Do you know if this is a good price for the Nepresso D290 and if it is a good machine.
http://tarasouth.ecrater.com/p/60565...presso-machine

Sara Lee L'Or Espresso Nespresso Pods
 

Has anyone tried the L'Or Espresso Nespresso pods that Sara Lee has launched? I've started to see them appear in Monoprix supermarkets here in Paris. They're about 2.90€ for a packet of 10, compared with 3.30€ for a pack of 10 Nespresso, so not a whole lot cheaper.

There's been a fair amount of coverage in the press of the new capsules, since Nespresso is in the process of suing Sara Lee for patent infringment. Apparently Sara Lee sold 22 million capsules in France in the first three months of sales.

Yes, the pods were confiscated in Switzerland by the police. A former executive associated with the Nespresso division feels he is entitled to manufacture the pods, despite the patent license held by Nestle/Nespresso.

The Nespresso patents start to expire in 2012, though Nestle is seeking to modify the system in order to obtain new patents and extend the monopoly time. Rather ironically Sara Lee owns Douwe Egbert which has the Senseo system, which was also patented but first successfully challenged in court and then the patents were revoked as not unique, owing to the existence of Nespresso as prior art.

Nexpod appears to still be in business (though it appears they've abandoned selling empty capsules).

From an economics POV :D:

"What I’m working up to is truly a wonder of modern enterprise. The corresponding Nespresso machine costs about $550 (these are all on-line prices) and you don’t pour beans into a hopper every twenty cups. Instead, you drop a little aluminum “pod” into it for every one cup, close a lid, push a button, and voila! a cup of espresso. The aluminum cup – I just dumped one out and weighed the contents - contains 4g of coffee that was ground heaven knows when and sealed in its little cup to age in a warehouse (g means grams, gentle reader; a gram is about 1/30 of an ounce). These pods cost about $1 each on-line, though the sales clerk at Sur la Table, where I came upon this system today, told me that while they don’t sell them, they are available for $.55. Even at the lower price, which I can’t find on the web, this coffee costs $66/lb, and no, you cannot use the machine with anything else; not someone else’s pods, and certainly not ground coffee. Nestlé pods, pal; it’s a lifetime relationship. That $500 machine is a down payment on a 400-900% tax on every cup of coffee you make with it: three cups a day and you pay for the machine again, or more, every year you own it. Next, a frying pan customized to work only with a single brand of eggs, yup."

complete story at http://www.samefacts.com/ on Dec. 22, 2010

Good points to consider, but somewhat skewed.

The author takes a very high cost of a Nespresso machine available " somewhere online " and then mentions the Sur Le Table store, where in fact the Nespresso machine and aerocchino frother can both be purchased as a bundle for $ 249. USD.

I can verify this as I purchased two as holiday gifts for clients in North America at Sur Le Table. The Nespresso capsule sleeves were available down the highway at Bloomingdales for $5. per sleeve of 10 capsules. I add that the gift bundles also came with 16 capsules included per Nespresso unit.

But the author is very correct that it is a lifetime relationship, which to this flyer relates to the QUALITY and CONVENIENCE of the Nespresso system. And available anywhere in the world.

Coffee for us is a morning and social ritual. Many on this forum have done the same math for the same habit via Starbucks, ( $4.50 USD x 30 or 60 per month = $$$) and that too adds up annually. Further along the economics trail, how does one then justify a $ 2,000.+ ( Euro, CHF, or USD ) coffee machine at home ? I used to bring vacum bags of expresso coffee beans (2Kg at 14 CHF each) back from business trips to Brasil, but could never justify that level of expense for a coffee machine that was not always reliable. To each his own, but to me it was grind, mix, dust, + clean up the mess.

Now compare this all to the Nespresso machine from Sur Le Table. It makes sense.

I can report back on the L'Or Nespresso pods. I bought a box of ten at the local Carrefour supermarket - the Splendente variety which is rated a 7 on the L'Or Espresso intensity scale. They're not bad, but the coffee is not as aromatic or unctuous as an equivalent Nespresso (say Roma) and the texture of the crema is somewhat "thinner". I probably won't be buying again.

