Nespresso Zenius

[closer]

Anybody have opinions on the Nespresso Zenius? We've just got a machine at work after a dozen people pitched in. Its a single-pod type espresso machine supposedly capable of producing enough for an office of 15 people. The espresso is surprisingly good for a pod-type machine, and I've been enjoying it.

Also, anybody aware of a refillable cartridge for this thing? The pod size is different compared to other single-serve machines, and I have not been able to locate one so far.

 

[nff]

no nespresso dose not make a "user fill" pod that i know of. and yes nespresso is most likely the best of the pod machines. only downsides to the nespresso is you cant pop down to the shop to get some refils. they have to be shipped from a nespresso warehouse though shipments can be schedueled. and you can not use your own coffee to my knowlage, on the other hand it makes a really good coffee.

 

[Jasonian]

*ahem* (espressoduck refillable pod for Nespresso)

I recommend AJ coffee for your Nespresso machine.

 

[EricBNC]

The Zenius uses a different shaped commercial machine pod - I haven't heard of an aftermarket refillable pod solution for the commercial Nespresso machines yet.

 

[closer]

Yup. The Zenius pod is much slimmer compared to all the other models. I did check a fair amount before posting the question.

The espresso it makes is actually very good. I cannot drink a commercial cup of espresso without putting in sugar to mask the bitterness, but no such issues with this one. Only reason to look for refillable pods is so I can try other coffee types in it. I'm usually wary of pod-type coffee machines, and even more so, espresso machines, but I'd definitely recommend this one.

 

[nff]

Yup. The Zenius pod is much slimmer compared to all the other models. I did check a fair amount before posting the question.

The espresso it makes is actually very good. I cannot drink a commercial cup of espresso without putting in sugar to mask the bitterness, but no such issues with this one. Only reason to look for refillable pods is so I can try other coffee types in it. I'm usually wary of pod-type coffee machines, and even more so, espresso machines, but I'd definitely recommend this one.

Its not the Espresso machine's fault. thats all down to the barista's choices for grind tamp and coffee blend roast and freshness. a bad barista will make bad coffee. Espresso should not be overly bitter. given that you can actually handle the strength of the coffee. obviously some cant, so as long as the machine is of good proper quality. you can make some really good coffee if you know how. learning how may take quite a few try's but if care quality and experience come together good coffee should be produced.

 

[takeshi]

I cannot drink a commercial cup of espresso without putting in sugar to mask the bitterness, but no such issues with this one.

I'd be careful lumping all "commercial" espresso together. That's a massive generalization that covers a whole spectrum of espresso out there. There's good commercial espresso and bad. Sounds like you've mostly experienced the latter.

a bad barista will make bad coffee.

The chain is only as strong as its weakest link. The espresso chain includes the beans, grinder, machine, operator and maintenance.

 

[nff]

The chain is only as strong as its weakest link. The espresso chain includes the beans, grinder, machine, operator and maintenance.

which was included in the "choices" of the Barista/ establishment.

in my local place the barista rarely changes the beans so the shots are severely lacking. i fees sorry for that delightfull blue Ranchilio epoca 1. my delonghi with fresh beans produces a much nicer shot than that machine with whatever stale beans they are using.

 

[closer]

I'd be careful lumping all "commercial" espresso together. That's a massive generalization that covers a whole spectrum of espresso out there. There's good commercial espresso and bad. Sounds like you've mostly experienced the latter.

Absolutely, that's been my experience. I don't deny that there is good espresso to be had, but *in my experience* it is rare. I've got access to a few places in NYC, but none of those places are convenient when you're looking for a shot a couple of times in the middle of the workday at the office. The point I was making, however - was that I did not expect such a good shot from a prepackaged pod. Given the various parameters involved - type of coffee, roast, freshness, tamp, grind, equipment, barista, etc, etc - I was pleasantly surprised that this machine got it generally right, and also made it really convenient.