Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)If you are committed to drinking a lot of espressos, lattes, cappucino's, etc ...* and not just a cup of 'joe,' there are only two choices for you to choose from, this and the Keurig Platinum B70. Both make excellent coffee, are easy to use and make cleanup easy. So it really comes down to design looks.
*Note that to make real froth, you need the Nespresso Aericcino frothing machine which is really just an agitating/warming/heating cup like device - Amazon does not seem to sell, it's around $90 but it makes a huge difference versus the slightly non-diary power cream taste you usually get from "fake" pods of cappucino/latte. Of course, it's a separate device that you can use with the Keurig also so you can decide.
Besides the looks, the only difference is that the Keurig sells about 100 different pods of tea, coffee and hot chocolate and available in lots of places while the Nespresso pods are only available online and your choices are limited to about 12 (or whatever they might add or subtract in the future). Though since Nespresso only sells 12, they tried to make sure there is a difference in each of their choices so while you do get "more" choices that work on the Keurig, that does not necessarily mean you're getting a slew of differences ... each Nespresso pod is $.49 each with a minimum order of 50. Keurig pods range in price from $.30 to $.70 but Nespresso's design sensibilities extends to the pods themselves - the "Welcome Pack" is especially cool looking, a minimalistic black box out of MoMa with multi-colored chrome dots - each a pod "window" showcasing the 250 pods that then slide out onto trays like truffles. If you have a lot of company/friends over and want to show off striking good looks even from your instant coffee pod, then you have to choose the Nespresso ... sure, that might be getting carried away a bit but great classy clean design can make a difference - just like you could probably wouldn't pull out some grape jelly jars to drink coffee :-)
Anyway, ultimately, that's what it comes down to - the Nespresso unit and its pods are something you'd proudly display on your kitchen counter as it's really a mini Italian roaster, grinder and coffee machine - even down to its cup warmer and its chrome-like pods.
The Keurig coffee itself can be just as good. The unit itself and the pods however are normal, functional, everyday looking design - nothing wrong with that but if you're choosing design and aesthics, unlike a lot of choices where you trade off striking looks for ease of use, you're not giving up anything with choosing the Nespresso.
BTW, the Nespresso LeCube is also available in red, chrome and a new black. I'm not sure if Amazon carries all the colors. At their website, you can go all out and go Nespresso crazy - from sugar sticks to cups to if you're a true believer ... the 'wall capsule dispenser in ebony-tinted oak.' I KID YOU NOT :-)
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Nespresso C180W Le Cube Automatic Espresso Machine, Arctic WhiteIn a pure minimalist design with a square, cubed architectural shape, this compact espresso machine features a unique extraction system specially designed for coffee-filled capsules. A simple system perforates the hermetically sealed capsule and soaks all the ground coffee to optimally filter the coffee, while the unit's high-pressure 19-bar pump extracts all the aromas and gives body to the espresso ensuring a smooth crema--the delicious creamy layer on top. In addition, the machine's ThermoBlock heating system heats water to ideal temperatures during extraction and empties the remaining water after each use so that the water is fresh for each preparation.
For added convenience, the brewing unit provides programmable extraction for small and long cups with automatic stop, as well as backlit "on/off," "espresso," and "lungo" buttons. Other highlights include cup-storage side trays for six espresso cups, a removable 34-ounce water container, and vertical positioning of the drip grid for latte macchiato preparation. Used capsules eject into a capsule container that holds 15 used capsules and has a back light to indicate when the container is full. The espresso machine only uses capsules, not any other ground espresso, but a range of 12 premium coffee blends is available, including decaffeinated. The capsules can be purchased from Nespresso, either by phone or at their Web site, and an assortment of 12 capsules comes included. Housed in high-quality ABS, the 1260-watt espresso machine measures 9 by 8-8/9 by 9 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.
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