a Philips coffee machine.

Philips Senseo HD 7852/50

Caffitaly Nautilus Coffee Machine Review

admin — Sat, 23 May 2009 13:12:55 +0000

The Caffitaly Nautilus is the newest member of the Caffitaly capsule system coffee machines. For those of you who are not familiar with the Caffitaly system, you are welcome to read about it and about other capsule systems in related posts. Bottom line, these machines make coffee using prepacked ground coffee capsules of the Caffitaly system (Like the Nespresso system, but with different capsules). The name Nautilus comes from its shape, which is designed after the unique marine creatures called Nautilus. These creatures are considered to be “living fossils” and have survived practically unchanged for millions of years.

Caffitaly Nautilus

The Nautilus coffee machine is perfect for making espressos and lungos, but it also has a milk steaming nozzle, so you can prepare more sophisticated beverages like cappuccinos and latte machiattos. I got my hands on a silver Nautilus unit and I have to say that I’ve really enjoyed it so far.

Caffitaly Nautilus Silver

The Nautilus looks very stylish when closed. You can see the large 1.2 Liter water tank which is very easily pulled out for refilling.

Caffitaly Nautilus Silver

In the photo above, you can see the empty capsules disposal container which fits up to 15 empty capsules, but you will probably want to pull it out and empty it a little sooner than that, just for keeping everything clean. Raising the silver lever, opens up the capsule base, where you place the full capsule just before making your beverage. When you are done with making your espresso, lifting the lever again automatically pops the capsule out right into the empty capsules container.

Caffitaly Nautilus Up Close

The Nautilus has 2 modes: Coffee preparation mode, and milk steaming mode.

Clicking on buttons “A” and “B” changes between modes. Because the boiler needs to be heated to a higher temperature for milk frothing, it is recommended to first brew the coffee, and then change to steaming mode. You may actually need up to 30 minutes for the boiler to cool down and go back to coffee preparation mode, so make sure you make all the coffee before working on the milk.

The knob marked as “C” controls the coffee brewing or milk frothing operation. It is a simple manual operation, so depending on the mode the machine is at, pull or push the knob to brew coffee or let out steam. When satisfied, just bring the knob back to the middle. There is no automatic dosing here.

The big lever marked with “D” opens up the capsule base (when lifting it). After placing a new capsule, you push it back down, and only then the machine is ready to brew the coffee.

The coffee flows out of the coffee pouring hose marked with “E”, and the steam for milk frothing shoots out of the nozzle marked with “F”. Take a look below at the steamer in action.

Caffitaly Nautilus Steamer

Here is a short video I took of the complete operation of making an espresso:

Another video – This time take a look at the making of a perfect cappuccino with the Nautilus:

To summarize, we are looking at a beautiful coffee machine for your home. It is perfect for making espressos and lungos. If your main beverage is cappuccino, then this machine is not the milk frothing device, but that is often the case with these machines. You can find great standalone automatic milk frothers out there, so don’t let that stop you from getting this beauty.

A technical summary of the Caffitaly Nautilus:

Uses the patented Caffitaly capsules system
17 Bar high pressure pump.
Thermoblock technology boiler
1.2 Liter water tank
15 empty capsules disposal container
Weight: ~ 5kg
Dimensions: W: 24cm H: 30cm D: 32cm