Coffee machines

pgt67

It is coming up to my wifes 40th and she has always fancied one of those pod type coffee machines.

As there are many types on the market I wanted to know from those who have one or recently bought one what they like/dislike, ie is he does the machine make several types of coffee, does it take various size megs etc... where they bought it and price.

Thanks

kazmeister

Hi

I bought my other half a Dolce Gusto machine for Christmas and it has been used every day since we bought it. Incredibly easy to use and keep clean.

I bought before Christmas when both Comet and Amazon had them for £58.00, this was the new 15 bar version released in October (the previous being 14 bar). Mine came from Amazon as the cup was broken in the one I had reserved online from Comet and they didnt have another.

The pods are readily available in most supermarkets and are around £3.25 - £3.30 a box. The Espresso and Lungo (black coffees) contain 16 drinks and the others Latte, Cappuccino etc that have milk contain 8 so about 20p and 40p a cup respectively. The machine is ready to use quickly and each milky drink takes about a minute to make which is less time than boiling the kettle.

I love the Latte, OH the Cappucino, the kids Chocochino and my Dad the espresso, my mother is awkward and prefers instant!

The only downside is that we have spent more on coffee capsules this month than we spent on coffee for the whole of last year, but well worth it.

upsy_2

It depends what type of coffee she wants to make and how often it would be used.
If it is latte's or expresso based drinks then then I would say a pump driven one giving you up to 15 bar pressure, these start about £75ish upwards. If it is to be used every day I would recommend a Gaggia of some sort probably about £200 mark but you do get them on offer. ( but do not get a bean to cup machine they are a nightmare and over priced at £400 +)

Whittards of chelsea used to be really good for giving demo's and explaining the difference in models, but I don't know if they are still as good. ( and they used to price match) House of Fraser used to have Gaggia demonstrations also but again it may be store specific.

In the more expensive machines you are paying for a better pump, if you lift the machines up you should be able to feel the difference in weight. Also if you get a good one make sure that you descale it 3 times a year as the they are really sensitive to any build up of limescale. ( and any coffee machine should be purged weekly)

I have heard of problems with the ones that you get capsules or pods for as the machines are well priced but quite flimsy build and the coffee capsules can be really expensive. ( however they are really easy to use)

Hope this is not too long winded, and helps, your best bet is to hit the high street and see what is out there and get some demonstrations to see which is best for you. Upsy x

Having just read the above post the Dolce gusto sounds really good value for money.

babyx1uk3

I brought the tassimo for my husband, he loves it. He likes the coffee most but i am a big hot chocolate fan and i really like that. Its easy to clean, doesnt take up quite as much room as the other option we were considering - dolce gusto. We use normal mugs sort of your average size household mug and all the drinks fit in it. If you have espresso we use tea cups as they are easier and it means you dont have to remove the lower section.
For 16 discs the average cost is £2.99 thus making 16 cups of coffee, tea,etc.
We both really like this machine as it not only does coffee it does every other hot drink aswell latte's, espresso's, hot chocolate,etc.
I brought ours from Argos when they had a half price deal on at xmas, it cost me £49 give or take a few pence.
They also were doing price match at currys with this, check the forums for more info on whether this is still avaliable. If not have seen them online at dixons for slightly cheaper than the average retail price.
Would truely recommend this machine as we both use it every day and enjoy it every time. HTH

ChattyKat

( but do not get a bean to cup machine they are a nightmare and over priced at £400 +)

What is the problem with bean to cup machines? I really want to get one but now I am worried that they are no good

capmate

We have a gaggia bean to cup machine purchased from amazon nearly 2 years ago. it has been in constant use all this time and not a flaw to be found even when left on 24/7

also it was less than £300 at the time

Sui_Generis

Seriously? A 40th birthday present and its a kitchen appliance? Wouldn't a personal present be more in order? I recall the response when my brother-in-law gave his wife an ironing board for her birthday.... 'cos she said she needed one.

upsy_2

Sorry I didn't mean to upset anyone with my bean to cup machine comment it was only my personal opinion about a machine that I used to use at work and was extremely temperamental and I am sure that there are lots of happy bean to cup owners out there who love there machine and would not be without them.

I prefer to have a seperate grinder and machine, but that is only my preference. Life would be soo boring if we all liked the same thing !!! Upsy x

bealimar

Wouldn't be without my machine. Had mine two years, easy to use and yummy coffee.

bargain_babs

I love the senseo machine - simple to use and clean, no fuss no faff
makes coffee, tea, hot chocolate etc etc etc

and I think now down to about £25 at Argos

Ben84

Sui_Generis wrote: »

Seriously? A 40th birthday present and its a kitchen appliance? Wouldn't a personal present be more in order? I recall the response when my brother-in-law gave his wife an ironing board for her birthday.... 'cos she said she needed one.

A coffee maker is much more fun and personal (assuming she likes coffee a lot) than an ironing board. It doesn't seem inappropriate as a gift.

As for what to get. I'm not a fan of the pod machines. The pods are very expensive, the range is limited compared to ground, and if they ever change the design or stop making the pods then your machine is no use any more. There is also a poor selection (I've not seen any actually) if you want fairtrade coffee pods. Something that uses regular ground coffee seems better, as this will always be available and something to suit any taste can be found. You could buy top of the range ground coffee and it would still be cheaper per cup than the pods.

For making regular fresh coffee I really like my percolator. I have an electric one that controls the timing and temperature, so it's easy to just fill with water, ground coffee and plug it in. I like being able to use any ground coffee from any store. We have an excellent local coffee store who source and roast a huge range of coffee. It would be a pity to get tied in to a small range of everyday big name coffee brands because your machine can't make the other coffee.