Nespresso Le Cube C185 Espresso Machine Review

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(More customer reviews)I do not ordinarily write internet reviews on products, but was really on the fence about purchasing this machine, so I have decided to write a review for anyone else that may be on the fence.
Let me say that my wife and I just returned from a 10 day trip to Italy. We have been to Italy and France four times in the last four years and when we go, we usually enjoy at least 3 cups of cappuccino or espresso a day. Upon returning home, we are always disappointed by coming back to American coffee. In the past we purchased a $50 espresso machine that not only made horribly bitter espresso, but was an absolute mess to use. It leaked, the espresso grounds got everywhere, the milk frothing wand gunked up and seemed unsanitary, it took 10 minutes to heat up the tank that only had enough water to make 2 espressos, and quite frankly, the pressurized cap was absolutely frightening to screw off and fill with water. We used it maybe 4 times.
In the five days after returning from Italy and buying this machine, we spent $40 on 1 cappuccino a day each from Starbucks. This machine will pay for itself in 1 month and we won't have to deal with all of the foam sticking to the paper cup.
Having just had 30 coffees in Italy, I can absolutely say that this machine makes better, less bitter espresso than we had on our whole trip. The cappuccinos are identical to the best ones we had there and better than the worst. Some may find the temperature of the drinks made in this machine to be not hot enough, but it is exactly the temperature of the real deal... something we ourselves had to adjust to upon our first visit overseas years ago. I would say that it is the perfect drinking temperature, and brewing it at that temperature keeps things from not getting bitter.
Now to address all of the things that concerned me.
1. Price - As I've said, this machine will definitely save us money within the first few months.
2. Proprietary Cups (Pods) - Being locked into their brand of coffee was the scariest part of all. I really wanted to be able to use Illy espresso in this machine, but we've tried several varieties of Nespresso now and all have been fantastic. 10x better than the Illy grounds that were improperly brewed in our old $50 machine. I'm extremely confident that you won't get better tasting espresso at home in any other machine under $500 and you certainly won't get as consistent results no matter how much you spend. At 52 cents a cup, some may balk at the price of coffee, but I was paying a minimum of $3 for a drink at Starbucks. This machine is so easy to clean up that I would consider the cost well worth the time saved dealing with messy espresso grounds. Shipping on their website is a flat $6.95 for 2nd day shipping no matter how many cups you order, which I find extremely fair. Order 100 and the price with shipping is 59 cents each, but that is still way cheaper than you'll get an espresso of anywhere near this quality in any shop or restaurant.
3. Warm up time - It's nearly non-existent. I thought this machine would take 10 minutes to heat up, but it's ready to go within a single minute and can then pump coffees out one after the other after the other with no waiting. It's amazing. My only suggestion is this - hit the espresso button without the pod in there before brewing to get the water flowing. It only takes an extra 10 seconds to brew a cup of water like this, but it ensures that the water is in the pipes before brewing a real cup of coffee and will give you about 1/4 extra inch of espresso.
4. Milk frothing time - The Aeroccino device is incredible. I thought that thing would take 5 minutes. It only makes enough good froth for 1 really nice cappuccino at a time, but makes it in about 1 minute, so I've got no complaints. If you really wanted to, you could stretch it for 2 glasses, but I prefer taking the extra minute for another round.
5. Cleanup - There's almost none. I've never dealt with an easier coffeemaker in this respect, including regular coffeemakers.
6. Whether or not THIS model was the best to get - I can't imagine that there is a better model than this made by Nespresso. I see that that have far more expensive machines, but this machine is absolutely perfect, I don't think spending any extra money is necessary in the least. Some of their more expensive machines require running water through a tube to clean out their built in milk frothers, but this separate frother is so easy to clean... just give it a rinse.
Do not hesitate on buying this machine... it's incredible. I can't vouch for it's durability over time, but it is built SOLID. Much nicer than I thought it would be. I've heard nothing but good things about their customer service, and that they'll even send out a loaner machine while they fix yours under warranty. They want to keep selling you the coffee, so it is in their best interest to make a quality machine, and service it fast.

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With its cubed architectural shape and minimalist design, this compact espresso machine features a unique extraction system specially designed for coffee-filled capsules. A simple system perforates the hermetically sealed capsules, then soaks all the grounds to optimally filter the coffee. The unit's high-pressure 19-bar pump extracts all the aromas and gives body to the espresso ensuring a smooth crema--the delicious creamy layer on top. Open the lever on the top of the unit to insert a capsule, then lift the lever to eject it into the backlit container, which can hold up to 15 used capsules. The machine's ThermoBlock heating system heats water to ideal temperatures during extraction and empties the remaining water after each use to ensure fresh water for each preparation. Other highlights include a removable 34-ounce water reservoir, a backlit on/off button, two buttons for selecting espresso or lungo (small or large cup), covered cup-warming side plates, and a drip tray. A milk frother, measuring 3-1/2 by 3-1/2 by 5-5/7 inches, comes included--perfect for frothing 2-1/2 ounces of milk in just a few seconds or for heating up to 6 ounces of milk. The 1200-watt espresso machine measures 9 by 8-8/9 by 9 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Nespresso Le Cube C185 Espresso Machine Review

