Thanks (also to SandboxGeneral)! And thanks for being so nice about it
Most espresso enthusiasts hate the Nespresso
I can see the point though. I agree it doesn't taste as good as a real machine.
But it suits me for my morning coffee and it's infinitely better than the "Senseo" pod machine I had before (which could only do weak, lukewarm swill).
Before I bought this machine I'd been reading a lot about it and I was actually thinking of getting the Gaggia Classic. I was stuck deciding between going all-out manual with a Classic or full auto with the Nespresso. What mainly swung the balance for me was the 6-minute warmup time on the Gaggia. I tend to rush out the door in 15 minutes, it just wouldn't work.
I'm not a morning person, and on the Pixie I just press a button and go. I still don't feel quite satisfied with it though. It's hard to describe but the coffee doesn't have the same full flavour of a real Americano. When I get to work I still end up going to the coffee shop next door for my second cup because theirs is so much better. I've tried them side by side and it's no comparison. I expected a bit more from the Nespresso but I have a feeling that the double shot they're giving me in the coffee shop is a lot more than 2 nespresso pods. Even 3 of the the highest strength pods doesn't give the same full taste as a real large Americano. And I think I'm doing it right (extracting them at 20ml, then filling up with hot water). Maybe I need 4 but that would be more than half the price of a takeaway
So yes, in my opinion the Nespresso totally can't beat a decent machine. I have a feeling it won't be long before I'll have a Gaggia
Maybe not for the mornings but for when I come home..