I wanted an automatic espresso machine, and was prepared to spend up to a $1500, but my problem was that I couldn't find anything in that price range that was reliable and had consistently good reviews. The Saeco Talea came up a few times, and I have a friend who has one, but that (like every other model I looked at) seemed to have only 60% or so positive reviews, or no reviews. I wanted something that would make espresso, required little to no maintenance and would last. I own a conventional espresso maker, and a semi-automatic. The conventional (stove top) works just fine, but I rarely use it because it takes too much time when I'm trying to get out the door in the morning. Virtually every seal in the semi-automatic has worn out, it was messy to clean up, and the milk frother was just a disaster (forget the constant cleaning, water bubbles out of it even when I'm not using it).
My wife recently started to like coffee, but she likes lattes and cappuccinos, which is why I went with this model, rather than one that just made espresso. I liked that everything was on one stand, and there was only one cord, unlike getting the Nespressor C101 with Aeroccino. That's probably a better deal, but I wanted simple. I should note the machine also makes lungo, a long shot, but I prefer good old fashioned espresso, so I won't mention lungo again.
The only downside to the machine is that the espresso comes out at pretty much the perfect temperature. Same with the liquid from the milk frother. If you want scalding hot this machine isn't for you. I've used the machine to make americanos by just not putting in a coffee capsule, but when I'm running out the door to work that's not quite hot enough, so I just boil a pot of water. For espresso, and anything with the milk frother it's fast, and ready to go. I haven't used the frother to cool much stuff, but it works.
The capsules are more expensive than buying coffee by the pound, and setting up a nespresso account is annoying, but it's still cheaper than Starbucks (which I personally don't like), and by the time my coffee costs equal the cost of a fully automatic machine that machine would have died (according to all of the reviews). Standard capsules are $0.55, and specialty capsules are $0.62. Between the two of us we typically use less than 20 shots a week. Call it less than $12. $500 or so a year. We were spending at least half of that a year on coffee beans (more when you add in buying coffee by the cup), so at $250 more a year than a fully automatic espresso machine (and I think our coffee consumption would have gone up) it would have been 2 3 years before we the bottom of the line fully automatic espresso machines would have been cheaper. My guess is that I would have spent more like $2000 if I wanted that kind of reliability, that's more than 6 years.
Anyway, I purchased this model for its reliability. I looked at the Delonghi version, which is like a mini-fully automatic espresso machine, but it seems to have all of the faults of the fully automatic machine. The nespresso series seemed to have the best overall reviews and I've been very happy. My wife uses it, and she never touched the semi-automatic machine that we had. It's easy to use, clean, etc. To operate you hit the on switch, then for espresso press the espresso button. To froth or cool milk (or another liquid) you fill the milk frother and press the button to heat, or hold it down for a couple of seconds to cool. That's it.
My best friend turned me on to this. He has the same model but in fire engine red. After owning his for a year he still hasn't had an issue. A co-worker has had his for years and still no problems. I wish that nespresso sold capsules that I could fill, or that there was a better way to recycle the capsules, but oh well. I haven't used a descaling kit, but I can't imagine that will be a problem.
On the nespresso website you don't need to provide all of the information they ask for. They will still let you create an account and order. I would skip the introduction variety kit. You get a sampler with your purchase.
Let me first say that I did a lot of research before buying the Nespresso CitiZ with Aeroccino. In this price range, everything I read pointed me to this machine. I have been using the machine for one month now.
My reactions after one month:
(1) Very solid, well-made machine. There is not one part of this machine that feels or looks cheap.
(2) The espresso shots and longer shots the CitiZ pulls and pours are delicious. Beautiful crema, full enticing bouquet (if I may be so lame to use that word).
(3) Experiment with a wide variety of Nespresso capsules. My favorite is the Ristretto (10--strongest), but I also like the 9 and eight. The machine comes with a full sampler. Pay close attention to which ones you really like and which ones are merely meh.
(4) Espresso capsules for this machine can be purchased only via the Nespresso Club online. Capsules are 55 cents each and you have to order at least 50 at a time. 2-day shipping is the cheapest they offer and it's $6.95. Their shipping is FAST. You don't want to run out of capsules, but if you do, you won't be shaking for too long. :)
(5) Rinse out the machine regularly. It's a painless process that is explained in the user manual. I have some descaling powder on its way to me in the mail as I type this, so I can't give any feedback yet about the descaling process.
