Coffee Makers

With a seemingly endless variety of coffee makers available today, not to mention an almost unlimited number of features and functions to choose from, it can be very difficult to decide which one is the right choice for you. Whatever your hot beverage of choice happens to be, whether it be anything from coffee to hot chocolate and everything in between, today’s coffee drinker faces an abundance of options, and he or she needs to carefully consider, things like quality of construction and durability, simplicity of design, ease of use and cleaning, capacity, brewing strength (the more choices the better), brewing time, programmability, and, of course, price. For single cup coffee makers, a more recent entry to the coffee maker marketplace but very popular nonetheless, one must also consider things like water tank capacity, cup size choices, and, perhaps most importantly, the variety of coffees and other beverages available for use with a particular coffee machine. Whatever brewing container a particular brand of machine uses, be it a pods, t discs, or k cups, there is typically a large (and growing) list of types and brands of beverages available. But it does differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. For example, there seems to be a greater variety of beverages available for use with Keurig k cups than with Tassimo t discs. On the other hand, certain brands such as Starbucks is available only in t disc form. So if that’s your particular favorite, you are pretty much limited to choosing a Tassimo coffee maker. In this article we will be looking specifically at Tassimo single-serve coffee brewers, but first a word about one cup coffee makers in general.

Single Serve Coffee Makers

A major problem with home coffee makers, despite the convenience they offer, has always been the need to brew an entire pot of coffee, or at least more than you are likely to drink, even though you may only be having a cup or two. Sure, you can continue heating the rest in order to drink it later on, but it usually tastes terrible by then, and more often than not you usually end up just throwing away what’s left. Another problem is that everyone has to drink the same thing. If you make a pot of regular, that’s what everyone has to have. The same with decaf. And forget about offering a selection of flavored coffees like French vanilla, hazelnut, and the like. It’s just too impractical with traditional coffee makers. One cup coffee makers solve both of these problems, enabling coffee drinkers to enjoy their favorite beverages one cup at a time, and usually in under a minute, so everyone can have whatever they want, when they want it. The only drawback, again, is that you are restricted in your choice of brands to what is currently offered by the manufacturer of your particular machine, since leading manufacturers of single cup coffee makers such as Tassimo, Keurig, and Senseo supply coffee that has been packaged and prepared for use with their respective machines only. It would be nice if these pods, discs, and cups were interchangeable, but they’re not. Fortunately, there does seem to be a large and growing inventory available for most of the 1 cup coffee maker major brands.

Tassimo Coffee Makers

Much like the Keurig k cup coffee maker, the Tassimo coffee machines employ a pod known as a t disc which makes the whole system work. These Tassimo t discs contain a precisely pre-measured quantity of coffee (or whatever beverage you are preparing). Here’s the key: all of the brewing takes place inside the t-disc, with your hot beverage pouring directly into your cup or mug from within the disc, so you can prepare all kinds of different drinks one right after another – one cup at a time. Gone are the days of having to make an entire pot of coffee, only to have to throw three quarters of it away after having enjoyed just a cup or two. Gone, too, are the days of being able to offer your guests just one choice of hot beverage after dinner, or having to settle for decaf when you want regular because your husband or wife or guest (or whoever) can only have decaf. The beauty of a 1 cup coffee maker in general, and Tassimo 1 cup coffee makers in particular, is just that: they prepare just one cup at a time. So you want regular, your wife wants decaf, your son wants espresso and your daughter-in-law wants cappuccino or a latte. Or maybe you feel like French vanilla or hazelnut and your friend wants herbal tea. No problem. Tassimo single-serve coffee brewers can brew over 40 different varieties of beverages, one single delicious cup after another, making it possible for friends and family members to enjoy their favorite hot beverages together.

The secret, again, is with the patented t-discs for Tassimo coffeemakers. When you a put a t disc into the Tassimo coffee maker, the machine scans a unique bar code that is printed on the disc’s label. It then automatically determines the amount of water that is needed, the correct brewing time, and precise water temperature necessary to brew the perfect beverage. Each cup takes less than one minute to prepare, so in just a few moments everybody can have exactly what they want to drink. And clean-up (if can even be called that) is a breeze: just pop out the used t disc and throw it away. It is that simple. Really. Forget about cleaning pots or removing a dirty filter and spilling coffee grinds all over the place. Not with a Tassimo.

Tassimo Coffee Maker Reviews

The following are my reviews, featuring some pros and cons, of a few of the more popular Tassimo coffee makers.

