Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This machine looks cool, industrial, somewhat retro and couldn't be easier to use. All it takes is to turn it on, pop in a capsule, and then press either the Espresso (small cup) or the Lungo (bigger cup) button. A few moments later, the coffee pours into the cup. That's all there is to it.
The Citiz also feels high quality. For example, the tray that holds the espresso cup feels nice and heavy, and not like some flimsy cheap piece of plastic. Oftentimes smaller parts like that reveal the true quality of a machine and the Nespresso Citiz delivers here without question, high marks for that.
The machine comes with 16 sample capsules, i.e. one of each of the 16 permanently available flavors. It is fun trying these out and deciding on personal favorites. The machine produces rich crema for all flavors, so no complaints here. Each cup looks and tastes like the real thing, i.e. a nice and strong espresso or lungo.
The only caveat I see is with the Nespresso marketing system. The Grand Cru capsules this machine uses are exclusively available through Nespresso's website. They cannot be purchased anywhere else. That's one thing. I was also put off by the brouhaha Nespresso creates on its website - as if one were purchasing the crown jewels of coffee. Example: One cannot even order capsules before one has registered a machine, serial no. and all (i.e. no buying capsules ahead of time, before the machine is delivered). In addition to that, one only receives a membership number after the first order was placed. It feels too exclusive for its own good and the graphic-rich website with visible load times (even through very fast connections) gets in the way of efficiency. Add to that all the other marketing efforts on that website - from promoting exclusive Nespresso boutiques in the most expensive cities in the world to selling shamelessly overpriced accessories such as cups and carrying cases, and I can't help but slightly regret having decided on this machine. All I wanted was a machine that makes good espresso. I really do not care about Nespresso boutiques and simple machine carriers for a whopping $90.
I assume this is supposed to create exclusivity and make the customer feel like someone with a discerning taste. To me it borders on ridiculous. That said, the coffee is good and the design of the machine works. So I am still giving it 4 stars. Other than that I am trying my hardest to ignore all the rest...
UPDATE 6/2011:
It looks like there have been some changes made to the Nespresso website. It seems that now one actually can order the capsules without first having registered a machine.
Click Here to see more reviews about:
Nespresso CitiZ C110 Automatic/Programmable Coffee Espresso and Lungo Machine, TitaniumProduct Description
Automatic and programmable coffee quantity (Espresso and Lungo)
+ PRODUCT DETAIL
Get 0% OFF
Click here for more information about Nespresso CitiZ C110 Automatic/Programmable Coffee Espresso and Lungo Machine, Titanium
