1

I'm an occasional avid coffee drinker. That is, I don't drink much (at most 1 cup a day, sometimes a few days with 0 cups) but when I do I want it to be (really) good.

I just want a good cup of regular coffee, and possibly a latte every now and then. I don't care too much for an espresso.

Up until now I've used the freeze dried stuff and sometimes one of those glass wait-and-then-press things. Both of them with mediocre results that leaves me wanting (most likely because I'm in a hurry and don't do it properly).

So, I want to get better coffee, without breaking the bank and without needing to count seconds or measure precise amounts of anything (both are things I suck at early in the morning). To me the capsule coffee makers seem like the perfect solution. But which one should I get?

There are so many of them. Went to a Nespresso store today and they let me taste a coffee from Nespresso Vertuo Next which in all honestly was good (better than what I usually drink) although I kind of expected even better, and when I read reviews about it they were.. mixed (things like the first cup being cold). So I'm back to square one and not knowing what I need.

Maybe you guys have some tips? I'm hoping to stay within or under 230 USD.

Update 1. Was asked to define a (to me) good cup of coffee. This is hard and I doubt I know the correct terms for what you are asking me to describe.. But I'll give it a stab. I like a well rounded cup, that's not too bitter (I usually stay away from the really dark roast) but I also want a distinct strong coffee taste (not watered down). In my opinion, a good cup of coffee does not need milk or sugar (although I do add milk sometimes, and I do enjoy a latte every now and then). I also want a good crema on the cup. Oh, and it needs to be hot. I hate cold coffee, I want it above 90 degrees celcius.

On a vacation to Teneriffa a few years ago I realized that every single little mom and pop shop had this machine (or very similar) and were all extremely good at making a good cup of joe. I have since then not tasted as good coffee as I had during that week again. Just thinking about it makes me want to go back just for the damn coffee. enter image description here

Improve this question
3
  • Welcome! Could you please add a few details on how you define “really good”? As it’s written, it’s opinion-based (your “good” may be quite different from my “good”) and knowing what characteristics you prefer will give you better answers. Apart from that, nice post!
    – Stephie ♦
    Sep 5, 2020 at 6:52
  • @Stephie Thank you! I don't know if I answered your question, maybe I managed to give some insight, at least I hope so.
    – JensB
    Sep 5, 2020 at 18:58
  • If you're interested in buying an espresso machine, have a look at this video by James Hoffmann: youtube.com/watch?v=7HIGdYy5of4 while not a complete guide, it might give you a little insight in how much a decent espresso machine costs. His other videos are also worth watching if you like to try different kinds of brewing methods.
    – technical_difficulty
    Sep 27, 2020 at 15:58

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
-1

This may be heresy: An espresso machine plus a grinder is overkill for a one cup a day person. Try Nespresso Vertuo. Their coffee is excellent and comes in a wide selection of tastes. In my opinion, much better than anything from Kuerig. I own two Vertuo machines, one for office, one for home. I'm not in any way connected to Nespresso except as a satisfied customer.

Improve this answer
1
  • I don't think an espresso machine plus grinder is overkill at all! I drink maybe 3-4 espressos a week, sometimes I do a french press, sometimes a filter coffee. I am absolutely happy that I bough an espresso machine, even if I don't use it continuously.
    – technical_difficulty
    Sep 27, 2020 at 15:55

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.