Nespresso C100 US-AERO Essenza – Best Espresso Machine Under $200?

The Nespresso C100 US-Aero is a single serve espresso machine that exclusively uses Nespresso coffee capsules. While this may be a slight drawback for some, there is no denying that this is an excellent espresso machine.

Clocking in at just under $200 on Amazon.com at the time of this writing, and with a powerful 19-bar pump and the aeroccino milk frother included, this may be the best espresso machine in this price range, maintaining an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars across 150+ customer reviews.

Why the Nespresso C100 US-Aero Essenza Performs So Well

While for some, the exclusive use of Nespresso coffee capsules may be a limitation, it does in fact help the Nespresso C100 to deliver a predictably perfect cup of espresso time and again. The machine was made for those capsules and it shows in the quality espresso it produces.

Also, the machine features a powerful 19-bar espresso pump to extract the maximum flavor from the capsule. A very effective Thermoblock heating system does a great job of getting the water to the proper extraction temperature.

The Aeroccino milk frother is just a breeze to use, and if you hate messing around with a nozzle or frothing wand like you find on most espresso machines, the “pour in the milk and push a button” simplicity of the Aeroccino will win you over very quickly.

A simple programmable setting allows you to choose the quantity of coffee you want to push through. Choose between espresso (4oml) or Lungo (110ml).

Easy Cleaning

Another advantage of capsules are that they cause the minimum mess. With the Nespresso C100 US-Aero this is the case as well. After use you can clean the machine by simply running water through the nozzle, and also by washing the tray and clearing out the discarded capsules. Hardly break a sweat.

Quality

Of course, it’s all fine and well for a machine to make great espresso, but what about build quality and durability? The Nespresso C100 is a solidly built unit, and we could find only a few customer complaints about defective units.

Pros and Cons: Nespresso C100 US-Aero Essenza

The machine currently scores a 4.7 out of 5 stars rating on Amazon.com, which is outstanding. Here is a quick summary of the pros and cons of this excellent espresso machine.

Pros:

+ Makes great espresso fast + Easy to clean + Well built + Good customer reviews + Aeroccino milk frother

Cons:

- Uses proprietary capsules that can only be purchased online from Nespresso - Scattered reports of overflowing and heating issues with the Aeroccino Sale Price:$299.00

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Nespresso Citiz C120 Review

The Nespresso Citiz C120 makes the job of producing great espresso, lattes or cappuccino extremely easy. While you are limited to using Nespresso capsules with this machine, this may actually be a huge positive if you just want the best espresso possible without any fuss.

In this review you’ll find a video of the Citiz in action, our thoughts on it and what other consumers like yourself have to say about it.

Nespresso Citiz With Aeroccino Video

Watch this video if you wish to see the Nespresso Citiz in action, or just continue to our review below.

Buy The Nespresso Citiz C120 From Amazon

Nespresso Citiz C120 Review

This unit is available in 3 colors – black, aluminum and fire engine red. It occupies the somewhat deserted intermediate $300 price bracket for espresso machines.

Why It Is Worth a Look

The C120 not only offers you the Nespresso Citiz espresso maker, but also the Aeroccino milk steamer/frother in one compact unit. The machine has a powerful 19 bars of pressure that extracts the maximum flavor from the Nespresso capsules. It features a 1L (34 ounce) water reservoir, which is removable for easy refilling.

The machine supports both larger and smaller cup sizes thanks to a folding drip tray, which is handy.

Talking about the capsules, these are pretty much what either puts people off the Nespresso range, or what makes it their prime choice, depending on the person. The fact that a Nespresso machine like the Citiz can only use these capsules may be a bummer for anyone who likes to experiment with their own espresso blends. Also, the capsules aren’t as readily available as most coffees and can only be bought from the official Nespresso website.

If, however, you simply want a fast cup of espresso with no mess and no fuss, the Nespresso Citiz is for you. Used capsules are deposited in a small container which can easily be removed for emptying. Clean and simple.

Operation and Performance

First of all, the Citiz C120 feels really solidly built. No part of it feels cheap or flimsy.

The machine is powered on of off with a simple switch on the right hand side. All you need to do to make an espresso with the Citiz is to pop a capsule into the top of the machine in the provided slot. Press the appropriate button for a single or longer shot (lungo) of espresso and that’s your work pretty much done. The Citiz will do the rest.

