Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I like straight espresso. And I've spent quite a bit of time looking at the different types of equipment and brands on the market. I'd heard of Nespresso before. But I don't know anyone who has one of their machines. Besides, I had already dismissed a capsule-based machine as not being a "real" espresso machine. After all, I said to myself. Isn't a capsule-based espresso machine, when compared to a "real" espresso machine, a bit like comparing a cup of fresh brewed coffee to instant coffee? I've always heard that pulling a great shot of espresso requires a commitment. A commitment that requires the proper equipment, skill, and freshly roasted beans. A good espresso machine is not inexpensive. And they typically must be pre-heated for twenty to thirty minutes. You'll also need a decent (not cheap) grinder, to grind the beans to the proper consistency. And you'll need a tamper, to tamp the ground coffee in the Portafilter with just the right amount of pressure. And, of course, you'll need to practice and spend some time to "get to know" your new equipment. When all of these factors come together, and the moon is in the right phase, I'm told that you just might be able to pull a decent shot...someday. No problem. I am not deterred. I'm willing to spend the money for decent equipment. And I'm also willing to go through whatever ritual is necessary to make a really good shot of espresso in my own home. But what about those capsule-based espresso machines? Can they rival a "real" espresso machine? Can they really produce the flavor, aroma, and crema necessary for a good shot of espresso? I had to find out. I've had espresso at Starbucks (it's OK), and some local coffee houses and restaurants (everything from terrible to very good). And I recently had a shot from a local company that does nothing but roast coffee. They were kind enough to make me an espresso on the machine they have for their employees (a Simonelli espresso machine, costing thousands of dollars). They pulled me a shot from beans they'd roasted the day before. Then they ground them in a high-dollar grinder right before my eyes. The result? A great shot of espresso, with all the flavor, aroma, and crema that one would expect. Surely, I thought, no capsule-based system could compete. I live in Dallas, TX. And Dallas currently has the only Nespresso store in the state. I went there not expecting to be impressed. I was wrong. I sampled three different varieties. And guess what? I like the Nespresso "Kazaar" and "Ristretto" better than any espresso I've ever had. I also discovered that the Nespresso system doesn't simply pour hot water over the coffee in the capsule. Their machines have an internal pump that forces hot water under pressure into the capsule, much in the same way that hot water is forced into the Portafilter on a "real" espresso machine. That settled it. I made the decision to purchase a Pixie. In fact, I purchased two. This machine appears to be well built. And it's made in Switzerland, not China. As far as I'm concerned, the Nespresso pixie IS a "real" espresso machine. It's just a lot more convenient. The warmup time is only about half a minute. And it's very easy to use. All you have to do is add water, insert and lock the capsule of your choice, and press the button. Out comes espresso that's as good or better than anything I've had in coffee shops and restaurants. Still, I know that some espresso purists will scoff. Where's the ritual? Where's the skill? Where's the control? As I mentioned earlier in this review, I'd be willing to invest the time and money in traditional equipment if it produced a better result. Granted, I haven't tried every type of bean in combination with every type of espresso machine and grinder on the planet. Who knows? Maybe there's a "God Shot" out there somewhere that'll make me dump the Pixie in the trash. Until then, I'm happy to enjoy great espresso...regardless of what phase the moon is in.