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Nespresso Concept D290

Discontinued

Reviewed

November 2010

by ConsumerSearch

Pros

Simple to use
Easy cleanup
Good build quality
Espresso tastes good

Cons

Limited pod selection
Can't control brew strength
Frothing wand doesn't heat milk enough

Where to Buy

for $399.00

Our Analysis
Specs
51 Amazon Reviews

Pod-type espresso makers take the learning curve out of making espresso -- an aspect that some reviewers like and others decry as lazy. If you don't relish learning the craft of making espresso, the Nespresso D290 is the best pod-based espresso machine. Owners say that the coffee quality is good, and there's little if any mess. The downside is that these machines are only compatible with Nespresso coffee cones, which are available exclusively through Nespresso. Reviewers say this machine is attractive, however, and comes with clear operating instructions. Coffee connoisseurs who enjoy the process of grinding, dispensing and tamping espresso beans will want to look elsewhere, but the casual espresso drinker will be thrilled with the Nespresso machine, say reviews.

We found a quality review of the Nespresso Concept D290 at Slate.com, where it is the writer's favorite of the eight machines he tried. We also found many owner-written reviews of this machine at Amazon.com and CoffeeGeek.com. Most feedback is positive, with owners praising the Nespresso's ease of use.

Our Sources

1. Slate.com

Alex Abramovich reviews espresso machines from a novice's point of view. His top choice is the Nespresso D290, a pod machine that, despite the drawbacks of buying prepackaged pods, makes consistently great espresso. However, Abramovich concedes that espresso enthusiasts will want more control over the brew strength than the D290 allows.

Review: Totally Wired: Which Espresso Machine Is Best?, Alex Abramovich, Dec. 10, 2004

2. CoffeeGeek.com

Reviews of the Nespresso D290 are commingled with reviews of other Nespresso machines on this site. Most owners say it's a breeze to use and makes espresso that tastes better than that found in chain coffee shops.

Review: Consumer Espresso: Nespresso Machines, Contributors to CoffeeGeek.com

3. Food & Wine Magazine

Although editors say that they spent 410 hours testing 67 coffee makers, they don't describe their methodology, and they don't list the machines that didn't make the grade. Editors love the Nespresso D290, which uses pods and "takes the guesswork out" of the process.

Review: An Obsessive's Guide to Coffee, Ray Isle and Lily Barberio, March 2006

4. Amazon.com

The Nespresso D290 earns an average of 4.5 stars out of 5 in about 30 owner-written reviews at Amazon.com. Most owners are very happy with it, but a few say that the steamer wand is noisy and does a mediocre job.

Review: Nespresso D290 Concept Espresso and Coffeemaker, Contributors to Amazon.com

5. Epinions.com

The Nespresso D290 gets great scores from a handful of owners. Users say they appreciate the ease of use but that the pods get expensive.

Review: Nespresso D290 Espresso Machine, Contributors to Epinions.com

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