Originally Posted by
insp86
I hope all is well. I recently received a Nespresso Citiz as a gift. I'm super excited about it, but so far have been pretty underwhelmed with the espresso. I'm not sure if it is me, or if it is the machine.
I'm particularly unhappy with the almost total lack of crema. The espresso comically fails the "sugar test," and has been constantly producing wattery espresso with a little light colored top half that appears just for show.
Maybe my expectations are too high, but after reading reviews, I expected better. But this is my first machine and I have really only been drinking espresso (as opposed to drip coffee) for a few years. I figured I'd post here and see if there were any tips or advice before I called Nespresso. I've also posted a photo of a recent attempt.
Thanks for any and all advice!
Firstly, I'm afraid to say that whilst the Citiz looks great, I think it's the worst machine in the range in terms of the results it produces!
That aside, the best way to get a firm crema (which will pass the sugar test) is to:
a) run the machine without a pod into the cup/glass you are using. Throw away the water. This gets the pressure pump working
b) use the stronger pods. I always get a firm rich crema with the Indriya and Ristretto pods.