Bosch Tassimo Coffee Maker Premium Series (Tassimo T65)

Description:

Available in 2 metallic colors: Red or Silver
LCD display with 5 language functionality
Quiet operation during brewing
An adjustable, lighted cup stand compatible with most cup sizes
Great space saver design
Less than 60 seconds brewing time.
Customizable drink strength
Easy to clean, with dishwasher safe parts
LARGE 61 ounce removable water tank, with an LCD filter monitor
MAVEA MAXTRA water filter
Designed to operate exclusively with Tassimo T Discs
Price: $199

Pros:

Quiet operation
Coffee shop quality taste
Operation consumes little energy
No wait time between brewing of drinks
Brew strength is easily adjustable
Water is easily added to the tank
Easy Cleanup
The t discs are easily stored

Cons (according to some users):

Weak tasting coffee
The discs are hard to find
The coffee is not hot enough
The machine is not quiet enough

Tassimo Coffee Maker Suprema Series (Tassimo T10)

Description:

Available in a beautiful titanium metallic color
Adjustable cup stand compatible with most cup sizes
60 second brewing time, with no wait time between drinks
Easily customizable drink strength
Dishwasher safe parts and easy to clean design
Oversized 67 ounce water tank that can be easily removed
LCD filter monitor
MAVEA MAXTRA water filter
Not recommended for use at altitudes above 6,500 feet
13/15″ x 8″ x 11″
Limited 1 year warranty
Designed to operate exclusively with Tassimo t discs
Price: $100

Pros:

Large variety of beverage choices
Easy cleanup, no mess design
Fast brewing time – under one minute
Low priced t discs
Relatively small size to fit most countertops
Larger water tank reduces frequency of refills
Very easy operation
Incredibly easy to operate
Great tasting coffee

Cons (according to some users):

The quality of the coffee isn’t as good as coffee shop coffee
Doesn’t make a large enough cup of coffee with just one t disc
Coffee is too weak/strong
The t discs cost too much and are hard to find
Frequent cleaning required
Not enough variety of beverages available in t-discs

Braun Tassimo Hot Beverage System (Tassimo TA1200)

Description:

Brews drinks at the touch of a button in under a minute
50 ounce removable water reservoir
Patented Tassimo T-Disc operation with precise bar code technology
Beverages pour directly into cup from t disc
There is no measuring nor cleanup required
Dishwasher safe parts for easy cleaning of machine
Customizable beverage strength
13.8″ x 16.5″ x 11.6″
12.6 lbs.
2 Year limited warranty.
Designed to operate only with Tassimo t discs
Price: $150

Pros:

Makes great tasting beverages
Easy cleanup
Convenient operation
Attractive design
Versatile functionality makes it perfect for use at a gathering of family/friends
Large assortment of t discs available
Brews quickly

Cons (according to some users):

Not recommended for use at altitudes above 6200 feet
Noisy operation
Large travel mug doesn’t fit on cup stand

Braun Tassimo Hot Beverage System (Tassimo TA1400)

Description:

Easy,one touch operation featuring patented bar code technology
Brews in under a minute
Beverages pour directly into cup from t disc
Powerful 1550 watts motor
Oversized 68 ounce water tank
Customizable settings for beverage strength
No measuring necessary prior to preparing your beverage
13.8″ x 16.5″ x 11.6″ inches; 11.6 pounds
2 Year limited warranty
Designed to operate only with Tassimo t discs
Price: $170

Pros:

Very easy to use
No need to program anything; the machine does it all
Large water reservoir
Fast operation & hardly any cleanup
Coffee shop quality beverages
easy to clean, dishwasher safe parts

Cons (according to some users):

Noisy operation

A Tassimo single-serve coffee brewer is an outstanding addition to any home or office, offering exceptional quality, attractive design, versatile functionality, ease of use, affordable pricing, and – most of all – a great cup of coffee. Or tea for that matter. Or espresso. Or cappuccino. Or latte. Or hot chocolate. Whatever it is you feel like having, and whenever you feel like having it, you cannot go wrong with a Tassimo coffee maker.

Tassimo latte and Tassimo cappuccino drinks incorporate  actual 2% milk T Discs and espresso T Discs so that you can prepare them exactly like your local coffee shop.  Each of the Tassimo T Discs possesses the precise quantity of coffee, espresso, milk, cocoa or tea, properly sealed in order to safeguard the freshness and quality of the flavors.

Each and every of the Tassimo Discs carries a unique bar code imprinted on the label that contains the specific info necessary for the preparation of the particular hot drink. When the device scans the data, it automatically calculates the precise quantity of water, time and heating needed for the preparation of an exceptional hot beverage, so that you can now savor coffee shop type beverages while in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Tassimo Latte

A Tassimo latte, like a cappuccino, is a derivative of a Tassimo espresso. To make a latte, you start with a shot of strong espresso and then add more milk and less froth than you woud to get a cappuccino.

Lets begin with the procedure for making a real milk cappuccino.  With a Tassimo machine it is easy to make great tasting, foamy genuine cappuccinos!

