Nespresso D290

Discontinued

Reviewed

November 2010

Pros

Easy to use and clean
Makes flavorful coffee
Adjustable serving settings
Frothing wand

Cons

Expensive
Limited capsule selection
Doesn't make tea or hot cocoa
Spout height not adjustable
No automatic on/off

Where to Buy

for $590.00

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The Nespresso D290 is a favorite among reviewers looking for a robust brew combined with convenience. This machine is designed to dispense a single or double shot of espresso in 1.35- and 3.75-ounce sizes and comes with a frothing wand that steams milk for cappuccino and lattes. The aluminum brewing capsules (*Est. 55 cents to 62 cents each) come in 16 varieties and are sold exclusively by Nespresso, a chief complaint among many owners unable to use third-party pods. They say aside from being locked into the Nespresso brand, the capsules are hard to find. However, owners agree the sturdy Nespresso D290 is fast, easy to use and produces coffee with "excellent flavor." If you want a coffee maker with programmable features and height adjustment, the Keurig Special Edition B60 (*Est. $150) provides both.

We found the best professional reviews on the Nespresso D290 in Food & Wine magazine and at Slate.com. Food & Wine magazine editors don't say how many pod-style coffee makers were among the 67 coffee machines they tested or how they were evaluated. At Slate.com, Alex Abramovich tests six espresso makers and names one "best in show." We also consult owner-written reviews at Amazon.com and Epinions.com.

Where To Buy

Nespresso D290 Concept Espresso and Coffeemaker
(47 reviews) Buy new: $399.00 7 Used & new from $230.01

Our Sources

1. Food & Wine Magazine Details/Subscribe

Editors test 157 coffees and 67 coffee makers, naming the Nespresso D290 their favorite pod espresso machine. However, testing methodology is murky -- we don't know how many one-cup coffee makers were tested among the 67 models.

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

2. Slate.com

After evaluating six high-end machines in categories such as quality, convenience and value, Alex Abramovich gives top honors to the "handsome" Nespresso D290, adding that despite the expense and limited availability of the proprietary capsules, the Nespresso D290 makes consistently tasty coffee.

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

3. Amazon.com

The Nespresso D290 receives an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from almost 50 owners. Most say this machine is very easy to use, brews quickly and its coffee has "excellent flavor." Owners who have been using their Nespresso D290 for three years or more compliment its sturdiness. Several owners say they had mechanical problems, but the company provides excellent customer service.

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

4. Epinions.com

The Nespresso D290 has a perfect rating of 5 stars from about 10 owners. Users say this machine is exceptionally fast and brews in less than two minutes from a cold start. A few mention mechanical problems, but affected consumers said its customer service was attentive and helpful.

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

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