EmailBest Reviewed
Espresso Machines
- Best espresso machine overall Rancilio Silvia *Est. $700
- Best value espresso machine Gaggia Classic *Est. $450
- Budget espresso maker DeLonghi EC155 *Est. $85
- Steam-driven espresso machine Kalorik Espresso Maker Cafeteria Express EXP25022 *Est. $45
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- Simple to use
- Easy cleanup
- Good build quality
- Espresso tastes consistently good
- Limited pod selection
- Can't control brew strength
- Frothing wand doesn't heat milk enough
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 art 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. They also say this machine is attractive 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.
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Our Sources
1. Slate.com
Alex Abramovich is an espresso-making amateur, so machines are tested from that point of view. Coming in first 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, Alex Abramovich, Dec. 10, 2004
Reviews of the Nespresso D290 are co-mingled with reviews of other Nespresso machines here at CoffeeGeek.com. 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 MagazineDetails/Subscribe
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 five 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 at Epinions.com 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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