Unlike the procedure for making coffe with a Tassimo machine, the preparation of cappucino is a two disc procedure: the espresso disc with the 2% milk disc. The first step is to insert and brew the espresso T Disc, then insert and brew the frothy real milk T Disc. The machine basically does all the work. All you need to do is insert the discs and push the start button.

The preparation of a latte involves the identical two T Disc procedure as the cappuccino, only with more milk and not as much foam.  The following lattes are available with the Tassimo system:

Gevalia Latte

The popular choice of coffeehouses just about everywhere. Now you can prepare a perfect latte right in your home. Simply begin with the powerful flavor of Gevalia Espresso. Then add milk from the exclusive milk T Disc and savor the even, rich flavor of Gevalia Latte. This combo package contains 8 Gevalia Espresso T Discs with 8 milk T Discs designed to function with your Tassimo machine to create the perfect latte every time.  The secret to a perfect beverage every single time is found in the proper use of the Tassimo latte discs.

Gevalia Caramel Latte Macchiato

Brings together the striking flavors of Gevalia espresso plus caramel, with creamy, rich milk, to produce an authentic coffee shop type Tassimo Latte Macchiato.

Starbucks Latte Primo

Features a rich aroma and a caramel sweetness. This blend is the premier Starbucks espresso beverage and it is used as the basis of an outstanding brewed Latte Primo.

Maxwell House Caramel Latte Macchiato

Brings together the vibrant flavors of Maxwell House espresso and caramel with a creamy, rich milk resulting in a genuine coffee shop type Latte Macchiato.  A Tassimo Maxwell House latte is especially satisfying!

Maxwell House Café Collection Latte

A geniune latte that brings together creamy, rich milk along with the striking, powerful flavor and welcoming fragrance of Maxwell House Café Collection Espresso. This package comes with 8 Maxwell House Café Collection Espresso T Discs and 8 Tassimo latte milk creamer discs designed to work with the Tassimo coffee maker to produce the best Tassimo Macchiato each and every time. The cost is $6.99 for each package.

Jacobs Latte Macchiato

The perfect combination of silky smooth milkiness, just a bit of appealing sweetness, along with a robust, strong espresso, capped with fine foam. Simply begin with a milk creamer T Disc, then combine the powerful flavor of a Jacobs Espresso. For added enjoyment and effect, be sure to serve it in a clear glass. You will appreciate the deep layering of colors and the fine foam that fashions the ideal Jacobs Latte Macchiato. This combo package consists of 8 Jacobs Espresso T Discs and 8 milk T Discs. The cost is $9.99 for each package.

The Tassimo Brewing System makes it possible to enjoy outstanding hot beverages, like a Tassimo latte, time after time, and all with just the push of a button.  For convenience and cost, there is no beating Tassimo!

There is truly something for all tastes when it comes to the Tassimo coffee T discs.  From the very same machine you can enjoy fresh brewed cups of coffee from the most popular American or European brands, genuine espresso, an actual milk based latte or cappuccino, tea, and hot chocolate.

The secret, again, is found in the Tassimo T discs.  All you need to do is insert one of the Tassimo discs in the machine, press a button, and in under a minute you will have and be savoring your favorite cup of coffee,cup of  tea, or a hot chocolate.  Want another cup?  Or something different?  Simply insert another Tassimo T disc of your choice and it’ll be ready in under a minute, just like the last cup.  And the cup before that.  And the cup before that one.  There is never any mess, any grounds to clean up, and – best of all – any waiting.  Your hot drink is ready whenever you want to have it.  The Tassimo coffee maker is the perfect hot beverage machine.

Within each of the Tassimo T-discs there are carefully measured amounts of either coffee, or tea, or chocolate, or concentrated milk.  It is also specially sealed in order to safeguard the flavor within.  Each of the Tassimo discs also has a bar code on its label, which the coffee machine reads when the disc is inserted.  This bar code contains the information that “instructs” the machine as to how much water is needed, the required temperature, and the optimum brewing time, so that the result is a perfect beverage every single time.

Amazingly, the brewing all takes place inside of the T disc, not in the machine, with your hot drink flowing directly from the disc into your cup.  The benefit of this is that you need not clean the machine after each cup is prepared.  Different beverages can be made, one after another, without any delay.

Most of the T discs for Tassimo beverages come, with some exceptions, in 18 disc packages.  One of these exceptions is the latte and cappuccino products, which contain only 10 servings.  The discs comprise an impressive selection of 100% Arabica coffee blends, genuine milk for lattes and cappuccinos, rich hot chocolate, and teas.

