Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I bought my Senseo machine over 2 years ago (when they first came out) as an alternative to splurging on a much pricier machine after my mediocre Krups espresso maker died. While I loved the Senseo concept, I was disapointed with the coffee, even when I used the pods I bought from supposedly Gourmet suppliers, and considered spending the bucks on a true pump espresso machine. THEN I FOUND THE ECOPADS!! While I was a bit skeptical, (at that time they were only available from some obscure website--I think in the Netherlands) I took a chance and paid $13 + shipping for 2 pads. I loved them. So I bought two more for when the first two wore out, but the first pair are still going strong after two years of almost daily use! TIPS FOR SIMPLE FLAWLESS PEFORMANCE: (1) Use a burr grinder to grind your coffee (whether at home or the store). I already had a "burr" coffee grinder when I got these. Unlike the grinders with spinning blades, burr grinders actually grind the coffee, resulting in a consistent size of grind (unlike the blade models which produce a combination of powder and granules). Mine allows you to adjust that grind. The finest is espresso, the most coarse is for a French Press. I have mine set about halfway between Espresso (finest) and drip (medium) and I get a rich cup of coffee every time. (2) Use good coffee--i.e., coffee you like! I use Pete's Major Dickason's Blend. (3) You do do not need to wet the pads, or to have them dry, either. While they are a tad easier to fill dry, they are simple to fill when wet (i.e. just rinsed out), too. And, if you happen to overfill them, I just mash the top down (which seems to push the coffee out of the way) and brush away any excess grinds (if pad is dry) or rinse the closed pad quickly under the faucet (if pad is wet). In either case, you must insure not to have stray coffee on the outside of the pad or it can block the little hole in the Senseo "pod holder" thereby locking the machine up (you won't be able to open the handle easily and don't try--unless you want a hot grounds explosion--just let it sit for 10+ minutes to lose pressure, then open). (4) If you like your coffee strong, push the single cup button. If you prefer it weaker, the two cup button. I like strong coffee and use two pads to make one cup every morning. (5) I never use soap on them, after my Italian friend's coffee aficianado father convinced me that soap should never touch the part of the maker that accepts coffee--only rinse with water. I wrote lengthy dissertation as I promised myself I would someday put up a good review of this excellent product and now that I am ordering my sister a Senseo and these pads for her birthday, I am making good on that promise!!! Whew!