Love the Kazaar unfortunately all sold out in Sydney and most other countries.
Luckily I bought 100 capsules and savour one on awaking most mornings.
Capsules in Australia are about 60 cents.

Great idea! Great coffee! I just love Nespresso!

Was in Sydney a month or so ago and entered the Nespresso boutique downtown at the Westfield mall. Saw that they were selling a travel case for their small Pixie line of machines, if you frequent flyers want your fix :D

Hahaha, I think you just figured out some Christmas presents for the coffee addicts in my family! Thanks!

For any long term travel or business, the travel case is a very good idea for any of the Nespresso models.

I bought one last year taking a Citiz model on what turned out to be an unexpected 3.5 week business trip. I plugged the machine into my hotel room, and enjoyed my coffee choice (Dulsao) whenever I wanted. No going out in the cold or rain either.

I'm considering the smaller Pixie model and case for exactly that purpose.

Gotta love Nespresso! Especially love that the Bloomingdales by our house in SoCal has a Nespresso bar where we can go taste for free and play with new models.

After getting this for my birthday four years ago it would be impossible to go back to drip coffee. The Nestle customer service was fantastic when my original unit started to leak water as well.

Having owned a machine for few months now, I'm completely convinced. It makes great coffee every time, with no effort what so ever. As good as a top of the line machine with freshly ground beans? No, of course not, but in an effort-to-taste comparison, the Nespresso win hands down in my book.

I happened to see the new PIXIE model in a window in Geneve, but walking along with the wife we had other plans and did not visit inside the store.

Persuasion is defined in Wikipedia as: Cause (someone) to do something through reasoning or argument. No argument involved, only the facts. A forthcoming business trip to California will again require some 10-12 hour days x 6-7. Therefore, by this factual logic, I was persuaded to purchase a new PIXIE in Tangerine Red.

Observations:

1. Smaller, and fits into my Citiz travel case with extra room for capsules. 4 sleeves, 16 sample kit, and 22 more can be carried and well protected inside the water container. I also added 4 plastic expresso cups wrapped in bubble wrap and some stir sticks. This could the sugar sticks we have here, but I drink it black generally.

2. The PIXIE heats the water faster.

3. The capsule container is now lighted: White for OK, Red says refill the water supply.

4. No aerocchino frother, but I do not use that accessory either. That and the big Red Citiz will stay behind in the Kitchen for guests and others to enjoy.

A question to FT members:
The padded travel case is similar to a large purse. Should I then take it along as hand-carry ( I would think that TSA would know the devices by now ), or check it through as before packed inside a luggage case ?

Your thoughts ?

I'd consider hand-carry to be high risk as the device fits the profile for building a bomb, so at some point some security checkpoint will ban it and you risk confiscation. It isn't fragile so no drawback in being in checked luggage.

Not a big fan of Nespresso, but it is convenient for offices or hotel rooms. Although for this I really prefer the LaVazza espresso point system machines, which are much better.

At home I use Illy's E.S.E. pods and find them just as convenient but much better tasting. I also like how I am not committed to using any particular brand of coffee. I can use standard grounds with my machine, or can buy E.S.E. pods from LaVazza or other companies if I choose.

Prior to Nespresso, Lavazza espresso was also my choice. It remains an excellent coffee. I left some in a freezer at a vacation property in Brasil, and found it 1 year later this April. Enjoyable in 30C heat looking out to the sea, even then with a simple expresso pot over the stove. When friends from Lombardia came over, it all disappeared.

I previously used a Gaggia Carezza (replacing it twice in 5 years) for my own personal mix (80% Lavazza or Santa Clara, and 20% Mokka-Yemen ) and it was enjoyable to grind, mix, and drink. It is similar to Lavazza Napolitano or Lavazza Espresso Gold.

The panarello wands to steam milk on the machine were never used. The coffee was that good. However, the problem was from time to time, the coffee would become a little acid. I believe the problem was the longevity of the machnes, versus the constant cleaning needed, dismantling of the machine, and flushing out the filter grid.

The Nespresso system is better in that the coffee is consistently good, any time, all the time. No acidity, and no mess. If someone wants steamed milk froth, the aerocchino device which sits patiently on the black granite at home, waits only for guests to come and knock at the door.