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(More customer reviews)I decided to make the switch to one cup at a time coffee because my wife drinks only decaf and I drink only regular and figured this was the perfect solution. Often I would make a large pot of coffee that would sit for most of the morning and she was aced out. Additionally, the kids would love some easy hot chocolate. First stop along the way was a Breveille Keruig-based machine. The easy of use and look of the Breville made it the purchase for us. After about a week and a half of heavy use, I decided it had to go back because no matter what I did, the coffee wasn't strong enough. It was generally okay, but even on the smallest setting (smallest cup) and even with an Internet purchase of the bold K-Cups (supposedly 25% more coffee), I just couldn't make a decent sized cup of coffee that tasted good enough. I'm no coffee snob, I'll do Peets or Starbucks, but this just didn't cut it.
Thus, off to the Internet for more research and I quickly landed on the Nespresso. I liked the reviews and decided the Cube was within my price range. Back to the store to engage the salesperson, and I asked her to brew me a cup of espresso. I was fairly impressed by the quick, shot pull, that had a discernable crema on top. Tasted it and was sold. I couldn't believe that this might be the answer to my list of requirements. I asked the salesperson if the Cube made the espresso hot enough, and she told me she never had this complaint. The one I was holding in my hands in a little paper cup tasted plenty hot, so I bought the cube with the Aerocinno frother and went home.
The Cube comes with a 10 capsule tester. By about 2 hours after I got home, you practically had to scrape me off the ceiling. I blitzed through my 10 pack and was generally quite pleased. The capsules, while smaller than the Keruig K-Cups (with seemingly less coffee in them), produced a far superior coffee. True, I was comparing espresso to drip coffee, but you could taste a distinguishable difference. The one liter water holder, is a tad small and not quite as easy to load as the Breville. On the Cube, it kind of slids out on a tilt and when you fill it all the way you have to gently put it in so as to not spill, a task that is a little difficult. No matter, just fill it slightly less full, and it's fine. Unlike the Breville, the Cube water resevoir does not have a filter. Not sure I taste a difference, and if you really care, use water from your Brita and you will be fine.
Unlike the Breville, the Cube only has two size settings: espresso and lungo. The lungo is a little small for my taste, as I typically drink my coffee in a large mug. Although I would like it to brew more, it's more than made up in taste. What I do is brew an espresso on the espresso setting and then run it through on the lungo on the same capsule, essentially creating a pretty mean Americano. Typically, I'll pull two shots and then run a couple of hot waters through the second shot and it's great. I think Americans probably drink coffee the "wrong" way, and it's probably the style to drink smaller cups of better coffee. My pseudo Americano suits me most mornings, but a good lungo not watered down is even better.
I use the Aerocinno (it came bundled so it was a great value) to make lattes for my wife with decaf. It's a pretty sweet device too, steams and froths the milk in about 90 seconds and produces a very nice latte.
As others have said, you can only buy the Nespresso capsules from the Nespresso website, but honestly, their service is excellent and there's more than enough different varieties to suit most people. I'd rather have one Ristretto (a 10 on their 1 to 10 rating system of strength) than all the K-Cup varieties combined.
Clean up is a breeze, I like the capsule capture mechanism. There are no moving parts, so it's a snap to take care of. The warmer trays on the sides are a nice touch, if you serve in espresso cups. I have to say, however, that true to some of the reviews, I wish the coffee was a little hotter. It's not cool really, just sort of just a tad under hot. I run the Nespresso without a capsule first, to let my glass get warm, or I heat up a cup of water in the microwave to warm up my cup and this is almost perfect. Even when I drink a "mildly hot" lungo or espresso, I suck it up quickly (more quickly than I would normally enjoy) and I'd rather do that than drink a lesser cup of coffee.
Given the price point, the heat issue is a small price to pay. I didn't compare the Nespresso to the Tassimo-based systems, but to brew a latte in those machines you have to use an espresso t-thingy and then run one or two milk t-thingys. That just doesn't sound right to me.
So, in conclusion (sorry for the length), I'd say if you are looking for a darn consistent pull of espresso (even if it's not the perfect espresso to suit snobs), that is great every time, with little or no clean up and plenty of variety this might be the machine for you. At this price point, I'd say it's worth a long look.
Update after a month of heavy use: After a month or more of heavy use, my rating above remains. Overall, I am very happy with this machine. People who complain about the lack of variety in the coffee choices overstate the problem, in my opinion. How many different varieties of beans do you really buy? Maybe two or three? There is enough variety here. Lastly, my only consistent complaint about this machine after this time is that the coffee could be hotter, it really could. When I go to the extra "trouble" of heating up a cup of water in my microwave to let sit in the glass (or travel mug) that I am going to use, then it's plenty hot. Just a small extra step. However, in future versions, Nespresso should crank up the heat just a touch. Coffee can always cool, but heating it up after it's made is a step that should be unnecessary (particularly where you have added hot milk).

