Coffee Machine Recommendations Please (Light commerical use/pod based)

[Sherlock Homeless]

Folks I'm after your recommendations for a pod based coffee machine that will be getting some light commerical use. Would like a nice range of drinks, preferably with a frother for lattes and whatnot along with ease of maintenance and reasonably priced pods.

Thanks

 

[Paul Murray]

I don't know the exact model, but I worked in a studio a while back that had a Nespresso machine that had a milk frother. The coffees it made were absolutely delicious, better than I've had in some coffee shops.

 

[Nuno]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/gds/The-Compl...ial-Coffee-Machines-/10000000177329472/g.html

 

[Deggle]

At home I've used a 3 versions of Tassimo (cheap machines, not unreasonably priced capsules and a good range of drinks), and my family have Nespresso (more expensive, only one range of coffee, but very good quality output).

However, at work I bought some of the Flavia 400 machines. Brand new they are very expensive at over £1000, but a lot go on eBay for very reasonable prices, especially if you keep an eye out.

This is the type I bought - can't post links, eBay search: 181580569359

I got three working and one for spares that I think had come from an office clearance, and spent around £500 in total. I used the spares from one damaged one to service the the main three, which was good as one had a faulty valve inside (I will say, self-services in not for most as they are quite fiddly to dismantle fully). I also flushed them with vinegar which removed a heap of limescale. They are still going strong after 2 years and work well for commercial use (they are designed for higher throughput, unlike the others).

Regarding frothing: Some machines have milk frother capsules (Tassimo and Flavia do) though the result isn't as good a frothed fresh milk. I have a Severin Induction Milk Frother at home and can recommend it.

Summary: If you're looking for something to impress clients, Nespresso is probably a good choice. If it's for staff or higher usage then I'd recommend Flavia or something along those lines.

 

[Dan Izzard]

I used a Tassimo for a few years. It's really only designed for home use. While good for a year or so use with regular cleaning I don't really think it's built to last that long. If you are putting through a number of pods per day then I would go with something more substantial (and better tasting).

The tassimo pods are fairly expensive and I presume the machines are subsidised to hook you in. Mine was £30 which is tempting but the above option would be more suited to a higher output.

 

[Sherlock Homeless]

Nespresso looks like the winning choice at the moment, thanks folks.

 

[visagephoto]

I was looking at a Delonghi machine in my local PC World, they do a range of high end "Prima Donna", "Mavnaca" & "Eletta" machines which produce Espresso, Latte, & Cappuccino coffees etc. From bean to cup at the press of a bbutton.

Excellent cup of coffee and you can choose your own brand of beans.