Nothing beats a Jura........ :D

Ola Gaucho !

Claro ! The Jura mountains are right behind us.

Being Italian and drinking coffe every morning and almost every day after lunch I can't stop saying thank you to the people who invented Nespresso..

I now live in NY and of all the coffee bars/chains/restaurants that I've tried none matches the Nespresso, especially the "Arpeggio" or "Ristretto" ones..

When I'm back in Italy I'd take a real "Bar" coffee over a Nespresso at home, but that's the only occasion..

Finally, recycling comes to North America
 

Well, at least to Canada (er, okay Toronto and Vancouver). Just received this email and my capsules are about ready to be dumped...good timing.


"We are delighted to announce our partnership with the eco-innovator, Terracycle® to offer an exciting recycling opportunity for used Nespresso capsules through the Nespresso Ecolaboration Brigade®.

"Every time you enjoy Nespresso, save the capsule and start collecting them. You can then bring them back to one of our collection points for recycling at your nearest Nespresso Boutique.

"If you have any questions about the service, our Coffee Specialists will be happy to answer them. You can contact us at 866.212.8481 for more information."


Don't know if this has been launched in the US yet. I know it's been going in Europe for a couple of years now.

A new recycling scheme started in the UK a couple of months ago. A green collection bag comes with your order. Deposit used capsules in the bag and then when you order again, you book a collection and the delivery company takes them away when they deliver your new capsules. I think it is a great idea. I have only returned one filled bag so far but I have learnt to let the capsules dry out before they go in the green bag or it gets incredibly mouldy and smelly!

I often use Coffee duck for nespresso. It's a refillable basket that can be used in nespresso machines to cut back on the usage of their capsules.

They come in 2 styles, one for machines pre-2010 and another for Citiz and machines post-2010. They work well with Illy. :D

I am obsessed I had to have a look inside a capsule
 

If you want to know/see more about the inside of a Nespresso capsule, you can see a short video here: http://youtu.be/oXhvZC4wNA0

Per the Youtube video:

If it is just powdered coffee in a foil wrapper, then why are so many trying to subvert ( coffeeduck, Sara Lee's brand, etc) or outright copy the idea (The so called "Ethical coffee " cuckoo capsule, a vengeance move by a disgraced, former employee) for the Nespresso capsule ?

Strange: You don't see this for other brands, do you ? Why just Nespresso ?

Answer: To cash in on the idea, and to grab as much of the Nespresso market share they can. And who cares if it ruins your machine along the way, as they don't warranty the quality of what you use, or problems it creates for you machines. Tough luck for you: Theye are only interested in grabbing some short-term market share.

I know a pensioner who used coffeeduck capsule to make tea. Nice idea for her. In the process of using that capsule, it ruined her machine, which we replaced last December.

Should someone replace cheap super market coffee at Starbucks ? Try that out in Wien, Milano, or Roma ? No one would go there I think, with business dropping off.

But for the capsule hijackers, it's your money in their fat dirty pockets.

Thank you for the information that the coffeeduck ruins the machine. Luckily for me this hasn't happenned yet (fingers crossed). Can you describe what happened? I got the coffeeduck because I was concerned that the capsules were not very eco-concious. I can repurpose my illy containers but not the nespresso capsules.

Plus I also like illy, and lavazza and had managed to find a very affordable supply in Dubai when I was there. Needless to say I stocked up and then had multiple appliances and no counter space left in my kitchen! :p:D

I can describe the scenario quite well, given it occurred in 2010.

Our friend had a Nespresso machine made here, and used the coffeduck capsules, chamois or gold coloured plastic or polyprophelene of some kind. She offered us an expresso coffee first, which unfortunately was somewhat bitter. There were a few grinds that also leaked into the cup, and I gently teased her about being surprised at her serving Greek coffee.

She said she was using tea for herself, and demonstrated how she filled ground tea into the capsule. I had heard about these capsules but had not seen one before as they do not sell them here. I noticed that there was a little remaining grinds in the capsule tray, and cleaned those out for her in the sink.

Two months later we took her to the local Vendange festivities here (so this would have been October) and she told us her machine had gone out. The coffeeduck capsule had jammed in the loading mechanism. Later I took a look at the machine coming home, and it appeared to have been crushed; Quite a mess !

