Nespresso CitiZ Automatic Espresso Maker and Milk Frother
by Nespresso
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Product Summary
Manufacturer: NespressoBrand: Nespresso
Model: D120-US-BK-NE-PARENT
Product features:
- 19 Bar pressure pump
- Energy saving mode
- Automatic volume control
- Automatic cappuccino preparation
- Folding cup support
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Nespresso CitiZ Automatic Espresso Maker and Milk Frother
Customer Review: Old World Europe brought to your door
Summary: 5 Stars
I was walking down the old and dusty streets of Paris peering through shop windows at delights to tempt the weary traveler, as Pierre played his old accordion for passers-by. I came upon an old cafe that featured some of the best espresso and cappuccino I'd ever tasted. The place felt like home, Edith Piaf was playing in the background, the barista, Fifi, was friendly and beautiful and a flirt, and made these delightful drinks effortlessly with this nifty little machine I'd never seen before that seemed so easy, even a child could operate it. Ahhh, the memories...
Okay, it wasn't a street in Paris and the barista was actually my wife. And her name is Dana. But the espresso and cappuccino sure tastes like those great times in Paris (where I have my fondest espresso memories...even better than Italy, I have to say). This little machine is just killer. Small, extremely well-built and smartly-designed, the Nespresso is must-have if you like your coffees the way they make them in Europe. At first I was skeptical, if not downright condescending: little "coffee cartridges." (Pre-fab coffee.) Such simple, unsophisticated operation. It doesn't take an FAA class-B certification to make a drink from this machine, and here aren't ten flashing lights and six dials. Most of all, the thing takes up about a square foot of counter space. It's just a toy, right?
Wrong. This machine can make very good and varied drinks. Some complaints about rigidity of operation are unjustified in my view. You can mix and max capsules to create "blended" drinks, and if you want weaker espresso or cappuccino you can put a capsule through two cycles. Used capsules are ejected into a tray beneath the machine automatically when you open the top to insert a new one, and when the bottom tray fills the top no longer accepts new inserts. The tray slides out for effortless cleaning. The machine can also make a "lungo," a bigger brew that's closer to American coffee. The frother is equally simple and equally well-designed. Two attachments, held in place magnetically, allow you to choose between just steamed milk or lots of warm foam. The entire frothing operation is silent and takes just 70 seconds. The unit cleans easily. It feel sturdy and appears to be built to last. Time will tell, of course, but when I read reviews of other espresso machines and hear about flimsy parts that break off or clog easily, and some of these machines cost two or three times what this does, I just shake my head in wonderment. Just the other day was at a department store examining some of the full-sized models that sell for more than $600, and was shocked at the flimsy quality of the construction, the cheap buttons and knobs that seemed would break in three months.
Ah, but these capsules are the fly in the ointment, right? Ordering them is probably a pain, right? Nope. My wife placed an order one afternoon and the next *day* they were on our front step--even though the shipping rate was said to be two-day. We wondered if the jiffy service was a fluke and tried it again--same result. Lots of interesting flavors are available, from Blue Batak (very popular with some, but I don't care for it) to marron glace, which I like very much. The unit is very portable. There's even an optional carrying case so you can tote it to the office or on vacation with you, though we haven't gotten that yet.
Is it as good as the very best, very richest European espressos? (I won't even discuss American espressos, which most of the time are bitter and flavorless.) In two letters, n-o. But it's very close, at least as close as you can get without buying one of those thousand dollar machines that take up the whole counter and then learning how to become a home barista. I've had some better espressos, but I'd put this in the 90th percentile. I'd like a little more deep flavor and a bit more heat (though you can up the serving temperature by doing a first round with no capsule inserted: the machine just shoots hot water into your cup and warms it). But this machine makes espresso better than most places out there, and far better than Starbucks or Peets. The only small criticism--and it is small--is the filler level in the frother is a bit hard to read, and if you overfill by even a hair the milk will spill over when steam it, so you have to be very careful. Best to undershoot slightly if you're unsure.
So sorry, Fifi, but I may not be returning to the cafe, and I prefer D'Indy to Piaf anyway. So pass the marron glace and let's enjoy a lazy morning with the Nespresso single serve espresso machine. A lazy afternoon sounds good too...
For more of my foodie adventures centered around travel in Europe, follow me at "we8there-dot-com" and look for the European Travels section.
Description of Nespresso CitiZ Automatic Espresso Maker and Milk Frother
CitiZ&milk is equipped with an Aeroccino, dedicated to milk based lovers. Intuitive and user friendly, CitiZ&milk prepares an infinite number of coffee recipes at the touch of a button. Automatic and programmable coffee quantity (Espresso and Lungo) Dedicated space for coffee preparation Integrated milk frothing device for Cappuccino and Latte: Aeroccino whisk storage space Dimensions: 9.3 by 11 by 14-3/5-inch/ 23-2/3 by 27-2/3 by 37-1/5 cm (W by H by D) Capsule container Dimensions: 5 by 11 by 14-3/5-inch/ 13 by 27-2/3 by 37-1/5 cm (W by H by D).Espresso Machines
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