(6) I recommend changing the water in the reservoir each day. The fresher the water, the better the shot.
(7) When using the Aeroccino, be absolutely certain that you fill it with milk NO HIGHER than the lines indicated on the inside wall of the Aeroccino. And if you change from the minimum foam thingie to the maximum foam thingie inside the Aeroccino, be sure you fill to the lower line. Trust me on this one. If you overfill the Aeroccino, you will have a mess on your hands.
(8) If you ignore what I said in #7, it is likely milk got under the black plate that runs down the right side of the unit (with the ring at the end of it that goes around the Aeroccino's base. If you do not clean under that black plate, milk will curdle under there and start stinking to high heaven. I found this one out the hard way. Pretty nasty, but it was my fault, mostly because I didn't realize the milk would seep under there if I overfilled the Aeroccino.
(9) I figure it will take me half a year of use to cover the money I spent to buy this machine. From there, it's mostly gravy except for the cost of capsules and milk. My days of paying $2-4 per espresso drink are done.
I highly recommend the CitiZ. And I'm not an easy person to impress. I think you will love it, too.
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As a previous owner of semi-automatic and super-automatic espresso machines, it was difficult accepting this as the best choice to replace them. Although the semi-automatic gives the most control and produces the most satisfying cup, it is a commitment of time and counter space. The Nespresso is a clean, compact and effective design. It produces a surprisingly good cup, and its only drawback is being completely locked in to their coffee pod system of blends and pricing. However, their service is first rate. So, if the objective is a good cup easily and simply prepared with a fairly priced machine, it's a success.
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After years of trying to make the best tasting cup of coffee with, the best drip, and even the best vacuum style coffee makers PLUS the freshly roasted coffee beans which I freshly grind in my burr grinder, I found that what I really craved, a morning cup of latte. I've only had this unit a week, but I can tell you from owning two different manual espresso machines in the past, this unit is fantastic. Were retired and not running to Starbucks and spending lots of money on coffee out, so this cost wasn't really a factor to us. We were in Europe for a little while recently and while there is were I realized what I was missing in a cup of coffee in the morning. Its like drinking a glass of Budweiser or having a freshly brewed glass of German Bier. Take your pick. As far as the pods tasting fresh, Im as shocked as anyone. All I can tell you, we put our coffee maker and burr grinder in storage, in case we need to brew some for company in the future. But I highly doubt it. You can't go wrong with this unit. It's fast to get up and running. (heating up only takes a minute or two) Anyone can do this, and forget about the mess. THERE is NO mess. The coffee grinds are contained in the pod, its not all over your counter and down your arms. And the Nespresso company, took two days to receive the coffee. And the frother unit, is amazing. Quick (under a minute) for a half cup of so thick froth you need to spoon it out! Sprinkle it with a little vanilla sugar and what a treat. Beats any coffee anywhere. I'd give it 6 starts if I could. Its that great! By the way, my daughter worked as a barista at Starbucks and the calories in one of those "coffee" drinks is upwards toward 700-800 cal per drink. I have skim milk, and a 1/4 tsp. of sugar. Less than 80 calories. Just in case your counting.
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I recently got this as a gift from my husband and I LOVE it! It is easy to use right out of the box and the variety of coffees available are great. The one drawback as previously mentioned is having to purchase their coffee. There is a $75 credit towards coffee going on right now and that is a nice help! This equals about about 135 pods. The machine looks beautiful in my kitchen as well. The customer service is great. I had a small issue which was not their fault and they were very willing to help me.
Amazingly easy to to brew CONSISTANTLY good espressos with this trouble-free little machine. We're not gourmets, but we are fussy about our coffee. Granted, the little pods cost more, (almost twice as much per shot) as loose espresso, but considering the cost of a good grinder and the time and trouble and mess, not to mention "talent" variables that we avoid, we think it's worth it. You still end up with great espresso for around a dollar a shot, which is pretty good when you consider what you pay for it at the coffee house. The steamer work really well, too. We couldn't be happier with our purchase---and isn't it kinda cool and decco looking? Pretty, hard-working and low maintenance. What more could you ask for?