I asked her if I could work on it in my shop and took it home. No luck even with my best magnifying glass, hemostat, and surgical knife. I informed her and asked if she wanted an electric tea pot, but she said the machine was primarily for guests. We then gave her a new C 100 machine for the holidays.

I understand some believing that these capsules will allow them to enjoy a coffee brand or mix that they like. Previously I did this too using Brasilian beans and a Gaggia Carezza for many years. But seeing the results it just does not work.

Wasting a little money on the cuckoo capsules is one thing: Throwing away a perfectly good Nespresso machine using something never intended, is not worth it, and not warranted. With these capsule " entrepreneurs ", you and your machine are on your own.

Do you have a view on how Nespresso machine coffee tastes (expresso) compared to say with my original Gaggia Synchrony?

Where exactly? Just wondering if this would make any difference...

However, the Nespresso machines are not that infallible - I haven't put either of mine to much use whatsoever, and the pressure (probably due to seals) is not very good - both of my machines are exhibiting problems.

I have only used the Nespresso coffee capsule as well!

(Now tired of the Nespresso concept, due to the above....not worth the investment...)

We love our little Nespresso machine, I'd never seen one before we went to Europe this spring and they were everywhere as mentioned before. We made the mistake of going into one of their shops in Munich, sat down at the coffee bar and proceeded to drink our way through just about all of them! Almost bought one right on the spot but because they aren't dual voltage decided to wait until we got home...now have had it for about 6 months at use it at least once a day...a big fan of the new Dhjana special edition, ordered about 30 sleeves of it to make sure I've got some when it sells out!

My wife uses the aerocino gizmo everyday too and while I don't like milk in my espresso I have to say its pretty cool, fast and efficient

In Rome, I wouldn't ever bother with a Nespresso machine since there are so many bars that make fantastic coffee. In NYC OTOH, I can't live without it. Way better than a moka. And even better than my BIL's 2-3K machine that takes 15 minutes to come to pressure. I've recently gotten way into Roma capsules.

I like the constant battle between Nespresso and all of the refillable pod makers. I see that the new Citiz and Pixie models won't accept the aftermarket refillables. Still, it's only a matter of time before they do.... I'd prefer the option of being able to occasionally make my own, as I've run out of ESE pods a couple of times and am cranky until I get them replaced.

I currently have an Italian LaPiccola Sara ESE pod espresso and will probably switch to a Nespresso in the next half year or so - don't like the steam function of the Sara and the difficulty of cleaning the entire machine. I had a Swiss Saeco for a little over a decade but toward the end I couldn't get parts to fix the pump anymore.

I love my Nespresso
 

Have had the Nespresso Qube for over 4 years now and my wife and son bought me the Pixie for Farthers Day...fantastic I keep the Pixie at work on my desk and it is so portable just put it in a bag and take itaway with us for weekends. I still claim with nespresso you get a perfect coffeee and crema every time. I swear it is better than most of the "Cafes" I get coffee from.
Maybe because I am a short black drinker. Nespresso is the perfect espresso every cup.^

Can anyone tell me how much packets of pods are in the US? Interested to know if I am paying too much and may stock up when I'm in the States next

$0.55-$0.60 per pod

Curious, I picked up a Tassimo about two years ago for the wife. I'm considering a switch to a Nespresso. Anyone have experience with both machines?

Pretty good, but not as good as Peet's coffee
 

It's pretty good, but Peet's coffee is still the best. ^

As pod based machines go Nespresso is streets ahead of Tassimo. The quality of the coffee is far better.

Lavazza Blue is at the top of the pile but their machines are really quite pricey.

Unexpected gift from Nespresso
 

Picked up a couple of parcels that were delivered yesterday, one of which was a large box from Nespresso. I hadn't recalled ordering anything online and I always buy my sleeves from the local boutique (three blocks away) not by mail. Opened it up to find a "cube" container for my capsules with a note from the head of Nespresso Canada thanking me for my patronage over the past years, being among the first in the country to adopt the coffee making system. Nice gesture.

Anyone else out there receive one of these?