Tasting: illy vs. Nespresso Capsule Espresso Machines
We have carried Nespresso capsule machines for awhile now and we know that while they’ll definitely get the caffeinated job done, it’s unlikely that the shots they produce will ever knock your socks off. illy came to the scene recently with their reworked Francis Francis! machines that utilize the Iperespresso capsule functionality, so we decided it was time for a little side-by-side taste-off.
Note that there are a ton of variables at play here, especially since both of these use proprietary capsule systems and blends, we couldn’t necessarily judge the machine’s tech separate from the coffee’s flavor. Bunny selected a dark roast, light roast and single origin from each manufacturer for us to taste; watch as the crew gives their feedback on flavor!
SCG Experiments: Frothing Soy Milk in Auto-Frothers
In addition to the temperature, foam quality and other general performance questions we get about stand-alone milk frothers, how they whip up non-dairy milks is definitely high on the list of many folks researching these little gems.
Since soy is one of the most popular non-dairy milks around, we selected it to perform a side-by-side functional comparison of the Capresso FrothTEC, Breville Milk Cafe and Nespresso Aero3. Watch our experiment video to learn how they measure up!
Crew Review: Nespresso U Capsule Espresso Machine
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: When it comes to convenience and cleanliness in the java makin’ world, the capsule system by Nespresso is where it’s at.
Often sporting several different features and functions — like steam wands or automatic frothers — the U is a streamlined version of their capsule espresso machine. It’s small, incredibly intuitive to use and, since it’s using the same brew technology and capsules of its pricier counterparts, produces a great cup of coffee with minimal work on your part. Plus, it incorporates magnets and you know how much we love that. The future!
Want to see it in action? Check out Gail’s walkthrough and demo of the Nespresso U.
Compare: Convenience of Superautos vs. Capsule vs. Pod Espresso Machines
If convenience is king in your household, your espresso machine selection will likely center on superautomatic, capsule or pod-friendly options such as those made by DeLonghi, Jura, Nespresso and Saeco.
But which of these three machine styles produces a better shot? Does it matter? Of course it does! Watch as Gail demonstrates making an Americano on a pod-friendly semi-automatic, a capsule machine and a superautomatic. We compare flavor and discuss the relative convenience and ease of use.
Brewin’ with Brandi: Cafe Banana Split
Looking for a super simple sweet treat? This lovely recipe features a shot of espresso, a little sugar, a little cool frothed milk and some fun! Watch Brandi whip it up using Nespresso’s Gran Maestria capsule espresso machine and included Aero4 automatic frother.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Shot of espresso
- Milk – cold or hot frothed
- Tea biscuit
- Banana, diced
- Monin Caramel Sauce
Directions
Place brown sugar in the bottom of a demitasse. Add espresso and then pour frothed milk on top, leaving a bit of room at the top. Float the tea biscuit and diced banana on top of the milk, then drizzle with caramel sauce.
Compare: Nespresso Capsule Espresso Machines
For ease of use, cleanliness and convenience, Nespresso‘s patented capsule espresso machines are a hard act to follow. Sure, they’re never going to give you the God shot, but if you’re considering one, that’s probably not that important to you. What they will do is give you consistently good espresso and offer you a variety of blends to choose from.
While they have several different styles of machines, one thing remains the same: The brewing functionality. Other than that, each model has different features you can choose from. Watch as Gail guides us through their currently available suite of machines and talks to us about how they compare.
Brewin’ with Brandi: Raspberry Kiss Latte
There’s sweet … then there’s very sweet … then there’s Brandi!
This lovely latte features the delicious flavors of Monin’s Raspberry and White Chocolate, which Brandi whips up with ease using the Nespresso Gran Maestria’s Aero 4 milk frother.
Ingredients
- 1/2 oz Monin Raspberry syrup
- 1/2 oz Monin White Chocolate sauce
- 2 shots espresso
- 6 oz steamed / frothed milk
Directions
Combine syrup, sauce and milk together; froth well to fully incorporate. Pour over two shots of espresso and garnish with whipped cream + fresh raspberry!
Crew Review: Nespresso Gran Maestria
The counterpart to the recently reviewed Nespresso Maestria, the Gran Maestria features a new variation of their Aeroccino milk frother (the Aero 4, which offers you the ability to control different types of milk froth and temperatures) and a demitasse cup steamer. Also, it’s built like a B52 bomber!
Watch Gail introduce us to the machine, from box to cup. She talks about its features, how capsule espresso works and then demonstrates making a cappuccino.
Crew Review: Nespresso Maestria
For ease, convenience and cleanliness, there’s really no beating a capsule espresso machine. Sure, you’re not going to achieve the God Shot, but if you’re looking for a great cup of coffee that you can easily make at home — one cup at a time — Nespresso‘s series of machines are definitely worth your consideration.
One of their newer machines, the Maestria, combines their typical espresso extraction technology with one great new feature: A steam wand! We really dig this because, historically speaking, milk frothing on a Nespresso machine was handled either by a stand alone frother (different variations of the Aeroccino) or via a cappuccinatore type system — neither of which gave you much control over the milk foam quality nor temperature.
Watch Gail take us from box to cup — showing us how to set up the Maestria and then making a latte using its steam wand.
Brewin’ with Brandi: Iced Latte a la Nespresso
We kept her on pins and needles long enough, so when we had the opportunity to pair up a non-sweetened coffee drink with a batch of Kaylie’s Espresso Meringue cookies, we let Brandi break out the Nespresso! She chose to produce an iced latte, featuring the Aeroccino‘s cold frothing functionality.
While the recipe isn’t rocket science (a couple shots of espresso and a batch of cold-frothed milk), it’s always fun to watch Brandi whip something up, isn’t it?