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In a pure minimalist design with a square, cubed architectural shape, this compact espresso machine features a unique extraction system specially designed for coffee-filled capsules. A simple system perforates the hermetically sealed capsule and soaks all the ground coffee to optimally filter the coffee, while the unit's high-pressure 19-bar pump extracts all the aromas and gives body to the espresso ensuring a smooth crema--the delicious creamy layer on top. In addition, the machine's ThermoBlock heating system heats water to ideal temperatures during extraction and empties the remaining water after each use so that the water is fresh for each preparation.
For added convenience, the brewing unit provides programmable extraction for small and long cups with automatic stop, as well as backlit "on/off," "espresso," and "lungo" buttons. Other highlights include cup-warming side trays for six espresso cups, a removable 34-ounce water container, and vertical positioning of the drip grid for latte macchiato preparation. Used capsules eject into a capsule container that holds 15 used capsules and has a back light to indicate when the container is full. Housed in high-quality ABS, the 1260-watt espresso machine measures 9 by 8-8/9 by 9 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Nespresso D90/S1 Essenza Single-Serve Manual Espresso Machine, Metal Review

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(More customer reviews)This review is based on my experience with the Nespresso Essenza C90, but the Nespresso Essenza D90 is quite similar, and the espresso making mechanism is exactly the same.
We all have our little passions. Over the years, I have devoted too much time, money, and study to perfecting the art of making the perfect coffee and espresso. I searched the world (and the internet) for the best beans, grinders, equipment, and even tried roasting my own beans and became able to produce better potions that one can ever find in the coffee boutiques. Still, as it turns out, my efforts were in vain. The Nespresso Essenza (and probably the other Nespresso machines similar in design) produces the perfect cup and the ease of doing so, sadly, puts my efforts to shame.
The secret seems to be in the strong pumping mechanism (19 bars of pressure, same as their more expensive machines) and their superb coffee capsules. After being such a stickler for the freshest roasted estate grown beans, I balked at the use of capsules and considered it the coffee for dummies approach. I also thought that they might be kind of similar in quality to the coffee "pods" used in the new single serve coffee machines, which range from bad (for the manufacturer and supermarket brands) to only fairly good (for the best of the gourmet, limited-edition pods at over $1 each).
Against all odds, the Nespresso pods are pure magic. I ordered new pods right away, but even the sampler pods that came with the machine were incredible, despite being past their "best before" expiration date. I'm equally mystified as to how they can have about twelve varieties and almost all be exquisite, despite noticeable differences not only in strength but in flavor. The "lungo"capsules are also fantastic (these produce 4 ounces of coffee-espresso instead of the classic 1 to 2 ounce espresso). Being partial to espresso and very dark coffee, I wasn't so impressed with the two or three pods weakest in strength, but those who like traditional American coffee might prefer them.
The Nespresso capsules completely dispelled my concern that they would be limiting compared to the use of coffee beans. It turns out that the opposite is true. Sure, there may be hundreds of different beans available, with infinite possibilities of blends and roasts, but they rarely reach the superior flavor these capsules achieve. Moreover, ordering coffee beans limits you to only one or two roasts for awhile, unless you buy a variety of green coffee beans (which last much longer than roasted beans) and roast them yourself in small quantities. With the capsules, a nice variety of espresso variations are available instantly.
Having been in the habit of ordering expensive coffee beans, I find the cost of the Nespresso capsules at $.50 each and the two-day shipping charge of only $5.95 (for any quantity) very reasonable. When buying roasted coffee beans, the shipping cost for one or two day air was much higher, and I had to reorder them every few weeks to keep fresh ones on hand. Since the Nespresso capsules stay fresh much longer, I can order a several month supply at one time.
The only criticism of the machine is that the espresso might not be quite hot enough for some aficionados. However, it is just hot enough for me, and the temperature can be raised slightly by heating the cup first.
It is amazing that I can now enjoy the best espresso almost instantly. This is truly the perfect way to enjoy espresso, even if I can no longer take credit for concocting it.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Nespresso D90/S1 Essenza Single-Serve Manual Espresso Machine, Metal

With its unique extraction system designed specifically for coffee-filled capsules, this single-serve manual espresso machine prepares perfect espresso every time. The unit perforates the hermetically sealed capsule and soaks all the ground coffee to optimally filter the coffee, while its high-pressure 19-bar pump extracts all the aromas and gives body to the espresso, ensuring a smooth crema--the delicious creamy layer on top. In addition, the machine's ThermoBlock heating system heats water to 187 degrees and 196 degrees during extraction and empties the remaining water after each use to ensure fresh water every time. Used capsules eject automatically into the used-capsule collection container upon lifting the handle on the top of the unit. Other highlights include manual control of the amount of coffee in the cup, a backlit control button, electronic temperature regulation, and a removable 34-ounce water container. The espresso machine only uses capsules, not any other ground espresso, but Nespresso provides a range of premium coffee blends, including decaffeinated. An assortment of 12 capsules comes included. Compactly designed in sleek, modern housing, the manual espresso machine measures 10 by 6-2/5 by 11-1/2 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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