Tassimo Coffee T Discs

Tassimo offers a wide selection of domestic and international T discs for that perfect morning cup of coffee.  Each one contains only the best coffee available today, namely 100% Arabica coffee.  It is all expertly grounded and then sealed in order to preserve freshness and the great taste you are looking for.  This guarantees that every cup of coffee will taste great at the exact time of brewing.  Three of Tassimo’s most popular brands of coffee are Starbucks, Maxwell House, and Gevalia.

Tassimo Starbucks T Discs

A vital aspect of Starbucks’ brewing philosophy is the proper ratio of the coffee to the water.  The Starbucks Tassimo T discs are designed to maintain this ratio, ensuring the fullest flavor possible in every cup of coffee.  The following Starbucks blends are available:

1) Starbucks breakfast blend.   This is a mild, light bodied, and flavorful blend that produces the perfect cup of coffee for waking up to.  A 12 disc package costs about $10.50.

2) Starbucks Colombia.  This coffee originates in Latin America.  This is a medium blend that is smooth, well balanced, and that has a distinct nutty flavor.  A 12 disc package costs about $11.

3) Starbucks Caffe Verona.  This dark roasted coffee is a full blend of Asia-Pacific and Latin American coffees.  A package of 12 discs cost about $11.

4) Starbucks Africa Kitamu.  This is a balanced and complex blending of East African coffee offering a flavorful combination of citrus with a floral bouquet.  A 12 disc package costs about $11.

Tassimo Maxwell House T Discs

Maxwell House remains among the most popular brands of coffee even after more than 100 years, with a reputation for blending and roasting coffee according to the most exacting of standards.  Their careful attention to every detail has insured that every cup of their coffee is always completely pleasurable.  The Maxwell House Tassimo T disc is designed to carry on this same tradition.  The following Maxwell House blends are available:

1) Maxwell House Cafe Collection House Blend.  A rich, well balanced, flavorful blend, this 100% Arabica coffee is available caffeinated and decaffeinated.  A 16 disc package costs about $6.

2) Maxwell House Cafe Collection French Roast.  This full bodied blend is made from Arabica coffee beans.  It is a dark roast delivering a rich and full flavor.  This is a hearty blend that is available in a 16 disc package for about $6.

3) Maxwell House Cafe Collection French Vanilla.  This medium roast and medium bodied coffee is made from top quality Arabica.  It has a smooth and delightful French vanilla taste that satisfies any hour in the day.  A 16 disc package costs about $6.

4) Maxwell House Cafe Collection Morning Blend.  A flavorful and dark roast  100% Arabica blend, this full body coffee is one that brews up to a larger than usual 12 ounces. This is just the thing to jumpstart your day, and it comes in a 14 disc package for about $6.

Tassimo Gevalia T Discs

Gevalia is known for offering distinctive blends and delicious cremas with a selection of one of a kind coffees produced from only the highest quality 100% Arabica bean.

1) Gevalia Sinature Blend.  Full bodied, dark, and not too bitter, thisrobust blend combines Central American, South American, and East African beans.  It was actually developed as part of the celebration of Gevalia’s one hundred and fiftieth anniversary.  A 16 disc package costs about $9.

2) Gevalia Swiss Hazelnut.  This is a gentle and mellow blend combining a smooth hazelnut flavor with just a touch of vanilla.  It has been gently roasted, producing an outstanding body and enjoyable flavor.  A 16 disc package costs about $9.

3) Gevalia Signature Crema Coffee.  This coffee boasts a unique and inviting aroma, and it is capped off with a smooth layer of foam.  16 of these Tassimo coffee discs cost about $9.

Tassimo Tea Discs

In addition to coffee , Tassimo offers an array of teas, including green tea, herbal tea, Earl Grey, Chai tea, and many more, and include such well known brands as Tazo and Twinings, among others.

Tassimo T Discs Direct Delivery Service

Of course, you can purchase Tassimo T discs in many retail stores, and even online, but Tassimo offers a monthly T disc delivery service that ensures that you will always have a supply of your favorite hot drinks on hand.  With this service, you are able to have the best premium coffees and  teas, lattes, cappuccinos, espresso and hot chocolates delivered directly to your home each and every month, in the form of the Tassimo T discs of your choice.  These shipmenets are both convenient and automatic, and can be customized so that you receive just what you want, when you want it.

Here’s how this program works:  After an introductory shipment of just 4 boxes of the Tassimo discs of your choosing, you’ll receive an additional shipment of 4 packages every month thereafter.  Of course, you can increase or decrease that quantity, and you will also be able to change the kinds of T disc you are getting, and even how frequently you receive them, after receiving the introductory shipment.  Each package ranges in price from about $3.50 to $10, plus about another $5 for S & H (note: shipping is free for orders that are $30.00 or more.).  This is certainly the easiest way to make sure that you always have just the Tassimo T discs on hand that you want.