For lattes and cappuccinos, the Aeroccino milk frother/steamer is included. A button on the unit controls cold frothing or steaming. By holding the button in you can activate cold frothing, and by pressing it once quickly you can activate steaming. Be sure not to fill the Aeroccino above the indicated line, as that could lead to a mess.

Since the Aeroccino unit is separate from the espresso machine itself, you can pull your shot while frothing your milk to save time. This is some great functionality and makes this a very fast and efficient espresso machine.

Verdict

The Nespresso Citiz C120 is a solidly built espresso machine that makes creating espressos, lattes and cappuccinos fast and easy with the separate and very efficient Aeroccino milk preparation unit. The machine cost just over $300 right now on Amazon.com, which usually has the best price, so it is not the cheapest machine around.

However, ease of use and speedy operation makes it well worth the price. A wide variety of Nespresso capsules are available for use in the machine at a cost of around 55 cents each. This is a little more expensive than ground coffee, but you have to balance it out against the simple and fast operation it supports.

Consumer Opinions

On Amazon.com, this product has received 45 consumer reviews, of which 38 are favorable (4 & 5 stars). This gives the C120 a customer satisfaction rating of 84%, which is excellent.

Pros and Cons Summary

+ Capsule samples included with machine to get you started + Pull a shot and steam milk at the same time with the Aeroccino + Supports small and large cup sizes + Easy cleaning and disposal of used capsules + Delicious, rich espresso + Solidly built + All parts integrated on one stand

- Only uses Nespresso capsules - Capsules can only be bought from Nespresso website

Sale Price:$299.00

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Nespresso D290 Review

Easily one of the most beautiful espresso makers on the market, the appearance of the Nespresso D290 is easily matched by its performance, reliability and the quality of the espresso it creates. Let’s see why this espresso machine is worth its stiff price tag.

Best Price & Free Shipping On This Product: Amazon.com

Nespresso D290 Features

With 1250W of power and a pump capable of 19 bars of pressure, this machine can extract the maximum flavor and create beautiful crema for a rich and satisfying espresso. Automation and ease of use are two features Nespresso pride themselves on, and the D290 does a lot of this, from regulating water temperature electronically to controlling the amount of coffee in the cup to ejecting spent capsules automatically.

Oh yes, the capsule system is another staple of the Nespresso brand, and these hermetically sealed capsules integrate flawlessly with the espresso machine to produce rich espresso with the minimum mess of fuss. The unit also features a removable 34-ounce water reservoir and a steam wand.

Nespresso D290 Performance

Operating the D290 is child’s play. After turning the machine on you hardly have to wait a minute for the red light to come on, showing that the unit is ready for action. Pop in your favorite capsule and choose your cup size. Mere seconds later you’ll have a rich espresso with a lovely thick crema pouring out of the spout into your cup.

Steaming milk for cappucinos or lattes is easy with the attached steam wand.

What you’ll really love about the Nespresso D290 is that it requires almost no cleaning. Forget about scraping out ground coffee residue afterwards. The machine simply deposits empty capsules into a receptacle. Just beautiful.

The espresso this machine produces is among the best we’ve ever tasted, and that includes not only what we got from other espresso machines, but also from places like Starbucks. We are also extremely impressed with the build quality of the machine, and some consumers have reported that their Nespresso machines are still working like a charm after as many as 7 years, although inevitably this will vary.

Nespresso D290 Concerns

First there’s the price. You have to understand this is a luxury item. If you consider yourself an espresso connoisseur though, this machine will delight you. The other thing to be aware of with all Nespresso products is that you are limited to using their coffee capsules. While these capsules provide an unmatched level of convenience in practical use, they can only be bought online from the Nespresso official website. If you like to experiment with different coffees and grounds you may not like being limited like this, and you have to carefully manage your stock since you can’t simply run off to the shops quickly if you find you’ve run out.

Customer Reviews & Verdict

On Amazon.com this product has received 46 reviews, with 37 four and five star ratings. That’s an 80% customer satisfaction rating. If the streamlined capsule system approach appeals to you, the Nespresso D290 is a great espresso machine that delivers a wonderful espresso time after time.

Sale Price:$315.00

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